Inspired by the discovery that his great-great-great-grandfather, a Scottish miner named James Skinner, had owned and operated one of the first wineries in California 150 years earlier, Mike and Carey Skinner reestablished Skinner Vineyards & Winery in 2006. Today, they honor the family’s legacy with Rhône-inspired wines that express the distinct qualities of their meticulously farmed, high elevation Sierra Foothills vineyards in Fair Play, California.
With the guidance of winemaker Chris Pittenger, Skinner has developed a wine program that pays homage to the family history and the wines of France’s Rhône Valley. “This region is a great fit for growing Rhône varietals,” says Chris. “We’re especially excited about Grenache, both as a single varietal wine and as a core component in our blends.” The press has taken notice too. In fact, The San Francisco Chronicle named the 2010 Grenache Blanc one of the Top 100 wines of 2011; the 2010 Grenache one of the Top 100 wines of 2012; and Chris Pittenger as a Winemaker to Watch in 2013.
The architecture of the winery and tasting room buildings is inspired by the original Skinner winery, and the solar-powered 12,000-square-foot winery is environmentally conscious. In the vineyard, sustainable practices are used whenever possible, from utilizing organic farming principles to clearing brush with resident goats. “We’re about leaving behind a legacy and we want to make sure it’s a good one,” Mike says. Carey agrees, and points out that they’re also committed to the community. “Winston Churchill said, ‘You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.’ We really believe that,” Carey says.
The beautifully appointed tasting room looks out to 360 degree views of steep vineyard sites and the surrounding mountains. Guests are welcome to enjoy the view and a glass of wine on the spacious picnic patio. On weekends, the Skinners often host food, wine, and music events; and cheese pairings are available for purchase in the tasting room.
WHAT TO BUY
’12 Grenache Blanc – $22
Nashi pear, honeycrisp apple, hints of citrus, melon rind
’11 Grenache – $26
Bright cherry, strawberry, raspberry, earth
’09 Syrah, El Dorado – $26
Black and blue fruit, dried meat, white pepper, vanilla
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tastings and tours by appointment, spacious picnic patio, scenic view, wine club events, winemaker dinners.
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Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
