Vineyard Day – Saarloos & Sons

This annual event gets better every year.  2017 marks my 4th trip to Windmill Ranch to experience breakfast in the vineyard with the Saarloos Family.

The building is designed much like those in old westerns, with a tall, squared building facade that was meant to look grander than the tin building behind it. This building has aged in a charming manner, with some loving restoration to the space that the winery houses today.  Enter Pattea Torrence, who grew up close by, her parents had lived here during the ’70s. Her loves of the area and to refurbish old things drew her to Edna and in 2000 Pattea and her husband purchased the property and have been restoring the buildings and grounds to create what is now called Old Edna.  In 2009 Craig and Nancy Stoller opened the tasting room for Sextant Wines, complete with a gourmet deli.
As a small child, I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents in Ojai, which was quite rural at that time, they had goats and chickens and oak trees and a big tire swing.  Visiting the small complex of buildings that make up Old Edna takes me back to that time and has such a comforting feeling of those years when wooden structures were well weathered and felt nicely worn in, a nostalgic feel of what California once was during simpler times.  The small out buildings like the Creamery were each built for a specific purpose during the Mercantile’s hey day, this one stored milk and butter and kept it cool, protected from the heat of the day.
During the first half of the 20th century, both the Pacific Coast Railway and the Southern Pacific Railway ran through town and stopped at the Edna depot to unload supplies and passengers.  The Crib is a small building that served as a place for call girls to entertain weary travelers. The little house is now picturesquely covered in vines as if it was imagined in a fairy tale and holding untold secrets behind the overgrowth.
The metal-sheathed west side of Edna Hall
The treehouse is a more modern addition to Old Edna, it was built in 2002 by Pattea’s father for her son Kienun, and is now named after him.  Her father was known as “The Duke”, he also built the colorful gypsy wagon for Pattea’s mother in the 1970’s.  It has quite a story, which can be read here, and, like a true gypsy, is moved around from time to time, so you may have to look for it.

Back inside the tasting room, the same worn, homey feeling envelops the brightly lit space.  There is absolutely no formality here, just a friendly crowd at the tasting bar, lots of interesting items somewhat casually displayed for purchase, and a tasty a great spots outside with tables.

Sextant Winery is located just 6 miles south of San Luis Obispo, a great destination by itself.  But you may have noticed that being a Cal Poly grad, I am openly biased about what is one of the most beautiful places to live in California.  As a matter of fact, in 2011, Oprah named SLO Town the “Happiest Place in America”.  The Edna Valley AVA was formed in 1982 and now includes 30 local wineries.  Temperatures are cool at night and fog rolls in most mornings, allowing for cooler growing conditions than the surrounding areas. The cool temps result in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes being the primary choice of growers.  In the early 19th century, Grapes were planted by Spanish missionaries, and in the 1970’s new vineyards were planted to start California’s second gold rush, this one with the liquid gold that has become a large part of our state economy.
Plan for a stop at Sextant the next time you drive to the Central Coast of California and enjoy their wines while you discover what a charming place Old Edna is to visit. Whether you are with old friends or making new ones, you will be graciously welcomed and you will leave a satisfied smile.

Saarloos & Sons – Vineyard Day

El Camino Real Vineyard

Hwy 154 and Zaca Station Road

 

Tasting Room

Los OlivosCa 93441

Telephone: 805-688-1200

www.saarloosandsons.com

 

Saarloos & Sons

Kathy Booker

Kathy Booker

Vinotect

Here I am having my Lucy moment at one of my favorite wineries. Something you just have to do once, although wearing white capris to a grape stomping wasn't a well thought out wardrobe choice.

Although I may not always be able to tell you the difference between a Malbec and a Mourvedre, there is no better weekend trip than one spent in wine country. So join the adventure as I explore California's wineries in search of interesting design and great visual experiences.  Wine tasting will definitely happen, but will not be the main focus of my posts.  

Do you have suggestions for winery visits?  Please let me know via Facebook or Twitter - just look for Vinotecture.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share this post with your friends!