AronHill Vineyards family creates wines with passion
Judy and Kathryn Aron. Courtesy photo.
– The best part of wine tasting is the memory you take away, that lingers long after the last drop is sipped and after your return home. That is the experience at AronHill Vineyards; a memory that makes you smile.
Judy Aron and her team create an atmosphere of warmth, passion and family that is evident from the moment you step into the hospitable tasting room. Enthusiastically greeted, most likely by Judy, her daughter Kathryn or both, this genial team can’t wait to treat you to their award winning wines, and their special port-style wine.
There is an equestrian theme throughout the winery, inspired by Judy’s lifelong passion for horses. Involved in the equestrian world most of her life breeding championship horses, she is now having fun with a new adventure: mules, which are being prepared for show by a trainer. This theme is also humorously portrayed on a new label. Judy brings the same unbridled passion and love of growing grapes and producing quality wines as she has with her commitment to her four legged friends.
Photo by Don Sonderling.
Relocating her family from the Bay Area in 1985 and purchasing acreage, Judy planted the vineyard in 1996 and 1997. Once planting began, Judy discovered a passion for farming and there was no stopping her; this would be the beginning of an incredible new journey. The small vineyard encompasses five-and-a-half acres of primitivo (the Italian zinfandel) and three acres of cabernet sauvignon. Since 2000 the vineyard has been 100-percent dry farmed, and her initial 2004 vintage was released in 2007.
To produce quality wines, a close-knit team was formed consisting of Richard Sauret (an early pioneer of dry farming) to manage the vineyard, and Mikel Olsten as consulting winemaker. Working together, Judy is totally involved in each and every aspect of the winery, from planting to harvesting to winemaking. That team has grown to include Kathryn, her daughter, who is also integral to “everything AronHill.”
Judy takes great pride in her estate fruit and her passion lies with the estate grown primitivo and cabernet sauvignon. Complimenting those is a Bordeaux-style blend, petite sirah blend, chardonnay and primrose, a most unique primitovo rose. However, the true piece d’resistance may well be the Vinho Doce port style wine, which Judy describes as “the real deal.” Being half Portuguese, Judy had to make a wine representative of her heritage. One sip of Vinho Doce and you immediately understand why this is the real deal.
Inside the tasting room Judy, Kathryn and the rest of the team work together giving you their heart. Entering the comfortably appointed room with adjoining patio that overlook the vineyards, is like walking into your friend’s inviting home. Just by your welcome, you know a special treat and fun time awaits. A genuine sense of humor is likewise part of the AronHill family makeup, exemplified by their new label: Kickass-Britchen Red wine, inspired by the new venture with mules. Get a bottle, read the label, then kickback (or kickass) and enjoy.
The Aronhill patio. Courtesy photo.
For the ultimate AronHill experience, come during the early afternoon for lunch. AronHill has a chef on staff, and the small, select menu is a perfect accompaniment to a tasting, glass or bottle of wine. Those “in the know” plan their visit to enjoy a savory lunch at the winery, overlooking the vineyards while sipping their wine. Choose from a variety of creative salads and mouth-watering panini. Chef Marco, overseeing the kitchen, uses only the freshest locally grown ingredients and freshly baked bread. End your lunch with the ultimate in decadence, the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake or Exotic Bomba. Chef Marco is as much a magician with creating culinary experiences as Judy and her team are with creating wines that express their passion and love of the land.
Special events at AronHill are, well, special. In addition to the semi-annual club pick up parties, during the summer “sunset over the vineyards” is an extraordinary happening. Sit and watch the sun go down as you sip wine, choose from an assortment of freshly prepared light entrees, and listen to a live band play. This is also a perfect location for small (up to 50 guests) intimate private functions or wedding rehearsal dinners.
As to the future, Judy hopes to see the family legacy continue, as Kathryn is intimately involved with the winery and her young children are already showing an interest by helping with harvest and other winery tasks. Expanding upon special private events is also important, as Judy wants to share the overall ambience with others.
Sit on the patio or in the tasting room, overlook the vineyards while you sip wine, dine on Chef Marco’s creations, and visit with Judy, Kathryn and the rest of the staff. You will be welcomed into the Aronhill family; they will give you their heart and you will bring home a lasting memory.
AronHill Vineyards is located at 3745 West Hwy. 46 in Templeton. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (805) 434-3065.
