When Governor Newsom gave the o.k. for wineries and tasting rooms to reopen we were quick to venture out. Yes, there were and continue to be limitations, rules, and masks of course, but it seemed worth abiding the rules to have a relaxing afternoon trying a new winery.

We were met by Alice Hunter the winery’s manager who gave us a wonderfully in-depth background on the vineyard and winery. Marimar Estate Vineyard and Winery is the love of Marimar Torres whose family is well known for producing wines around the globe. She began the vineyards in 1986 and today has about equal plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the 80+ acres, as well as additional vineyards in West Sonoma County.

Marimar is also lauded for her Spanish cooking. She has introduced a number of her recipes for food service at the winery. While we had a short but lovely tour of the immediate grounds, we sat down to a completely leisurely food and wine pairing that was really, honestly, exceptional.

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With the Tapas we tasted a 2018 Albariño from the Don Miguel Vineyard, a 2015 “Bonita’s Hill” Chardonnay from the same vineyard, a 2015 “Método Antiguo” Pinot Noir from the Don Margarita Vineyard, and the 2015 “Earthquake Block” Pinot Noir from the Don Miguel Vineyard. We very much liked all the wines. The “Método Antiguo” Pinot Noir had a very unusual nose and palate – intriguing!

This is a great winery to visit to experience European style vineyards, Spanish influenced wine, and Spanish cuisine. Marimar Estate is an easy drive toward the coast from Sebastopol. If you make plans to go, combining it with a tasting in The Barlow in Sebastopol makes for a nice contrast in venues.

Alice Hunter, Thank you for very enjoyable tour and tasting!

Salud!