Recently we had the opportunity to be a ‘winemaker’ for the day at Raymond Vineyards. As wine lovers we have always dreamed of making our own personal “blend”. Raymond was the place to do it!
They offer a very fun blending experience that allows you to craft
their wines to your own personal Bordeaux-style red wine from actual barrel
samples. Once crafted you cork it, foil it and then attach the custom named label
and voila you have your wine!
During the blending process we learned winemaker’s tips,
interesting facts and techniques about getting the perfect personal blend and
the shocking difference between the same vintage grapes barreled in American
Oak vs French Oak. We took a good friend to this blending experience and named our wine
‘Friends’. Our host was Joseph, who was very professional and knowledgeable. Our wine was a
blend of 50% 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% 2018 Merlot and 20% 2018 Cabernet Franc.
The great thing is that you can reorder your personal
creation any time and also change your customized label for holiday, birthday
and special occasion gifts.
Prior to the blending appointment, the Raymond Tasting Room Manager,
Bill Farmer, gave us a wonderful tour of the eccentric tasting facility created
by Jean-Charles Boisset. We loved the “Red Room” which took us back to the
glamour and excitement of yesteryear with red velvet lined walls lit by Baccarat
chandeliers.
Raymond’s wine blending experience is a ‘must do’ to add
to any wine lovers bucket list. Plan a trip to Raymond with a few
friends and create your own wonderful wine. It is a memorable experience.
For more information and to make an appointment
for the blending experience or wine tasting. Go to: https://raymondvineyards.com/about/
