At The Loch & Quay, we pride ourselves on curating a truly exceptional dining experience that celebrates the bounty of our local region. As part of this commitment, we are thrilled to offer a series of intimate wine tastings that showcase the finest vintages from nearby vineyards and boutique wineries. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer to the world of wine, these events provide a unique opportunity to explore the terroir and traditions that define our distinguished culinary landscape.
Local Wineries
Just a stone’s throw from our waterfront ambience, you’ll find a thriving community of family-owned vineyards and small-batch producers dedicated to crafting world-class wines. From the rolling hills of the Ceres Valley to the rugged coastal terroirs of the Andreasson Peninsula, our region is blessed with an abundance of microclimates and soil compositions that give rise to a diverse array of grape varietals.
One such hidden gem is the Oakmont Vineyards, a boutique winery nestled in the heart of the Ceres Valley. Here, the Saunders family has been meticulously tending to their vines for three generations, producing a portfolio of award-winning Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet Francs that have earned them a devoted following among discerning oenophiles. Their annual Harvest Festival, held each September, is a true highlight, offering visitors the chance to participate in the grape crushing process, enjoy live music, and savor a selection of artisanal charcuterie and local cheese pairings.
Further north, on the rugged Andreasson Peninsula, you’ll find the Blythe Estate, a family-owned winery with a rich history dating back to the 1860s. Led by the visionary winemaker, Amelia Blythe, the estate is renowned for its exceptional Rieslings, which showcase the unique terroir of the region’s cool, maritime climate. In addition to offering tours and tastings, the Blythe Estate also hosts a series of exclusive winemaker-led dinners, where guests can savor expertly curated menus that highlight the nuanced flavors of their award-winning vintages.
Wine Tasting Events
At The Loch & Quay, we believe that exploring the world of wine should be an immersive and educational experience. To that end, we have curated a robust calendar of seasonal wine tasting events that offer something for every palate and level of expertise.
Our signature Autumn Harvest Tasting is a perennial favorite, showcasing the bold, structured reds and crisp, aromatic whites that thrive in our region’s cool-climate terroirs. Held each October, this event invites guests to embark on a guided tasting journey, learning about the unique traits of varietals like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Gewürztraminer, and how they pair with our chef’s seasonal small plates and artisanal cheese selection.
For those seeking a more intimate and personalized experience, we offer a series of themed tastings throughout the year, each with a specific focus. Past events have included a Deep Dive into the World of Riesling, an Exploration of Emerging Grapes, and a Celebration of Women in Winemaking. These specialized tastings are led by our in-house sommelier, who provides expert insights and tasting notes to enhance your understanding and appreciation of each wine.
In addition to our tastings, we also host regular educational seminars that delve deeper into the world of viticulture and enology. These interactive sessions cover a range of topics, from the nuances of oak aging and malolactic fermentation to the influence of climate change on regional wine styles. Attendees leave these seminars with a renewed passion for wine and a greater understanding of the art and science behind their favorite bottles.
The Loch & Quay Tasting Room
At the heart of our wine program is our intimate tasting room, where guests can indulge in a carefully curated selection of local and international vintages in a refined, yet welcoming, ambience. Designed with the discerning oenophile in mind, our tasting room features plush seating, mood lighting, and custom-built decanters and stemware that elevate the tasting experience.
Our knowledgeable staff of certified sommeliers are on hand to guide you through our selection, offering recommendations and insights that cater to your personal preferences and palate. Whether you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge or simply enjoy a thoughtful pairing with one of our seasonal small plates, our team is dedicated to ensuring your visit is both educational and delightful.
Dining Experience
Of course, no wine tasting experience at The Loch & Quay would be complete without indulging in our world-class dining offerings. Our chefs have meticulously crafted a menu that celebrates the bounty of our local region, showcasing the exceptional flavors and ingredients that are the hallmark of our distinguished culinary tradition.
From the artisanal cheese board, featuring a rotating selection of handcrafted cheeses from nearby creameries, to our signature umami-rich Beef Tartare, each dish on our menu is designed to complement and enhance the nuanced flavors of our wine selection. Our sommelier team works closely with the kitchen to ensure seamless pairings, whether you’re enjoying a glass of crisp Riesling with our Seared Scallops or exploring the bold tannins of a Cabernet Franc alongside our slow-roasted Short Ribs.
For those looking to make the most of their wine tasting experience, we offer a selection of small plates and shared plates that allow you to sample a variety of flavors and textures. Our Charcuterie Board, for instance, features an ever-changing array of cured meats, pâtés, and pickled vegetables, each carefully selected to showcase the diversity of our regional producers.
Old World vs. New World Wines
As you explore our wine selection, you’ll notice a harmonious balance between traditional Old World styles and the innovative approaches of New World winemakers. This thoughtful curation reflects our dedication to honoring the time-tested techniques of European viticulture while also celebrating the dynamic and progressive spirit of our local wine scene.
Our Old World offerings showcase the nuanced terroirs and deeply rooted traditions of renowned appellations like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rioja. These wines often exhibit a more restrained and structured profile, with an emphasis on balance and elegance. Guests seeking a taste of the Old World can savor the earthy, mineral-driven Pinot Noirs from the Cotes de Nuits or the silky, polished Cabernet Sauvignons from Pauillac.
In contrast, our New World selections highlight the innovative and experimental spirit of winemakers from emerging regions around the globe. These wines often showcase bold, fruit-forward flavors and a more pronounced oak influence, reflecting the modern techniques and technological advancements that have revolutionized the industry. Oenophiles can explore the lush, tropical-tinged Chardonnays from California’s Russian River Valley or the robust, spice-driven Syrahs from South Africa’s Swartland.
Tasting Notes
At The Loch & Quay, we believe that the true pleasure of wine tasting lies in the art of discovery – uncovering the subtle nuances and complex layers that define each unique vintage. To that end, we encourage our guests to approach each wine with a spirit of curiosity and an open palate, allowing the aromas, flavors, and textures to unfold and reveal their individual stories.
When it comes to aroma and bouquet, our local wines often exhibit a vibrant tapestry of fruit and floral notes, ranging from the delicate perfume of Gewürztraminer to the bold, jammy scents of Cabernet Franc. Mineral undertones, such as crushed river stones or damp earth, can also lend a sense of place and terroir to the wine, while oak-influenced profiles may impart notes of vanilla, spice, and toasted brioche.
On the palate, our regional wines often exhibit a harmonious balance of acidity, tannins, and body. The crisp, refreshing mouthfeel of a cool-climate Riesling or Albariño may give way to the velvety, full-bodied texture of a well-aged Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The lingering, persistent finish of these wines allows the drinker to savor the interplay of flavors, from the bright, citrus-tinged notes to the earthy, savory undertones.
Whether you’re exploring the storied traditions of the Old World or the dynamic innovations of the New, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and delight as you sample the finest offerings from our local wine regions. With each sip, you’ll uncover the unique stories and terroir that define the bounty of our distinguished culinary landscape.