(Contributed by Itze Monserrat Peña-Andrade) This week’s SSU WineSense Club meeting was quite thrilling in that we welcomed Francis Ford Coppola Winery for the very first time. The meeting and educational tasting was led by Kevin Patterson and Kaila Medina, both Hospitality Professionals working in tasting room operations. They provided information about the history, products, and special amenities at the winery.
Swimming Pool at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
The Unique Attributes of Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma County
Nestled on what was formerly Chateau Souverain Winery in Geyserville, California, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a winery that is not to be missed. When the winery was being renovated, Francis had a vision that it:
“Should be like a resort, basically a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life!”
Today his vision is a reality, and the Coppola Winery is truly a Wine Wonderland! Influenced by Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, the winery offers many delights for the visitors of all ages. With swimming pools, bocce courts, restaurants, event rooms, multiple tasting bars, and a Hollywood movie museum, the winery over delivers with fun activities to while away an afternoon and evening.
Some of the unique features include several of Coppola’s Oscar statues, along with memorabilia from his movies, such as Vito Corleone’s desk from The Godfather and a restored 1948 Tucker Sedan as was used in Tucker: The Man and His Dream.
Restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Kevin Leads Wine Tasting at SSU
Kevin and Kaila led the members of WineSense club through a tasting that featured a diverse selection of five Coppola wines:
- 2014 Directors Cut Russian River Valley Chardonnay
- 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
- 2013 Directors Cut Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
- 2014 Directors Cut Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2012 Directors Cut Cinema Blend
They explained the special characteristics of each wine we tasted, and provided background information on the labels and unique packaging. These five delicious wines were but a glimpse of the many wines that Francis Ford Coppola Winery offers, and we were invited to visit the tasting room in the future.
Favorites Wines of the Evening
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Millennial participants were asked to vote for their two favorite wines of the evening. The winners were:
2012 Directors Cut Cinema ($39) – A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, this wine exudes blackberries, violets, spice and vanilla.
2013 Directors Cut Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($27). Red zinfandel with notes of mixed berries, cherries and licorice, plus a hint of nutmeg.
SSU WineSense Executive Board at Francis Ford Coppola Eduational Tasting