Tasting Notes: Wine 174, barrel tasting, turkey treats & pumpkins

What’s New at the Wineries

SIERRA STARR CAB FRANC HONORED

Sierra Starr’s 2011 “Rising Star” Cabernet Franc has been named in the American Wine Society’s “21 Wines to Watch,” a high honor. A recommended food pairing was roasted lamb shanks. On November 21, Sierra Starr is hosting its annual holiday food-and-wine pairing at its tasting room in downtown Grass Valley. On December 4-5, Sierra Starr is hosting a jewelry trunk show, with proceeds going to a local nonprofit. SierraStarr.com

WINE 174: SOLUNE, MONTOLIVA & KATOA

Solune Winemakers, Katoa Cellars and Montoliva are forming a wine trail called “Wine 174” for its location along Hwy. 174 or the Colfax Highway. “Wine 174 is a perfect afternoon destination, with three wineries to provide an intriguing diversity,” according to its Wine174.com website.

WINE & PUMPKINS AT SMITH VINEYARD

Smith Vineyard is hosting a fall open house at its winery on October 10, 17 and 24, from noon-4 p.m., including wine tasting, music and a pumpkin patch. New releases include a 2014 Chardonnay, 2012 Syrah and Three Brothers IV red blend. SmithVineyard.com

BENT METAL FALL OPEN HOUSE

On October 17, from 1-5 p.m., Bent Metal will have a Fall Open House with food, music and barrel tasting. Some new releases later in the year will include 2012 Mourvèdre, 2014 Sangiovese and 2013 Late Harvest Petite Sirah. BentMetalWinery.com

TURKEY TREATS AT PILOT PEAK

On Nov. 14 and 15, from noon-4 p.m., Pilot Peak is pairing its wine with delicious turkey treats, including turkey chili blanco, turkey sausage and corn muffins, and a grape salad with turkey breast, drizzled with cranberry vinaigrette. PilotPeak.com

BARREL TASTING AT MONTOLIVA

On November 21, Montoliva’s 7th annual comfort food and wine tasting includes pairing its Tuscan-inspired wines with Italian dishes and Venetian chocolate. On December 5, owner-winemaker Mark Henry will offer barrel tastings. Montoliva.com

FOOD & WINE AT BEAR RIVER TASTING

The tasting room on Hwy. 49 in North Auburn, offering Sierra Knolls’ wine, plans to build a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen for gourmet food and wine pairings. Sierra Knolls Winery produces small lots of fine wine. Their wines are aged in French and American oak barrels in a 50-foot-deep barrel cave. SierraKnollsWinery.com