Smalllot attitude in a large wine making footprint. Martin ray winery martin ray is a producer based in santa rosa, california, in the heart of the russian river valley. Martin ray winery expand your tasting range on a scenic drive to martin ray winery, 2 miles east of graton. If you are offered a tour of the old barns, gleefully accept the invitation. We have a strong tradition of crafting awardwinning cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, syrah, malbec, and pinot noir.
Located in the heart of sonoma countys russian river valley, one of the worlds bestknown pinot noir and chardonnay regions, the historic. Sonoma county wineries delivering to the bay area and beyond. Steeped in wine history, martin ray is the oldest continuouslyoperating winery in california. The martin ray winery in santa rosa is a small winery in a large facility. The fanatical but forgotten legacy of martin ray spitbucket. The iconoclastic martin ray, who was advised by paul masson to purchase the property and plant grapes there, founded the winery under his own name in. Martin ray was a pioneer, dedicated to crafting single varietal, regionspecific. Meyers of arnotroberts winery called to tell us about an opportunity to work with grapes from vineyards above saratoga steeped in california history. Mount eden vineyards renowned for world class wines silicon.
Martin rays historical significance continues to be an essential part of california winemaking today, having crafted single varietal, region specific wine from. They offer small production, single vineyard wines from the russian river valley and beyond, and are currently offering complimentary shipping on 6. Martin ray winery 2010 santa barbara county pinot noir. Martin ray vineyards and winery wines limited releases. This book chronicles the life of martin ray, the tempestuous keeper of the flame of fine winemaking at a time in california history when quality was at its lowest ebb. Here is a global guide to the worlds best chardonnays, from.
With the new addition of an estate chef, we are no longer allowing outside food. Martin ray is a producer based in santa rosa, california, in the heart of the russian river valley. Explore thousands of wines, spirits and beers, and shop online for delivery or pickup in a store near you. Martin ray winery is located in heart of russian river valley, near santa rosa, california.
A diverse array of wines are made by this producer including those from grapes merlot, zinfandel. Evening with martin ray vineyards and winemaker bill. Courtney benham recreated the brand after discovering some old martin ray wine in a. Since 2003, the winery has made its home in the heart of the russian river valley, where owner courtney benham and his team have renovated and refined the winery. David bruce winery was founded during the revival of the santa cruz mountain wine industry between the 1950s and 1970s. Seasonal fare, unpretentious hospitality, all sourced locally. Mentored by paul masson, he took a burgundian approach to his winemaking, and developed what is now one of the most historical properties in california, known as mount eden.
This is the history of wine in santa clara valley from 1904 to 1976. Jul 31, 2000 san martin vineyards was a santa clara county wine producer run by the filice family. Martin ray winery 2008 reserve chardonnay the wine spies. Mount eden vineyards renowned for world class wines. From our greeters and tasting hosts to our harvest crew and barrel room staff, we are committed to creating memorable experiences for every visitor and in every bottle. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry, timber and asian 5spice.
Most writers either lack the knowledge and history of wine making in this area or enthusiasm to give depth to a book about wine. Martin ray was a legendary winemaker who was a pioneer in establishing 100% varietal wines in california. Stores and prices for martin ray red, california prices, stores, tasting notes and market data. Driving up laguna road toward martin ray winery, the first thing youll notice is a water tower soaring high above the vines against a perfect sonoma sky. Upon making your reservation, you will be contacted to confirm your selection and take advance payment. Produced by the saignee method by which grapes are crushed to a stainle.
The company was in existence through most of the 20th century, finally disappearing after damage from a 1984 earthquake disrupted their winery the company had a warehouse in the former virden packing and sainte claire brewery at the corner of. In a mountaintop vineyard, history and mystique reign the new. The band was originally composed of eric martin lead vocals, paul gilbert guitar, backing vocals, billy sheehan bass guitar, backing vocals, and pat torpey drums, percussion, backing vocals. Martin ray bought mount eden winery from paul masson. Steeped in wine history, martin ray is the oldest continuously operated winery in california. Martin ray winery steeped in wine history, martin ray is the oldest continuouslyoperating winery in california. Thank you for your understanding and supporting us in this endeavor. Early history of the ray family this web page shows only a small excerpt of our ray research. The story of mount eden vineyards must include martin ray. Jun 28, 2016 driving up laguna road toward martin ray winery, the first thing youll notice is a water tower soaring high above the vines against a perfect sonoma sky. Jan 18, 2020 the winery is a little off the beaten path, but definitely worth a visit.
I am reminded of it by recalling his accounts of visits to martin rays wineryyikes. Isabelle, daughter of one of the two simi brothers who dug simis first stone cellar in 1880, continued to make and cellar wine through prohibition, and worked in the winery even after she sold it in 1970. In my humble opinion martin ray vineyards makes some of the best wines not only in california, but in the world. In 1951 her bestselling humorous book celebrating the delights of single parenting, we kept mother single, was published. Martin ray red, california prices, stores, tasting notes.
A global guide to the worlds best bottles the worlds most popular white wine is made in a range of styles. The name martin ray resonates deeply in the history of california winemaking. The winery retains much of its old time look to this day and it feels like a step back in time when you enter the grounds. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Martin ray was a pioneer, dedicated to crafting single varietal, region specific wine from 1943 through 1972 in saratoga, in the heart of the santa cruz mountains. Another 245 words 18 lines of text covering the years 1487, 1465, 1530, 1558, 50, 1612, 76, 1627, 1705, 1671, 1748, 1627, 1705, 1670 and are included under the topic early ray history in all our pdf extended history products and printed products. His insights into california wine after world war ii are invaluable. Sucklings february 2020 report chardonnay and pinot focus. Martin ray winery produces awardwinning cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, merlot and sauvignon blanc under the labels martin ray, angeline and courtney benham. Return to martin ray winery, and procure their newest santa barbara pinot noir, a wine reputed to be a perfect example of pinot from the region. The mountain winery, formerly the paul masson mountain winery, is a winery in saratoga, california, united states, north america.
It makes a wide range of wines with emphasis on pinot noir, chardonnay and the bordeaux grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon and merlot the estate owns a 5hectare 12acre plot in the russian river valley that is planted to several clones of pinot noir. From our greeters and tasting hosts to our harvest crew and barrel room staff, we are committed to creating memorable experiences for. As a northern ca history junkie, this is fun to read. San martin vineyards packing houses of santa clara county. Martin ray 2014 reserve cabernet sauvignon diamond.
The company was in existence through most of the 20th century, finally disappearing after damage from a 1984 earthquake disrupted their winery. Martin ray was a pioneer, dedicated to crafting single varietal, regionspecific wine from 1943 through 1972 in saratoga, in the heart of the santa cruz mountains. We explored martin ray and celebrated the positive outcomes from this apparent contrast. Vinted and bottled by martin ray winery, santa rosa, ca.
This location was established in 1881 as the twin fir winery. They are noted especially for their musicianship, and have scored a number of hits. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book. Mar 05, 2007 the iconoclastic martin ray, who was advised by paul masson to purchase the property and plant grapes there, founded the winery under his own name in 1943, and ran it until difficulties with his.
We can only find a few stores in america that have this wine. The two main characters paul masson and martin ray, were giants in the wine industry and the women beside them were just as important to. Martin ray winery started in saratoga california in the ww2 era. A tribute to the california wine master tastemaker. The tasting room structure, dating back to the 1900s, used to serve as a stable and bunkhouse where italian immigrants stayed during harvest and crush. Martin ray 2016 chardonnay sonoma county rating and. He also led the way in developing the now famous hillside vineyards of the santa cruz mountains.
The martin ray winery buildings would make a great movie locale. It makes a wide range of wines with emphasis on pinot noir, chardonnay and the bordeaux grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Stores and prices for martin ray red, california prices, stores, tasting notes and. We offer a unique and relaxed experience in the heart of west county, offering small production, singlevineyard wines from the russian river, napa, and santa cruz mountains. Martin ray spent the rest of his life making wine within a few miles of where he met paul masson.
Proprietor courtney benhams journey with the historic martin ray label began in 1990, when he stumbled upon 1,500 cases of library wines and began his 20plus year quest to shape its next chapter. With over 15 varietals of red and white wines, theres something for everyone to sip, savor, and enjoy. San martin vineyards was a santa clara county wine producer run by the filice family. What luck my daughterinlaw is a wine merchant, so we got to go. The winery retains much of its old time look to this day and it feels like a. Anyone interested in wine should have a look at the brady book, a collection of writing by roy brady. Their wines are constant 9095 point scores in wine spectator and wine enthusiast magazines year in and year out. Finesse where it matters with muscle to get it done. Martin ray was a viticulture student of paul masson. I have been a big fan of the incredible wines of martin ray vineyards for many years. Eden in saratoga until her death at the age of 96 in 2000. The current home was originally twin fir winery and established by william hill in the geographic heart of russian river valley in 1881.
Martin ranch winery is a reflection of the many hands that were involved in the process of building our winery community and awardwinning wines. Sep 20, 2016 a proper visitor center has replaced the original champagnetank tasting room at simi, which spans much of californias winemaking history. The story begins with martin meeting paul masson when martin was a teenager a few years before prohibition. The two main characters paul masson and martin ray, were giants in the wine industry and the women beside them were just as important to the family success in achievement of fine wine. Established in 1881 as the twin fir winery, martin ray winery is the oldest winery in continuous operation in sonoma county the winery remained operational during prohibition by selling sacramental wines. Martin ranch winery is a boutique winery located in the santa cruz mountains. Bruce selected his vineyard site because of its proximity to martin ray and with the belief that the high elevation and mesoclimate of the area would be well suited for growing the burgundian wine grapes of pinot noir and chardonnay. As you turn down the long drive, vibrant flowers and olive trees welcome you to the beautiful, historic winery just west of santa rosa. The filice company bought the san martin vineyards in 1932. Martin ray, on the other hand, thought that american wine should aim. Brand information trade materials martin ray winery. The tendency is to grade them against each other but this is unjust as each winery has a different approach and potentially a different market.
Mentored by paul masson, he took a burgundian approach to his winemaking. They had heard whispers that chardonnay from the peter martin ray vineyard was available and looking for. Almost twenty years later, courtney benham came upon 1500 cases in a san jose warehouse and an idea was born continue to create superb, artisanal wines worthy of. It was founded by paul masson, a pioneer of the california wine industry. Ray put in cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and pinot noir. After martins death in 1976, she continued to live in their chateau on mt. They offer small production, single vineyard wines from the russian river valley and beyond, and are currently offering complimentary shipping on 6 or more bottles no code required. Masson is a legend in californias wine history as proprietor of paul masson. If the wine is as good as reported, procure an ample cache for our operatives. Make a reservation by clicking book reservation and then select details on your chosen tasting experience. If you are not a member you need to sign up by clicking the button below. As thomas pinney notes in a history of wine in america, volume 2. Martin ray vineyards history dates back to 1943 in the rugged santa cruz mountains in california.
They like to tell the story of an appellation and a specific vineyard here. This biography of martin ray 1904 1976 is unique in that it covers a little known period in the california wine industry from the point of view of someone directly involved. Sonoma county wineries delivering to the bay area and. Martin rays historical significance continues to be an essential part of california winemaking today, having crafted single varietal, region specific wine from 1943 through 1972. Shop martin ray pinot noir sonoma at the best prices. One of the downsides to spending a week on wine tastings is that it gets harder to rank the wineries. By many accounts, including his own, the wines, sold under the martin ray label.