Wine tasting rooms and wineries are often sophisticated and stylish, providing the ideal ambience to taste new wines. Today, wine tasting is an experience to be enjoyed with more than a glass of wine. Whether you prefer the excitement of a wine tour in Ancient Pompeii or you are looking for a different setting, there are locations that offer the perfect wine tasting experience.

The Sottomarino Winery, for example, is one of the most unique wine tasting rooms you can find, and it provides you with a wonderful event you are sure to repeat.

Sottomarino Winery

Situated on San Francisco’s Treasure Island, the Sottomarino Winery is housed in an original World War II “sinking ship”. The winery has the desire of making great, authentic Italian wines in San Francisco. Sottomarino’s conception was inspired by an adjacent winery located on Treasure Island.

The naval training facility, the USS Buttercup submarine, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Treasure Island Museum aided in researching the island’s history and the USS Buttercup was found, which was kept with original markings.

The Wines

The Mendocino County is one of six grape-growing regions of the North Coast American Viticultural Area in California. As a leading wine region, the Mendocino County has organically produced wine grapes and has been described by journalists as “California’s organic wine Mecca.” Mendocino County’s name was inspired by a 16th-century Spanish explorer and 4th conde de la Coruña, Lorenzo Suárez de Mendoza, who explored the coast line of Mendocino.

The Mendocino vineyards were established in the 1850s, with approximately 25 percent production of certified organic wine grapes in modern times. You can taste several wines of the Mendocino County at the Sottomarino Winery, such as a 2013 Sangiovese which is perfect with a slow-cooked barbecue, as it is fruity and ripe yet not overly sweet. With a smooth texture and low tannins, this red wine smells of dried plums.

For a more sweet-tasting red wine, the 2013 Primitivo is full of berry flavours. The ripe boysenberry, the black plum, and the cherry taste are ideal to complement a roasted prime rib. A 2013 Dolcetto is another fruity wine, with fine-grained tannins and grape aromas. As a full-bodied red wine, it is ideal with a grilled steak and roasted vegetables. Other red wines include a 2013 Sopraffino and a 2013 Lagrein (Paso Robles).

If you prefer a white wine, you can try a 2013 Pinot Grigio (Lake County). This wine has a dry texture with melon and prosciutto aromas, it also boasts cucumber and lemon flavours. This wine complements any seafood dish perfectly.

Should you prefer a white wine with ginger spice and ripe pear undertones, then a 2013 Muscat Canelli is ideal. This refreshing wine can be paired with a delicious dessert, as it complements the sweetness of the wine.

Ideal to store your wine throughout the year, our wine rooms and wine cellars ensure that your collection is kept in perfect condition. Get in touch with our team at Spiral Cellars to find out more about how we can find a bespoke solution for you.

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