Pilot Peak Winery, Penn Valley, CA

The hubster and I discovered a wonderful winery in our travels to Grass Valley, CA, last Saturday. It's called Pilot Peak and it's located in Penn Valley, CA...just outside Grass Valley.

We were fortunate that our visit occurred on a lovely early spring day and the weather was warm because this winery had a wonderful courtyard where there were groups of people sipping flights of wine and nibbling on appetizers.

We entered the tasting room and were warmly greeted by the owners/winemakers and given a taste of their white wine, Vigonier.

Then we were encouraged to grab a plate and fill it with appetizers prepared by the winemaker and we were escorted out to the courtyard where a place had been set for us with 3 glasses each of different red wines. We were told that the winemaker loves to cook and tries to make sure his wines are food friendly. We were left alone to enjoy the day, the lovely courtyard with good music filling the air and, of course, the wine and food.

The owner came by a couple of time to chat and ask us if we needed any more food or wine. She was delightful and had quite the gift of hospitality.

The wines were very food friendly, especially the Syrah and the blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, which they call LiVedo. In fact, we brought home 6 bottles of each for our own cellar.

The country setting of this winery could not be more perfect. We would like to go back when the spring and summer flowers come into bloom as there is an extensive garden area. The courtyard overlooks Pilot Peak and a pasture area with horses. No other buildings can be seen.

The motto of this winery is:

"Experience Pilot Peak Winery...It's the wine, the people, the place."

I'd say that about sums it up.