I always like discovering new wines and producers, even if they are old, as in they’ve been around for a while. I recently spent a magical afternoon with the owners, winemaker, chef, and hospitality manager at Lynmar Estate in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley and made some great discoveries. Among them, when Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were not wintering in Fort Myers, they were frequent visitors to Sonoma. It’s where famed horticulturalist Luther Burbank lived and they ran in the same elite circles. More on that connection later. I also discovered Lynmar Estate wine club for pinot noir and chardonnay lovers. It’s what I have in my glass for Wine Wednesday.
Pinot and chard are their specialties, and their focus is laser sharp. They make 25 different wines and are doing some pretty cool things in the vineyard. For instance, worms are used to filter and recycle water. Winemaker Pete Soergel says the estate is the first in Sonoma to use this technology.
Lynmar’s vineyard crew is full time, rather than seasonal, When not tending to the grapes, the staff tends to the extensive gardens and orchards on the property. They supply the estate’s kitchen and culinary program.
About the wine for pinot noir and chardonnay lovers
Owners Lynn & Anisya Fritz are committed to sustainability, taking care of their land in a way that is not only good for the estate and vineyard, but also their neighbors. Lynn purchased the estate in 1890 as a rural retreat from his international corporation in San Francisco.
Lynmar’s original 47-acre Quail Hill Vineyard was planted in the 70’s and some of the region’s best winemakers were sourcing fruit from here. After enjoying many of them, Lynn decided to bottle his own. He acquired more vineyards, developed stunning gardens, built a scenic tasting room and more. Check out this video and turn the sound up. Ahhhh, a happy place indeed.
LynMar is not distributed in Florida. This is why joining the wine club is a good way to enjoy it. Club members get exclusive offerings and benefits such as access to the estate’s gorgeous guest house. If you love pinot noir and chardonnay, you should check these out. In addition, stop by next time you are in the Russian River Valley. It’s off the beaten path, intimate and an experience that touches all of the senses.
