Kistler Vineyards-Trenton Roadhouse Tastings by Appointment

"If your idea of a rough afternoon involves being forced to sit under a picturesque trellis with sweeping breezes keeping you perfectly refreshed, Kistler Vineyards-Trenton Roadhouse Tastings by Appointment is going to be an absolute ordeal for you. The views are unapologetically amazing, and the airflow is efficient enough to keep the tasting civilized, no matter how long your glasses have been sitting out in the California sun. We embarked on the Seven Single Vineyard tasting, which is essentially an exercise in over-analyzing white grapes. The 2023 Stock Ranch Chardonnay was easily the most balanced of the lineup. Moving through the flights, the 2021 Stone Flat was noticeably light, while the 2022 McCrea took a sharp turn into clean, tropical territory. The real plot twist was the 2023 Hyde Vineyard, which came across as surprisingly smoky—perfect if you like a little campfire drama in your stemware. However, the undisputed crowd favorite was the 2015 Vine Hill Vineyard. Naturally, because it’s spectacular and proves just how beautifully these vintages can age, it’s strictly not for sale. Outstanding marketing strategy, really. Whatever you do, do not skip out on the snacks. The Liptauer paprika cheese and sprouted chickpea hummus hold their own, but the real engineering marvel here is the house-made crackers. They’re crafted using the Chardonnay by-product, meaning you can efficiently consume the wine while simultaneously eating its leftovers."