RustRidge Winery 2910 Lower Chiles Valley Road St. Helena, CA 94574 www.rustridge.com

• Three shipments per year (February, May, and October) of their newest wines or library wines. Each shipment contains 2-3 bottles of wine.
• Cost per shipment is approximately $55 + shipping and handling.
• Special events, like the popular "Reserves Only" event at RustRidge, are planned for wine club members.
• A newsletter that includes food and wine pairing suggestions and recipes from Susan Fresquez!
• Members receive a 10% discount at the Bed & Breakfast.
• Members receive a 25% discount on case purchases of wine club selections.
• Mention joinwineclubs.com and you will receive an extra 5% discount on any purchase when you join the wine club.

To join the RustRidge Winner's Circle (the wine club), send an e-mail to Susan Meyer or call at 707-965-9353. Be sure to mention joinwineclubs.com to receive your extra discount.

Read what wine club members are saying about RustRidge!

2005 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
It starts off creamy and soft on your tongue. Light and fruitful throughout, this Sauvignon Blanc has hints of fuzzy peaches with a bit of a pear finish. There's definite aroma of green apples and even has a bit of a dry green apple finish. A real winner for the summertime! Serve this with chilled shrimp and cocktail sauce along with crispy vegetables!

2002 Estate Chardonnay
This estate Chardonnay is light, yet full of fruit. Apple and pear were the most commented qualities overheard during our crowded tasting. But this Chardonnay packs a neat little surprise at the end... it has a spicy (almost peppery) finish. This is a perfect summertime Chardonnay and should be served with toasted slices of baguette bread accompanied with baked brie cheese and apple chutney. Be careful, family and friends might never leave!

2002 Estate Chardonnay - Reserve
This one has all the qualities of the previously mentioned Chardonnay and more! Now we know why this one carries the "Reserved" distinction. Like a classic Chardonnay, this one starts off smooth as silk on your tongue. Undeniable aromas and tastes of honeydew melon, apple and pear swirl around in your mouth. And it finishes just like it started: silky smooth. Bravo!

Racehorse Red - Napa Valley Red Wine
Ever had a really amazing non-vintage table red? We did and this is it! Hints of oak, black cherry and currants make this one a mouth watering adventure. The citrus finish screams for Friday night's spaghetti dinner with meatballs. Giddy up!

2000 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2000 RustRidge Cabernet is light and tangy... these are not exactly typical traits of a Cabernet. However, it redeems itself with a spicy smooth finish. Not bad, but we preferred the Racehorse Red.

2003 Estate Zinfandel
The initial taste is intense with an aroma of black cherry. Tannins are evident at first, but this Zin warms up quickly and softens on your palette. Through out the bottle, there is an undeniable unsweetened cocoa finish. Amazing! For Zinfandel fans, this is wonderful. An excellent example of a dry California Zinfandel, this wine should be paired with marinated New York strips, Peking duck, or pork enchiladas covered in sweetened mole sauce. Yum!

Our favorite pick
Hands down the group's favorite was the 2002 Estate Chardonnay - Reserve. As was mentioned, this Chardonnay has all the classic features of a great California Chardonnay. This Chardonnay may very well be the best kept secret in Chiles Valley! Get some while you still can!

And please let us know what you think! After drinking RustRidge wines, tell us about your wine club experience on our Testimonials page.

Owner: Susan and Jim Fresquez
Manager: Susan and Jim Fresquez
Master of wine: Susan Fresquez & Kent Rosenblum
Hospitality Director: Mark Serrano

In 1990, Jim and Susan took over control of RustRidge Winery. But this is not really the way they tell the story. Instead, they'd prefer to tell you about their winery through the eyes of their favorite companion, Bo.

Indeed, they'd prefer that you know their winery through canine clarity. You see, Bo supervises every step of the operation at RustRidge. He's right there at the beginning, supervising the picking of grapes and inspecting the loads before they leave for the winery. He supervises harvesting, crushing, pressing, filtering, and bottling. And don't be surprised if he's playing host at the Bed & Breakfast there at the winery. In essence, he runs the entire operation at the ranch.

And therein lies the beauty of RustRidge. Simple and loyal... just like Bo.

The folks at RustRidge know a thing or two about customer service, too. Running a winery side-by-side with a B&B creates a unique experience, both for the patron and owner. When you visit RustRidge, they'll expect you to taste their wine... and stay a spell. After all, they're located somewhat off the beaten path.

The winery even has a connection to Seabiscuit, the legendary racing horse from the 1930's. Jim trained and exercised horses for M.E. "Buster" Millerick, one of Seabiscuit's trainers. On Millerick's death, his widow gave Jim the trunk containing all of Millerick's tack, medicines, training charts and other items. Jim and Susan now have these items on display at the Bed and Breakfast.

Want to get away to a traditional farm and winery experience? There are a few places still left. RustRidge is one winery keeping that tradition alive and well.