SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY OUT WEST

In my glass is a gorgeous Syrah from Whetstone Wine Cellars. This guy hails from the low country in South Carolina, making wine for the last 24 years, cutting his teeth at Turley Wine Cellars in Napa Valley. Jamie created Whetstone Wine Cellars in 2002 alongside his ultimate companion, Michelle. She added elegant but historic touches to the tasting venue as well as hospitality that ranks above most wineries in Napa Valley. A gracious host with the ability to hire like-minded people and perfect taste in décor and food pairings, Michelle built one of the best places to taste some fun varietals that are anything but Cabernet Sauvignon. The Syrah, like all of Whetstone’s wines, is from a single vineyard site, Pheonix Ranch. What delicious juice came pouring out of that bottle, into my glass, and inside my belly. It danced on my palate exploding with flavor like a blackberry cobbler coated with bacon fat and melting vanilla bean ice cream. My bones tingled with warmth and I reveled in the knowledge that fall was soon to arrive. Discover something extraordinary and taste their lineup. Other palate pleasers are Pinot Noir, and a killer Viognier from Catie’s Corner in Russian River, www.whetsonewinecellars.com