Our next stop was Kenneth Volk Vineyards.* Mr. Volk was formerly the founder and winemaker at Wild Horse (near Paso Robles).  He sold Wild Horse in 2003, bought his new Santa Maria region property from Mondavi in 2004 and released his first vintage in 2006.  We feel privileged to have discovered him so soon after his new winery opened.  (Thanks for the pointer, Diane at Canyon Villas, Paso Robles!)  Even if you don’t buy his wines or make the trip to his winery, make sure you check out the website: whimsical and reflects Mr. Volk’s personality.

We especially liked the taste of the  2006 pinot noir “Santa Maria Cuvee” ($26).  Light, fruity, and perfect for hot summer evenings.  The 2005 Santa Barbara County pinot ($30) has more spice on the palate, but is probably too complex for our tastebuds.  We also liked the 2006 chardonnay “Santa Maria Cuvee” ($24) which exhibited a nice, straightforward chardonnay character.  The 2006 “Jaybird” ($22) is completely unoaked.  A little too much citrus for our taste, but still very nice.  (Jaybird – naked – get it?)

*If you’re approaching Volk Vineyards and the distant neighbor, Cambria Vineyards, from the south, beware road detours.  The maps show a right turn from Foxen Canyon Road onto Tepusquet Road.  Don’t do it – there’s a bridge out.  Instead you have to continue on Foxen Canyon Road through the town of Sisquoc until you can make a very sharp right turn onto Santa Maria Mesa Road.  According to our tasting room hosts work is underway to replace the bridge, so check before you leave. The detour is about 10 miles and the drive is very pleasant, so the detour is not a big deal.