Local wines from international roots

In late October of this year, Stray leaves Vineyard harvested Riesling, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Our white wines produced from the Riesling and Zinfandel grapes will ferment in stainless steel barrels for almost a year, while our red wines produced from the Zinfandel, Primitivo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes will ferment in oak barrels for three years.

Here's a peek into the history and characteristics of the grapes we grow at the vineyard.

The Riesling has its origins in Germany. The first documentation of the grape dates back to the Renaissance. The wine is characterized by its ability to age well over decades, with some sweeter Rieslings known to have kept for over a century! Here at Stray Leaves, we offer this wine as dry, semi-sweet and sweet. Take home a bottle of Riesling to enjoy with a seafood dinner.

The Zinfandel grape can be used to create white and red wines. Its journey from Croatia to California made it infamous during the Gold Rush for miners looking for a good time at the end of the day. While it is now proven to be genetically the same as a Primitivo grape, the Zinfandel holds its own weight with its own unique wines. Take home a bottle of our Zinfandel, red or white, for a barbecue with your friends.

The Primitivo grape draws its origins from Croatia as well as in Italy. Italian wine growers use the growing popularity of the Zinfandel grape to market their wines worldwide. It is characterized by its fruit and spice flavors, as well as its deep color. Try a bottle of our Primitivo with a grilled chicken salad at home.

The Syrah grape draws its origins from France. It is characterized by its ability to add structure and texture to its intense and bold wines, giving it aging potential and popularity. Enjoy one of our Syrahs with a home cooked steak dinner.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is a hybrid grape used in blends to create the signature flavors of Bordeaux, France. The grape is characterized as rich and zesty, making it favorable to add character to many red blends. Enjoy one of our Cabernet Sauvignons with a charcuterie board at our tasting room downtown!

All these grapes are grown in our vineyard in the Tehachapi Valley. You can enjoy their unique wines at Stray Leaves Tasting Room, located at 123 S. Green St., Tehachapi.

We hope to see you soon!