Gene Welka

Review of Swanson Vineyards

Born and raised in Pittsburgh in the 50's, I was r...

Born and raised in Pittsburgh in the 50's, I was raised on "Jumbo" ( Pittsburghese term for bologna) on "chipped ham" (lower grade ham originally sold in Isaly's stores and chipped to very thin pieces who also sold the Klondike bar) and finally Swanson TV dinners. Swanson dinners were a mainstay back then & Carl Swanson from Sweden before moving to Omaha, had a revolutionary frozen food item. Too young to drink any wine and the "Burgh" was only known for Irom City Beer, I could never have imagined my roots would take me to running frozen food companies, exploring wineries in many countries as a hobby and recently just taking it all in at Swanson Vineyards. Amazing the full circle we can go on this wonderful journey called LIFE.

You probably already know most of the history about Swanson since W. Clarke Swanson, Jr. purchased the 100 acre property on Oak Knoll Rd. in 1985. What he & the rest of the family has done since then that makes them true trailblazers and visionaries for the crafting of the wines, the Interaction with the guests, grape varieties used and ingenious ways that they market, perfext planning, so here goes my brief tour from Vino Geno's perspective.

When I arrived by myself for my scheduled appointment I was met by my Salonnier, Sarah Dennis, yes a Salonnier who is the Keeper of the Salon. Very cool.

I just relaxed a bit outside in the very comfortable and shade filled area and had my first vino, a smooth '15 chard. That set the tone but wanted to move on from there. Swanson has focused on some core wines, most notably the trend setter merlot, the pinot grigio and the Alexis cab. Few know nor have enjoyed the bevy of other offerings here such a petit sirah, semillon, late harvest chard and a jacked up Petit Sirah.
Sarah was always available, gave me space and interacted when she felt I wanted to talk with her. Great Salonnier/ first one I ever met!
The property sits in the prized region of Napa with it's amazing DIRT. This property was among the first to design by appointment only but have taken it a few steps further with the other family members now contributing. The daughter, Alexis, launched the tasting salon and then the Sip Shoppe, almost 20 years ago. The Sip Shoppe is often referred to as the "CANDY store for adults". One gets the library vintages and a unique tasting menu. You have to check this out. Wines are poured in mini Riedel Os. Other gift ideas are there as well. If you are getting married the gift for you is there but I will not reveal it.

Sorry about the sidebar. But Swanson Winery has some incredible neighbors so it must be special. Not bad when your neighbors include Opus One, Caymus, Cakebread, Silver Oak, Plumpjack and Groth. Great company. Also phenomenal team members have worked at Swanson as well. It all started with a famous winemaker by the name of Andre Tchelistcheff and ramped up ever since with a tremendous list of winemakers over last 30+ years.

This brand knows how to market to their visitors and club members. Clarke focused on merlot and not cabernet sauvignon, and the complex and list of offerings is interesting. Easy to read up on all of these but just go and visit and snag a great Salonnier when you get there. It is easy to do but watch out guys as the women will want so many of the goodies they have there. But they are worth it. For me, I will savor the pour and the people I meet on this journey. I have a speccal list of Swanson wines, craft your own list, but I no longer crave Swnason TV dinners. Start with the bon vivant tasting & go from there with the chocolate later. OK, my choice is the Face Cabernet Vertical set of '08, '09 and '10, and throw in a bottle of 2012 Alexis cab, and while you are getting those also a 2013 merlot!