Take notice of Byington Winery and visit them today! Winemaker, Nicholas de Luca is making outstanding wines at a place that which offers breath-taking views and people that will make you feel at home.
I've only heard of the name 'Byington' a few times and none were with any excitement. I looked online as to which wineries had interesting stories or winemakers that proposed a unique perspective to making fine wines that I should visit upon my next journey. When I visited the Byington website, it appeared they had a nice winery and Nicholas de Luca, their winemaker, seemed to be producing some impressive Bordeaux style wines. Then again, how much can you truly take to heart from a website. They're usually filled with marketing fluff that makes even the worst seem incredible. I had no idea what to believe, but after my visit at Byington, their website's marketing fluff wasn't fluff at all. In fact, it didn't do them justice!
To state they have beautiful grounds is an under statement. Byington hosts more weddings than probably anyone in the Santa Cruz area. Their chateau is a gorgeous back drop and provides a stunning atmosphere that most photographers can only wish for. Their chapel atop the hill provides a view of the valley that truly is breath-taking.
After soaking up the scenery, I was already in a state of mind that their wines must be pretty good if they were able to do so well with not only possessing such grounds but to maintain them for corporate events and weddings. It was a snap judgment I'm a little ashamed to admit but it's the truth.
Their tasting room wasn't very busy. There was a group that seemed to be from out of town since the gentleman behind the counter was explaining the area in very general terms. Once he introduced himself and explained what wines were offered that afternoon, I engaged a few technical questions for which he didn't have an answer to but directed me to a co-worker who could answer such questions. I'm not sure what Louis's title or responsibilities at the winery were but he certainly knew his stuff. Before I knew it, we were talking about their cooperage system, fermentation techniques and especially the wines he was pouring.
Their Merlot and Alliage completely took me by storm. In the moment I was ready to label them producers of some good but adequate wines, the Merlot and Alliage blend practically slapped me in the face as if to announce "Hey buddy, check us out! We're something special!" These wines put me back in my place and I quickly retracted my initial thoughts. Byington is making remarkable wines.
To be honest though, I wasn't crazy about their whites. When it comes down to it, it wasn't because they poorly made but because they just didn't agree with my palette. They were very unique styles that you should judge for yourself. I suppose I'm still caught in a mentality were certain varietals should taste a certain way and I was just not ready for such a change. Despite my personal choice, you should definitely try them before you pass judgment.
Their reds are what really blew me away. Again, the Merlot and Alliage were stand-up-and-applaud kind of wines. I would have enjoyed tasting their Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel but sadly it wasn't on the tasting list that day. With the others tasting so, something tells me their Cabernet should raise some excitment.
I will definitely be returning to Byington and have already recommended them to friends. They have picnic tables and bocce ball outside so they make a great stop for travelers making a day through the mountains. Yes, their grounds were beautiful and their wines were very good but the main reason I enjoyed them so much is because everyone we spoke with working behind the counter was so personable and friendly. They were incredibly knowledgeable and those that weren't able to answer techincal questions were quick to find the person who could. I can't wait for my next journey back to Byington except the next time, I'll be sure to try their Zinfandel and Cabernet - even if I have to pretend I'm someone important to taste them!
