Talty Winery
Updated: Jan 12
Ambiance
On Yelp someone asked, ‘Could this be Dry Creek’s best kept secret?’
I think they are on to something.
I’m around a lot of locals.
I’m around a lot of wine industry peeps.
I’ve not heard one mention Talty Winery.
100 Wineries In 100 Days is about exploring these types of ‘hidden’ treasure wineries.
Wineries I’ve never been to and wineries I can introduce my wine loving friends to.
Talty Winery gives you the warm and fuzzy wine tasting experience.
The driveway is looooong and straight.
On either side sprawls the 6 acre vineyard with 54 year old Zinfandel vines.
The cozy tasting room is inside the barrel room.
A very down to earth and at-one-with-the-winemaking-process kind of tasting room.
There is no time for a wine gift shop.
You can tell the main focus is making amazing wine.
Very family focused and friendly winery.
Cost:
SEE PIC BELOW!
Wines are in the $40 price range.
Appointment Needed?
Appointment needed Monday-Thursday.
Walk-ins ok Friday-Sunday from 12-4pm
Wine Pick
2015 Ponzo Vineyard Zinfandel
Zinfandel is the main focus at Talty.
Do one thing and do it well.
If you want to experience Zin at its highest potential…
Then the wines at Talty will be a treat for you.
Low alcohol, super elegant and soft Zins.
A wine you can drink all day long!
Dog Approved
Not sure.
I know the family itself is dog friendly.
As for bringing your dog on premise call ahead.
This is Will Talty, Michael Talty’s (owner and winemaker) son, and his dog Rhone.
Social Media Worthy
The obvious choice is to take pics among the Talty vines.
They are just outside the tasting room.
Dry Creek Valley has the most beautiful green backdrop for photos.
Feel Good Vibes
How cute is THIS?!?!?
Father and Son.
Recreating a photo from in the Talty vineyards (see below).
Will Talty just graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Viticulture and now he is in the wine business with dad.
GO MUSTANGS!
I’m a Cal Poly graduate too!
Michael speaks very highly of the education Will got at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
They have a very unique program.
It is under an ag business concentration,, but it deals with viticulture and winemaking.
He was in classes where he made wine, went out and pruned, and also wine marketing classes.
Michael is so proud of his son; he’s just beaming having him back at the winery.
Wine Nerd Facts
I was lucky enough to hang out and chat with Michael Talty for a bit.
I picked his brain.
Me: What’s your favorite part of being a winemaker?
Michael: Getting to make the wine I LOVE to drink. I also love that making wine is challenging. Every year Mother Nature keeps me on my toes. I never get in a rut. There is always something new and challenging in the wine making process when you are dealing with Mother Nature.
Me: What beer do you drink when you make wine?
Michael: Pacifico. I work in the vineyard myself. When I come out of the vineyard I’m not looking for a glass of wine. I need a cold beer.
Wine Club? Fun Events?
Talty wine is NOT sold in stores.
Sometimes you might find Talty at a local Sonoma County Restaurant.
Small production 1,500 cases.
If you are a devoted Zin drinker and..
You want Talty coveted Zin delivered right to your doorstep.
Join this wine club.
Sheila’s Tasting Notes
I can’t get over the Cal Poly piece.
This wine will forever be special to me.
Talking to Michael.
Seeing him so proud and happy to be making wine next to his son.
Knowing there are Cal Poly roots.
One thing I regretted about going to Cal Poly was that we didn’t have an award winning, tail-gating, all encompassing college football team.
I see my cousins from Oregon and all their U of O DUCK Pride!
When I open my Talty Zin I’ll have my own little wine tail gate.
There is a special bond between people and their alma matter!
