Estate Secrets

There are many hidden spots here at Michel-Schlumberger, that have been carved out over the years. One of my favorites is up on Tranquility Hill, which is in a wooded area above the lake that most people just pass by. This spot has a small bench a plaque dedicating it to Jacques and his wife Barbara. In the wintertime the sheep live on Tranquility Hill. I like to go up there sometimes after work and just hang out and watch the herons and other bird life around the lake. Sometimes I go there for lunch. There’s also Sr.’s garden, which competes with our Estate Garden for produce output and has cacti for nopales tacos. If you can convince Mike, you might get to go out on the roof which overlooks the courtyard and has an awesome view of the vineyard. Some of the cellar crew have been known to sleep up there during late night harvests. You can literally see a million stars!

One of the most scenic spots on the Estate that very few guests have seen is what we call “Bloque Rico.” If you’ve ever gone on a Green Tour here, you’ve tasted just under Bloque Rico, which is one of our reserve blocks and it sits high (well 400 feet above sea level high) above the Estate. To get up there is quite a haul and it can be quite precipitous on the way down as well. It’s a rocky path and an almost 60 degree incline. Tony and Mike came up with a great idea called Rico’s Challenge. It consists of hiking to the hill and back to the winery in thirty minutes or less.

If you’re into something less strenuous and you’re a Wine Bench Member, you can relax on the back patio. This is one of the few picnic spots at the Estate and you can hang here for free as part of your membership. All we need is 24 hours advance notice and the patio is yours. From 3pm to 5pm, with the sun shining across the vineyard in a golden hue, this has got to be one of the most beautiful sights in all of Dry Creek and for me, one of the most relaxing ways to end a day.