Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate Represents Classic Sonoma

A visit to Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate in Healdsburg, California, is so much more than a trip to a winery. This estate, founded in 1979 by Jean-Jacques Michel of Switzerland, makes noteworthy wine in a beautiful environment that includes exquisite artwork, breathtaking views of the vineyards, and even farm animals and bees!

It is clear that Jim Morris, Director of Sales & Marketing for Sonoma's Michel-Schlumberger, believes in this company with his heart and soul. You can stop by this winery for a taste anytime during their daytime hours, but tours here are by appointment only. They can customize based on what you want, to take you on a walking tour through the vineyards - with a side trips to visit the goats, gardens (with olive trees, blackberries and prickly pear cactuses) and bee-keeping - or for more unique opportunities. The winery has vertical tastings and wine and cheese pairings, as well as the "Green Tour and Hillside Tasting," which offers an opportunity to explore some of the nearly 10,000 acres of the eco-friendly property and its wildlife, while learning about sustainable winegrowing.

The wines of Michel-Schlumberger are as renowned as the property itself. The focus at this Dry Creek Valley location is on the classics of France's Bordeaux and Germany. The Le Fou Pinot Noir has a fruity nose, but the taste is filled with oak and smoke, for a medium dry finish. The Le Cime Cabernet Sauvignon is full of berries, from ripe cherry to deep plum, with a hint of spice. The Le Source Syrah here that has a bit of Viognier to bring out the fruit and enhance the wine's very dry, dark fruit.

You will also find some great white wines at Michel-Schlumberger. Their 2007 La Brume Chardonnay was mentioned on The Today Show by co-host Kathie Lee Gifford. For those enjoying something lighter, the Pinot Blanc is done as its ancestors were in Alsace, on the German-French border. It is light and fruity, with gentle florals.

The hillsides and valleys of Michel-Schlumberger's large property give the uniqueness to the fruit on the various vines. Despite its massive size, the winery prefers to remain fairly exclusive. They exited the national market in 2005. Most of the wines here are sold directly at or through Michel-Schlumberger's Sonoma estate.

For more information or to arrange for a visit to this Sonoma Valley winery, check out the Michel-Schlumberger website or call 800-447-3060.

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