Kokomo Winery
Kokomo Winery, out Dry Creek Road, at Timber Crest Farms: Where Wine Comes From.
Kokomo Winery, named in honor of winemaker/owner Erik Miller’s hometown in Indiana, is perched on a lovely 120 acres of prime DCV East Benchland vineyards, estate-centric, small-production, totally local with approximately 70% of the grapes used being either owned or under stewardship to Miller and partner/grower Randy Peters, fourth generation grower here and totally local, too. Assistant Winemaker, Josh Bartels, was roommates with Erik at Purdue University where they met- now he produces ultra-premium wines in CA and moved his wife 2000 miles west to do so. The TR and Wine Club Lounge are RIGHT inside the winery- there is no veneer here, and the actual workings are completely visible. Famous Winery Dog, Rooty, 8-year-old male chocolate Lab, green tennis ball in mouth, adds to the TR fun, pushing his ball to me with his nose while I taste through the Kokomo wines, experiencing Peace, Love & Pinot as well as feeling their Inspiration through Fermentation. TR Staff is incredibly hospitable, helpful and knowledgeable. Lots of interesting merchandise and TR things to entertain and inform, not to mention a seasonal vineyard tour with Erik centering on harvest. When Erik moved from Kokomo, IN to the West Coast, he chose the Central Coast Cypress as his symbol of that move; it can be found on his labels, and also makes me think of the Beach Boys and their Kokomo song that I cannot get out of my head…of course, the song Kokomo is fictional, as only Kokomo, IN and HI exist.
Erik Miller, Kokomo, IN Native Son….
Kokomo label with distinctive cypress tree….
The phony Kokomo….but still a Kokomo, nonetheless.
Rooty! And I have his ball….
The TR Bar and offerings, barrels right behind.
Cool, comfortable TR decor.
Kokomo bricks…never knew.
Historic Timber Crest Farms location.
The Wine Club Lounge…quote by Colette (you remember her? From Gigi?): “In the plant kingdom, only the vine helps us to understand the true taste of the soil. And what a faithful translation it is! The vine senses the secret of the soil and conveys them through the grapes. The flint uses the vine to let us know that it is still alive. The arid limestone cries golden tears which turn into wine.” Colette. True dat.
Coolest, most distinctive barrel lamp fixture ever….
Case storage, tanks right there by the Lounge…no veneer.
Outside spot to relax- now, post my visit, featuring an awesome awning….for all weather lounging.
Vineyards to the East.
Western view of vineyards….
Ah- purchase Kokomo wine and head to al Fresco Kitchen for delicious lunch onsite at Timber Crest Farms!
Here’s looking at you, kids.
TR
The Beach Boys, as do I, wax poetic over enchanted Kokomo.
Hi Tracy! Thanks for the fun write up. Your photo of Rooty is, well, so Rooty!! Glad you enjoyed your visit. See you ’round the vineyards.
Pam
Hi Pam! Thanks to you and Ross for such a great visit…I took lots of snaps of Rooty, but that one ended up being, yes, the most Rooty! TR