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The Steele Winery is located in downtown Kelseyville in the The Clear Lake AVA, but they both own vineyards in, and source grapes from, many different locals.
Jed Steele, for whom the winery is named is a wine industry veteran; having worked in the industry since the '60s and being the original winemaker for Kendall-Jackson.
We stopped in at the Steele winery one cold spring day during a camping trip that we were on, and had such a good time at the tasting room, that we bought a couple cases of wine. We joined the club for the discount.
The club gives the usual 20% discount and complimentary tastings. They go a little farther and extend the free tasting to your guests. Other than appearing in person at the winery, it also appears to be the only way to purchase special bottlings and library wines.
They also claim to give members "Invitations to special events for members-only at the winery" but in the last 16 months I have yet to receive a single one.
Shipments are 3 wines each 4 times a year, priced a reasonable $45.00 a shipment. This is a deal price wise ($15 a bottle including shipping cost!). The winery produces over 40 different wines under 4 different labels; Stymie, Steele, Shooting Star, and Writer's Block.
I have never received a Stymie in my shipments, but that can be explained by the pricing limit that they set for themselves.
We joined this club for the discount, and have since appreciated the access to the library wines (in particular the Pacini Zins) and the exposure to a couple of varietals and regions that we would not ordinarily purchase. Blaufrankisch and Barbera are two varietals that Steele introduced us to. Washington State is is a region I would not have tried without being a "Steelehead".
The Verdict:
A good beginner's wine club. We remain members for the economical pricing.
1 comment:
Steele wines are indeed very drinkable. Alas the Wine Club has it's problems. There are no events save a yearly craft fair. Additional events are always "in the works" but never develop. More vexing is the fact that we have been double billed by Steele Wines Inc. three times since October (it's now March). My husband and I have made numerous calls and in person appeals to Jess and Marilyn who have run the tasting room and wine club. To date there has been no resolution or appology. Thus, we have no choice but to withdraw from the wine club. Verdict? Drink the wine, skip the poorly managed club!
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