Burnsini Vineyards is a great place for people who love wine. The vineyard sits in California and is known for its special terroir. This helps make wine that is rich and full of flavor. Grapes here grow in a way that shows the balance of what people do and what nature brings. The reds are deep in taste, and the whites are bright and smooth. The vineyard uses both old and new ways when making wine. This gives you a fresh wine experience and helps Burnsini stand out in California.
Discovering Burnsini Vineyards: Where Sustainability, Community, and California Wine Shine
When I drove up the sunny country roads north of Redding, I did not know I would find a part of California wine country like this. The place sat among hills with oak trees and farmland. Burnsini Vineyards felt just like going to see an old friend at his ranch, more than walking into the usual wine tasting room.
Burnsini’s story started back in 2000, when Tom Burnham and Jim Tomasini first set up the winery in these Cottonwood hills. My first visit to Burnsini I was served by Tom Burnham. The roots of the vineyard run deep here. In 2017, Brandi Greene took over, and I have had the opportunity to visit with her on at least two separate occasions. She brought new life to the place and made it special. Brandi is an environmental chemist, plus she was trained at Oregon State to be a winemaker. She brings her science know-how to the vineyard and always shares a warm smile with the people there.
A walk through the vines: sustainable wine
Brandi walked with me through almost eight acres of grapevines. Each plant was healthy and green because she believes in taking care of the land, not just growing the crop. She said that the way she farms is more than just being organic. As she bent down, she showed me the grass and plants growing between the rows of vines. Brandi told me it is about bringing life back to the soil and caring for the whole ecosystem.
Everywhere I looked in California, I could see signs of her hard work with sustainable wine. Inside the cellar, she showed me her small printer. She said, “We try to keep everything digital. This means less paper and less waste.” Each of these small steps adds up. Together, they show her deep care for the land.
Tasting through Burnsini Vineyards: wines with heart
Back in the cozy tasting room, we found glasses ready for us. There were some local cheeses and a fresh, warm loaf of sourdough. As the afternoon light got softer, we sat down together. The tasting would show us how good the wine from this part of California could be.
Zinfandel
The Zinfandel was the first to win me over. There was a swirl of dark blackberry, plum, and a bit of black pepper. It had lively acidity and a touch of oak spice. This made it good with a plate of smoked tri-tip.
Merlot
Next up was the Merlot soft and smooth. You could taste ripe plum, cherry, and a bit of mocha at the end. The flavor lasted a long time, like a good memory from a campfire. I thought this would go great with rosemary lamb chops. It would also be good with a warm, cheesy mushroom risotto.
Petite Sirah
Then came the powerhouse: Petite Sirah. This wine, originally from France, is dark and bold. It gives off the taste of blueberry jam, dark chocolate, and violets. I would choose this one for a cold winter night. It goes really well with a pot of beef stew cooking on the stove.
Sangiovese
The Sangiovese had a nice balance. It was bright and fresh, almost like sunlight. There was a taste of tart cherry, some dried herbs, and a little bit of leather. It was easy to see how this wine would go well with a Margherita pizza right out of a wood-fired oven.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Last, the Cabernet Sauvignon stands out for being strong and clear. You get the taste of black currant, some cedar, and a hint of pencil lead. This cabernet is the one to pick when you want a great wine with steak. It is a classic choice for that meal.
Each glass shows a story. It is not just about the kind of grape, but also about the land that people cared for with love.
Community, music, and small-town magic
What I remember most is how Burnsini felt like a place where people love to come together. Brandi smiled as she talked about their mid-summer lawn concerts. She also shared about the lively Music & Merlot nights. At these events, neighbors kick off their shoes and dance in the grass with everyone.
They also have big breakfasts where people all eat together. Long tables sit under the oak trees. The smell of eggs and bacon is in the air. You can hear laughter across the vineyards. There are also rodeo-themed ladies’ nights. The women wear boots and fringe. Of course, there is plenty of Cabernet at these events.
Unique Terroir and Location
Burnsini Vineyards is different because the vineyard has a unique terroir. The climate, soil, and land here all mix in a special way. This place has all it needs to grow good grapes. You can feel the nice acidity and the rich, bright flavor in every wine from this vineyard.
The vineyard does well because there are many soil types and the right climate in this place. These things help the vine grow to be strong and healthy. When all these parts come together, the vineyard can make wines with a lot of character. These wines really show what makes California special and you can taste where they come from.
Climate and Soil Characteristics
Burnsini Vineyards is in California. This place has soil and climate that work well together. These things help grapes grow here. The grapes end up with higher acidity. This gives the wine strong flavors and good acidity.
The soil here lets water flow through well. This helps every vine to grow strong and healthy. The climate gives the right mix of sun and shade. These parts of the land and weather work together. They help the grape variety to show its full character and bring out the terroir of the vineyard.
People at Burnsini watch the soil and the weather all the time. They do this because it helps the vineyard be known for wine that has natural acidity and fresh taste. That is why many people say Burnsini is a top name in California for wine.
Sustainable Farming Practices
At Burnsini Vineyards, caring for the environment is an important part of the way they work. The vineyard uses ideas from the Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC). These ideas help the wine industry follow green or earth-friendly ways of farming.
They use organic ways to help the soil and save water on the vineyard. This is good for the land and also helps the grapes grow strong. Burnsini does not use many pesticides and picks natural ways to take care of the vineyard. By doing this, they do not harm the earth as much and they help keep many kinds of plants and animals living in the area.
These eco-friendly methods play a big part in what Burnsini does at their vineyard each day. They show that you can care about nature and still make good wine in the wine industry. The vineyard keeps raising the bar so others will follow their lead.
Distinctive Features of the Estate
Burnsini Vineyard is spread over beautiful acres in California. The land is set up in that way so the vines can grow well. It gets lots of sunlight, and the vines are spaced just right. This keeps the grapes healthy.
The people at Burnsini care about the world we live in. They use modern irrigation to water the vines in the best way. For pest problems, they pick natural ways to handle them. These steps show that the vineyard uses new ideas and good ways to grow vines and make wine.
The vineyard is smart and nice to look at. The place is pretty and quiet. When you visit, you can see how much care the people put into all they do at the vineyard. A lot of winemakers and others show respect for what Burnsini gives to the California wine world. The acres at Burnsini are used to make some of the best wine in the area.
Grape Varieties Grown at Burnsini
At Burnsini Vineyards in California, many types of grapes grow well. Each one brings something special to the vineyard. The best red grapes, like Pinot Noir and Malbec, get a lot of sun at this place. They help make wines with deep color and smooth tannins. The white grapes, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, thrive in the area’s climate. This makes the white wines have good acidity and bright, fresh tastes. The vineyard also makes small batches with several grape types. These new wines use new ways to make wine. They show the terroir and add to what people feel and taste when trying the wine.
Signature Red Grapes
The red grape variety at Burnsini Vineyards is known for their bold taste. These wines help to show what is special about the area's terroir. One of the well-known names here is the Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine draws in people who love a deep color, strong tannins, and flavors that blend dark fruits with a bit of herbs. The Syrah is smooth, and the Malbec is lively and well-liked. These options give something for every palate in the wine industry. The use of these grape varieties makes the vineyard stand out.
The team at this vineyard puts a lot of care into how they work with the grapes. They use ideas from both old winemaking ways and pay close attention to every detail. The grape types they use help bring out the real taste of each fruit in every bottle. This work helps their wines stand out in the wine industry. It brings places like Monterey, Sonoma County, and far-away lands like Mendoza together in each glass. The way they do things shows how important Cabernet, Malbec, and Syrah are not just in Sonoma but also in the global wine industry.
Winemaking Philosophy and Approach
At Burnsini Vineyards, the winemaker works hard to show what is special about each grape variety in the vineyard. They use the land with care and want to bring out the best flavor from the terroir. The team still uses old ways, like carbonic maceration and small-batch fermentation. These help get the true taste from the grapes. They are also open to new ideas and methods in the wine industry. This good mix of the old and new helps them show the best of Sonoma, the vineyard, and the real feel of winemaking. With all this work, the wines stand out, taste like the place they come from, and really speak to people who love wine.
Working with both old skills and a focus on the planet helps make their Northern State wines even better. These changes bring good wine by mixing new ideas with ways winemakers used long ago. In Sonoma, people who make wine can try new and old methods with fermentation and terroir. This lets them create special flavors in their wines. They bring together winemaking from the past and what works now, making their wines stand out.
Small-Batch Craftsmanship
Burnsini Vineyards focuses on quality over making a lot of wine. The team uses small batches, and this shows they care about each step. Every wine is picked with care, so the winemakers can pay close attention to the terroir and how each grape grows in the vineyard. They use a careful process, putting together old winemaking skills like carbonic maceration. This helps each wine get the best taste it can have. Every bottle reflects the team’s hard work and care. It also shows their respect for the land, the vineyard’s history, and what is new in the wine industry today.
Food Pairing Recommendations
Exploring what foods taste good together can help you get more from your visit to Burnsini Vineyards. If you have a glass of their red wines like malbec or syrah, try these with grilled meats or a rich pasta dish. The tannins in the wine go well with the flavors of the food.
On the other hand, crisp white wines go well with light meals like seafood or a fresh, seasonal salad. These wines have higher acidity, and that really stands out. It can make the food taste even better. Aged cheeses are also good with both Syrah and Malbec, or even with the white wines. The cheese brings out new tastes in the wine and adds something nice to your meal. When you try these food and wine pairings, you get to taste the work and care that went into making each bottle at the vineyard.
Visiting Burnsini Vineyards
A trip to this pretty vineyard and winery is something you will not forget. The tasting room feels warm and friendly. You can taste a mix of wines here. These wines show what makes the terroir in this place special. Guided tours let you see which grapes they have and how much care goes into making wine. These tours tell you that the team at Burnsini Vineyards puts a lot of thought and work into all they do.
If you want to have a good time, visit the vineyard when they have special events or tastings. You get to try some bottles that are hard to find and do this with other people. This shows you the work and care that go into every bottle you taste.
Tasting Room Experience
When you walk into the tasting room at Burnsini Vineyards, you feel something special right away. The air and feel make you see what gives their wines that unique touch. You notice things from nature and the land, known as terroir, everywhere you look. There is a good mix of wines here. Some are the top picks, and some are wines you can’t find in any other place.
The people who work there know a lot about wine. They will help you while you taste each wine. When you try each one, they talk about how the wine looks. They use words like deep color. They also talk about how it tastes with words like acidity and tannins. All of this makes you want to hear more and learn more about each wine.
The space is there for people to meet up and talk. It is good for people who know a lot about wine. It is also nice for anyone who just wants to try a new drink. You will feel good in this place. It gives you time to sit back and enjoy what Burnsini makes.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Planning your trip to Burnsini Vineyards can help you get the most out of your visit. First, look at their hours and book a spot. This is important if you want a guided tour, as these can fill up fast. Wear clothes and shoes that feel good and work for walking. The ground may be uneven in some spots.
You can try a cheese and wine pairing. This will help bring out the best tastes in each type of varietal wine. Be sure to drink water and take your time. You will enjoy each wine more that way. Try to enjoy every part of your visit. Make the most of your time at the vineyard.
Plan your own visit to Burnsini Vineyards
If you ever go up I-5 towards Redding, do yourself a favor and take a short trip into Cottonwood. This is where you will find Burnsini. Take the time to discover it for yourself.
Their tasting room is open on Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM. It is also open on Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Whether you come for the great sustainable wine, the friendly hello, or a concert under the stars, Burnsini gives you a feel of small-town California that is hard to beat.
So go ahead, pick up a glass, take off your shoes, and let this wonderful spot in California wine country show you what it can do. Here’s to some good vines, good people, and a future that is a bit greener.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Burnsini Vineyards unique among California wineries?
Burnsini Vineyards is a small vineyard in California. The people there still make wine in small batches. They mix old ways and new ways to make the wine. This vineyard grows many types of grapes. You will also find limited-edition wines here. It is clear the team cares a lot about making good wine. Every bottle shows their passion. Burnsini Vineyards is a hidden gem in California and brings something special to the wine world there.
Are reservations required for tastings at Burnsini?
You can walk into Burnsini at any time. Still, it is good to make a reservation, especially when the place gets busy. When you book ahead, the team can manage how many people come in. You and the other guests get a more personal tasting and do not have to wait. This helps everyone have a better time enjoying the wines.
Does Burnsini Vineyards host private events or weddings?
Yes, Burnsini Vineyards holds private events and weddings. The vineyard is a beautiful place for your big day. You can pick from many different spaces there. All spots have good views of the vines. People can plan their event in the way they want at this pretty wine country spot.
Can visitors purchase wine online or join a wine club?
Yes, people can buy wine online from Burnsini Vineyards. You can also join the wine club at the vineyard. The wine club gives special perks to its members. These include chances to get wines that are not always easy to find. Members get special discounts too. There are also invitations to different events. All of this helps people feel closer to what the vineyard offers.
Is Burnsini Vineyards family and pet friendly?
Yes, Burnsini Vineyards is a good spot for the whole family. People of every age are welcome, so you can bring your kids and your pets. The vineyard has large outdoor areas where children can play. Pets are allowed as well, but they must be on a leash and act nicely. This friendly feel makes wine tasting better for everyone.