Coastal Carlsbad’s Winery: WitchCreek

Photo: Ryan Baker (left), along with two of the WitchCreek owners

by Frank Mangio

Ok, so I’ve been not seeing and tasting what’s under my nose. After four years and 160 or so wine columns, I have never stepped into a winery in my own home town of Carlsbad. My miss. A grape-growing friend of mine who has a virtual Italian vineyard laboratory in his back yard in Carlsbad, called to alert me to the fact that WitchCreek Winery, along the shore near downtown Carlsbad had just won double gold at the latest, prestigous San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper Wine Competition for its 2005 Nebbiolo.

Pete Anderson could hardly contain his excitement, as he is a contributing consultant for WitchCreek. The Italian grapes actually come up from the Guadalupe Valley of Mexico, under the watchful eye of the L.A. Cetto vineyard and winery and their world-renowned winemaker Camillo Magoni. I have interviewed this native Piedmont Italian sage, and he is a brilliant sculpture of Nebbiolo grapes. Camillo nurtured the winning Nebbiolo to display deep fruit, chocolate and a light berry hint. The bottle retails for $35. and is only available at the Carlsbad and Ramona locations for WitchCreek.

The winery has a history that dates back to 1993, founded by the Wodehouse family. Dave Wodehouse focused on handcrafted, full-bodied wines. He still pays an active role as Executive Winemaker and enjoys digging into some fascinating Italian style grapes, along with Ryan and Pete. They had me try a little know varietal from the Campania area of Italy: their 2006 Aglianico (pronounced ah-lian-eeco).

These grapes also came up from Camillo’s vineyard and sells for $20. The Greeks first introduced this grape to the area in and around Naples and the Amalfi Coast. A very dark color sets the stage for an earthy, chocolate accent. The Aglianico grape loves heat, so it does nicely in the Guadalupe Valley.

Other recent wines at WitchCreek include a just-bottled “Kathy’s Cuvee” a blend of five grapes ( $35.), and “Fat Cat Red,”a lovely everyday red wine ($10.). Check out WitchCreek Winery in Carlsbad and Ramona at www.witchcreekwinery.com.


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Stuart Cellars also did very well at the 200 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Their ’06 Syrah won double gold and best of class! Falkner’s ’06 Sauvignon Blanc also took a double gold and best of class. Maurice Carrie’s 2007 Sauvignon Blanc won gold. Congrats to all the winners from our closest wine country.

Oak Mountain Winery is the newest member of the winery association. Located on 10 acres just off DePortola Road and owned by Valerie and Steve Andrews, they emphasize Bordeuax varietals.

Easter festivities are coming to Wine Country and Falkner Winery has an annual brunch Sunday March 23 from 11am to 4pm at the Pinnacle Restaurant. Champagne and wine will be in abundance, as well as traditional cuisine from eggs to salmon. $54.95 per person and $24.50 for kids. RSVP at 951-676-8231. Ponte has its Easter Brunch from 11am to 3pm, with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. $70. per person, children $30. Call 800-931-6617.