Frick Winery

Thank goodness for digital because I need space to extoll the virtues of Frick Winery.

Started in 1976, this winery is still owned and operated by Bill Frick, one of the original Rhône Rangers. You may recognize the names of a few of his compatriots: Bob Lindquist, Joseph Phelps, Fred Cline? (Oddly, Phelps’ most iconic wine is a Bordeaux blend but that’s a story for another day.) Unlike the rest of them though, he hasn’t sold or increased production. He’s still the same as he ever was: producing extremely tasty wines at affordable price points.

As you might have guessed from the Rhône Ranger title, Frick produces varietals that are common to the Rhône region of France. These include: Carignane, Cinsaut, Counoise, Mourvedre, Syrah, and (my favorite) Viognier. In addition to single varietal bottlings there are also some awesome blends. Our favorites were the C3 (so named for the three varietals it contains) and the Côtes de Frick (lol). I think we bought a whole case of wine here and plan to add it to our annual rounds.

Frick Winery is located a bit off the beaten track. It’s north of Healdsburg past the Coppola estate off 101. Tastings are seated, outside on his front patio in view of the gorgeous rolling hills and vineyards. The website says appointments are for groups of 4 people or less but he permitted our group of five; I imagine that rule is to keep out the bachelorette parties. This is good juice, people. Don’t disrespect.