Milano Family Winery
Located one-half mile south of Hopland, off of Highway 101, the Milano Family Winery and tasting room is housed in an impressive old hop kiln constructed of solid redwood. This historic building has a seasonal creek running by the side and a covered picnic area where you can share your Milano Winery experience along with giant land tortoises, pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs, Jacob’s sheep, llamas, geese and chickens. As some of these animals roam free it is advised that we be kept on a leash to avoid incident. You know how jealous other animals can get of our pampered lives. In fact, Milano is an animal rescue facility as well as a winery.
There are two sets of winemakers and styles showcased at the Milano Tasting Room, one is owned and operated by Deanna and Ted Starr along with their four-legged children Cuvée and Zeus. Unfortunately on the day that I visited they were not available to play. The Starrs’ wines are produced using Mendocino-grown grapes. Kenneth Schilling is the other winemaker and he uses Sonoma County grapes for his wines. Milano Winery is a California Certified Organic Facility (CCOF). As well as producing wines in varietals that are more well-known such as Zinfandel, Cabernet and Merlot, Milano produces port, dessert wines and wines from little known varietals like, Carignane, Charbono and Valdiguié. Never heard of them but curious to try? Milano is the perfect place to indulge and experiment in a casual and unpretentious wine tasting experience. A minimal tasting fee is charged but waived if wine is purchased and/or you join the wine club.
Tasting Room
The tasting room at Milano is accessible only by stairs. On the day that I visited, the tasting room was hosted by Sher. No, not that one! Though I do own a bowtie worn by the Sher with a “C” which, had I known that Sher with an “S” was in the tasting room, I would have worn. Sher was very welcoming and friendly, guiding my uprights knowledgably through the wine tasting experience. A tour of the winery itself can be set up in advance by calling 707-744-1396, email tastingroom@milanowinery.com or visiting their website at www.milanowinery.com.
The day I visited the winery, there wasn’t a water bowl or any treats, but I was told that usually they are available and offered! Uprights BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags) as there are no disposable waste bags or waste receptacles on site. So that we will continue to be welcome, please uprights, be considerate.
MILANO FAMILY WINERY
14594 S. Hwy. 101
Hopland, California 95449
T: 707-744-1396
www.milanowinery.com
