At Wine Garden Inn, we take immense pride in our carefully curated collection of unique and rare wine varietals, sourced from small, artisanal producers across the globe. While the familiar grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay hold a special place in the hearts of many wine enthusiasts, it is the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path grapes that truly captivate our senses and ignite our curiosity.
Unique Grape Varieties
Beyond the typical red and white wine grapes, the world of viticulture is home to a vast array of unique and often underappreciated grape varieties. Take, for example, the Albariño grape, a white varietal thriving in the cool, coastal regions of Spain and Portugal. Its crisp acidity, citrus notes, and subtle salinity make it a perfect pairing for the fresh, local seafood served at our on-site restaurant. Or consider the Tannat grape, a dark-skinned, tannin-rich red variety originally from Southwest France, now finding a thriving home in the vineyards of Uruguay and southern Italy. Our Tannat-based wines offer a robust, structured mouthfeel and bold, earthy flavors that complement the heartier dishes on our menu.
Rare Wine Grapes
Rarity, in the world of wine, often equates to exceptional quality and a truly one-of-a-kind tasting experience. At Wine Garden Inn, we take pride in sourcing wines made from grape varieties on the verge of extinction, or those found only in the most remote, isolated regions of the world. One such example is the Ribolla Gialla, a golden-hued white grape indigenous to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. With its complex, floral aromatics and rich, textural mouthfeel, our Ribolla Gialla offers a truly unique sensory journey that few have had the opportunity to experience.
Similarly, the Furmint grape, renowned for its role in the production of Hungary’s renowned Tokaji dessert wines, is another rare find in our cellars. Our Furmint-based wines, with their vibrant acidity and captivating minerality, showcase the incredible versatility of this ancient varietal, which can be enjoyed as both a dry and sweet style.
Undiscovered Wine Types
Alongside our collection of unique and rare grape varieties, we also take great delight in introducing our guests to the undiscovered and often overlooked wine styles from around the world. One such example is the traditional-method sparkling wine produced from the Malvasia Nera grape, hailing from the Salento Peninsula of Italy. With its delicate perlage, subtle red fruit notes, and refreshing acidity, this sparkling wine offers a delightful alternative to the more ubiquitous Champagne and Prosecco.
Another rarity in our cellars is the Pétillant-Naturel, or “Pet-Nat,” a lightly effervescent, ancestral-method sparkling wine made without the addition of secondary yeasts or dosage. These unique, often quirky and expressive wines, crafted from a diverse array of grape varieties, provide a captivating glimpse into the world of natural winemaking and the art of capturing the essence of a particular vintage.
Wine Garden Inn’s Cellar Collection
The wines featured in our collection are not mere commodities, but rather the embodiment of the hard work, passion, and innovation of the vintners who dedicate their lives to cultivating and crafting these exceptional beverages. Our cellar is a testament to our commitment to sourcing the finest and most unique wines from around the globe, celebrating the diversity and richness of the viticultural world.
Exclusive Wine Tastings
At Wine Garden Inn, we believe that the true appreciation of wine comes from immersive and educational experiences. That’s why we offer our guests the opportunity to partake in exclusive wine tastings, where they can delve into the stories and techniques behind the unique and rare varietals in our cellar collection. Whether it’s decanting a prized Tannat or exploring the nuances of a little-known Pétillant-Naturel, our knowledgeable and passionate staff are on hand to guide you through the journey, allowing you to uncover the hidden gems of the wine world.
Curated Wine Experiences
But our commitment to wine exploration doesn’t stop at the tasting room. We’ve also designed a series of curated wine experiences that allow our guests to dive even deeper into the world of viticulture. From vineyard tours that showcase the soil acidity and microclimate influences on our estate-grown grapes, to interactive winemaking workshops that reveal the art and science behind the production process, we strive to provide a comprehensive and immersive understanding of the wines we proudly offer.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Discoveries
As you delve into the world of wine at Wine Garden Inn, you’ll quickly discover that some of the most captivating and memorable experiences can be found in the most unexpected places. Take, for example, the small, family-owned winery tucked away in the rolling hills of a little-known region, or the boutique producer creating innovative, natural wines using ancient techniques. These off-the-beaten-path discoveries are the true hidden gems that we love to uncover and share with our guests, expanding their understanding and appreciation of the vast and diverse world of wine.
Underappreciated Wine Regions
While the renowned wine regions of the world, such as Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany, rightfully command the attention of many oenophiles, we find great joy in shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked wine-producing areas that are quietly crafting exceptional, yet underappreciated, wines. From the rugged, coastal vineyards of Cambria, California, to the scenic, mountainous terroirs of southern Illinois, these unsung regions are home to passionate vintners who are redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of viticulture.
Unexpected Wine Flavors
As we explore the vast and diverse world of wine, we’re continually delighted by the unexpected and captivating flavors that emerge from the most unlikely of grape varieties and production methods. Take, for example, the rich, almost savory notes of a well-aged Furmint or the delicate, floral aromas of a lightly oaked Chardonnay. These nuanced, complex flavor profiles challenge our preconceptions and invite us to approach each wine with a fresh perspective, ready to be surprised and enchanted.
Artisanal Wine Producers
At the heart of Wine Garden Inn’s wine program are the small, artisanal producers who pour their hearts and souls into every bottle. These passionate vintners, often working with limited resources and a deep connection to their land, are the true custodians of the unique and rare grape varieties that grace our cellars. By forging relationships with these exceptional producers, we’re able to offer our guests a glimpse into the human stories and the meticulous craftsmanship that go into the creation of these remarkable wines.
Boutique Winery Offerings
Alongside our collection of unique and rare varietals, we also take great pride in showcasing the exceptional offerings from small, boutique wineries around the world. These intimate, family-owned producers often fly under the radar, yet their commitment to quality, authenticity, and a true expression of terroir is unparalleled. From the delicate, mineral-driven Rieslings of the Mosel Valley to the bold, complex Syrahs of the Rhône, these boutique winery gems provide our guests with a truly one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
Specialized Wine Selections
As part of our ongoing efforts to uncover the hidden gems of the wine world, we’re continually expanding our specialized wine selections, catering to the diverse palates and preferences of our guests. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant, food-friendly acidity of an Italian Verdicchio, the rich, velvety mouthfeel of a Malbec from Argentina, or the delicate, ethereal qualities of a Pinot Noir from Oregon, our curated collection ensures that there is always something new and captivating to discover.
At Wine Garden Inn, we believe that the true joy of wine lies in the exploration of the unexpected and the celebration of the unique. By delving into the world of rare, underappreciated, and often misunderstood grape varieties and wine styles, we invite our guests to embark on a sensory journey that will expand their understanding and appreciation of this age-old craft. So come, join us as we uncover the hidden gems of the wine world, one sip at a time.