Hard not to love and always hard to leave, Cornerstone wraps you in its arms and doesn't let go till you're in love with life again - four hundred of my guests (and counting) couldn't be wrong.
As a guide I've watched many-a-customer stroll into this unassuming small-production winery with an uncertain eye and out with an open heart and a few bottles to boot.
So pleasing to see that the Cornerstone family cares as much about fruit-growing and winemaking as they do your experience sipping beneath a willow tree in their grassy side yard. Love robust reds? Try any of their daring cab francs. Prefer lighter? The pinot noir will be your peace. Got you covered for understated whites too like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. Need more wow factor in your life? Guzzle down that Riesling Vidal till you beg for more. Got a sweet tooth with an adventurous palette? Prize-winning peach, apricot and strawberry wines await your taste receptors not to mention your soul. Wanna rock the rest of your world? No worries there as the port wine will report for duty and roll over you with flavor.
Finally. . . (cue music and draw the curtain) save room for their incredible late harvest and ice wines that'll have you applauding for more. . . MORE!
. . . even better than the products is the embrace you'll get from Nina and friends. All the better if you arrive in high spirits and appreciative air.
In a wine country that wholly undervalues the personalities sipping before them, Cornerstone is a breath of fresh humanity - forever eager to listen, teach, share and entertain in equal measure.
Looking forward to my next two hundred visits.