Mystery solved

[Innkeeper]

In our report on last December's trip to California's Central Coarst, we observed extensive new vinyards going in north of Paso Robles. They were on the east side of Highway 101, very extensive, and looked very expensive, complete with underground irrigation, et al.

In his July 5 newsletter, Dan Berger reveals what this is all about. Mom & Pop firm Brown Forman is putting it in for their subsidiary Fetzer Vineyards. A new brand, Five Rivers Ranch, will eventally be wholly produced on this 625 acre vineyard. The wine will be at the $13 price point. They are currently producing Santa Maria Pinot, Monterey Chardonnay & Merlot, and Paso Roble Cabernet with grapes from elsewhere. Distribution currently only in CA, TX, FL, IL, PA, and MA (smaller markets). Has anybody tried it?