Many U-turns likely are made to reach the small tasting room, tucked back from the highway in a freestanding building next to a veterinary office interesting coincidence:
Unlike the more rustic surroundings, though, the building is modern, sleek and sophisticated, trimmed in glossy wood floors, shabby chic accent tables and lots of colorful abstract paintings.
Richard is a former Washington alfalfa grower and DuPont sales manager turned winegrower and winemaker; Joelle is in charge of sales and marketing for the winery, following a career as a telecommunications executive.
Richard took over vineyard operations in 2003 and, claiming just a tiny percentage of the grapes for his own use, produced his first commercial Occidental Road Cellars release the following year.
Choosing from blocks of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah, the Prathers focus on small-production estate wine, except for a 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($15) that comes from Bad Rat Ranch Vineyard in Lake County ("We liked the winemaker, and his grapes, so thought, why not?" says Joelle).
Some highlights include a 2009 Pinot Noir from the estate Horseshoe Bend vineyard ($34), and a 2009 Zinfandel from the estate Helen's Ridge Vineyard ($34), named for Joelle's grandmother.
