HammerSky Vineyards

2011-10-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Love is radiant and deeply rooted

like a centuries old oak

Robyn & David~ October 2011

Styled by: Dandelion & Grey

Photography by:Laura Murray

Catering by: Trumpet Vine Catering

Vineyard Weddings at HammerSky

2011-09-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

Our very first wedding ~ Erin & Greg ~ June 2009

Featured in Bride Magazine

Photography by One Love Photo

Catering by Trumpet Vine Catering

Event styling by Dandelion & Grey

Sara & Marty~ October 2009

Featured on Vera Wang

Photography by Allyson Magda

Catering by Chef Charlie

Bekki & Jason ~ May 2010

Photography by Frame 37 Studio
Catering by Catering Unlimited

Kristen & Chris ~ June 2010

Photography by Ben
Catering by ~ Trumpet Vine

2011-09-23T12:07:00.001-07:00

Green Wedding Shoes

2011-09-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you Erin of Dandelion & Grey and Lelia Brewster for putting together this beautiful and sweet wedding. I enjoy working with these lovely brides throughout the year and and so proud when they are featured in the magazines and blogs. Trumpet Vine Catering always puts together an amazing and seamless festival of foods.

Love you guys!

Love is in the air…..A Vineyard Wedding

2011-06-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well summer is finally here. Spring was certainly in air at HammerSky with the love birds bringing smiles all around. Looking forward to a beautifully styled occasion upcoming from my sweet Erin of Dandelion and Grey who is celebrating her 2 year anniversary today. I can not believe it was 2 years ago we were honored to have our 1st wedding at HammerSky. The always yummy Trumpet Vine Catering and our many talented photographers, One Love Photo, Allyson Magda, Chloe at Mike Larson Photography, Keith Dunlop, Sarah Kathleen, Leila & Dandelion & Grey, Carter & Cook , CKris Photography and on and on. xxoo

2011-06-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

America's Coolest Houses

2011-04-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Travel and Leisure Magazine listed 10 cool houses in America you can visit. Hearst Castle in Cambria is one cool house! If you want to visit the castle and enjoy a little wine tasting and a beautiful scenic drive, come visit Paso Robles. HammerSky Vineyards is just a crows fly to Cambria and is located on Vineyard Drive near fabulous boutique wineries. Not to forget about our own cool tasting room. Come visit us at HammerSky Vineyards and Fine Estate Wines.

Ski Mammoth and Stay at Sierra Nevada Lodge

2011-01-31T15:20:00.000-08:00

Winter is still here, fresh snow just fell. We love the Sierra Nevada Lodge in Mammoth. We stayed in Mammoth over Christmas and New Years with great friends and had a beautiful experience. We love new restaurants especially good ones, but i have to say one of our old time favorites that has been renewed is Rafters Restaurant at the Sierra Nevada Lodge. Chef Kerry creates wonderful meals that bring the love and taste of the owners.

ZAP!

2011-01-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

Tickets for all 2011 Zinfandel Festival events on sale now.

We won't be at the ZAP festival this year, but you can order HammerSky Zinfandel 2007' and 2008' online.

Why $35 wines are worth more than $100 wines

2011-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Gray Market Report: Why $35 wines are worth more than $100 wines

It Was a Good Year

2011-01-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2010 was a busy year and time with friends was stretched thin. The past few weeks we finally got to enjoy some down time in New Orleans, Christmas day at HammerSky and New Years at the Sierra Nevada Lodge in Mammoth. We had a great party last night at Rafters Restaurant and now the fresh snow s falling.We got a lot done at the vineyard and we are just about done with the winery. It is a beautiful structure that stands proud on the hilltop nestled in the merlot. Doug will finally have the barrel room and a place for tasting HammerSky wines. Each month they get better and better. We are very proud of local winemaker Justin Smith for making The Saxum James Berry Vineyard the 2010 Wine of the Year and happy to be part of the incredible location and in the company of these great wines and those who make them. Wishing everyone health, happiness and fun in 2011.

Saxum James Berry Vineyard Named Wine of the Year

Paso Robles red blend earns top honors for 2010

Posted: November 17, 2010

Welcome to the world of the Internet, where secrets are hard to keep and spoilers lurk behind every computer screen.

Interest in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 is so intense that one motivated wine lover breached our website, found out the top five wines of the year and posted the information on several wine sites. So in fairness to all our loyal readers and the community of wine lovers in general, we are advancing the official announcement of these wines by two days.

The Saxum James Berry Paso Robles 2007 (98 points, $67) is a distinctive blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah made by Justin Smith, a young and talented rising star in California’s Paso Robles region. For this wine’s classic quality and reasonable price, and its testimony that Paso Robles has earned its place on the world’s wine map, Wine Spectator has selected it as our Wine of the Year for 2010.

Anne Valdespino writes on Fine Wine

2010-12-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

This is the kind of writing we are are so lucky to have out there. Anne took a scene of what just comes natural and put in into words that allowed me to see the experience so differently then I do as the creator. I was able to be a reader with a new found confidence on what wines to serve at the holidays.
Thank you Anne. I look forward to more of your writing.
The GrapeVine

Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

Giving thanks this holiday season is big on my list. We just spent an amazing Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends at HammerSky. The feast was fun and delicious and we enjoyed great wine brought by our guests. I am so happy that past presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln have made this 4th Thursday in November a day of sincere and humble thanks. We are reminded all that we have large or small is really more than we need but given to us to share and enjoy. My best gifts so far this year are the smiles on my family and friends faces. Some pictures of how we decorated our Thanksgiving table. The inspiration started with the candles and thinking of how to make the chairs more comfy.

It's a New Day

2010-05-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

The light at HammerSky Vineyards is always consistently surprising. After a weekend of the Paso Robles Wine Festival festivities, I was walking around the Vineyard inspecting and admiring the new barn, taking in all the beautiful spring flowers in full bloom and the new grape crop just starting out it's next 9 months with us. My guests were watching me pull weeds while they rested and enjoyed their wine. Robin loves the Bordeaux Blend, Luke the Zinfandel and Merlot, oh and the Cabernet. Lisa and I are still the Rose' fans. Doug however has moved on to the barrel sample of 2008' Merlot. I do admit, it is really good. I can't wait to see what he does with it.

Eat Well ~ Savor Life

2010-03-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here. I am welcoming it with open arms. While I love the winter and getting cozy with my favorite D. Bryant Archie blanket (now available at HammerSky) I love the longer days, sweet smell in the air, flowers in bloom, fresh green all around.

The vines have just been pruned in preparation for their new growing season and spring is my new year. I start to exercise more, well at least I try, I plan my new menus that I can begin to test out on my summer guests and parties.

Who knows how this healthcare reform is going to end up... could be the best thing since sliced Wonderbread.

I really don't eat Wonderbread anymore.

I try to teach my family that while we need to be cared for when we are sick we need to take care of ourselves to be healthy. So on that, many of the recipes I will be putting in the Vineyard Pantry are some I hope will help us all with taking care of our health and eating well.

Here's to good friends, good health, good food and good wine!

Good Monday...

2010-01-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful Monday. What a great weekend it was. It's great when you can learn something new each day.
It's fun to learn about wine. I went to Ian Blackburns class wine business 101. I love his space and the location. Everyone there was so interesting and we enjoyed some wine. Ian was kind enough to share the HammerSky Zinfandel with the class. So leaving feeling really inspired and excited to attend and pour at the ZAP festival in San Francisco January29th-31st.
I recommend Ian's website and even more his classes. www.learnaboutwine.com
Just when I thought I could get to work on the barn, I get Ken Spears' blog- this is a can't miss. He talks about wines you can let breath and still hold up. HammerSky Zinfandel! take a look I love this blog www.kenspearsonwine.workpress.com

The Lovliest Vineyard Wedding

2010-01-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

How can I say this is the loveliest vineyard wedding? Well first of all it starts with the lovers. Lovers with a vision can take the simplest space and create something magical.

Erin and Greg had a vision for HammerSky's 1st wedding. They gave me the opportunity to see HammerSky beyond the Farmhouse and beyond the rolling hills of vines and our majestic big oak tree we call Dan. I feel inspired. www.thislovelycity.blogspot.com

Take a look for yourself in the Spring/Summer issue of Brides Southern California available now. Page 120-121 shows just a few photographs from the wedding by the talented photographer Heather Gilson of One Love Photo www.onelovephoto.com . The yummy dinner by Trumpet Vine Catering www.trumpetvinecatering.com

Just a little Christmas Cheer Free Shipping and 20% off HammerSky wine!

2009-12-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a special holiday season. Our family celebrates Christmas and each year this season reminds us to be peaceful and joyful. It would be nice if this feeling lasted the whole year long, but I guess if that were the case we would not recognize things about each of us that our friends find so good in us or that we would like to improve on. Like wine that gets each better each day with proper care, I am reminded my friends and family and myself need that too.

What that in mind and my effort to share a joyful heart we wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah.

To add a little extra joy you can get 2007' HammerSky wines delivered free until the end of the year and everyone can enjoy 20% discounted prices. Including our award winning Zinfandel and our Bordeaux Blend "Party of Four" and even the "Limited Resource" Cabernet.

So spread a little holiday peace, joy and cheer!

The Vineyard Pantry

2009-12-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

Antarctica is the only continent grapevines are not grown. 60 million tons of grapes each year are made into everything from raisins to wine to grappa and even skin care products.

FLATBREAD
with Blue Cheese, Grapes and a touch of love & Honey
1 hour 30 minutes
makes one 13- inch flatbread
1 envelope active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups bread flour, plus more for rolling
3/4 cup warm water
2 teaspoons chopped Rosemary
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 pound red grapes
Coarse salt
3 ounces blue cheese crumbled
1 tablespoon honey
a snippet of any herb you love

Follow directions on yeast packet- with the flour add rosemary, salt & pepper.
Put on a floured surface and knead until smooth- place in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise about 1 hour.
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees, place pizza stone on bottom rack and heat about 30 minutes
flatten to dough to about 13" and place a large floured cardboard or pizza peel so you can slide onto the stone. Press whole grapes into the dough all about and sprinkle with salt.
Bake about 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the grapes have started to release juices.
Sprinkle blue cheese and bake about 2 more minutes, until cheese melts. Slide flatbread out of the oven and drizzle with honey and sprinkle with herbs- slice and serve

Food & Wine 2008

Fall Colors- 100 Point Wine

2009-10-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a view of HammerSky Vineyards from across the road at one of the vineyards where Justin Smith gets his amazing grapes for his Saxum 100 point wine rated by Robert Parker. Imagine that. Saxum is a great wine~ but more than that look at the area where it was born.

Falling behind

2009-10-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a long fast year! I can't believe I have actually had to say goodbye to summer. Fall is officially here ~ in my calendar. I can tell by the color of the leaves at on the vineyard, the treats of frost and harvest. Harvest, Harvest. The Zinfandel survived the big rain, a little of Jack and a summer like wind. Another frost is coming luckily the brix are good and so is the fruit. Not much Cab, but what is there is fantastic.

The La Magazine food and wine event last Sunday was good as ever. I just love that event. So many good chefs and good wine. I loved the Artichoke Guacamole from Beso. And of course the world famous Rich Blade was there~ it just wouldn't be the same without him!

One Kings Lane

2009-07-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Every once in a blue moon totally unexpected someone treats you like a Queen (or King). Well today I was reminded how a small gesture can go a long way and shape ones view. A little gift that reminded me to stay on my on road and do it my way came along totally unexpected from www.onekingslane.com
If your looking for something special, or to toss someone that little thought to shape their world take a look at the website.

By The way, the Rose' is bottled- I know you all are waiting patiently, Doug said the Merlot is delicious and floral- and the Cab is outstanding.
Yes there will be bottle shock, but you can order online now and should be good to drink in about 4 weeks- many years ahead.
Cheers!

June Brides and Marmalade Sunsets

2009-07-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

There is something special about a June Bride. I was married in September, but my parents were married in June. HammerSky's 1st wedding was this past June. The wedding will always be special to us. I hope Erin and Greg feel the same. Looking at the pictures it truly is one beautiful marriage.
We wish all the brides (and grooms) all the best from HammerSky.

Marmalade Sunsets
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Welcome Summer!

2009-06-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of summer- the longest day of the year. It is such a beautiful time to be at the vineyard so what a day to enjoy it. Along with these warm days comes the challenge of shipping our wines- while we keep a close eye on the weather and ship only when it is cool enough you can always pick up a bottle or 2 from your local wine shop. Rolfs, Howes, California Taste in Laguna Beach and Laguna Nigel, The Wine Gallery and others.

HammerSky "Open Invitation" blend and "Reserve" 100% Zin were just awarded bronze medals at the OC Fair. So far we are 3 for 3! The Rose' which sold out last year also won an International Bronze. A few new wines being released soon, the are listed on our website.

It's a perfect day to take a nice evening stroll sipping a nice glass of wine...

Paso Robles Annual Wine Festival

2009-05-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Come join us May 15-17th for the Paso Robles Wine Festival. New releases to taste and enjoy. The weather should be perfect!

Performing Arts against AIDS

2009-05-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

Chris Kenney I Associate Director I Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS
A fundraising program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

165 West 46th Street, Suite 1310

New York, NY 10036

212.997.7717

www.classicalaction.org

Upcoming Events

Paso Robles Wine Festival & who has HammerSky

2009-05-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Visit us May 15th for the annual Paso Robles Wine Festival. HammerSky is fun and relaxing to hang about and we will be releasing a few new wines.

Also, thanks to California Taste, Wine Gallery and Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for carrying HammerSky wine!

HammerSky History and Amazing Families

2009-04-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Doug, Kim and sons,

now that we are back in Germany and are finally getting back to normal sleeping times, we want to thank you again for your hospitality on Easter Sunday afternoon. As we drove up to the farm from Pismo Beach, we had no idea what we should expect. As we saw the cars on the lot, we were uncertain, if we should not just turn around and drive on to Cambria for the night. I am very glad that we stopped and meet you both and your parents, Kim. We have good memories of that short visit with you and your guests. It was a great pleasure to see how nicely you have remodelled and furnished the old farm house. My congratulations on the results of all of your time and spent money. It looks beautiful now. My wife and I really enjoyed the bottle of wine that you gave to us. Normally my wife only drinks one sip and does not like the taste of wine, even when we buy good wine in a special shop. Your wine tasted so good, that she was sad, that we did not buy several bottles of it from you. Next time we will act immediately.That combination of Zinfandel and Merlot was excellent.

As we were there we told you about the italian cyprus trees, that my grandfather sold to William Randolph Hearst for his castle.
at San Simeon. We visited the castle last Monday and saw the trees above the outdoor roman swimming pool. In the art museum we found a picture of one tree on a truck as it was being driven up to the castle. It gives you an idea how large the trees were as they dug them out. If I remember correctly, my dad said that it took a group of workers about a week to dig one tree out. Then they had to get it on the truck and drive for a whole day to get it over to the castle grounds. If I counted correctly, six trees are standing above the pool near the main entrance to the castle. I send some pictures along, so that you can get an idea how they look now.

"Open Invitation" and Orin Swift

2009-04-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Not so many postings lately, we have been pretty busy at HammerSky pouring "Open Invitation" our beautiful blend and "Reserve" the 100% Zin both estate grown. We have have great responses and many 2nd orders coming in- Thank you for your support and we are happy you like the wine! Thanks Rich Hartenberger at Midnight Cellars....

We just found out winemaker Orin Swift is just releasing a blend just like Open Invitation, it's nice to be on the same wine road as Orin Swift!

Our online order form is up and running great- so if you would like to order a bottle or 12 go to our website www.hammersky.com and order there.
or you can always email me at info@hammersky.com

Cheers!
Kim

The American Wine Blog Awards

2009-03-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

The American Wine Blog Awards announced it's winners for best wine blogs- congratulations to Vinography , Fermentation.typepad , The Good Grape , The Wine Collector , Bigger Than Your Head and Benchland.

Open Invitation

2009-02-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

Now available for March 1st shipping- HammerSky "Open Invitation" and "Reserve"

Wine Lovers and Lovers Wine

2009-02-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

Just thinking about my lover and how to celebrate tradition of Valentines day. Usually it's a romantic dinner and one of my favorite wines I have been holding for a special occasion, chocolate fondue for the kids, yes kids! What better way to celebrate the one I love with the ones I love.

Wine and chocolate- what could be better. The darker and richer the chocolate the better with red wines. Softer chocolates are nice with champagne. Well what timing that HammerSky Reserve and open Invitation are being bottled as I write. Though we love a great Cab, (coming in June) Merlot and Zin happen to be a nicer match with chocolate. So I can't wait for Valentines day. I'll pass on the jewelry and even the champagne this year and enjoy a beautiful glass or 2 of "Open Invitation".

Pre Release

2009-02-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

We are just beginning to send out announcements of pre release info for "Open Invitation" and HammerSky Estate "Reserve". If you are not on our list or would like and order form please inquire at info@hammersky.com.
This release will be available for tasting at the ZinFest and is limited to 300 cases.

Paso Robles ZinFest March 20th-22nd

2009-01-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

We are preparing for our first ZinFest and it is going to be fantastic. We will be featuring "HammerSky Reserve" and "Open Invitation" and both are really good!

It's an open invitation to all visitors so stop by and say hello.

Cuban flavors will be served along with grilled pizza. Relax and enjoy spectacular collectable "Cuba" photography by Merrick Morton. We will have HammerSky Inn open for touring and a Cigar Roller on hand if you like. Sit and relax a while. $10.00

We will also be offering 20% discount and free shipping on case purchases this weekend only.
Guests will also be entered into our drawing for a free, yes free 3 night stay at HammerSky. That's a $1700. value but priceless.

75 cases of "HammerSky Reserve" $38.00 and 125 cases of "Open Invitation" $28.00 available 07' vintage.

It's always an open invitation at HammerSky!

Paso Robles ZinFest

2009-01-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

ZinFest is fast approaching. Just a few sites to check out to make your visit enjoyable.
Pasowine for events and schedules, gogrape for the Grapeline transportation, Paso Robles Vacation Rentals and Wineries of Paso Robles for places to stay. We are booked for the festival.

We will be open for tasting festival days and will be serving small bites along with great music and a fun place to hang for a bit. We will also be offering a 20% case discount or free shipping for purchases made that day.

We will also have our award winning Rose' available.

ZinFest Paso Robles 2009

2009-01-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

This years annual Paso Robles ZinFest will be March 19th-22nd. Most exciting of all we will have our 1st release of 1 or 2 wines! 07' vintage. Check out www.pasoroblesvacationrentals.com or www.pasowine.com for info and places to stay. We will be open for tasting, and will have chefs on site as well as an atmosphere to relax and enjoy some wine, friends and art.

Stay tuned for pre-release invites in case you can not make it to ZinFest. We will have about 100 cases available of the estate wine and 100 cases of a blend. So far barrel tastings have been excellent!
Cheers!

Rose'

2008-12-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a beautiful holiday.

Thanks for enjoying our Rose' I guess the merlot is the secret!

Animal, Two Dudes Catering- Two Dudes, One Pan!

2008-10-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jon, pictures and video from Los Angeles Magazine- The Food Event 2008 to be posted soon........Well I thought we would have a picture on the Los Angeles Mag webpage, we were the most popular Rose`, but I guess since the Malibu Family Winery sponsored the event theirs got the front row! It was a fun event and you can take a look at the photo album we made.

Thanks Robin!

Los Angeles Magazine :The Food Event 08' from the Vine

2008-10-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

It was a great day. The event had a great turnout. It was our 1st event of this calibur for charity.
Th

A great wine starts with great fruit

2008-10-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you Staci for this stunning photo of HammerSky just picked fruit.

HammerSky Summer 2008'

2008-10-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

This past summer at HammerSky Vineyards turned out to be just what we imagined Paso Robles wine country to be. Friends coming and going, blending out 2007' red varietals of cabernet, merlot, cab Franc and Zinfandel, relaxing in the warm dry air with the rolling hills and old oaks as our backdrop. HammerSky wine looks promising! We even ventured 20 minutes down the road to visit Hearst Castle and Cambria. We stole a day planned for decision making and made our way to the lake. Rented a boat and enjoyed a fun day of boating and a yummy picnic.