Big Wig Winery Ram's Gate Readies for September Opening

One of the more notable current wine country news bits is the forthcoming Ram's Gate Winery, a new project from Jeff O’Neill due out in September. Take a first look at its unopened, newly built tasting room here. The 22,000-square-foot winery is currently being constructed in a former barn on the old Roche Winery site, just across from the Infineon Raceway. Big names are involved. The designer is recent Robb Report top-tenner Orlando Diaz, who did Masa's demure decor. Screaming Eagle and Meadowood Resort architect Howard Backen is creating the structure, complete with open-air courtyard, grand tasting pavilion, open kitchen, fireside lounge, tasting suites and an underground dining alcove next to the barrel storage.

This segues quite nicely to the food at said winery. Yes, there will be a relatively prominent food program overseen by former Delfina chef Jason Rose. He'll lead on-site chef demos, private wine and "farm-to-table" food pairings, tasting menus and even hands-on cooking classes.

Head winemaker Jeff Gaffner was on the team that created Wine Spectator Magazine's 1999 Wine of the Year. Apparently a range of estate and single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will be available when the winery opens in September, along with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and sparkling wine.

· Inside Scoop, 4th item [Chron]