Note on 2007 Wines….
The wines of 2007 are very special in that they were produced utilizing the second crop of grapes that grew after most of our vineyards experienced a hard freeze on February 28th that destroyed the initial  crop. Second crop grape bunches are few in number on the vine and intensely flavored at harvest. It was quite a challenge to produce this vintage with the small yields that resulted. Enjoy!

1. - 2007 Donato Family Vineyard Chardonnay – 79 cases produced
Our 2007 Chardonnay is a dramatic taste departure from previous vintages. It was produced with the addition of Semillon in the blend and allowed to develop a  Burgundian character in the finish of this our 4th vintage of Chardonnay from Chavez Vineyards. There is precious little of the wine so grab it up quickly!

2. - 2007 Donato Family Vineyard Fleur – 337 cases Produced
The world is beating a path to our doorstep to purchase this I can’t live without it wine. A custom blend of 60% Zinfandel and 40% Merlot from our Chavez Lake Los Angeles Vineyard, this wine answers all your questions about what to serve with Dinner. Just the right touch of sweetness and acidity make this an easy drinking and enjoyable quaffer. Cool it down and start with a glass while you’re waiting for the Pizza to be delivered.

3. - 2006 Donato Family Vineyard Dolce Rosso – 174 cases Produced
Dolce Rosso is quite the wine. Port you say? Well it’s right up there with bracing alcohol and grapey sweetness. In truth…it’s a rare late harvest Merlot offering that claims natural fermentation with nothing added to the blend. I would put this wine in a category all by itself as a great example of what is possible from truly ripe grapes and constant attention to the winemaking details. If you like wine that is mellow and comforting without any of the harshness of some red wines, this wine is for you.

4. - 2006 Donato Family Vineyard Malbec – 113 cases produced
Malbec is one of the 5 Bordeaux varietals that go to make up the great wines of French Bordeaux. It is also widely planted in Argentina and grows extremely well in the Antelope Valley. Malbec’s main role is as a blender grape to add structure and character to other wines but when it is blended with a little Merlot and Syrah, magical things happen. Rich and complex with a wonderful flavor and complexity. Enjoy this wine anywhere you would drink Cabernet Sauvignon. A big juicy rib eye steak would be a good start.

The year 2003 was a typical warm year in the Antelope Valley with our harvest completed by the second week of October. The grapes we crushed from four different Antelope Valley Vineyards were excellent quality with all of the grape varieties coming into the winery at the desired sugar/acid balance. As a result, we were able to produce wines with huge fruit flavors, spicy American Oak complexity and moderate acidity that is so characteristic of our big Antelope Valley California Wine style.

The 2003 wines  mark an  AV Winery turning point with most of the wines being blends put together to enhance and supplement the varietal character of each wine in the blend. As you taste these wines, try to pick out each grape in the blend. It’s an interesting exercise and one I found to be quite exhausting, but also FUN, as a Winemaker looking for the best blend. I hope you enjoy drinking the 2003 Red Wines  as I did Making and Blending them.

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History
12/2/98
Antelope Valley Winery was founded in 1980 by Cecil and Marcy McLester as McLester Winery. Situated directly under the flight pattern of Los Angeles International Airport, they were well known for their Runway Red and Runway White wines. In 1990 the Winery was purchased by Frank & Cyndee Donato and Cecil McLester was retained as Winemaker. The Winery was moved to Lancaster, California in June of 1991.  Our AV Estate Vineyards are located around the Winery and are planted to Merlot,Sangiovese and Zinfandel. We also purchase from Chavez Vineyards located on the East and West sides of the Antelope Valley to take advantage of the unique Terroir of this exciting new wine growing region. Chavez Vineyard Grape verities range from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscat for the whites to Tempranillo,Malbec,Alacante, Syrah, Shiraz, Zinfandel,Grenache and Merlot for the reds.

Banquet Facilities
6/08/01
In addition to our beautiful Event Gazebo and Park surrounded by vineyards we now have an indoor Banquet Room with a view of the Barrel Room. We can accommodate up to 100 guests. Call Cyndee for information at 661-722-0145.