By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond wineries represented at the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC). Carica Wines and R&B Cellars—independent wineries operating out of their shared bayside home at Riggers Loft—earned multiple medals at the annual competition, the largest one for North American wines.
According to Carica Wines, its Carica 2014 “Siren” Red Blend, a California version of a classic red wine blend, won double gold in a unanimous win, while its 2017 Mourvèdre, also a red wine, earned a silver medal. For its part, R&B Cellars earned a bronze medal for its 2019 Reprise Roussanne, a Rhone varietal white wine. Approximately 5,700 wines from more than 1,000 wineries were judged at the SFCWC during the 2021 competition, which ended March 5.
Carica’s double gold winner combines three classic types of wine grapes: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, per the winery, which said most of the grapes were brought to Richmond from a sustainably farmed vineyard in Sonoma County’s cool-climate Bennett Valley.
“This versatile red is well-aged and ready for you to enjoy now,” said Carica winemaker Charlie Dollbaum. “I especially like its structure and balance, with plenty of red fruit character.”
Carica Wines and R&B Cellars’ home at Riggers Loft overlooks San Francisco Bay along Richmond’s shoreline and is part of the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park. The establishment is located at 1325 Canal Blvd. in Richmond and is open Thursday through Sunday. Wines crafted by Carica Wines and R&B Cellars, among others, as well as hard cider made by Far West Cider Company can be purchased and enjoyed on Riggers Loft’s scenic, bay-fronting patio or in its tasting room. For more info, click here or call 508-692-8414.
