Moonstruck by Moonstone

By Tyler Whiteside

It’s hard to put into words just how breathtakingly beautiful Trinidad really is. It’s a place that, for most of us, is just out of financial reach. We’ve probably all thought about how nice it would be to have a little get-away there only to be brought back to reality by the incessant bills that pull that dream further and further away. Even by Humboldt standards, it stands out as a destination location, whether it’s to take the dogs to the beach so they can frolic in the sand, or to watch the sun fall into the Pacific with a glass of wine crafted within walking distance of the ocean. If there is a more worthy panorama to toast with a glass of red, I still haven’t found it.

I met up with Don Bremm at his wonderful winery to find him “punching down” large, half ton vats of grapes recently purchased from growers to the south, where growing conditions are much more favorable than the cool, foggy days here on the sea. He repeats this process every 3 to 4 hours, letting the yeast work its magic on the wonderful witch’s brew of red nectar.  It’s a process Bremm and his partner, Sharon Hanks, have been perfecting at their Trinidad winery since 2001 when they began commercially producing wines. They applied for permits in 2002 and, after laboring on the winery building for another year and a half, they became licensed in 2005 to begin selling their magnificent wine. The list of wines they now produce is extensive, almost as extensive as the list of awards they’ve captured throughout the country, from California to New York. Specializing in hearty, full-bodied, rich-flavored red varietals, present and future offerings include Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel and Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet franc, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Carignane, Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Pinotage and three blends: Rhone-style, Bordeaux-style and Super Tuscan-style blends. Zinfandel and Souzao ports along with a crisp but smooth, lightly oaked Chardonnay are also available in addition to the red varietals. All red wines are aged in French and American oak for 22 to 36 months before bottling and then bottle aged an additional 6 months prior to release.

In need of a more convenient location to showcase their product, Bremm and Hanks took over the small building at 529 Trinity Street that once housed the Trinidad museum, converting its warm, wooden interior into a spot where locals and tourists alike converge to sample Moonstone’s amazing wines and to admire the talent of many resident artists. With their wonderful winery, Don and Sharon have truly given us another reason to visit Trinidad.  It’s a place that fits into its landscape like a glove. To them, I raise my glass and offer a toast of thanks for all their hard work, and you should too.
529 Trinity St., Trinidad

For Appointments call 707 845-5492

Summer Hours:

Wednesday thru Monday – 12 to 6 pm or by appt.

Winter Hours:

Thursday – 4 to 7pm

Friday thru Sunday – 12 to 6 pm or by appt.