{Wine Wednesday} Cornell Winery & Tasting Room

{Bodegas Gomez de Malibu 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon} One of the best hidden gems in Agoura is the Cornell Winery & Tasting Room. As I write this, I am fantasizing about my next trip down there. Nestled in the Santa Monica Hills, the Cornell Winery is situated conveniently next to a delicious restaurant, The Old Place. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that you are welcome to purchase a bottle of wine from the Cornell Winery and bring it over with you to enjoy while dining at The Old Place. There are over 50 independent vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains and Cornell Winery is able to offer their customers the emerging vintage wines from local growers and wineries. We chose a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bodegas Gomez de Malibu. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and eager to help us with our selection. They suggested pairing the wine with scrumptious coffee flavored Mexican dark chocolate by Taza. Talk about decadent! We were in heaven! If you're ever in the area, this place is a MUST.

{Pictured above: Process of Double Decanting (have never seen this process before!) The double decanting wine method adds more air to the wine because the wine was exposed to oxygen twice, on the way out of the bottle and on the way back in. This will help aerate and soften a wine.}