‘Corner’ location
Lloyd Davis, with members of his team and the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open Corner 103, a Sonoma Tasting Experience, at 103 W. Napa St.
The former owner of Viansa Winery, Davis said the new venture will offer high-end, seated, educational tastings.
Lloyd took control of Viansa Winery in 2008 and is credited with its successful operational and financial turnaround. During his leadership, Viansa wines won over 400 wine competition medals, many for “Best in Class.”
Turning his eyes to building his own wine brand from the ground up and recognizing that most people are intimidated by wine, Lloyd established Corner 103, which draws its name from the location and address of the tasting room.
“It’s been a very long process, but I am excited to open Corner 103” he said. “I put the final touches on the interior of the tasting room, which looks amazing and know my guests will enjoy their experience with me,”
Corner 103 is all about creating a unique experience where wine is explored and discussed in a relaxed and fun environment, Davis said.
Guests will taste seven wines in a seated environment designed for wine tasting. There will be no more than 10 guests at a time. Each limited production wine will come from a different AVA of Sonoma County that showcases the varietal as well as the AVA. There will be a Rose Sparkling wine from Carneros, a Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, a Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, a Merlot from Alexander Valley, a Red Blend from various Sonoma AVA’s, a Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, a Cabernet Sauvignon form Sonoma Valley, and a Petit Verdot (wine club exclusive) from Rockpile.
Lloyd said he is committed to making Corner 103 a “must visit” for all wine lovers, whether expert or novice, coming to Sonoma Valley. During this experience, guests will explore each of the seven AVA’s and learn what varietals grow best there. They will understand how soil conditions, weather and vineyard location will affect the flavor characteristics of the grape.
In addition, they will learn how to taste wine, what type of glass it should be served in, why a glass makes a difference, the correct temperature in which it should be served and how wine and food work together to bring out distinct flavor characteristics.
By the end of this tasting experience, guests will be relaxed, smiling and able to impress their friends with the wealth of their wine knowledge, Davis said.
Corner 103’s wines range from $35 to $60, with tastings priced at $40 for the 90 minute, seven wine experience. All wines will be exclusively available in the tasting room, on the website and can be shipped to 42 states.
Photo Credit: Laurie Decker
