The distillery.

Alex’s Red Barn is a small homegrown operation, open Saturdays. It is the only legal distillery in Temecula. They offer 4 brandies in addition to a variety of old vine whites and reds. Their 2006 Syrah has no tannins. They became a winery in order to provide a market for their 25 acres of grapes. 

Things I learned at this winery:

Pastis is from the south of France. It is the herbal infusion, with an anise-flavored spirit used in the making of brandy.  

The older the wine, the less the tannins.

Unfiltered wine is more flavorful. If you over filter you sacrifice character.

Brandy = burnt wine.