LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Saturday, Oct. 19, marked Six Sigma Ranch & Winery’s second annual “Flight Night,” which is the ranch’s most formal event of the year.

The event was held in the massive underground cellar that serves as the foundation and first phase of the new visitor center situated in the center of the 4300-acre ranch.

The enormous cellar was converted into an intimate, candle-lit dining paradise where strings of lights softly illuminated the interior.

“Flight Night II” also marked the highly anticipated new release of the 2009 Tempranillo.

This vintage scored an impressive 91 points when reviewed by Wine Enthusiast Magazine this past summer.

Tempranillo, which is the King of Spanish grapes, is considered Six Sigma’s flagship wine ever since Steve Heimoff with Wine Enthusiast named the 2005 vintage as the “Best in California.”

The event sold-out two months prior.

The release of the 2009 Tempranillo was a highlight, but it was only one of the 12 wines poured for the evening.

Seventy-five guests, consisting mainly of Six Sigma wine club members, were treated to four different flights of wine, plus a four-course dinner prepared by “Ranch Chef” Mark Linback.

A flight of wine, also known as a vertical, is a tasting of consecutive years of the same variety, for example: 2010, 2011 and 2012 Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Matt Hughes walked the guests through flights of Sauvignon Blanc, Cuvée (meaning “blend” in French), Pinot Noir and Tempranillo, while listening to the music of local artist Michael Barrish.

“It feels rewarding to not only give our guests a memorable dinner,” stated owner Kaj Ahlmann, “but an educational experience as well.”

Following dinner, guests had the opportunity to purchase and take home the same flights they experienced throughout the event.

The showcase package was a 6-bottle set of 2005-2010 Tempranillo, only available this holiday season.

As the evening concluded guests exited the cellar to a beautifully moon-lit Lake County night.

Visit Six Sigma Ranch to try the new Tempranillo. Six Sigma Ranch & Winery is located at 13372 Spruce Grove Road and is open for tasting every day from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit the ranch online at www.sixsigmaranch.com .