The Experience September 2020 Selections Aleatico: dry, perfumed white wine rich with color. This wine is only made in two places in the world: Italy and Hudson Ranch with only a handful of cases produced. Great for the holiday table and offers a richness suitable for cooler weather. Laughing Lands Merlot: Bold with eucalyptus, spiceContinue reading “Hudson Ranch Winery”
Category Archives: Sonoma
J Vineyards and Winery – Russian River
Although I used to sell J Vineyard wines and have done a couple different tastings and tours here, this by far was the most special – a true guest experience in all its cheese and food pairing glory thanks to renown Chef Carl Shelton. Trade hospitality is always so fun and educational but this timeContinue reading “J Vineyards and Winery – Russian River”
Francis Ford Coppola Winery – Sonoma
Built for either the ultimate family experience in wine country or a pool-side cabin trip with your girlfriends, Francis Ford Coppola Winery has more to offer than I even realized. All together the estate boasts a full day’s worth of activities with an endless array of wines – stylistically – to suit anyone’s personal preferences.Continue reading “Francis Ford Coppola Winery – Sonoma”
Larson Family Winery, Carneros
A leader in the “Dog & Family Friendly” winery category, Larson Family is the perfect place to spend an afternoon without even having to think about a next stop. After you arrive and settle in it’s so easy to forget about the time and as the hours pass you’ll have an array of experiences youContinue reading “Larson Family Winery, Carneros”
Gloria Ferrer, Carneros AVA
Back to Carneros! We actually arrived at the perfect time for viewers of this blog to see exactly why Carneros is just right for Pinot and Chard. Enter #KarltheFog. Being a San Franciscan we all know Karl, but wino’s forget that he is what makes these grapes maintain their acidity throughout the growing season. ExactlyContinue reading “Gloria Ferrer, Carneros AVA”
Dry Creek Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
I’m not gonna lie, I used to sell these wines in San Francisco but when I continue to come back to this winery time and time again, even when I don’t have to, you know it must be one of my favorites! Hospitality to boot. THE AVA Dry Creek Valley AVA (American Viticulture Area)Continue reading “Dry Creek Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley”
Petroni Vineyards, Moon Mountain AVA
Where the Old World meets the New…. The winery known as the “Little Known Secret” lies just east up the mountain from Sonoma Hwy and marked by an American and Italian flag you can’t miss. Moon Mountain is also a brand spanking new AVA in the heart of Sonoma County. As we pulled upContinue reading “Petroni Vineyards, Moon Mountain AVA”
Aonair, Conn Valley
Since you’re ALL probably asking the same question, it’s pronounced ā-ō-nair. Gaelic for one man, it reflects the hands-on nature of winemaking and the cohesive nature of one man’s vision, the vision of Grant Long Jr. When I knew I was headed in this direction and going to be legitimately in the mountains of Napa IContinue reading “Aonair, Conn Valley”
Matanzas Creek, Bennett Valley
I found myself at this winery when I was leaving downtown Santa Rosa, not far from the 101 but still a windy little adventure. You’ll be led to a magical place surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides, this enchanting feeling you’re entering a storybook setting. Bennett Valley is one of the most romantic AVA’sContinue reading “Matanzas Creek, Bennett Valley”
Artesa, Napa
Artesa is a great stop, again as you’re heading north into wine country. A solid good day and a day I do often is a big brunch at Boonfly Cafe (order the BLTE, to DIE for), Domaine Carneros, Saintsbury and Artesa. They’re all in close enough proximity to require less drive time and each have theirContinue reading “Artesa, Napa”