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Into The Grape Unknown: The Hidden Bounty of California Wine Country

By Jerod Gunsberg Esq.

Great Wines from Anderson ValleyWe all have those friends. The ones who go off on a wine trip to some obscure winery in California and return with tales of glory: huddling in a drafty barrel room while a grape-stained vintner dips a siphon into a puncheon, doling out a few precious drips of next year’s release that nobody else has tasted yet. Or the spontaneous vineyard tour where perfectly ripened Syrah grapes are sampled right off the vine. Or how an unlikely kindred spirit in a tasting room begets the appearance of a rare bottle from the library to be enjoyed with new friends…on the house of course.

Want to be those friends? Want a meaningful wine experience where you can really get a sense of place and time? There is a map for this.

FIND THE WINE REGION LESS TRAVELED.

Everyone knows there are world class wines are produced in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, but competing with wine-fan filled limos for a tiny piece of real estate at the tasting bar, and spending $100 per flight for the privilege, might not be the intimate experience you are seeking.  Instead of Napa Valley (or even Sonoma County), check out the Rhone style varietals on the west side of Paso Robles and then head over to Tin City in Templeton or the Wine Ghetto in Lompoc.  In these less obvious locales, you will find mad scientists in warehouses and garages making everything from Pinot Gris to Petite Sirah.  Like Pinot Noir? Spend a few days in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley. Zinfandel your thing? Head to the Sierra Foothills.  What all of these regions have in common is a smaller, quieter, more personal experience waiting for you to enjoy. You will not be given the hard sell on a wine club. In fact, many of the producers you find will have such limited inventory that you will have to ask them nicely to get on the list.

Great Mendocino Wines

FIND YOUR WINE STORY.

Whether it is the story of the land, the people, or the way the wine is produced, a great winery experience means a great story. Sure the story is meaningless if you don’t like what is in the glass. But there is plenty of great wine out there with great stories. Find the story that reaches you. You will know it when you find it.  If you have time, the best thing you can do is head up to a region and just spend a few days exploring. Once you find one winery you connect with, ask the operators at the winery for other producers worth checking out. My favorite wineries are ones that I learned about from the winemakers themselves.

Go beyond the big wine websites for information. Each of the regions I mentioned has hub websites that describe the history of the region and include discussions of different wineries. There are also bloggers out there who dedicate themselves to writing about California sub-regions. Go down the search engine rabbit hole. Utilize social media. Go to your favorite local wine store and ask them to help steer you in a direction.

Excellent Anderson Valley Wines

NOW SEND THE WINERY AN EMAIL OR GIVE THEM A CALL.

If they have tasting room hours, you can just show up. But depending on the time of year, a lot of the small producers sell out of wine.  Get in touch. Explain how you have learned about them, how you are just in town for a short time and would like to stop by. Give a little backstory as to how you found them, what you found interesting.  Keep in mind that post-harvest in mid to late fall is often a good time to go. This is when wineries are involved in the making of wine: punchdowns, pour overs, lees stirring and all that other fun wine nerd stuff.

YOU ARE GOING THERE TO LEARN. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE AN EXPERT.

The small winery experience is one of the best ways to learn about wine. There is no need to feel intimidated or insufficiently informed – that is what these experiences are for. When you find the right place they will be happy to talk you through it.  Relax, enjoy, be curious and ask questions. Nobody knows “everything” about wine, it is an endless learning process. That is the fun part.

Wine is like anything else in life, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Spend your time, do some research, explore a small wine region, and at some point you will leave with the same great experiences your show-off wine friends always go on about.

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A Toast to B&B’s in Napa Valley Wine Country

By Stef Schwalb

By now everyone who knows anything about wine, or has any interest, knows that Napa Valley is synonymous with some of the world’s best. There are plenty of award-wining wineries that offer tastings, tours, and more, and you’ll also find several luxurious inns within their midst. Here are a handful of options to inspire your palate’s desires.

Top Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast -Churchill Manor Bed and Breakfast

Ideally located just a block away from historic Downtown Napa, Churchill Manor Bed and Breakfast boasts lavish guest rooms that are aptly named after Napa Valley’s wine growing regions, which were painted on each door by a local artist. Each room reflects the sophistication and grace of this 1889 mansion, while incorporating the best of modern amenities. Every morning guests can indulge in a delectable breakfast in the sunroom or its attached veranda, which features beautiful views of the gardens. The menu includes the freshest ingredients, bought locally and organic when possible. In the evening, guests enjoy a two-hour wine and appetizer reception, which features Napa Valley and other specialty wines along with appetizers including domestic and imported cheeses – but the thrills don’t end there. “We have so many exciting new developments in Napa to look forward to this summer,” reveals innkeeper Joanna Guidotti. “After a day of wine tasting, our guests will be able to stroll up the street to the Napa Valley Opera House where Blue Note from New York will be opening a jazz dinner club.” During the day, they will also be able to attend cooking demonstrations and everything food at the newly acquired Culinary Institute of America, which has just taken over the former COPIA food and wine complex. “And, my personal favorite,” adds Joanna, “our guests will be able to walk or bicycle off-road on the newly created 12.5-mile stretch  of the Napa Valley Vine Trail as it winds from South Napa to Yountville. Eventually, the Trail will extend from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal for 47 miles to Calistoga.” Guests of Churchill Manor will have all of this within walking distance of the inn with complimentary tandem bikes also available for use.

Best B&B - Napa Valley Inn on Randolph

Originally a 19th-century estate, the renovated Inn on Randolph is a special destination that seamlessly combines the best amenities of a modern Napa bed and breakfast with the property’s celebrated roots. Guests have the choice of staying in one of five luxurious guestrooms in the historic 1860’s main inn, or opt for one of five spacious private cottages complete with sumptuous in-room amenities such as air spa tubs, heated tile floors and beautiful fireplaces. The inn also features multiple beautifully landscaped gardens and hideaways, which include not only colorful floral and fauna but also ingredients that the chef uses daily for his special gourmet gluten-free breakfasts; stone paths ideal for a relaxing stroll; a revitalizing Spa Room for private treatments; and the enticing Cabernet Room for private events, a beautiful space where spa treatments take place too. No matter which accommodations you choose, personal touches and amenities abound. Most importantly, guests are just steps away from everything they came to Napa to experience including top-notch restaurants, wine tasting, outdoor adventures, the river promenade, music, and more. For those seeking local insight, the staff at Inn on Randolph is happy to share their expertise and experience about the area and wineries that you won’t want to miss. “HALL wines not only produces some of the best wines in the region, but they also provide a truly gorgeous tasting experience in their modern tasting building,” reveals manager Carlisle Engelhardt. “Other current favorites of ours include Alpha Omega and Round Pond, both of which are stunning experiences surrounded by gorgeous scenery. In downtown Napa, Vintners Collective is a must-visit to taste sumptuous small batch wines you won’t find anywhere else.”

B&B - Best Bed and Breakfast Napa Valley Candlelight Inn Napa Valley

Candlelight Inn Napa Valley rests on a tributary of the Napa River, on the border of Sonoma and Napa at the gateway to the Los Carneros wine region. This romantic rendezvous is complete within a park-like setting including swimming  pool, outdoor patios, and redwood grove . The cozy accommodations have their own eclectic style offering guests plenty of comfort. A homemade three-course gourmet breakfast starts the day in the relaxed environment of the light-filled breakfast room. In the evening, guests can return to the inn to indulge in complimentary wine and snacks, or enjoy a couples massage in the privacy of their room, before departing to explore the  local culinary scene. “The connection between wine and the table in Napa has never been as focused as it is now, with prime vineyard land sharing the spotlight with small, sustainably-farmed gardens whose produce is jettisoned directly from ground to local tables and accompanied by their pedigreed vinous counterparts,” says innkeeper Sam Neft. “Candlelight Inn Napa has always understood the relationship between the Napa Valley and its wine. We’re locally owned and over the years have developed long-standing relationships with  wineries of Napa and Sonoma. Year after year we connect guests with their ideal Napa Wine experience, whether it’s glamorous or down-to-earth, extravagant or cost-efficient. Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than knowing we’ve assisted guests in accomplishing their ideal Napa adventure, whatever that may be, it’s our pleasure to help. There’s never been more to do in Napa than now, as the number of excellent restaurants, wineries and breweries continue to multiply, all in the timeless setting of the Napa Valley.”

B&B’s with Award-Winning Wine Lists

By Stef Schwalb

Wine Spectator is one of the wine industry’s most respected publications, and restaurants that receive its coveted Award of Excellence and Best of Award of Excellence are properties that offer top-notch culinary experiences. The Award of Excellence recognizes wine lists with unique selections that are appropriate to their cuisine and enticing to a vast range of wine lovers. At least 90 wines are required for consideration. Lists are reviewed for accuracy; must include vintages and appellations; and be impressive in overall presentation. The Best of Award of Excellence was designed to give special recognition to restaurants that push the envelope even further. These lists typically offer 350 wines or more. Along with exceptional presentation, they also display either vintage depth, with numerous vertical offerings of top wines, or distinct breadth across several regions. Here are three inns who made the cut in 2015, and some insight into what makes them so special.

Top B&B

The spirit of Provence surrounds guests stateside at the lavish L’Auberge Provencale Bed & Breakfast in White Post, VA. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, this quintessential French Country inn is just an hour from the DC beltway, but staying here feels as though you have been transplanted to a fabulous French countryside escape. The authentic Provençale-style experience combines gracious service coupled with refined, well-appointed rooms and suites with modern luxury amenities. The essence of Provence is apparent throughout the property from the food, gardens, and decor, to the pastoral countryside views and surroundings. Framed by the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, the inn offers guests plenty of opportunities to relax with wine in hand or enjoy area activities including antiquing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, golfing, canoeing or ballooning. In the morning, guests savor the signature gourmet breakfast served in the sunny peach dining room. While in the evenings, they indulge in the award-winning cuisine and wine list at La Table Provencale, a farm-to-table restaurant that features an innovate menu with the freshest seasonal ingredients. There are more than 1,100 different selections, with a heavy emphasis on French and American wines. There is also a smaller selection of fine, well sought-after wines from Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Austria, Lebanon, Argentina and Germany. The inn is also active in promoting Virginia wines and has its own sommelier onsite. The cellar encompasses more than 7,000 bottles and continues to expand daily, and the restaurant hosts monthly wine dinners with top Virginia producers and winemakers from around the globe. For the past 10 years, L’Auberge Provencale has received the Best of Award of Excellence for its wine strengths in Burgundy, and California selections, which are paired at the restaurant with Modern French cuisine.

Top B&B

Nestled in the spectacular Adirondacks Mountains overlooking a small pristine lake, the exquisite Friends Lake Inn in Chestertown, NY  is a boutique hotel that seamlessly unites luxurious accommodations in an idyllic, bucolic country setting. Its location is central to the best of the Empire State, conveniently situated just 30 minutes north of Lake George, 1 ½ hours north of Albany, 3 ½ hours north of New York City, and 1 hour south of Lake Placid. This historic inn was constructed in the 1860s and has relished a 100-year tradition of fine cuisine and exceptional hospitality. Known as a popular retreat for relaxation and tranquility, Friends Lake Inn has been restored to maintain its original beauty and peaceful refinement. There are 17 guestrooms onsite, many featuring king-size beds with luxury linens, Jacuzzi tubs, lake views, wood-burning fireplaces, private bathrooms, entrances and porches. Guests revel in the breathtaking waterside surroundings of the property where they can swim, canoe, kayak or fish. They can also opt to lounge at the outdoor heated pool in warmer months and take advantage of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the inn’s trails at its own Snowshoe Center when it gets colder. Nearby area attractions include downhill skiing, cross country-skiing, whitewater rafting, golfing, hiking, antiquing and much more. Friends Lake Inn’s highly acclaimed, award-winning restaurant of DiRoNA distinction, tantalizes wine lovers with innovative New American cuisine complemented by a superior wine collection, served in the rustic sophistication and warmth of its 19th-century dining room. There is also an in-house sommelier onsite. Friends Lake Inn received the Best of Award of Excellence for its wine strengths in France, Italy, and California selections, which are paired at the restaurant with New American cuisine.

Top B&B

Located in Middleburg, VA, the gorgeous Goodstone Inn & Restaurant  is a lavish 18th-century country estate and award-winning gourmet restaurant conveniently nestled in the heart of the Old Dominion’s wine and hunt country. Situated on 265 sprawling acres of rolling hills and breathtaking surroundings, guests enjoy luxurious accommodations coupled with top-notch dining and service. This historic property includes five-star quality lodging in six unique structures: The Carriage House (main building), The Dutch Cottage, The French Farm Cottage, The Spring House, The Manor House and The Bull Barn. The candlelit Wine Cellar Dining Room is lined with more than 1,500 bottles of fine wine hailing from around the globe. Guests to Goodstone also enjoy a full-service bar, an elegant spa, a unique outdoor pool, walking and hiking trails, stables for boarding guests’ horses, mountain biking, canoeing and excellent shopping in the quaint town of Middleburg. The Restaurant at Goodstone features state-of-the-art, seasonally-inspired cuisine with a farm-to-table focus. The menu offers French Country cuisine and showcases the freshest of vegetables, herbs, micro greens, eggs and lamb from the Farm at Goodstone as well as other local farms. There is a sommelier onsite, and special wine dinners are often held here, designed to highlight a particular wine region or producer. An impressive series of courses are created to complement the featured wines. The wine list encompasses approximately 400 selections from a dozen countries, in addition to more than 30 selections from local Virginia wineries. All of the wines on the wine list are available for purchase through the Goodstone Retail Wine Club and may be picked up onsite. Goodstone Inn & Restaurant received the Award of Excellence for its wine strengths in international, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and California selections, which are paired with Classic French cuisine.

Sip in the Lone Star State: A Tantalizing Trip to Texas Wine Country Inns

By Stef Schwalb

October is Texas Wine Month, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a bounty of luxurious B&B’s located in wine country. With over 45 wineries in the Lone Star state, scattered across the expanse of some spectacular scenery, wine lovers will encounter varying terroir and winemaking styles throughout the region. And because everything is bigger in Texas, the industry is steadfastly becoming bolder, which means the wine is only getting better!

Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast

Located in beautiful Brownwood, TX on two wine trails – the Way Out Wineries and Texas Hill Country – Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast offers wine lovers access to all of the action. The inn’s spacious and private cottages make for a comfortable environment in this idyllic setting, which is conveniently situated near the peaceful and secluded Lake Brownwood. Here guests can appreciate the native wildlife and breathtaking landscapes that encompass the property. Each cottage is uniquely appointed and features its own bath, Wi-Fi, small refrigerator, candles, and outdoor hot tubs. Select accommodations also include soaking tubs. A delicious hot breakfast is delivered every morning and can be savored before exploring the region’s numerous activities and attractions. Among the local wineries innkeeper Debbie Morelock recommends include Wedding Oak Winery in San Saba (the Harmony Ridge red is favorite, and the Albariño took home Best Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition!); and the award-winning Brennan Vineyard in Comanche, which brought home two Double Golds from the San Francisco International Wine Competition for their Mourvèdre Rosé and Tempranillo. They are the first ever Texas winery to achieve that, providing further proof that Texas wine is on the move.

Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast

Situated on the edge of Texas Hill Country, Morning Glory House B&B in Christoval, TX provides guests with a perfect riverside escape for wine lovers in its serene and secluded lodging. Constructed in 2002, this two-story cottage resides right above the South Concho River’s edge and sleeps up to four people. (Additional lodging is available in the Bunk House for up to six people.) Amenities range from plush, cozy decor and air conditioning to Wi-Fi, satellite TV, VCR/DVD, and BBQ grills. Foodies favor a bounty of breakfast delights to enjoy on your own schedule including country fresh eggs, sausage, seasonal fruit, cheeses, bagels, sweetbreads, and assorted beverages. There is also a plentiful supply of dry cereals, oatmeal, sweet rolls, and snack bars. From the wrap-around porch and outdoor seating areas, visitors take in spectacular views of the river along with exquisite surroundings where wildlife abounds. In warmer months, they also enjoy canoeing, fishing, and tubing. Just 15 miles south of San Angelo, short trips can be taken year-round to nearby attractions along the Texas Forts Trail and more. Christoval Winery, the inn’s next-door neighbor, is celebrated for its Tempranillo, Vermentino, Riesling, and Mourvèdre. This year the winery won a gold medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York for its Angelo Red blend. A favorite of the innkeeper is their Almond Champagne!

Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast

Nestled between San Antonio and Austin, Kuebler Waldrip Haus Bed and Breakfast in New Braunfels, TX lies on 43 tranquil acres a few minutes from the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers and numerous popular restaurants, shopping, and attractions in the region. The property features three elegantly restored buildings, a cottage, an 1847 German rock homestead, and a 1863 schoolhouse. There are nine rooms and one suite. All accommodations feature a king- or queen-size bed, heat, AC, TV, private baths (four Jacuzzi tubs), coffee pot, refrigerator, and a porch or access to a patio area. In the morning guests relish a decadent, large hot breakfast that features egg dishes, fresh fruit, meat (bacon, ham or sausage), homemade breads, potato dishes, homemade tamales, cereal, and various beverages. Fun fact! The Historic Kuebler Waldrip Haus property was first owned by Francois Guilbeau, a French-born wine merchant, credited with saving the diseased French vineyards (in 1850’s) with mustang grapevine cuttings that came from the Comal County region. Today wine lovers can discover area wineries including Dry Comal Creek Winery, which produces whites such as French Colombard; reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon; plus Demi-Sweet and Dry Sparkling. They can also enjoy live music at River Road Icehouse and Gruene Hall. Other great attractions just 20 minutes from the inn include the Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. There are many year-round festivals including a gourd show, a quilt show, Wurstfest, and more.

 

Wineries and B&B’s Are the Perfect Pairing for Wine Lovers

By Stef Schwalb

Wine tasting is a luxury so many travelers find enticing, and why wouldn’t they? The process of sipping and savoring is an experience that feels indulgent, and everyone deserves a little pampering – especially when it involves pleasing your palate. While you might know of some B&B’s in wine country, are you aware that some properties actually double as wineries? If you are looking for the ultimate way to sip and stay, here are a few suggestions to get you started.Bed and Breakfast Wine CountryLocated in Bloomfield, KY, Springhill Winery & Plantation Bed and Breakfast is a stately, pre Civil War plantation that excels in Southern hospitality. The lush grounds are accented by vineyards, rolling pastures, and apple orchards. All accommodations are aptly named after wines, and each offers a distinct decorative style all its own such as the Chardonnay Room with its Victorian ambiance or the Cabernet Suite with Renaissance flare. Suites feature their own private baths and sitting areas, while all rooms showcase spectacular views of the Kentucky hills. They also include coffee, tea, and fresh baked breads at your door every morning, full country breakfasts on the weekends, and continental plus breakfasts during midweek. Springhill is a popular venue for a variety of events, including Murder Mystery dinners, seasonal concerts, and festivals. The wine varieties you’ll find at Springhill include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, and Chardonnay. They have also partnered with vineyards nearby to offer Riesling and Merlot too. The most popular event for visitors is checking out the area’s Bourbon and Wine Trails.Wine Country Bed and BreakfastBeliveau Estate Winery, located in Blacksburg, VA, is a French country inn situated on 165 acres in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. There are five guestrooms onsite that feature private baths, fireplaces, TV’s, and mini-fridges. Air jet baths and private outside decks are also included in the Chocolat, Fleur de Lis, and Whimsical Rooms. The property features on-site hiking trails, spring-fed ponds, a hilltop pavilion with lavender garden, a gorgeous tasting room, covered outdoor veranda, Tiki bar, back patio, plenty of picnic spots (both covered and open air), and an event building with a large reception hall. Beliveau is a celebrated Virginia destination for special occasions, ranging from weddings and corporate retreats to afternoon teas, wine and tapas events, live music, and wine pairing dinners. Among some of the many wine varieties you will encounter at Beliveau are Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Red Zinfandel, Vidal Blanc, and more.  Bed and Breakfast Wine TastingAs part of Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Kite Hill Vineyard Winery and B&B in Carbondale, IL offers guests the opportunity to relax and revitalize in the serene countryside surroundings of Southernmost Illinois. The property features sun-drenched vineyards, plus a gorgeous five-acre lake with plenty of wildlife for nature enthusiasts to view. Visitors can stroll through the scenery or take it all in from the comfort of the porch. There are two comfy guestrooms on-site that come with private bathrooms, queen-sized beds, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, DVD/VCR, and a free movie library. Wine lovers enjoy a variety of special events at Kite Hill including wine and chocolate tastings, wine and cheese pairings, behind-the-scenes experiences with the winemaker, and tours of winery complete with tastings. Every morning, guests begin the day with a full three-course breakfast. Among some of the many wine varieties you’ll find at Kite Hill are Chardonel, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, and Traminette, among others.

Hidden Gems in California’s Original Wine Country

By Wendy Peterson

Forgo Napa on your next visit to the Bay Area and spend your time in Sonoma Valley, a 17-mile stretch that is comprised of a charming downtown square, expansive vineyards, quaint farms and 13,000 acres of parkland. Sonoma, the home of California’s original Wine Country and recognized as the state’s happiest county, is a destination for new and returning travelers to experience a community that has maintained its original charm and pastoral beauty throughout the years.

Sonoma - Hidden Gems in California’s Original Wine Country

Kunde Winery – Photograph by Jamie Gall

At the heart of the valley is the Sonoma Plaza with winding alleyways, timeworn adobe storefronts, and historic landmarks thriving with an eclectic mix of tasting rooms, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and galleries—even a vintage movie house. The square boasts vast stretches of lawn that creates a lush setting for picnics, cultural activities and weekly farmers markets.

Sonoma - Hidden Gems in California’s Original Wine Country

Sonoma Film Festival, Sonomawood – Photograph by Jamie Gall

Just a short distance away, nature lovers have access to wildflower hikes, hilltop vistas and an extensive array of fine wine vineyards and wineries. Whether visitors seek a small-town holiday or rural getaway, Sonoma Valley offers memorable experiences for all. Below are some of the hidden Sonoma gems for travelers interested in an out-of-the-box vacation:

  • Sonoma - Hidden Gems in California’s Original Wine Country

    Sonoma – Photograph by Jamie Gall

    Jack London State Historic Park opens new trail: The East Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail, which has been in development for nearly two decades, opened to the public in March 2015. Hikers, cyclists, and equestrians have access to this Bay Area Ridge Trail extension at the top of Sonoma Mountain, allowing never-before-seen views of San Francisco Bay.

  • Prohibition Spirits & HelloCello Distillery: Tired of drinking wine or have a craving for spirits? Sonoma Valley’s only distillery offers tastings by appointment of its small batch of crafted spirits, including whiskey, rum and vodka. Get a tour of the facility to learn about the fermenting, distilling and aging of these local liquors.
  • Quarryhill Botanical Garden: This botanical garden features one of the largest collections of wild-collected Asian plants in the world. Wander freely or embark on a docent-led tour of the Asian Woodland Garden or Chinese Heritage Rose Garden.
  • Ramekins Culinary School: Learn about local cuisine with group demonstrations and workshops or book your own private lesson. Even the most amateur chef will acquire the skills to make a meal from scratch and then enjoy the fruits of their labor!
  • Sonoma - Hidden Gems in California’s Original Wine Country

    Kendall Jackson Winery – Photograph by Jamie Gall

    Sonoma Food & Wine Tour: Overwhelmed by the selection of wineries, tasting rooms, vineyards, restaurants, cafes and culinary choices? This food and beverage tour will plan a guided walking excursion around Sonoma Plaza, including the girl & the fig, El Dorado Kitchen, BV Whisky Bar & Grille, La Bodega,Sonoma Cheese Factory, Figone’s Olive Oil Company, and more.

  • Sonoma Raceway: Car aficionados get the chance to hit the track with Go-Kart racing along the 2.52-mile raceway or drag racing on the quarter-mile drag strip. Sonoma Raceway also provides a full schedule of amateur or professional SCCA road races, AMA and AFM motorcycle racing, sports car events, and NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA drag races.
  • Sonoma Stompers Baseball Club: We bet you didn’t know Sonoma has its own professional baseball team! With tickets starting at just $4, a visit to the ballpark during the summers is an affordable adventure for the entire family.
  • Sonoma - Hidden Gems in California’s Original Wine Country

    Benziger Family Winery – Photograph by Jamie Gall

    Studio 35: What better place to capture Sonoma’s beauty than at the neighborhood art gallery, which conveniently offers workshops to enhance your artistic abilities! A mentoring artist will assist patrons in learning to draw or paint, while viewing works by local artisans.

  • Vin deLuxe Tours: High-end unique experiences are the forte of Vin deLuxe tours. From exclusive winery visits and flights in Travel Air biplanes to gourmet picnic lunches and cooking classes, travelers can pick from curated packages or create their own!
  • Williams-Sonoma: The new store is housed in the original shop and residence where Chuck Williams worked and lived in 1956 when he founded Williams-Sonoma. Features of the new store include a cooking school, museum exhibit of Chuck’s original and iconic “finds” from Europe, Williams-Sonoma Home showroom with a design studio where customers can receive a free decorating consultation, and an open-air garden featuring a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and pizza oven.
  • Wine Country Cyclery: Ditch the car keys and traverse Sonoma Valley with a rented bicycle. Ride to a nearby winery or take the bike on the trails winding throughout the region.

For more information on the history of Sonoma Valley or local businesses, visit www.sonomavalley.com.

 

Photo Credit – Jamie Gall of mngirlinla.com – A Minnesota Girl, born and raised, who now resides in Wine Country.  You’ll find her on Minnesota Girl in the World talking Food, Wine and Travel.

 

Don’t Drink the Water

By Chuck Weber

Chuck Weber - Article on WineSage advice when traveling to certain parts of Mexico and then there are always the Margaritas. They are smooth and they say that if you drink enough of them you will see diamonds on the rim of the glass. Of course, this is just before you keel face first into your chili verde.

If you find yourself at the mercy of a Mexican wine list, there are two names worth remembering;

Santo Tomas

Located 45 minutes south of Ensenada, this historic and beautiful like winery like most Mexican wineries has roots back to Franciscans and the late 1700’s. As a frequent traveler to Baja, I have consumed more of this product then I care to admit and have seen it go from barely palatable to very presentable in the past 20 yrs. Not hard to figure when you learn that their winemaker for much of this period was none other than Dimitri Tshelistcheff, son of the famed Napa Valley winemaker of the 60’s and 70’s. Legend has it that the elder Andre Tshelistcheff a Russian émigré to United States first introduced the grape clones that would grow well in the sultry Mexican climate in the 60’s and even helped the Mexicans refine their production of Tequila, a product for which he also had a strong affection.

Monte Xanic

Pronounced “Monte Zaneesh”, is located in Baja Guadalupe Valley. This is quaint little winery which uses very modern Bordeaux inspired techniques was founded in 1834 by the Dominican fathers at the Mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Now it is jointly owned by the Chalone Wine Group of Napa and Baron Erick Rothschild of Bordeaux. What would inspire Rothschild to get involved in a backward little winery in a region where the temperature ranges from hot to hellish? Well, I’m sure it not the money. Making quality wines in the area which many would fine hostile to the wine making effort, poor quality grapes and low yields, is the same as a bicycle racer loading his bike down with bricks. If you can make wine here, you can make wine anywhere and learn a lot while doing it.

You will find these wines very pleasant drinking, well structured, especially the reds and reasonably priced. And, you will be able to get up the next morning.

 

 

Roots 1, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, an Excellent Red Wine for only $12

By J Laznicka

wine recommendationsAs we all know, wines can be a hit or a miss. An expensive bottle of wine or a winery with a good advertising firm don’t mean much if the wine tastes bland on your palate. An excellent wine will stop you in your tracks on the first taste; you take note of the label and year, and began researching the winery and it’s products online, and asking for them in stores.

wine recommendations

Some wines are so good you can almost fall off your chair when you see the retail price. Not because they are expensive, but because they are affordable for an afficionado on the tightest of budgets.

This is how I feel about Roots 1, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004. It is an excellent, rich, and elegant polished full-bodied wine; complex, concentrated and balanced. The flavors are mature and savory. Despite the retail price of $12 wines many selling for $50 a bottle pale in comparison. I am convinced Felipe Tosso, the winemaker of the Roots 1, truly has an award winning wine. I feel it is one of the best wines from Colchagua Valley in Chile. I wouldn’t hesitate giving it as a gift, serving it to guests, or buying a case or two to keep in reserve.

Roots 1, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 pairs well with full-flavored cheeses, pasta with red sauce, steak, ribs, chicken and chocolate.

 

 

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