Just about halfway between the town of Healdsburg and the Hacienda Bridge in Forestville is Arista Winery. 36 acres in what is known as the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley. Here they focus on making exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from their estate grapes and from a handful of the areas finest growers. The McWilliams family and winemaker Matt Courtney are responsible … Continue reading Tasting at Arista
This vineyard’s location will dazzle you! The B. Wise Vineyards Estate Cave complex includes a huge, complex tunnel system, the residence of owners Brion and Ronda Wise, vineyards, orchards, gardens and incomparable views of the mountains and Sonoma Valley stretching all the way to San Francisco! One blogger described it as “Incredible. Hard to believe. Surrealistic. Beyond Belief. Unimaginable.” It is most definitely all of … Continue reading An Unforgettable Place
Kenwood, California is home to a winery making some interesting Italian wines – Muscardini Cellars. Their tasting room is right on Highway 12 in the heart of town. Sangiovese and Sagrantino wines can be found here as well as an extensive range of California wines from Savignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon and almost everything in between. They source their grapes from growers throughout Sonoma’s wine … Continue reading Italian Varietals in Sonoma
We were looking for a diversion from our wine tastings this week so we headed out to the coast. It’s a great change of scenery and attractions. There are tasting rooms along the coast, seafood restaurants, hiking, and cool water sports, but the area has expanded more recently to include cheese tastings, farm visits and something we tried that is completely different – tasting mead. … Continue reading Coast diversions….
Wells and Kate Guthrie are Dupuis Wines. Nestled high in the mountains of Anderson Valley, above Booneville, there is a 40 acre estate that is a dream come true for this couple. It’s a trek of sorts to get there. It’s pretty much a one lane twisting road that you hope you won’t meet another vehicle on coming the other way. When you get there … Continue reading Wells and Kate
We have driven down Bennett Valley Road dozens of times never knowing Coursey Graves was just above us. Sitting high off the road the winery, facilities and a private home are nestled into a mountain of rock and craggy oaks that are part of the Sonoma Mountains. We went to visit just a couple weeks ago. When we reached the winery we were greeted with … Continue reading Treasure in the Sonoma Mountains
Sometimes you simply get blown away by the lengths to which people who love farming and grapes will go to build a winery and its surrounds. A perfect example is Hudson Ranch and Vineyard. They call it an Agrarian dream and yes, it is that and so much more. The ranch is 2000 acres in Napa Valley’s Carneros District. It’s a working ranch with 200 … Continue reading Hudson Ranch and Vineyards
I’m a sucker for quaint, vintage architecture, especially when it’s poised in beautiful gardens and vineyards. We found exactly that at Blue Farm. While it was the wine that brought us here, the fabulous property was a surprise bonus. Anne Moller-Racke is the amazing woman behind the wine. She founded Donum and brought it to the world class level it is today before planting 7 … Continue reading Perfectly Picturesque
There are plenty of things to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, upper most is just taking in the local color of what is one of the loveliest small towns in America. It’s a not to be missed destination in California. The beach is an amazing asset too! We were there a week ago for a few days. It was a great getaway. The town is filled … Continue reading Wine Tasting in Carmel
Sunday we headed off to the Napa Valley for a day of tastings with friends. It was such an unusual day for June. It was actually raining! California does not usually see rain in June but given the drought we are experiencing, every drop we can get is welcome. We began by sharing a rare and wonderful morning on Howell Mountain barrel tasting with one … Continue reading Tasting in Napa……
John's Wine Cellar 