The Daily Meal – Alll Things Food and Drink website has an article not to be missed on 101 Best Wineries in America for 2015. Some of our favorites are front and center on the list – Peay, The Scholium Project, Grammercy, Evening Land, Saxum, and Ridge. The list and the article are definitely worth a read. Peay Vineyard What is interesting is the increasing … Continue reading 101 Best Wineries in America for 2015
Some friends have asked for recommendations for wine that would be easily available from major liquor/wine stores around the country. Not just good wines but good wines at under $15 a bottle. Saturday John and I wandered through a Total Wine store in Sarasota and found some to recommend. I’ve sent them on to our friends but I thought it would be interesting to … Continue reading Under $15 a bottle……….
In 1976 the California white and red wines defeated the French in the famous Paris Tasting. It was a momentous day! The white wine that bested the famous French Burgundies was a 1973 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay. 40% of the grapes that created that award winning wine came from Charles and Helen Bacigalupi’s vineyard. Bacigalupi Vineyard is now 125 acres and managed by John Bacigalupi. They grow grapes for outstanding wineries including … Continue reading A Grape Grower’s Party………..
This trip we visited a large array of tasting rooms. Each and every one had developed a unique identity to help you remember them – farmstead, barrel tasting, wine cave, solar energy, organic farming, chocolate peanut butter cups with sea salt, refillable jug wine, retail store, creekside gardens, history, wacky antiques, and more. There have always been destination wineries that have included a restaurant, picnic areas, a retail component or some … Continue reading Healdsburg Adventures…….
Nothing like starting your morning off with a 10 am tasting. We drove up Spring Mountain and began our day in Napa at Keenan Winery. Keenan farms sustainably and in 2007 switched to 100% solar power for its facilities and homes on the property. The day we were there the winery was busy bottling using a mobile bottling contractor. We were met by Amy, an engaging associate who … Continue reading A Day in Napa……………
Ram’s Gate is the first winery you see driving north into Sonoma. It’s just past the Sonoma Raceway. Roche Winery was formerly located on the site. Ram’s Gate opened in 2011 in a stunning facility designed by architect, Howard Backen. The building is contemporary, barn like in appearance but detailed like a 5 star hotel. Orlando Diaz-Azcuy is responsible for much of the interior. We had the pleasure … Continue reading A Destination Winery…….
We had the pleasure of visiting three of Sonoma’s oldest family vineyards on this trip – Mauritson’s, Gundlach Bundschu and Seghesio. In the Sonoma wine region these are the vineyards started by of the grandfathers and great grandfathers of the grape growers and winemakers of today. For generations they have farmed and made wine. In Mauritson’s case the winemaking is a recent addition. The … Continue reading Sonoma’s Old Guys…………
Summer vacation – Yes!! It was kind of a ying and yang trip. We spent a week or so on California’s northern Pacific Coast at a favorite place of ours – Sea Ranch and a second week inland around Healdsburg. Both are in Sonoma County but as different as night and day. Sea Ranch is a visual sensation of seascape views when the fog holds off, and … Continue reading The Two Sides of Sonoma……..
This is such a terrific wine and extremely hard to come by in Florida. The Wine To Buy has a case or maybe two!!!! Don’t miss grabbing a few bottles before its gone! A while back I wrote about Isenhower Cellars and the very special family behind the wine. You might find it an enjoyable re-read. Road Less Traveled is their Cab Franc. It is such a treat! … Continue reading Walla Walla Wine………….
A dinner with good friends this past Saturday brought together some delicious wines. Sea Smoke from Santa Barbara, a Sonoma spectacular, Kistler and an especially fun, but seriously crafted Walla Walla Washington wine – Sleight of Hand. They all paired well with the cheeses and the entree of Shrimp Étouffée. Thank you to our hosts. Great night! Salud! Debbe Continue reading Saturday Night Dinner…..
John's Wine Cellar 