We decided this winter to try another region in California’s vast wine country, Amador County. This area is probably better known for its historic gold mines but from what we experienced it is well on its way to additionally becoming known for its wine production. We flew into San Francisco and drove to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. On another visit I would fly into Sacramento (45 miles … Continue reading In the Sierra Foothills…….
Friends and family celebrated Thanksgiving in Asheville, North Carolina this year. It was a chance to check out a city that is attracting a lot of attention, feel a brief cold spell and to hike through falling leaves. I have to say the restaurants we tried were fantastic. Cúrate, Rubarb and The Marketplace are not to be missed. From the cocktails to the desserts, they offered very creative … Continue reading 2016 Thanksgiving selections…….
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…….
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……..
Our favorite visits are to family wineries. There appears to be an involvement by all family members, young and old, in these places that is visible and comfortable, making the visit so enjoyable. There almost always is a dog, often a winery cat, and sometimes an array of other animals meandering about. Photo courtesy of Isenhower cellars The conversations we have with our host or … Continue reading A family winery called Isenhower…….
The first winery you visit in a region can have a tremendous impact on your visit to a new area; it absolutely did for us in the Willamette Valley. We began with a 10 am appointment at Soter Vineyards, a sustainable producer of Pinot Noir and sparkling wines in the heart of the valley near Carlton. Their first vintage was produced in 2005. The vineyard … Continue reading Setting the stage……….
Driving along the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon to Walla Walla, Washington is an experience. The diversity of landscape is amazing. It’s a four hour trip with Mt. Hood looming to the south, forested mountains, desolate desert, gorges and rolling grasslands dotted with amazing green oases. Walla Walla appears as a big oasis in the southeastern corner of the state of Washington. The wine region … Continue reading Grasslands, desert and giant reds!
John's Wine Cellar 