There is a new complex in Healdsburg off Westside Road that is quietly opening this summer called Bacchus Landing. We stopped in last week to have a look. There isn’t much signage in or around the facility to direct you but there are in fact a few businesses open and happy to see visitors. In the huge and empty courtyard of Bacchus Landing we met … Continue reading New in Healdsburg
This is an excellent read on a very unusual year for California wines…….. These wines, which make up a case, are not only delicious — they tell the story of what happened with wine in this tumultuous year. By Esther Mobley | Dec. 15, 2020 | Updated: Dec. 16, 2020 2020 has been an earth-shattering year for the American wine world. And it would have been even without the … Continue reading 12 California Wines That Define 2020
Armida Winery has one of my favorite Sonoma views. It’s set on a hillside off Westside Road just south of Healdsburg. Their view is across the vineyards of the Dry Creek Valley, past “J” and Rodney Strong Vineyards to Chalk Hill, Fountaingrove, and in the far distance, Mt. St Helena. It’s gorgeous and the perfect spot to relax, open a bottle of their wine and … Continue reading Armida
We don’t really need an excuse to go tasting but in this instance it was kind of celebratory. Our daughter was visiting and finally done with a self imposed quarantine so a day out seemed like a perfect reward. Bedrock Wine Company was our first appointment. I’ve written about Bedrock previously (link to post) but not about tasting at their facility in the town of … Continue reading 2 Steps Back……..
East of Sacramento in the foothills of the Sierra Mountain Range is gold country. In the 1840s the precious metal was discovered there. The area quickly prospered through the gold rush. At the same time vineyards were planted and wine was produced. The gold ran dry before the end of the century but the Zinfandel vines have endured. This is a terrific, scenic part of … Continue reading Gold Country!
August 2020 – A Paravel UPDATE – We had the pleasure of having Jon Jones join us for a birthday dinner celebration in Santa Rosa. Jon brought his wines to pair and share making the dinner and the evening one exceptional event. Jon poured his 2019 Mendocino Poor Ranch VYD Old Vine Zinfandel Rosé while he told us the fantastic story of how he discovered … Continue reading “Music to your Mouth”
Our 3rd day begins at Mauritson in the Dry Creek region of Sonoma’s Wine Country. The tasting room and wine making facility share the same solar-powered, state of the art building on Dry Creek Road between Healdsburg and the Dry Creek Store. Clay Mauritson and Emma Hall are the wizard winemakers who utilize the grapes from the vineyards the Mauritson family has farmed for six … Continue reading Covid 19 Wine Trip! Day 3
Wine is important and so is starting the day off with an amazing breakfast. Sonoma has some of the best bacon and you should not miss it. I mean sensational bacon. Black Pig Meat Company, started by Chef Duskie Estes and husband John Stewart (Zazu Kitchen + Farm fame), offers up this winning fare. You can order a package of their bacon and while you’re … Continue reading Covid 19 Wine Trip! Day 2
Covid 19 stepped in and blew your plans for a Spring trip to Sonoma’s Wine Country. That is most unfortunate for you and for the wineries, restaurants, hotels and businesses in Sonoma County. To help at our end, we have created an alternative way to enjoy 3 days in the wine country. You avoid the air travel / hotel / restaurant expenses, and experience some … Continue reading Covid 19 Wine Trip! Day 1
We recently relocated in Sonoma County, twice actually, in a span of 5 months and took time off to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. I’m wayyyy behind in posts!!! We did not stop venturing out though and we have some incredible wine tastings experiences and travels to report on. The computers are unpacked and we are set to go in a fantastic new … Continue reading Late to Post!
John's Wine Cellar 