This morning our day was clouded by bad news. Sooo…. we set out to pick up some wine and everything just got better. We headed to Carlisle Winery to pick up their current releases. Winemaker, Jay Maddox (right) and Paul Wendy were pouring some terrific wines and Franchettis’ was serving wood fired pizzas to compliment the wine. It was truly a simple and relaxed event. … Continue reading Making a better day………..
Kenwood is very quickly becoming one of my favorite places in Sonoma County. I am purposely trying to time my days so I can end up near Kenwood to catch lunch at Cafe Citti . The town along Route 12 has some of the county’s best restaurants, tasting rooms and wineries. When friends took us to Cafe Citti for the first time we parked in … Continue reading In Kenwood………
This past weekend we attended the first ever “Sonoma Underground” event held at Longboard Winery in downtown Healdsburg. Elizabeth Schneider and Laura Perret Fontana created Underground to” help family-owned, unique producers thrive.” The event showcased 15 small, independent wineries. Owners, winemakers and their families were there to pour. Some of the standouts as determined by our group of seven were…. Nalle’s 2015 Hopkin’s Ranch … Continue reading Sonoma Underground……..
We’re on our way to Truett-Hurst’s New Release Party. There is an endless schedule of wine events this time of year. Picking and choosing is tough! Truett-Hurst is in the Dry Creek Valley and has a great property along the creek for picnics and gatherings. This release party featured Got Ball’s meatball sliders and some amazing chocolate brownies! The brownie was the perfect accompaniment to a … Continue reading Events in the Wine Country……..
There is no shortage of wine here! For those of us who totally enjoy the hunt for, and discovery of, wonderful wines, Sonoma County is one of the greatest places to land! Sometimes it seems like candy land ……………… The experience visiting a winery is special, relaxing and almost always unique. Visiting the Bottle Barn is more like a run to Total Wine only on … Continue reading Our start in Healdsburg……..
The next adventure in our lives begins…….. Knowing our latest renovation project is in the hands of great owners……… We’re off on a 3,000+ mile cross country trip with a destination of Healdsburg, California. We packed in the dog and the wine and headed out. In the Panhandle of Florida – This is pretty darn amazing! It goes on and on! The Old Spanish Trail in … Continue reading Westward Ho!
Saying goodbye to Sarasota and to our newly built / renovated cottage was huge! The process was daunting having just unpacked our belongings and filled the wine room less than 8 months ago. Aside from the normal packing…….It was necessary to sell off a major amount of the wine inventory, pack and ship some ahead, and arrange for a small amount to travel with us. A … Continue reading Leaving home……….
Photo credit -SFGATE The residents of Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino Counties want you to know they are open for business. The fires were devastating. The lives of 42, over 6,000 homes and nearly 50 commercial buildings were lost. All businesses have taken a huge financial hit. So, how can you help?………Their message for you is simple. “Come,” … “Sonoma needs you.” says winemaker Sara … Continue reading A Time to Help………..
We were headed to a wedding in Orangeburg, SC and a side trip to Charleston. On our way we veered over to Brunswick Georgia and St. Simons Island to visit our newly discovered relatives. They’re a quiet bunch for sure – and old! – going back five generations! We found a terrific lunch place in Brunswick serving the best fried green tomato sandwich I’d … Continue reading Visiting the relatives………
The weather is not perfect in January for exploring the Anderson Valley.. Could be nice. Could be rainy. Could be snowing. We got the rain and a hit of snow this visit however, in any weather, this valley is gorgeous. We drove from the Sierra Foothills to the Anderson Valley. There is a route between the two around Clear Lake. We opted for the quicker … Continue reading Returning to the Anderson Valley……..
John's Wine Cellar 