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 Roach

Visit Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino Counties
Buy the region’s wine
Drink wine!

And, if you can do more ………….

The fund will serve to assist ag workers who lost their homes in the fires by helping to fund the re-establishment of new households.

100% of your donations to the Redwood Credit Union North Bay Fire Relief fund will go directly to support those affected by the fires.

Reeve’s fundraiser:

Buy a ticket for this drawing! The prizes are incredible!!!!

+ By donating money you have a chance to win a Healdsburg vacation package valued at over $15,000 that includes unique experiences you can’t buy.

+ RUNNER UP PACKAGE: Three night stay at the Montage Laguna Beach, in a suite, with dinner and wine pairings at their restaurant Studio, and massages for two. $4500 value.

+ 100%—every penny—of all the money raised will go to help fire victims, with a focus on giving to the most vulnerable and those who were uninsured.

+ A series of donors who will match DOLLAR for DOLLAR all the money Reeve raises here. That means this DOUBLES the impact of your gift.

D O N A T I O N S: All funds raised will be divided to three different organizations—the Redwood Credit Union Fund, Redwood Empire Food Bank, and to a local to Healdsburg organization called Corazon.

C O S T: Tickets are 1 for $25, 5 for $100, 15 for $200, 50 for $500.

W H E N: Drawing will be held on Facebook Live at 11AM PST, November 1.

100% off all funds raised will be donated. $185,819 raised so far!

Today, 98% of the wineries are open for you to visit and taste. I encourage you to make it out there. I’m ready to go!!!

Salud!

Debbe

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 got our morning off to a good start – pouring the 2013 Spring Mountain Chardonnay, a 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which I personally loved, and a 2011 Merlot Cabernet – Mernet Reserve. Amy has family in Sarasota so we exchanged some stories and news during our tasting.

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Orin Swift was our next stop in downtown St. Helena. Their tasting room is on the main street.

David Swift Phinney began making wines in 1998. He can easily be referred to as a global winemaker as his products, delicious wines, are produced from grapes grown in California, Spain, France, Italy, Corsica and Argentina.

Orin Swift wines sell out fast at the tasting room. You can taste many of the sell outs which can be helpful, in the event you can find an outlet that still has them on the shelf to purchase.

Katie Gorham was our host. Katie grew up in the St. Helena area and plans to make it her home after finishing her education. She was comfortable showing off the wines and introducing us to a few of the wines we had never had the opportunity of tasting before.

The 2012 Trigger Finger (sold out) was a big favorite of ours. It is 100% Grenache and all of us tasting agreed it to be outstanding – very special! According to the website the 2013 vintage is sold out as well.

The 2012 Papillon was another unavailable wine except in large formats We grabbed a magnum after tasting it. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc.

A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Mercury Head was yet another amazing wine. At $95 a bottle, this wine is probably not considered outrageously priced for a Napa cab. It is made from 100% cabernet sauvignon grapes and, it too, was sold out in every format.

The tasting room is a visual treat. It is modern and quite eclectic. The hosts are friendly and have created a bit of a party atmosphere in the room.

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We took a long lunch at Tra Vigne. Their courtyard is a beautiful place to relax and explore exceptional italian fare. I dream about their Mozzarella “Al Minuto”and heirloom tomatoes!