Just overheard at a winery pouring Prosecco: "It's like Christmas in a glass" More like New Years! More from my appellation adventures in this region.
Sonoma
Haywood
The tasting at Haywood starts off with a uniquely balanced Chardonnay. Before you say anything about Chardonnay, remember the old days of oak and butter and how we’ve swung the pendulum so far past that everything is tart, blonde, or naked? Well, this one is...
Acorn
The warm and attentive husband and wife operation at Acorn is behind what I think is the best wine for any Thanksgiving table. Its strong fruit flavors of dark plum and cherry give it enough jam without being jammy. Merlot’s influence adds the tough acidity to pair...
Honor System in Sonoma
How often do you see something like this on a morning run? More from my appellation adventures in this region.
Villa Creek
Villa Creek has ruined me for chicken. Everywhere else I go, I think it sounds delicious and assume it has their trademark wonderfully tender juicy texture with fresh flavors but it’s often dry, tough, and bland. What is in that rich sauce?! I can only tell it is...
Spann Vineyards
Viognier is like the truffle oil of wines. It can easily overpower, weigh down, and leave an aftertaste. But that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. It just means it needs the help of a crafty winemaker to blend it with its acidic friends to coax it into broader more elegant...
Sigh!
Let it all out! Sigh again. Remember what they say about opening a bottle of bubbly? It should sound like a woman in the midst of a sigh. Sigh is also the name of a new bubbles bar in downtown Sonoma that serves unique flights of champagne and sparkling wine. Try the...
Wine Country Creatures
Since this is the year of living nomadically, I learned the joy of dwelling in Santa Ynez during August for what was locally known as lizard season. Yes, apparently, they have a season! Now, I’m living in Sonoma during fruit fly season. I'm down with that; these...
Bryter
If you are into small production hand crafted wines, be sure to check out Bryter. Their Lux Chardonnay has a tangy rich ripe flavor with a creamy texture because they didn’t add any yeast. The winemaker used what’s known as “wild” yeast, which is just a cool term that...
Sunflower Caffe
Why would café need a second f? Why would everyone recommend this place? Everyone loves the location and great patio space in the back it’s clear. But do they really like the food? A friend and I went to Sunflower Caffe after hearing several great reviews from locals....