A Trip to El Dorado County

Today we’ll travel two and a half hours east of Sonoma/Napa to the El Dorado County wine region in the Sierra Foothills. This lengthy podcast recorded in February will feature three vintners who are distinctly different. They are Chaim and Elisheva of C.G. Di Arie Vineyard and Winery, Kevin Jones of Lava Cap Winery, and Adam Smith of Skinner Vineyards and Winery. They are a good representation of the region’s wineries who are producing world class wines, and run by the nicest people you’ll ever want to hang with. To learn more about the region click here. Now, let’s head to the foothills!

On the deck, in the rain, with Kevin Jones of Lava Cap

Chaim and Elisheva of C. G. Di Arie Vineyard and Winery. Chaim is serving during their club party. Elisheva is in behind one of their wines that benefit great causes.

Winemaker Adam Smith of Skinner Vineyards stompin’ the grapes.

Making my way through the back roads of a vineyard on Friday. Dry and green.

Waking up Saturday to 7 inches of snow. Thankfully, it was expected…and beautiful.

The wine club party at Lava Cap Winery in one side of their large barrel rooms.

A sample of Elisheva’s mixed media artwork. Her art hangs throughout C.G. Di Arie winery.

I saw this photo of the snowfall that occurred at Lava Cap Winery a week before my trip. I’m glad it inspired me to rent an SUV and leave my coup at home.

Events

Tour of Oliver Ranch Sculpture Collection with Friends of Sonoma Co. Wine Library

Oliver Ranch is a unique 100 acre preserve dedicated to Site-Specific Art.

In 1985, Steven and Nancy Oliver commissioned their first piece. Since then, the Olivers have added 18 works that rise up over the rolling hills of the ranch’s landscape. The most recent addition is Ann Hamilton’s The Tower where commissioned dance, poetry, theatre, and music performances take place.

You are invited to join the Friends of the Sonoma County Wine Library as we spend two and a half hours
at Oliver Ranch on April 6th. This is a rare opportunity as the ranch is not open to the public. Tours are strictly for the benefit of non-profit groups such as the FOSCWL. We will meet at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, 300 Via Archimedes at the 101 freeway. We will gather at 9:00 am, leaving for Oliver Ranch at 9:30. Park near the bus. The tour will be completed about 12:30pm. Your ticket includes a wine tasting at Coppola following the tour if you’d like to join us!

Tickets are $100 and are limited to 50 people. This tour will sell out!
We are excited to have you join us for this one-of-a-kind experience at Oliver Ranch!
For tickets please click this link to Brown Paper Tickets.
Please keep in mind there are no bathroom facilities at Oliver Ranch. However, the bus will have one.

Proceeds from all tickets sales benefit the Friends of Sonoma County Wine Library, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your attendance will help us continue our mission to support the Wine

Library and all it has to offer. Thank you!

Sonoma Valley, Wineries

Wine Down on the Farm – Belden Barns

On this podcast you’ll meet Nate Belden of Belden Barns.

He grew up on a farm but spent a number of his adult years working in New York and San Francisco. After a while he felt the unrelenting tug of country life once again. Although his wife Lauren grew up in New York City, surprisingly, she had a similar dream of living a rural life. But grape growing and Belden Barns wine isn’t their only focus. They partnered with Jenny and Vince Trotter to offer Farmstead Goods. Visit their website here.

Hear how Nate and Lauren’s yearning for country life came true as we talk…in the barn.

The set up in the milking barn.

There’s a good story about the reason for the Poetry Room. Ask them if you ever see Nate or Lauren

Their vineyard atop magical Sonoma Mountain