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LatinX Wine Industry Summit

In December, the 2nd Annual LatinX State of the Wine Industry Summit was held at RD Winery in Napa Valley. I missed the event but thought the topic was important enough to share on my podcast, so I met up with the moderator and sponsor, Gabriela Fernandez.

The all-inclusive event focused on the impact of the Hispanic and LatinX contributions to the wine industry. The theme was “Somos Visibles: Unheard Voices en Vino,” and focused on celebrating the diversity, perseverance, and legacy-building resilience of those who have become known as the backbone of America’s wine industry. The list of sponsors was impressive.

The LatinX Wine Industry Summit event was presented by Hispanics in Wine, Uncorked and Cultured, and The Big Sip. Thirty one outstanding wineries, from Oregon to Paso Robles, shared their wine during the finale, La Gran Cata.

Gabriela recorded our conversation in her MegaMix studio to share an in-depth review of the inspiring event. I did my best to keep up with her energy!

 

LatinX Wine Summit

Gabriela during our interview

Latin X Wine Summit

LatinX Wine Summit

 

Sonoma Co. Chefs Battle It Out

The Chefs Battle It Out!

I’m thrilled to see one of my favorite local chefs, Tracey Shepos Cenami of La Crema Winery will be competing against fellow Guy’s Grocery Games alum Chef Crista Luedtke, owner of Brot in Guerneville on the Food Network’s new show SuperChef Grudge Match.

The episode will air on Tuesday, March 14th at 9 pm. The grudges are settled with a single dish cooked in 30 minutes, and the winner gets $10,000 PLUS the other chef’s favorite knife!
Damn, that’s serious!

The show also streams on Hulu, Discovery+, and Amazon Video.  May the most clever, expeditious, and talented chef win!

Chefs battle it out

The challenger, who doesn’t want to lose her favorite knife

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Healdsburg Crush Event – Winemaker Bob Cabral

On this podcast from Saturday’s radio show, I touch upon one of October’s greatest wine events, the Healdsburg Crush event. It’s a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin. Winemaker Bob Cabrall (Bob Cabral Wines) joins me to share the details. The the organization is close to Bob’s heart, as is joining 60+ other wineries to pour Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine from Sonoma Co. The event is October 16th. During the interview I’ll share a promo code will save you $15 on admission! Hit the play button to pop the cork on this interview!

 

Healdsburg Crush

California Wine Month 2022

Each year Discover California Wines presents California Wine Month. Many wineries across the state offer fun events and tasting experiences. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh, you’ll drink some of the world’s best wine! To share the details of the 18th Annual California Wine Month I spoke with the Wine Institute’s Director of Communications, Gino DeCaro.

Get out there and enjoy the celebration while you can. Can’t make it this year? Don’t worry, you can count on the 19th annual event in September of 2023.

 

 

Don’t Miss Taste of Sonoma

Taste of Sonoma 2022

This is THE event of the year! What I like about this year’s plan…each Sonoma County wine region will be in its own area. You can simply walk from one to the other to enjoy the best each region has offers. Over 90 wineries will be on hand! I’ll be there and hope to see you – Jeff 

Soak up the sun and enjoy the bounty that Sonoma County has to offer in one immersive day. General admission to Taste of Sonoma includes a walk-around wine tasting, food trucks, themed lounges and more!

   

 

 

Click Here for All the Details and Tickets:

Add-On Experiences

Wine Talks & Garden Tours
Reserve Today – Spaces are Limited


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Wineries Celebrate Earth Month

It’s Down To Earth Month.

Spring is here, we’re getting out to enjoy it, and many are considering how to thoughtfully take care of our beauiful planet. Each April California Wines presents Down to Earth Month celebrating Earth Day.

In this podcast you’ll  hear about events that are occuring across California. Guests include Allison Jordan of the Wine Institute, Jenifer Freebairn and Danielle Langlois of Lasseter Family Winery, and owner Dario Suttui of Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa. Celebrate our planet and enjoy the spring season!

Post Photo: copyright California Wine Institute

 

 

Earth Month

Allison Jordan Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Wine Institute

Earth Month

Jenifer Freebairn V.P. Marketing and Sales, Lasseter Family Winery

Earth Month

Danielle Langlois, winemaker, Lasseter Family Winery

 

Lasseter tasting room and winery

 

One of Lasseter’s colorful labels. This is for the Rhone Grenache blend.

 

Dario Sattui, owner, Castello di Amorosa

The Castello

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 450-kilowatt solar and battery microgrid

Taste of Sonoma – At Home 2021

The annual event that showcases some of the best Sonoma County has to offer is coming up July 15th through July 29th. 

This year’s At Home event will offer Virtual Experiences, A Kendall-Jackson Garden Tour and Culinary Class, wine and food pairing recipes, and more! 

 

To join the super fun experiences of this year’s Taste of Sonoma

click here ⇓
Taste of Sonoma

The Sonoma County Vintners look forward to seeing you in person at next year’s Taste of Sonoma!

California Wines “Down to Earth Month” in April Celebrates Sustainable Winegrowing

Eco-Focused Virtual Events, Activities & Wine Tastings Highlight Practices that Protect & Enhance the Land, Communities and Livelihoods

April kicks off California Wines Down to Earth Month, an annual celebration of the wine community’s dedication to protecting the land, communities and wine industry for future generations. Wineries across the state will highlight their sustainable farming, winemaking and business practices through a variety of digital events and socially distanced, in-person activities, from virtual wine tastings and cooking demonstrations to behind-the-scenes sustainability tours. Created by Wine Institute, the association of 1,000 California wineries, Down to Earth Month marks its 10th year in 2021.

A world leader in sustainable winegrowing, the California wine community has long embraced earth-friendly practices. As of December 2020, 171 wineries producing 80 percent of California’s total wine production and 2,247 vineyards farming 29 percent of statewide winegrape acreage are certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA)’s Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program. California’s total certified vineyard acreage is nearly 50% based on the additional 15% of vineyard acreage certified to other state sustainability programs, including Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice (SIP).

Following are the latest Down to Earth Month winery events at DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com. More events and offers are added daily.

Events

March 18-April 18: Alexander Valley Vineyards Home Delivery Shipping Special
Purchase 2 or more 750ml bottles and shipping is $1 per bottle plus $1 order processing fee at this Certified California Sustainable winery.

March 20-April 20: Down-to-(Mother)-Earth Gift Offer
In celebration of Mother Earth and all moms (just in time for Mother’s Day) Antica Napa Valley is offering a trio of sustainably produced wines (dirt not included), available only at the winery.

March 25-April 25: Down to Earth 25% Discount
Captain Vineyards of Moraga celebrates Down to Earth Month with our family, friends, members & you. Receive 25% off any purchase.

April 1: What is Sustainable Wine? (virtual)
Join Napa Valley sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind on Facebook Live to learn about sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices, and get the inside story on California’s sustainable certification programs.

April 3, 10, 17 or 24: Earth Day Hikes for April
April is Earth Month! Join us for a wildflower-inspired hike at Six Sigma Ranch and Winery in Lake County every Saturday in April to celebrate. Hikes start and end at the tasting room for an optional wine flight and artisanal picnic platter.

April 3: Wine & Art – Paint Your Own Garden Hat
Create your own hand-painted garden hat while tasting Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery wines in a hands-on experience at the winery in San Diego County.

April 4: Wine Tasting with Live Music
Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery in Ramona is hosting a live musical performance and sampling of five sustainably produced wines on the tasting terrace, overlooking the Ramona Valley.

April 6: Down to Earth Month IGTV Video Series – Meg van der Kruik (virtual)
Meg van der Kruik of This Mess Is Ours demonstrates a recipe inspired by the “Wine Country Table” cookbook, paired with sustainably made wines from California.

April 8: Pinot Noir Deep Dive Virtual Wine Tasting (virtual)
Join us for a deep dive as we take a look at some of our most popular Pinot Noir wines from Rodney Strong Vineyards and walk through the process from vine to bottle.

April 8: What Are Biodynamic and Organic Wines, and How Are They Sustainable? (virtual)
Napa Valley sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind Travel host a Facebook Live event exploring the differences between organic and biodynamic practices and how they fit into sustainable winegrowing.

April 10: Alpha Omega’s Spring Revival (virtual)
Join St. Helena’s Alpha Omega Winery for a live virtual tasting of sustainably produced wines and cooking demonstration featuring winemaker Henrik Poulsen.

April 13: Down to Earth Month IGTV Video Series – Jerry James Stone (virtual)
Jerry James Stone of the Jerry James Stone blog demonstrates a recipe inspired by the “Wine Country Table” cookbook, paired with sustainably made wines from California.

April 14: Frey’s April Virtual Tasting (virtual)
Frey Vineyards in Redwood Valley hosts a virtual tasting and cocktail hour in collaboration with Organic Spa Magazine, Katrina Frey and Kwaya Cellars.

April 14: Napa Valley Sessions-Sustainability Session 1 (virtual)
Virtual zoom sessions featuring Trefethen Vineyards, Mumm Napa Valley and Chateau Boswell.

April 15: Why Is There a Chicken in the Vineyard? (virtual)
Join Napa Valley sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp, of Salt & Wind Travel on Facebook Live to learn how animals are helping California vintners with their sustainable farming efforts. The event includes a virtual tasting of sustainable wines.

April 17: Start Your Own Garden – Sustainable Living with Food and Wine
This hands-on workshop at Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery in Ramona includes instruction, seeds and supplies for starting 20 veggie and flower plants.

April 17: Sustainably Produced Wine & Coffee
Experience a wine and/or coffee tasting at Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery in Ramona. The event is a collaboration between the certified-sustainable winery and Ramona Roasters.

April 20: Down to Earth Month IGTV Video Series – Britney Brown Chamberlain of Britney Breaks Bread (virtual)
Britney Brown Chamberlain of Britney Breaks Bread demonstrates a recipe inspired by the “Wine Country Table” cookbook, paired with sustainably made wines from California.

April 22: J. Lohr: Growing Sustainability – Conservation in the Winery (virtual)
Meet Paso Robles-based J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines on Instagram Live for a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard technologies and practices that protect and conserve our natural resources.

April 22: Earth Day Webinar (virtual)
Join Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma County Winegrowers for a livestream discussion featuring local sustainability experts.

April 22: How to Look for Sustainable Wines (virtual)
Learn how to identify sustainable wines in this Facebook Live session with Napa Valley sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant and Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind Travel. The event includes a tasting of sustainable wines from California.

April 27: Down to Earth Month IGTV Video Series – Sarah Gim of The Delicious Life (virtual)
Sarah Gim of The Delicious Life demonstrates a recipe inspired by the “Wine Country Table” cookbook, paired with sustainably made wines from California.

April 28: Napa Valley Sessions – Sustainability: The Real Substance (virtual)
Napa Valley Vintners hosts a Zoom session with ZD Wines, The Hess Collection Winery, and Raymond Vineyards to showcase how the wineries put their bold sustainability words into action.

April 29: How California is a Leader in Sustainable Wines & Sustainable Farming (virtual)
Learn why California is a world leader in sustainable winemaking and winegrowing practices, and how the state’s farmers embrace sustainability in other agricultural sectors. Hosted on Facebook Live by Napa Valley sommelier Amanda McCrossin and Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind Travel, the event also includes a virtual tasting of sustainable wines.

April 30: Talking Dirt at Flying Goat – Sustainability and Down to Earth Month (virtual)
Join two OGs (old goats)—Winemaker Norm Yost, and his partner/wife Kate Griffith—for a Zoom talk about sustainability at Flying Goat Cellars in Lompoc.

Down to Earth Partners

Down to Earth Month is supported by restaurant, retail, association and hotel partners in California and throughout the U.S. including Paul Martin’s American Grill, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Visit Napa Valley, SommSelect, Oakville Grocery and Restaurants Care.

During Down to Earth Month, California wineries are partnering with the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care program to help sustain their local hospitality communities. The program, which has become especially important during the pandemic, provides relief grants for struggling restaurant workers. Partner wineries are pledging donations to help sustain the people at the heart of hospitality.

A Walk Among the Sculptures at Donum Estate

Donum Estate offers a break from the on-going virus madness?

Here’s an opportunity to soak in the sun and feed your soul. Thanks to Glodow Nead Communications for alerting me with the following press release.

The Donum Estate, who crafts award-winning wine, has received permission from the County of Sonoma to allow guests to tour the more than 40 museum-quality sculptures by world-renowned artists installed on the estate’s 200 picturesque acres. This marks the first time that the public, with a reservation, will be able to explore the estate’s extraordinary collection as a standalone experience.

“We are thrilled to reopen and welcome guests back to our property,” said Angelica de Vere Mabray, chief executive officer of Donum. “Everyone is so eager to get outside and experience something new and inspiring, and our one-of-a-kind art collection fits the bill perfectly. We are prepared and excited to open our gates and share the Donum collection in this beautiful, safe, outdoor setting.”

The Open-Air Sculpture Walks will be guided by one of Donum’s experienced hosts for groups of six or less and can be combined with other groups. The estate will be open for the walks by appointment only Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $50/person. Donum’s members are allotted one complimentary visit for up to four people. No wine is to be consumed onsite, but Donum’s highly acclaimed portfolio will be available for purchase to take home.

Recently acknowledged in Wine Spectator as one of Sonoma’s top 50 producers with impressive, consistent 90+ scores, Donum continues to be a sought-after single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer sourcing exclusively from Estate vineyards in Carneros, Anderson Valley and Russian River Valley.  

For more information and to book a tour please visit www.thedonumestate.com.

I agree with Wine Spectator, the wine is excellent.

Here’s my interview with Donum Estate’s Director of Hospitality Maggie Stains, who I interviewed last year for an event they were offering. She explains the artwork and how they came to rest at the estate.

Scroll further and you’ll see some photos of the sculptures and a video I shot  during my visit last year. In the video you’ll see Maggie among the chimes of Doug Aitken’s site specific commission entitled Sonic Mountain (Sonoma).  But believe me, the many eye catching pieces are best seen in person. These days we can all use a peaceful walk among the sculptures.

 

Donum Estate

The Tasting Room at Donum Estate

Donum Estate

“The Care of Oneself” – Elmgreen & Dragset

Donum Estate

“Deux Bacchantes” – Wim Delvoye

 

 

“Soma” – Subodh Gupta

“Love Me” – Richard Hudson

 

Maggie sitting pondside at the vineyard deckhouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ZAP Part 2: Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards

In this second ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) podcast, I feature Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards as I promoted the annual Zinfandel Experience.

Joe and Travis Ramazzotti follow in immigrant Guiseppe’s footsteps growing zinfandel and other Italian varieties. In 2002, they  decided to start bottling their grapes and others from legendary vineyards in Sonoma County as Ramazzotti Wines. I met up with Joe and Travis at Deavola Pizzaria in Geyserville for the interview. Hey, why not drink wine and eat pizza while we talk?

Nicole Salengo, the winemaker at Berryessa Gap Vineyards, fills us in on the important history of grapvines in Winters, California. It’s a warm region but evening winds funneled through the Berryessa Gap cool down the grapes. She crafts a good variety of wines but zin is one of her favorites.  In this interview you’ll find out how this geology loving Vermont gal became a California winemaker.

From Sonoma County to Yolo County, Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards do not share much in common with their winemaking style but between the two there’s something for everyone.

A Wine Uncorked feature is also included.  Stay in, stay healthy and enjoy some wine while you listen. Cheers!

 

Ramazzotti Wines

Joe is on my left, Travis is on the right

 

Ramazzotti Wines

The Ramazzotti Wines tasting room in Geyserville

Ramazzotti Wines

The wine that prompted the interview

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berryessa Gap Vineyards

Winemaker, Nicole Salengo

Berryessa Gap Vineyards

Berryessa Gap Vineyards with the “gap” in the upper left that funnels in cool night air.

Berryessa Gap Vineyards

Boxes of Martinez Orchards rootstock that has appeared in vineyards from Yolo County to Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

 

With Nicole in front of their downtown tasting room

 

 

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Mount View Hotel & Spa “Cinema and Song” Event

This is a shorter podcast that features the Mount View Hotel and Spa in Calistoga, Napa Valley. It’s an historic, beautifully designed art deco hotel that offers many enticing experiences for their guests.

This interview aired on my radio show last Saturday and I wanted you to hear it in case you’re panning a trip to Napa Valley or Sonoma in the coming weeks. On April 1st, The Mount View is offering a one of a kind experience that combines wine tasting, a film, dinner – featuring one of the performers in the film, and a night’s stay at the hotel. Scroll down to see the flyer for this full day of enjoyment.

If you can’t make it that night keep the Mount View in mind for a future stay. I hope to see you there on April 1st!

 

Young Indie Blue, Michael and Stephanie Woods

The lobby of the Mount View Hotel and Spa

The stylish lobby

The Indie Blue Salon at the Mount View Hotel and Spa

The Indie Blue Lounge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cottage Spa

The Mount View Pool

The Mount View Pool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Spa Cat

One of the beautifully decorated rooms

One of their beautifully decorated rooms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Top 100 Wineries of 2019

Each year I have the great pleasure to taste wine from the world’s Top 100 Wineries all in one place. If only Wine & Spirits Magazine’s event was several days so I could taste them all. The local culinary treats are a welcomed bonus.

In this podcast you’ll hear interviews with winemakers from California’s Central Coast, South Africa, Portugal, Slovenia, Napa Valley, and W&S Magazine’s senior editor Joshua Green. The Top 100 wineries gather every October in San Francisco. It’s a must experience event if you appreciate wine and would like to expand your horizons. Pop open a bottle, click play, and join the fun.

If you’d like to see the list of the Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Top 100 wineries while you listen click here.

A fraction of the indoor scene at the Metreon.

The outdoor patio of the Metreon, reserved primarily for Champagne and oysters.

 

Hugh Symington of W. & J. Graham’s Port. I wish I had a bottle of their port that size!

 

Angela Osborne of A Touch of Grace Wine Company.

Owner, winemaker Jerry Seps of Napa Valley’s Storybook Mountain Vineyard.

Andrea , the winemaker at Mullineux & Lees Family Wines.

2019 Sonoma County Harvest Fair

The annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Locals and visitors alike can gather in Grace Pavilion for a two-day wine packed event to toast the county’s hard-working farmers, ranchers, vintners and producers. Sip or stomp your way through the 2019 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, this Friday & Saturday, October 4th and 5th.

The epicenter of the 2019 Harvest Fair will be the Tasting Pavilion, featuring the area’s best wine. Over 100 Sonoma County wineries participating will be pouring over 300 wines. Even the most experienced connoisseur is sure to find a new favorite. The Grand Harvest Tasting ticket offers guests the chance to savor all of the award-winning wine from this year’s Professional Wine Competition and enjoy some small food bites.

To see a list of this year’s winners, click the link below. You’ll see the wineries alphabetically. Scroll down to see how your favorite wineries performed.

2019-Harvest Fair Awards

For the Harvest Fair website click here.

 

 

California Wine Month 2019

Recently I spoke with Nancy Light of the Wine Institute by phone to share the news about September being California Wine Month 2019. Click on the interview below and you’ll discover every wine region in the state is offering multiple events, festivals, discounts and more, some relating to this season’s harvest. This is a great time of year to pick a place you may not have visited yet, take a trip and get to know that wine region.

California is the world’s 4th largest wine producer. Now that’s something to celebrate!

Find the map and list of events here. You can search by date or click on a region. Get out on the wine road this month and celebrate California Wine Month 2019!

 

The 2019 Paulée Event

On Friday, August 30th the Russian River Valley Winegrowers present the 2019 Paulée event. No less than thirty wineries will be in attendance, local esteemed chefs, and guests beaming with anticipation. Delicious wine will be poured, delectable food will be served, and stories will be told as all celebrate the harvest season together at DeLoach Vineyards.

The Paulée family style harvest celebration originated in the French Burgundian region centuries ago. This year you can join in this rich history! It truly one of my favorite events of the year.

I sat down with Jeff Colton of Deloach Vineyards and the President of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers, Chris Crispo so you could hear more about the event.

I will be attending and I hope to see you there too!

 

The 2019 Paulée Event

Join us at the table, won’t you?

 

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Down To Earth Month, Celebrating Earth Day

On this podcast we celebrate the Earth, and those who are doing their part it keeping it as livable as possible.

Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd and the Wine Institute is presenting their 8th Annual Down To Earth Month. They’re promoting celebrations throughout the month, across California. You can find more details on my Events page Down To Earth Month Celebrations. You might also want to visit Discover California Wines.

In this podcast you’ll hear my interview with Allison Jordan, the Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Vice President, Environmental Affairs for Wine Institute.

I have a brief conversation about sustainable winemaking and vineyard practices with Ana Diogo-Draper, Director of Winemaking at Artesa Vineyards and Winery. Then I talk with C.O.O. and winemaker John Olney of Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs about their April 20th event celebrating organic farming. We’ll also chat about the rich history of Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello as well. I mean, it’s iconic. I couldn’t pass up that opportunity.

Let’s drink some wine and celebrate this big blue marble we call home!

 

 

Down To Earth Month

The old zinfandel vineyard on a fog covered morning at Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs in Dry Creek Valley, Geyserville, CA.

 

 

Down To Earth Month Celebrations

Earth Day of 2019

The California Wine Institute is celebrating with their 8th Annual Down To Earth month. Throughout April there are events and activities across the state from wineries who practice sustainable winegrowing, winemaking and farming practices. These include producing high quality grapes and wines, protecting the environment, being a good neighbor and employer, and maintaining a thriving, long-term business.

Guests on my radio show, April 13th

I will feature an interview on my radio show on Saturday, April 13th with Allison Jordan, the Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Also joining me will be John Olney, the Chief Operating Officer and Winemaker at Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs. The discussion will explain sustainable practices, we’ll touch upon some of the 50 events, and you’ll hear about Ridge Vineyards’ celebration of organic farming on April 20th. Both locations, Lytton Springs in Healdsburg and Monte Bello in Cupertino, will participate.

Guests on my radio show, April 20th

On this show you’ll learn about the Slow Wine movement. Very much like the Slow Food movement, it awards wineries and vineyards who make wine and farm sustainably. I’ll talk with Ann Baker of Larkmead Cellars and Ted Lemon of Littorai Wines. Both are featured in the 2019 Slow Wine Guide.

Find events near you

Events have already begun so I wanted to help you get a jump on where you can go to join in on the celebration. Click the map below to be taken to the Wine Institute’s California Wines’ press release about Down To Earth Month. Celebrate Earth Day with wine!

 

Down To Earth Month

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. 

Oliver Ranch
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.

 

Oliver Ranch

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!

 

 

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Harvest Challenge Wine Competition interviews

In an effort to take you behind the scenes at a wine judging competition I recorded a couple of interviews with fellow judges. This is from the recent 2018 Harvest Challenge wine competition that took place on November 13 & 14th in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA. It was an international competition that featured about 900 wines.  Click the play button to hear the interviews, click the Best Of Awards link to see the winners. It’s quite a list!

Congratulations to all who pick up awards!

 

Harvest Challenge Best Of Awards

 

Harvest ChallengeHarvest Challenge

Wines for Halloween y Dia de los Muertos

Here are wines that will draw attention at any Halloween party.

Wines for Halloween that need to be ordered:

New to this year’s list is one of two that will also be well received at a Dia de los Muertos party. “Vinos de los Muertos”, or Wine of the Dead, is a red blend dessert wine (a perfect pairing for your haul of Halloween candy), and hails from St. Clair Vineyard in New Mexico.

Next to it is a wine from Bulgaria, which of course, features the region of Transylvania. It’s appropriately called “The Legend of Transylvania V Pinot Noir.” Although, I don’t know which is more scary, the title or the $3.99 price. Both of these wines can be purchased through Wine Searcher. Click on the bottles to be taken to the page. You may be able to have them shipped to receive by Halloween.

The more accessible Wines for Halloween:

Truett Hurst’s “Bewitched” comes in a nicely designed paper wrapped bottle. You can find it at some Safeway stores or from their tasting room in Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg. Louis M. Martini’s “Ghost Pines” has Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot varietals and sells for Around $17. Bogle offers “Phantom” which sells for about $18. There’s Charles Smith’s “The Velvet Devil” Merlot, priced at about $11. The most unique is Concha y Toro’s “Casillero Del Diablo” (Cellar of the Devil). It offers a great list of varietals from Chile, yet sells as low as $11. Seven Deadly Zins is the easiest to find but not very special as it’s available anywhere wine is sold.

You’ll be the hit of the Halloween or Dia de los Muertos party with one of these in your hand.

Wine that has Vanished like a Phantom:

The bottle below is one of my favorite labels for this time of year, “Todos Santos,” meaning All Saints. It was a small production wine from Tank Garage Winery in Calistoga, Napa Valley. Sadly, this 2015 Barbera, Mourvedre blend is no longer available. Sorry for the tease but you have to admit, it’s a pretty cool looking label.

 

 

Halloween line-uphalloween-lineup

 

Halloween Line-up