The SCV’s Wine Auction Weekend of Events

The Wine Auction weekend is Sonoma County Vintner’s second big event of the year. It brings together some of the most respected vintners, wine collectors, and inspired bidders for an opportunity to score some of Sonoma County’s top wines and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

Proceeds from the auction fund the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, for the purpose of supporting nonprofit organizations on education & literacy, health & human services, the environment, and arts & culture. The efforts of the Foundation are well respected locally, and Wine Spectator named it one of the nation’s top charitable auctions. So far, proceeds have raised 40 million dollars and support more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County.

Why is it so successful? Because it’s a weekend full of awesome food, wine, winning bids, laughs, and cheers!

The Wine Auction Weekend includes vintner’s dinners with winemakers and renowned chefs, the Biggest. Party. Ever., that takes place at Rodney Strong Vineyards, and culminates with the auction at La Crema Estate. Auctioneer John Curley has to be the most entertaining auctioneer on the planet!

Now that you’re intrigued, visit Sonoma CountyWineAuction.com for more details.

SCV Auction weekend SCV Auction weekend

 

 

 

 

 

The Taste of Sonoma 2023, June 24

Taste of Sonoma 2023 is the biggest wine event of the year and if you like excellent wine and culinary treats it’s not to be missed! Imagine walking from one Sonoma County wine region to another. Want to start with sparkling? Visit Gloria Ferrer’s Bubble Lounge. How about Chardonnay or Pinot Noir? Hit the Russian River Valley tent. Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauv blanc? That’s the Alexander Valley area. And you’ll surely find Zinfandel in the Dry Creek Valley tent. I think you get the picture, and it should look like this –

Taste of Sonoma         

And there are the super-excited people & awesome food and bites all day long!

Taste of Sonoma

 

 

 

 

 

Taste of Sonoma

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s the breakdown

Taste of Sonoma showcases Sonoma County’s most renowned vintners and offers wine and culinary enthusiasts unparalleled access to the bounty of Sonoma County. The one–day immersive lineup at the picturesque Kendall–Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens will include a walk–around wine grand tasting area, guided wine seminars, garden tours, premium wine experiences, food trucks with complimentary dishes, a beer garden, and hospitality lounges.

Taste of Sonoma’s activities include:


• Grand Tasting AVA Tents showcasing Sonoma County’s wines and 100 wineries from across the region
• Complimentary food trucks
• Beer Garden
• VIP Club Reserve Lounge with access to limited production, reserve and award–wining wines poured
by the winemakers and owners of Sonoma County’s world–class wineries. This year, VIP Club Reserve
will have an expanded layout, including guest seating areas and the Vi La Vita Wellness Spa Lounge
hosted by Vintners Resort. VIP Club Reserve will also feature a selection of appetizers, creating the
perfect wine and food pairing experience.
• Themed Lounges
o Kendall–Jackson Garden Bar
o Rodney Strong Vineyards Destination Rosé Lounge
o Gloria Ferrer’s Bubble Lounge
o Vintners Resort’s Vi La Vita Spa Lounge
o Cross Country Mortgage Silent Disco
TIME:
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
11:00 am– 4:00 pm VIP Club Reserve Ticketholders
TICKET PRICING:
• General Admission: $200
• VIP Club Reserve: $245

Pricing Day of Event on June 25:
• General Admission: $220
• VIP Club Reserve: $265
For more details, click here Taste of Sonoma. Yes, there’s so much more!

 

Vine Whisperer Phil Coturri – Moon Mountain Event

Vineyard manager and owner of Enterprise Vineyards, Phil Coturri has spent nearly his entire life as a mountain man, of sorts. He grew up on Sonoma Mountain, then started working on Moon Mountain in the 1970s. Between the two prominent ranges is the world-class wine-producing region of Sonoma Valley.

Phil started learning about organic farming as a teenager, so it’s no surprise he is referred to as a wizard and a guru, possibly even a vine whisperer. In this podcast, Phil talks about his background, traditional organic farming, and what makes Moon Mountain so distinctive.

It’s no surprise the Moon Mountain District Association chose Phil to be my guest when I offered to promote the “Reach for the Moon” Master Class and Grand Tasting event on June 3rd, 2023. It’s likely no one else knows more about Mountain than Phil. The event is going to be spectacular, tasting and learning about the wines that are the end product from the grapes that are grown in every direction, with unobstructed views from the mountain to San Francisco Bay. See the impressive list of winemakers who are attending and the wineries who will be sharing their wines by visiting MoonMountainDistrict.org, then click Events.

You can bet I accepted their offer to attend!  I hope to see you there, too. Click the Play button below to listen to the interview.

Check out the wines made with Phil Coturri‘s grapes at Winery Sixteen 600.

 

phil coturri

The Moon Mountain District atop the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County

 

April is Down to Earth Month

Discover California Wines presents Down To Earth Month in honor of Earth Day which celebrates California’s commitment to sustainable grape growing and winemaking. Events and festivals continue throughout the rest of April. See if any of the following appeals to you.

 

Earth Month Guided Hikes in Sustainable Vineyards with Wine Tastings

  • Six Sigma Ranch and Winery property in Lake County (April 15 & 28)
  • Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma County  (April 22)
  • Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg (All Month)
  • Cooper Garrod Vineyards’ Walk With the Winemaker (All Month)

Earth Month Tours & Tastings 

  • Electric Bus Estate Tours of Ponte Winery in Temecula (All Month)
  • Sustainable Tour & Tasting of the Vineyard at Captain Vineyards in Moraga (All Month)
  • Sustainable Wines & Vines Tour of Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley (All Month)
  • Eco Tour & Tasting Experience at Honig Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley (All Month)

Passport Weekends (Like a wine country road trip; can taste dozens of wineries in one stop!)

  • Spring Wine Weekend Calaveras Wine Country
  • El Dorado Passport to the Great Out There (April 22-23)
  • Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains Grand Tasting (April 30)

Earth Month Festivals

  • California Wine Festival – Dana Point – Sample selections from dozens of California wineries and enjoy artisanal food (April 15-16)
  • OC Spring Wine Fest – Costa Mesa – sample wines from all over California (April 22-23)
  • Earth Day Napa festival with sustainable wines + earth friendly vendors, live entertainment (April 23)
  • Garagiste Wine Festival: Northern Exposure in Sonoma – region’s best small, hard-to-find wine producers.at this intimate event and taste cutting-edge wines (April 29)
  • Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner Weekend – Napa Valley – Connect with the proprietors and winemakers of the Stags Leap District, including many that are using sustainable farming practices (April 28-30)

Be sure to see the interactive map of the state’s wine regions and winery events at Discover California Wines.com

Songwriters in Paradise-Napa Valley

What goes better with an evening of music from talented singer-songwriters? Really good wine!  (I know you may be thinking beer, but hey, they’re in Napa Valley) 14 artists will be gathering for four nights of jammin’ music, and sharing stories with friendly, jovial people in intimate winery settings. On this podcast, I talk with the founder of S.I.P., Patrick Davis about how this multi-year event came to be, and what attendees can expect. I will definitely be attending one or two shows. Can’t make the Napa shows April 19th-22nd? They’re back to perform in Healdsburg July 18th – 22nd. Prefer to have a sandy beach to enhance your musical experience? Consider Cabo San Lucas later in the year.  For more details visit SongwritersinParadise.com.  Click Play to hear the interview and see some of the artists who are performing below.

Subscribe to On The Wine Road Podcast on i.Tunes/Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts or wherever you prefer to access your podcasts.

songwriterssongwriters

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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?