Vinotastr kits with the 1-2-3-4 strips shown plus the front of the instructions.
Wine Tasting Tips Vinotastr: Defining your Palate Preferences

A visit to a wine bar or wine shop can be daunting with what appear to be endless choices. You know you like red wine, but not all red wines. You’ve often wished there was a way to figure out what you like without randomly buying bottle after bottle until you find the wines you […]

Rebecca Germolus / Nov 16, 2023
Bottles of wine displayed in fall leaves
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Barbera

Barbera Barbera: Prince of Darkness, Goddess of Light—well not exactly, but Barbera is characteristically dark in color and light in taste. It’s a fairy tale of red and black berry flavors with high acidity, relatively low tannins, and a spicy finish. A charming and quaffable Italian varietal, Barbera pairs well with braised meats and roasted […]

Beth Costa / Oct 23, 2023
Sign reads Come Celebrate the Harvest with Us Wine & Food Affair A Weekend of Wine & Food Pairings
Wine and Food Pairings 7 Reasons to Attend Wine & Food Affair 2023

There are many reasons to attend this year’s Wine & Food Affair, but here are my top seven. If you don’t already have your tickets, get them ASAP. If you have your tickets, keep reading so you don’t miss the best parts of the Wine & Food Affair weekend. #1 – The Scenery No matter […]

Rebecca Germolus / Oct 2, 2023
Aerial view of the Russian River Valley showing the fog heaviest over the river and then drifting into the surrounding land.
Vineyards What’s an AVA and Why Should I Care?

I’m often asked by wine drinkers, what’s an AVA and why should I care? The short answer is AVAs can help you figure out what type of wine you like and how to find more with similar characteristics. But there is also a longer and more comprehensive answer. In honor of back-to-school and the love […]

Rebecca Germolus / Sep 2, 2023
Four Bottles of Orange Wine with an orange Stuffed animal
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Orange Wine

Introduction  Orange wines aka skin-contact or amber wines are having a moment —an ongoing moment that started 8,000 years ago. Simply put, orange wines are white grape varieties made in the manner of red wines with extended contact on the skins, resulting in wines full of texture that are both elegant and complex as well […]

Marcy Gordon / Aug 22, 2023
Four Blue Bin wine bottles with labels that read 100% recycled bottle and the name of the wine. The background is a beach and ocean with boats in the bay and buildings on the hills on the right side.
Sustainable Exploring Alternative Wine Packaging

Wine lovers’ interest in alternative wine packages is rapidly growing. Putting wine in non-glass containers isn’t something new. Yet, premium quality wines in alternative packaging—especially environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging—haven’t always easy been to find. I wasn’t sure what I’d find as I explored the offerings along the Wine Road, but was pleasantly surprised at […]

Rebecca Germolus / Aug 1, 2023
Zinfandel-VotM
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Zinfandel

  You can’t come to Sonoma and not taste Zinfandel. Well, you could but why would you? Especially since the area is one of the premier Zinfandel growing regions where the grape has been grown since the 1800’s. Zinfandel is a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of dark fruit flavors that include raspberry, […]

Marcy Gordon / Jul 20, 2023
A circle with a stylized quail holding a wine bottle. Around the edges of the circle are the words Wine Road Ambassador There is a fuzzy image of a vineyard in spring in the background.
Wineries Want to be a Wine Road Ambassador?

The Wine Road just launched a new program available to folks who already love and talk about the Wine Road to become certified ambassadors. How cool is that! What Does It Mean? One definition of an ambassador is someone who is authorized to speak for or represent a government or organization. Think of a Wine […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jul 12, 2023
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Noble Grapes noted for its high acidity and aromatics. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy; to creamy with notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. Texture is the name of the game with […]

Marcy Gordon / Jun 22, 2023
An inviting porch with white wicker chairs and tables, all nicely decorated with flowers, throw pillows and a bowl of fruit. Redwood trees and an American flag frame the background.
Lodgings Finding the Best Place to Stay

When planning a trip, finding the best place to stay isn’t always easy. And, it can take hours of web searching, and you still may settle for less than you wanted. As I planned a recent trip, I was once again reminded how lucky travelers to the Wine Road area are, and what a great […]

Rebecca Germolus / May 31, 2023
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