Understanding White Wine Sometimes I feel like a walking encyclopedia of wine. Be it white, red, rosé or sparkling, friends and family ask me so many questions about wine. I don’t mind, but it also made me realize I should write down the answers in an organized fashion so even folks who don’t know me […]

The sweet smell of rain-freshened air is one of the joys of early spring along the Wine Road, but there are many more.   Wild Mustard in Bloom One of my favorite early spring sights is the mustard blooming in vineyards, along the sides of back roads and anywhere else it left seeds the year […]

The joys of wine appreciation include checking out unusual or lesser-known varietals. This means varietals that aren’t the standard Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, etc. When wine tasting Along the Wine Road or elsewhere, I find most wineries have some of the standard classic varietals, but I’m seeing more lesser-known varietals […]

In 1964 when Dobie Gray released The “In” Crowd, he sang about what we all want — to be a part of the inside group, to be a part of what’s happenin’. Would you like to be a part of the ‘in’ crowd, the Wine Road ‘in’ crowd, that is? Then read on.     […]

In part one of My Life Before the Wine Industry, we explored the lives of two people impassioned with their new careers. This time you’ll meet four more people who found their paths to the winery industry in different ways, but the common theme continues. The beautiful surroundings, wine country lifestyle, fast-paced varied roles at […]

Everyone hopes for the ultimate wine tasting experience when anticipating a trip. Research and planning take a lot of time, so I hope this blog can lend the guidance you’ve been seeking.   Wine Tasting Experiences in Sonoma County The Wine Road in Northern Sonoma County offers everything to create the ultimate wine tasting experience […]

If you’re seeking the quintessential Zinfandel, head to Dry Creek Valley, a slice of heaven in Northern Sonoma County. Why visit Dry Creek Valley to find amazing Zinfandel when so many other regions produce good Zins?   Why Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel? Long-time Dry Creek Valley winegrower Fred Peterson, owner of Peterson Winery, explains, “If you […]

Engaging your senses is the spark in our love affair with wine. Sipping wine engages your senses of smell and taste, plus you experience what it feels like on your palate and enjoy looking at your glass of wine. Even last sense — hearing — comes into play as you talk about the wine, or […]

A visit to Sonoma County’s Wine Country includes superb wineries, stellar scenery, delicious dining, relaxing lodgings and so much more. It’s the “more” that’s worth exploring. It’s been a while since we tapped into all the other things that make Sonoma County the perfect playground for adults (and kids, too).     Sonoma County Coast […]

Sonoma County’s wine roots run deep. So deep that California’s oldest premium winery is located in Sonoma County, and so is the longest continuously operating family winery. Over the past 40-plus years, Sonoma County wines have broadened and deepened their reach so now you can find them almost anywhere in the United States, and in […]