partial image of a barrel
Event Tasting the Past, Present and Future: Barrel Weekend 2025

The 2025 Barrel Weekend is all about tasting wines from the past, present and future. This annual weekend event has been reimagined for its 47th anniversary, letting the wineries along the Wine Road focus on more than just tasting wines from the barrel. And, giving tasters new opportunities for exploring and learning about wine.   […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jan 31, 2025
Tangled grapevines in the front with an olive green barn in the back with the words DaVero at the top of the barn.
Wineries Story Behind the Name – Part Two

Ever wonder about the story behind the name? Especially when the name makes you stop and think, “what does that mean or how did they come up with that name?” In part two of the Story Behind the Name, we’ll explore the why and how of the naming of several more wineries along the Wine […]

Rebecca Germolus / Aug 30, 2024
Two chilled glasses of champagne toasting with the sun setting over the ocean.
Vineyards Beyond Grapes: Discovering the Soul of Sonoma County Wine Scene

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 […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jun 10, 2024
purple grapes hanging form vines with leaves that are turning from green to a reddish rust
Wineries Seeking the Quintessential Zinfandel

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 […]

Rebecca Germolus / Apr 16, 2024
four large glasses filled with red wine, held by four people, but can only see their hands.
Wineries Toast to Taste: Exploring the Ultimate Wine Tasting Experience in Sonoma County

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 […]

Rebecca Germolus / Apr 11, 2024
A lineup of 6 bottles of Grenache from Sonoma County
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month – Grenache

Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to fame is its use as one of the fundamental grapes in the highly regarded French Rhone blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range […]

Marcy Gordon / Apr 10, 2024
a partial glass of red wine among plates of appetizer foods and a paella pan filled with seafood.
Wine and Food Pairings Simplifying Wine Pairing

The perfect food and wine pairing can make or break a meal, but how do you pull it off? Do you serve a new wine with each course? What if your guest wants to keep sipping what is in their glass, and you’re moving on to the next course and next wine? These aren’t major […]

Rebecca Germolus / Dec 3, 2023
Carol Shelton pouring wine from a barrel using a wine thief into a Wine Road wine glass. Barrels in the background with Carol Shelton Wines stamped on each barrel.
Wineries A Toast to Women Winemakers

In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s explore the paths of a few women winemakers along the Wine Road. Women have been a part of the wine industry for a very long time. Until recently, a woman rarely was given the title of winemaker. When I first started in the industry, there were a few […]

Rebecca Germolus / Mar 9, 2023
Viognier on the wine road
Varietal of the Month Viognier: Varietal of the Month

Viognier Varietal of the MonthViognier is a full-bodied white wine originally from the Northern Rhone Valley in France. Viognier differs depending on the climate be it cool or warm. Cool climate wines tend towards bright citrus notes, while warm climate wines exhibit deeper floral notes and ripe stone fruit flavors. Flavor and aroma will vary […]

Marcy Gordon / Oct 22, 2021
Car Hop Wine Shop web page
Wineries Reconnect to Wine Country

Ready to reconnect to Wine Country? Is your wine supply a bit depleted after weeks of sheltering in place, aka SIP? I’ve found my wine cellar is missing many of my favorites after the holidays, and now weeks of SIPping at home. My plans to stock up got put on hold when I couldn’t visit […]

Rebecca Germolus / May 5, 2020