A flowing fountain inside a red brick courtyard with flowers on the edges and some village-like buildings.
Itineraries Sonoma County Adventures, Experiences and Explorations

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 […]

Rebecca Germolus / May 31, 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
photo of Nebbiolo grapes just before harvest
Wine Tasting Tips Lesser-Known Varietals Revised

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 […]

Rebecca Germolus / Feb 15, 2024
Red grapes in picking bins with a Colagrossi label on the bin.
Wineries My Life Before the Wine Industry, Part One

The wine industry has an allure that pulls people in—often permanently trapping them with the beautiful surroundings, lifestyle, fast-paced varied roles at wineries, and the opportunities to meet people from around the world. In the coming year, Along the Wine Road will explore the stories of people who had non-winery careers before finding their passion […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jan 1, 2024
From left to right: Marcy, Craig and Beth
Podcast Wine Road Podcast Episode 186

In episode 186, we are joined by guest Craig Colagrossi, the accomplished owner and winemaker of Colagrossi Wines. The episode kicks off with Craig sharing a flavorful sparkling Rosé of Sangiovese, made in the Cremant style, a delicious introduction to the unique wines Craig is known for. Craig also shares his journey in winemaking, focusing […]

Liana / Oct 19, 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
seven Grenache bottles on a barrel head in the rain
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Grenache

Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown. Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to […]

Marcy Gordon / Mar 24, 2023
four Sangiovese bottles in the green grass with yellow daffodils in the background
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Sangiovese

Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”. A mainstay of Italy, it’s a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of flavors that include red cherry, black plum, sun-dried tomato, cigar box, black tea, smoke, anise, and thyme; great acidity and a nice level of spiciness typify it. […]

Marcy Gordon / Feb 25, 2023
30th annual Winter Wineland post with bottle image and snowflakes in blue and white
Event Experience Winter Wine Tasting at Its Best

Ready to experience a fabulous winter wine tasting along the Wine Road? Then it’s time to buy your tickets to the Wine Road’s 30th Annual Winter Wineland event! As I reviewed this year’s program, I was struck by how lucky I am to live here and be able to attend the Wine Road events. Why […]

Rebecca Germolus / Dec 2, 2022
Cabernet Franc bottles on a sunny day
Varietal of the Month Cabernet Franc: Varietal of the Month

  Have you noticed everybody is talking about Cabernet Franc lately? It’s no surprise—Cabernet Franc has medium body and moderate tannin and acidity with great texture that makes it a worthy addition to the dinner table. Cabernet Franc offers up the softer side of Cabernet Sauvignon, to which it is the parent grape.   Here […]

Marcy Gordon / Nov 21, 2022