Port and late harvest wines in fornt of a wreath
Varietal of the Month Style of the Month: Port and Late Harvest

Port style and Late Harvest wines have sweeter profiles than other wines. Port, is traditionally made with Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. Alcohol, usually grape brandy, is added during fermentation, which fortifies the wine. Late harvest wines are made from grapes high in brix/sugar content that are left […]

Marcy Gordon / Jan 24, 2023
Recipes written large on an open book with various ingredients forming a frame around the open book.
Pairings In Pursuit of the Perfect Recipe (and Pairing)

My husband and I love to cook, and are always scouting for new recipes, especially those that pair well with wine. But websites that don’t bombard you with pop-up ads and other annoyances are increasingly hard to find. However, I can recommend two terrific ad-free recipe resources: the Wine Road Podcast and the Wine Road […]

Rebecca Germolus / Aug 2, 2022
Chardonnay bottles in a row on a table with Paradise Ridge,Jigar, Dutton Estate, Sbragia and Gary Farrell
Varietal of the Month Chardonnay: Varietal of the Month

Chardonnay is planted widely around the world.  It’s sometimes called the chameleon grape given its propensity to display characteristics that reflect the particular climate and region where it’s grown. It can be coy or bold in personality and run the gamut stylistically from rich and creamy to lean and lithe. Hone your palate by tasting a […]

Marcy Gordon / Jul 25, 2022
Pinot Noir bottles on a red table cloth with corks in foreground
Varietal of the Month Pinot Noir: Varietal of the Month

Pinot Noir is synonymous with Sonoma County as one of the flagship wines of the Russian River Valley region. Light bodied with moderate to high acidity gives Pinot Noir a structure that makes it eminently pair worthy with a wide range of foods. A cool climate grape, Pinot Noir can be finicky and difficult to […]

Marcy Gordon / Apr 22, 2022
Varietal of the Month Sauvignon Blanc: Varietal of the Month

Widely planted and universally loved, Sauvignon Blanc is well known for it’s spiky, lively acidity. 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.  Zesty, zippy and zingy –Sauvignon Blanc has swing […]

Marcy Gordon / Feb 18, 2022
Syrah on the wine road
Varietal of the Month Syrah: Varietal of the Month

Syrah, a Rhône varietal, is a medium bodied to full-bodied dry red wine. For many years Syrah was ignored by consumers, it struggled to find it’s place at the table and stylistically many Syrah’s were pushed to the far side of the jam jar. Today winemakers embrace the inherent wild nature of the grape and […]

Marcy Gordon / Jan 21, 2022
Winter-picnic-by-mustard-filled-vineyard
Wineries Top Reasons for a Winter Trip to Wine Country

A winter trip to Wine Country is the perfect cure for those post-holiday blues, and here are the top reasons you should plan your visit today! Far From the Maddening Crowd Tired of mobbed venues and too many people to deal with? You can find many uncrowded tasting rooms during the winter months along the […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jan 12, 2022
Chardonnay bottles in a row on a table with Paradise Ridge,Jigar, Dutton Estate, Sbragia and Gary Farrell
Varietal of the Month Chardonnay: Varietal of the Month

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most planted white grapes. Its many styles, from creamy to bright, oaked or unoaked , make it a versatile choice for a variety of pairings. Chardonnay is typically full to medium in body and acidity with low to no tannins. From bold and rich, to lean and lithe it’s […]

Marcy Gordon / Aug 26, 2020
Line of Sauvignon Blanc bottles on table
Varietal of the Month Sauvignon Blanc: Varietal of the Month

Widely planted around the world, Sauvignon Blanc has an array of styles from lean and bright, to juicy and plush. Sauvignon Blanc typically offers great aromatics and flavors that range from zesty citrus, to tart apple, to creamy peach and lean nectarine. Best bets for paring are briny oysters, Thai food, crab cakes, and goat […]

Marcy Gordon / Feb 25, 2020
Tracy Dutton's homemade pies.
Find Your Perfect Day Perfect Day – Tracy Dutton

Tracy Dutton of Dutton Estate Winery is a native Sebastopolian and a member of the Kozlowski family, famous for their pies. Tracy’s perfect day is spent with family in her home. “I love my family and my home and I love creating memories for my family and friends.  If I can create a wonderful memory […]

Beth Costa / Jun 13, 2019