Six bottles of Cabernet Franc
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month – Cabernet Franc

If Missy Elliot liked Cabernet Franc, maybe the lyrics to “Get Ur Freak On!” would have been “Get Ur Franc On!” But even without a starring role in a song, Cabernet Franc is having a moment, an ongoing moment that is. And it’s no surprise. Cabernet Franc is a great food friendly wine with medium […]

Marcy Gordon / Oct 17, 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
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
Three people toasting with white wine in wine glasses. Blurry images of food on the table.
White Wine Guide to White Wine: Varieties, Pairings and Regions

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 […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jan 30, 2024
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
Three 1946 Chevy trucks loaded with grapes bins
Wineries For the Love of Old Trucks

Why are some folks so drawn to old trucks? Is it the romance of years past? Whatever the attraction, the love affair with old trucks continues on, especially along the Wine Road. Though their numbers of dwindling, we found four old trucks along the Wine Road with entertaining stories. Old Truck #1 – 1954 Chevrolet […]

Rebecca Germolus / May 1, 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
Man, all dressed in blue with a red-faced watch, has a wine thief inserted in a wine barrel in one hand and a wine glass in the other hand.
Event Top 10 Reasons to Attend Barrel Tasting 2023

Here are the top 10 reasons to attend the Wine Road’s Barrel Tasting, the weekend of Friday, March 3rd through Sunday, March 5th. Reason 1 – Rare Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to taste and learn about wines being served directly from the barrel. Some wineries will also be pouring a previous bottled vintage […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jan 17, 2023
seven bottles of sparking wine ina row with tresses and vlue sky in the background
Varietal of the Month Style of the Month: Sparkling

Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. Sparkling wines come in a range of sweetness levels the most popular style is Brut with less than half a gram of sugar per glass. Extra Brut and Brut […]

Marcy Gordon / Dec 20, 2022