The words Summer Wine Trail in colorful lettering
Event Explore and Sip During Wine Trail

Wine Trail is your one-day pass to explore wineries along the Wine Road that are new to you, visit wineries and try wines you’ve always wanted to taste, and return to wineries you call your favorites. Wine Trail happens five times a year — February, May, July, September and December — giving ample opportunities to […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jun 28, 2025
Group of people toasting
Wine Tasting Tips Wine Tasting with Groups

Wine tasting with a group of friends or family members is a wonderful way to enjoy each other’s company. You’re in beautiful surroundings with a relaxed friendly environment, sounds perfect. But, there’s one challenge. Most wineries require advanced reservations for groups of six or more. That can put a damper on your day of fun, […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jun 3, 2025
People in a picnic area with wisteria blooming in the foreground.
Wineries The Perfect Winery Picnic

It’s time to explore the perfect winery picnic. A day of wine tasting without food is not wise. Many of the wineries in Northern Sonoma County are rather rural, and the nearest restaurant or deli might be a detour you don’t have time to take during your wine tasting adventure. Packing or purchasing a picnic […]

Rebecca Germolus / May 4, 2025
Event 10 Wine-Fun Reasons to Attend Wine Road’s Winter Festivals

By January, wine fun seems in short supply, especially after the fast-paced activities beginning with Thanksgiving and running through to the new year. But fear not, the Wine Road offers a winter wine festival filled with great wines, plenty of laughter, great photo ops and a whole lot of fun — it’s the 32nd annual […]

Rebecca Germolus / Nov 13, 2024
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
Wine and Food Pairings Best Summer Wine Pairings

Warm weather beckons us outside for grilling, picnics and sunset dinners. And, we’re always looking for the best wine pairings to accompany these al fresco meals. Here are some of the best summer pairings with delicious wines found along the Wine Road.   Pairings with Salads Rosé The combination of Greek watermelon salad and a […]

Rebecca Germolus / Jun 28, 2024
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month – Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is well known for it’s spiky, lively acidity. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy, to creamy notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. When it comes to food pairing—Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate flex, versatile and […]

Marcy Gordon / Jun 26, 2024
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 11, 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