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
freshly harvested olives in a variety of green and black colors.
Wineries Estate Olive Oil Along the Wine Road

There is an ever-growing number of estate-grown olive oils featured in tasting rooms along the Wine Road, so I thought it was time to take a deeper look. Let’s go explore!   Mediterranean-like Climate In Sonoma County, we’re blessed with wet winters and dry, warm summers, similar to Italy, Greece and Spain’s Mediterranean climate. These […]

Rebecca Germolus / Apr 1, 2025
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
Event Early Spring Along the Wine Road

The sweet smell of rain-freshened air is one of the joys of early spring along the Wine Road, but there are many more.   Wild Mustard in Bloom One of my favorite early spring sights is the mustard blooming in vineyards, along the sides of back roads and anywhere else it left seeds the year […]

Rebecca Germolus / Feb 1, 2024
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
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 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. Depending on the style, California Viognier can walk the […]

Marcy Gordon / Oct 28, 2022
Wine & Food Affair 2022 event poster with details and blurred background of vineyards
Event Autumn = Wine & Food Affair

Autumn is just around the corner, and so is one of the Wine Road’s premier tasting events—Wine & Food Affair on November 5th & 6th. Picture yourself meandering along vineyard-lined roads with the autumn sun illuminating the vines bursting with fall colors. Each tasting room visit rewards you with delicious wine and food pairings, plus […]

Rebecca Germolus / Sep 1, 2022
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