West Sonoma Coast

Sonoma County has something like 18 different appellations for wine grapes. Each of these growing areas is supposed to have unique qualities that make for unique wines. Note the green-colored Sonoma Coast appellation on the map below. Much of it isn't exactly spittin' distance from the ocean.

Harvest Interns

In the autumn grape harvest season there is a group of people that are willing to work long, difficult hours surrounded by sticky juice, insects, and back-breaking work. It's a temp job that doesn't pay a whole lot. Their schedule is up to Mother Nature and there have been years when they may not get a day off for a month. Without these young men and women you would not have your wine. Who are these people? They're called simply The Interns.

Trendy Guide to Visiting Santa Rosa, Sonoma County

I spent several seconds trying to come up with the correct title for this blog entry. The Hipster Guide, the Hip Guide? Well, I'm too old to be a hipster or know what they like. Besides I'm not a fan of man buns. And hip seems like too old of a word. But here we go with where to stay, where to eat, and what to do for those of you ahead of the crowds.

Wine Fads and Trends

Things change in the wine industry. There seem to be as many trends and fads as you find in the fashion industry.

Restaurant Wine Ripoffs

It seems we're accustomed to $14 restaurant prices -- for a glass of wine, a cocktail, a salad, a burger. Ever wonder about the markup on wine in a restaurant?

Tourism is Down in Sonoma/Napa

Yes, we had the infamous Wine Country Fires about a year ago. On the news it appeared the whole place burned to the ground. A few wineries, restaurants, and hotels were affected, but the vast majority are just fine. But the perception is there and a lower number of visitors was expected for this year.

Blurring the Lines Between Beer & Wine

Sonoma County's Murphy-Goode Winery is best known for their Liar's Dice Zinfandel and their Sauvignon Blanc. Kendall-Jackson bought the winery from the founders about ten years ago. St. Florian's Brewery was founded five years ago by a local fire captain. St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.

Cab is King -- and Still Growing

Cabernet Sauvignon is called the king of reds or the noble grape. It's been the #1 red wine in the U.S. forever (or thereabouts) with Chardonnay the #1 white. Chardonnay is on top in the amount sold, but in dollar value Cab has passed Chard per WineBusiness.com. Of course, the average price of Cabernet is higher than Chardonnay. Next, but with much less dollar value, is Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Rosé wines have the highest growth rate.

Zinfandel in Napa

Napa Valley? But it's about Cabernet Sauvignon and maybe Chardonnay. You mean there's even Zinfandel grown in Napa?

Zinfandel was once the main grape grown in Napa with Petite Sirah also having a big presence. Now Zin is 5% of vineyard land; Petite Sirah 0.5%. What happened? Well, maybe blame it on the Judgement in Paris in 1976 where California kicked France's ass in both Cabernet and Chardonnay. That's when those two grapes started to take over.

Non-drinker's Guide to Sonoma County

Coming to visit us, but you or someone in your group is a non-drinker? Fear not, there is stuff for you to do! Here's what a travel writer for the NY Times did on her stay.

Teetotaler's Guide to Sonoma County

Wine Condoms

So you don't finish a bottle in a night (shame on you). What do you do? Put the cork back in? Well, you could put on a wine condom (giggle, giggle).

Alcohol Company in a New "Joint" Venture

Constellation Brands is in the booze business. They own about 30 wine brands including Mondavi, Ravenswood, and Mark West. They also own Corona Beer, Svedka Vodka, plus other beer and spirits companies. They are publicly traded and their stock hasn't been doing great and recently was downgraded to a "sell."