Cocktails Anyone?

 The spirits business is booming in Sonoma County. From the local paper, the Press Democrat, a current listing of what is being produced and who has a tasting room.

 Guide to Distilleries

2016 Wine Sales

A summary of the highlights of U.S. wine sales for 2016, mostly from winesandvines.com.

The Problem with Zinfandel

If ever there was a California wine made in a multitude of styles it is Zinfandel. This can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.

About Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a fascinating wine in that discovering its origin wasn't easy (and was a surprise). And with the different styles available from sweet and pink to lush and fruity to elegant and age-worthy there's something for everyone.

Zinfandel has been called America's grape.

Where to Go for Zinfandel in Sonoma County

Ah Zinfandel. It's been called America's grape. Sonoma County arguably is the birthplace of America's grape as a premium varietal. Within Sonoma County Dry Creek Valley is Zin Central so we'll go there for our Zinfandel tasting.  You will also find great Zinfandel from Alexander Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Valley within the county, but Zin sampling will be more concentrated in Dry Creek.

A love/hate relationship with Pinot Noir

Both producers and consumers have a love/hate relationship with Pinot Noir. Making it and buying it gives people fits.

About Pinot Noir

  Pinot Noir is one of the most prized wines in the world. It's also a bit difficult to grow and to make. This means relatively high prices for Pinot Noir as compared to most other reds.

Where to Taste Pinot Noir in Sonoma County

Pinot Noir is the current "in grape" for many California wine lovers. Lots of Pinot has been planted in the state over the last ten years. You'd think this would help hold prices down, but that doesn't seem to always be the case.

Sonoma County's Russian River Valley is very well known for Pinot Noir along with the "old guard" Carneros region and the "up-and-coming" Sonoma Coast growing area. Russian River Valley is the place to concentrate your visit as there is a lot more Pinot available compared to the other regions in the county.

Service in the Wine Country Not So Great?

Have you visited the area this past year or are you planning a visit? Has the customer service at a hotel, restaurant or winery not been up to the standards you'd hoped? If you have had experienced this you might wonder why a region dependent on tourism wouldn't be at their best.

It's the economy.

A Joint Venture?

Wine and the newly legalized cannabis industries in California were looking at ways to help each other out at a recent industry gathering in Santa Rosa. Experience with tasting rooms, tours, and food pairing are all ways the wine folks think they may be able to help the marijuana folks. 

Apparently, at some time in the near future you'll be able to visit Sonoma County to tour wineries, breweries, distilleries, and now marijuana tasting rooms (or whatever they'll be called). About all we're missing now are guns and prostitution.   LOL

Article from the Press Democrat
  

Sonoma County - Winter 2016-17 Events

What's happening during the quiet season in Sonoma County?

December in the Vineyards (photos)

December 2, 2016, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County.

Why You Should Pour Another Glass of Wine

Feeling guilty about having another glass just because you have to go to work tomorrow, or because it's already tomorrow?  There are a lot more reasons to pour another than there are reasons to worry about snoring at your desk the next day. It's healthy, it makes you better looking, you can dance better, and the list goes on.

So here are the reasons to keep on drinkin'