Sonoma County Cult Wines

I'm not a big fan of the term "cult wine." The term is usually applied to Napa cabernet that is sought after, gets big points from the reviewers, is expensive, and hard to get. I'll take a shot at naming a few of the wines that some idolize and geek out over that come from Sonoma County. Generally, the ones listed below from Sonoma aren't quite so pricey and aren't even cabernet. Many of these, however, are sold by mailing list meaning you sign up and they'll "let" you buy a certain number of bottles per year.

Things to Know Before Visiting Sonoma County

When visiting a place you aren't familiar with it's nice to get a little advice from the locals. Here are a few things you don't necessarily find on the travel web sites.

U.S. Employment in the Beer & Wine Biz

The wine business is booming along with the economy. Craft beer, however, is exploding. So how is employment in these industries? The wine and beer industries now employ about the same number of people.

Climate, Soil, and Wine

What makes a great wine? Great grapes. What makes great grapes? Soil and climate. Which is more important? Can't answer that, but we can take a look at them.

What it Costs to go Wine Tasting

This is for the Napa / Sonoma area cuz that's what I know best. Many less-visited wine areas will charge less -- places like Mendocino County just to the north or Amador County in the Sierra Foothill. This is strictly an unscientific study. So much for the disclaimers. What's this trip going to cost you?

Should You Visit Sonoma County in 2018?

The October fires were the major news for over a week as it seemed to many that all of Sonoma and Napa Counties were on fire.

First, the reality of what was affected isn't as bad as you might think. Yes, a few percent of the land area of Sonoma County burned with the most destruction to structures in the north of Santa Rosa. Fire also spread over oak tree and grass-covered hills. One winery, Paradise Ridge, was lost (though they still have a tasting room in Sonoma Valley and are still in business). Three hotels were lost in Santa Rosa, but several others have opened in the county over the past few months.

You can still visit with lots of lodging, shopping, wine tasting, brewery hopping, hiking, fishing, or whatever activity is you pleasure.

Shopping for a Bottle of Zinfandel

  Buying a bottle off the shelf is always a bit of a crapshoot because you can never be sure it's one you'll really enjoy. This can be tougher when shopping for a Zinfandel because of the different styles available. They go from structured, firm and ageable to soft and jammy and drink now plus, of course, there are ones in between. What hints can you get from the label?

Why You Should Be Drinking Zinfandel

  As you may have read in the previous blog post zinfandel doesn't get much respect. That's really too bad as it's a great sipping wine and a great dinner wine. It's not as heavy as a cabernet or as light as a pinot noir so it does a nice job of fitting in between for those medium-weight dishes. A side benefit is zin is generally less expensive than a comparable cab or pinot.

Zinfandel's Problem

  First, let's admit there is a problem with zinfandel. It's been called America's grape or California's grape or even Sonoma's best-kept secret. What it's never been called is America's most popular wine. Cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and now pinot noir are the big ones. Little known fact: Until 20 years ago zinfandel was the most-planted grape in California.

What Wine With BK's Whopper?

What better wine to pair with your Burger King dinner than a blue Chardonnay? The delicate flavors of blue will pair perfectly with your raw onions and bacon. Try it today!

Yes, April fools