Sonoma County's premier grape isn't Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. It's actually Zinfandel. No, it isn't the most-planted or most-famous wine from Sonoma, but it's still on top because nobody does Zin like Sonoma County.
Views of a local who has been in the hospitality side of the wine biz full- or part-time for about three decades. Maybe more importantly, an avid consumer of the local wines for over 40 years. Mostly general comments on the California wine business because that's what I know.
Sonoma County's premier grape isn't Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. It's actually Zinfandel. No, it isn't the most-planted or most-famous wine from Sonoma, but it's still on top because nobody does Zin like Sonoma County.
Visitors often wonder about the best way to experience the wineries with worrying about getting a DUI. Some ways are having a DD, hire a driver at a significant expense, share tastings with your SO, and spitting. Perhaps a better way to enjoy a day of wine tasting is on foot. There are some places you can do that. It's called one-stop sipping. :)
Commodity - A basic good like crude oil, grain, or steel that is interchangeable with other goods of the same type. A soybean is a soybean, it doesn't matter where it comes from.
To some, Chardonnay is a commodity.
Southwest Airlines has just announced upcoming service to STS, Sonoma County's commercial airport. SW will be offering flights to and from Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Burbank. Vegas and San Diego will be daily. Ticketing is available now, but the flights don't begin until April 2026.
Currently, Alaska Airlines has the most flights to STS with Los Angeles, Orange County, Burbank, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle routes.
American Airlines has service to Dallas and Phoenix.
You may see mention of Avelo Airlines flights to STS, but they have pulled out, and good riddance.
BTW, the nearest winery tasting room to the airport terminal is less than three miles. :)
Autumn is harvest time in Wine Country and there are many special events to celebrate the harvest. If you're going to be in the area this fall, don't miss the last item on the list!
Chard, Cab, and Pinot are the Big Three in wine. If you drink only what's popular, you might be bored with these. And with demand comes higher prices. What are some alternative wine varietals that are similar and possibly less expensive?
Over 20 years ago, the California State Legislature gave us a whole month to celebrate wine!