Smack dab in the middle of Dry Creek Valley, near Healdsburg, marks the spot of Dry Creek Vineyard. Founded in 1972 by David Stare, this family owned winery is often considered the flagship vineyard of the Dry Creek Valley AVA as it was the first winery constructed in the area after Prohibition.
Every January, the Wine Road showcases over 140 wineries in the Northern Sonoma wine country, each outfitted in a winter theme with stellar wine and food pairings. The 2015 Winter Wineland is just one of the many events hosted by Sonoma’s Wine Road throughout the year. www.wineroad.com
This year, Dry Creek Vineyard was one of the most festive wineries, naming each wine selection with ski run course jargon. Guests could start with the Bunny Hill, a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc or the MIlk Run, a 2012 DCV Estate Block 10 Chardonnay, selected from the best 30 rows of the family’s Russian River Valley vineyard.
For the more adventurous tasters, the Dry Creek Mogul, a 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel and the lusty Black Diamond, a 2012 Mariner, a meritage of the five Bordeaux grapes ~ Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc were gold medal winners on the slopes.
Wine Educator, Rich Maloney, was super attentive and engaging, even inviting myself and friends into the private tasting room for more personalized tasting experience, including tasting some of the iconic library wines. A special thanks to Rich!
Today, Dry Creek Vineyard remains as one of the few family owned wineries in the Sonoma Wine Country.
Continuing to launch the business forward is Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, who oversees the 185 estate acres in both the Russian River Valley AVA and Dry Creek Valley AVA.
Kim’s vision honors the past, yet strives to maintain the highest quality and to produce more outstanding wines for the future.
When in Healdsburg, visit Dry Creek Vineyard for a memorable tasting and bring a picnic lunch and stay a while. www.drycreekvineyard.com