Cabernet Sauvignon

Jordan Winery’s Wine & Food Pairing Is Alexander Valley’s Crown Jewel

December 20, 2015 by Deborah Mines

For one of the most memorable wine tasting experiences in Sonoma Wine Country, visit Jordan Winery in the stoic Alexander Valley. Founded in 1972, Tom and Sally Jordan had a vision to produce great “approachable” Bordeaux-style California Cabernet Sauvignon.

Inspired and fashioned after a French château, the Jordan Winery is at the top of the A-list for winery tours. No detail is too small, nor overlooked. Guests meet in the stately lobby for a guided walking tour of the grounds and production area, followed by a first-class private seated wine and food pairing in the château.

“Unique amongst Healdsburg wineries, more than three-quarters of the scenic estate has been preserved as natural habitat—an oasis where craggy oak trees pepper the landscape, geese and ducks swim the lakes, and rabbits and turkeys roam the hills. The property includes 112 acres of grapevines, 18 acres of olive trees, a one-acre garden, two lakes and several grazing pastures. The diversity of ecosystems on the estate encourages beneficial insects and other predators that support our sustainable farming practices”.

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Dry Creek’s Sbragia Family Vineyards Sono Molto Belle

October 22, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Driving through the scenic Dry Creek Valley AVA reminds me of Tuscany with very similar climate, topography and grape varietals. As a matter of fact, there is a collective of Italian immigrants and wine growers that have settled in Dry Creek for that very reason.

Soft rolling hills and long meandering roads lead to Sbragia Family Vineyards at the far end of Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Road. Climbing up the steep driveway, the panoramic view spans from the Rockpile AVA and Sonoma Dam to the Alexander Valley. Sbragia Family Vineyards is truly one of the prettiest views in all of Northern Sonoma County.

The Sbragia family has deep roots, literally, in Dry Creek Valley, having farmed the area for over 100 years. Grapes are sourced from the family vineyards located in Healdsburg, Alexander, Sonoma and Napa Valleys. [Read more…]

The Wine Carriage ~ A Perfect Marriage Of Horses & Wine

September 19, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Nothing could be finer than being carried through the vines by two handsome, two ton Belgian Draft horses with owner Bret LeRolland of The Wine Carriage leading the way. The starting point for the wine tour adventure begins at the historical Alexander Valley Vineyards in northern Sonoma County off Highway 128.

Alexander Valley Vineyards‘ tasting room has a rustic old west country store feel, complete with a covered wooden porch. Memorabilia of rancher Cyrus Alexander and his wife Rufina adorn the walls.

Estate varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Gerwurtztraminer.

Freshly picked bunches of grapes sit on the counter, free for the tasting.

Bret’s love for his horses, Willie and Django, is evident the moment you meet the team. Guests are encouraged to approach the magnificent duo who calmly stand for pats and photos. Gourmet snacks of locally sourced nuts and cheese are handed out as we take our seats. Time to leave your cares far behind as guests board the horse-drawn carriage from Alexander Valley Vineyards.

Clip clop…. clip clop…. clip clop…. The Wine Carriage smoothly transports up to 10 guests through the heart of the vineyards over a 5 mile course, close enough to reach out and grab a bunch of grapes, which we actually did! [Read more…]

Joseph Phelps Vineyards’ Insignia Burgundian Style Pinots Amaze

August 13, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Joseph Phelps, founder of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, professes a life-long love affair with Burgundian varietals. Years of searching for the ideal soil and climate conditions to pursue his dream of crafting Burgundian-style wines, brought Phelps to Freestone, located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, only six miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Originally the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes were sourced from St. Helena, Yountville and Carneros in the Napa Valley, near the original Joseph Phelps Vineyards. By 1999, Phelps planted over 100 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Freestone area and constructed the Joseph Phelps, Freestone Vineyards Guest Center to showcase both the Sonoma Coast and the Napa Valley varietals.

Almost impossible to miss, the fire engine red building points the way to the Joseph Phelps, Freestone Vineyards Guest Center, situated on two and a half acres at the intersection of Bodega Highway and Bohemian Highway. [Read more…]

San Pasqual’s Hungry Hawk Vineyards Soars High

July 3, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Hungry Hawk Vineyards, is one of the newest, and most promising, boutique wineries to join forces with the San Diego Vintners Association in the San Pasqual Valley AVA.

Nested in the rural outskirts of Escondido, Hungry Hawk Vineyards officially opened its doors in the summer of 2014 after several years of vineyard installation, tasting room construction and endless county and state ordinance permits.

Through the hard work of Ed and Jeanine Embly, Hungry Hawk Vineyards has morphed into a top-notch production facility and upscale tasting room.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards has already earned Silver Medals at the 2014 Florida State Fair and the 2014 San Diego County Fair.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards, a former avocado estate, has been planted to 17 grape varietals. White varietals include Albarino, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris. Bordeaux varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Grenache, Mouvedre, Petit Sirah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and the little known Syrah Noir round out the list. [Read more…]