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2019’s “Top 10” Eclectic RRV Wineries

December 29, 2019 by Deborah Mines

Everyone loves a “Top 10” list, so here are my recommendations, in alphabetical order as they’e all prime picks in that special wine region called Russian River Valley. Besides the fabulous wines, it’s the people and stories behind the vines that make a visit to RRV so memorable and will keep you returning for more!

1. Arista

In the middle reach of the Russian River Valley lies Arista Winery, a family-owned artisanal winery. Specializing in handcrafted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Arista is a true gem. Brothers Mark and Ben run the day-to-day winery operations, and oversee the mini-farm and organic gardens.

The journey from Westside Road is magical and meanders through spectacular Pinot Noir vineyards. At the end of the long gated driveway, you will find a zen-like Japanese inspired facade with manicured gardens, ponds and walking paths. Perfect for a wine-inspired picnic lunch.

By appointment only, the staff is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable and the wines speak volumes. The only downside here is the one-year waiting list to join the McWilliams’ family wine club.

2. DRNK

One of the most memorable experiences last year was discovering DRNK Wines, another family-owned winery off Frei Road in rural Sebastopol aka Laguna Ridge growing area. Cleverly named, the initials D.R.N.K. represent inlaws Dale and Nancy Dougherty and Ryan and Katie Kunde who all share a love of family and good wine!

Ryan hails from five generations of vineyard management in Sonoma County and definitely knows how to select the top vineyards and grape varietals, utilizing drone technology. One thing is certain, Ryan’s charismatic nature is endearing and his depth of enology is as impressive as the array of wines.

If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll be invited to taste some amazing vintage wines in the naturally cooled wine cave. Current bottlings include Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel. Also by appointment, so call ahead and be prepared to be wow’d.

3. Emeritus

Calling all Pinotphiles… Off the Gravenstein Highway in Sebastopol, you’ll find the highly touted Emeritus Vineyards, another precious jewel along the wine road. Found quite by happenstance, historically speaking, Emeritus‘ Hallberg Ranch is one of the area’s finest producing Pinot Noir vineyards.

An apple orchard in days gone by, the 110-acre Hallberg Ranch is truly a sight to behold. Estate Pinot Noir grapes are also sourced from Annapolis’ Sonoma Coast (Welsly Vineyard) and Sebastopol Hills’ Northern Wind Gap (Pinot Hill). Nothing but heavenly Pinot Noir at Emeritus, but who’s complaining?

A few of the best things about Emeritus, other than the stellar Pinot Noir tasting lineup is the one-on-one seated tasting experience, endless gorgeous vineyard views and the personal interaction with the highly trained staff. Customized vineyard tours are offered throughout the year, with Spring and Summer being especially memorable.

4. Flanagan Winery

One of my newfound favorites is Flanagan Winery, located off Dry Creek Road, five minutes from Healdsburg. By appointment only, this little slice of heaven is sure to impress. You’ll be instantly awed with the sweeping views of Dry Creek Valley and warmly welcomed by the gracious crew

Flanagan is definitely a family affair, with Eric Flanagan at the helm and 20 year old daughter Riley following in his footsteps with her own label, Riley’s Rows. Meeting Riley was awe-inspiring. Her bubbly personality and talent for winemaking is inherent and will serve her well in years to come.

Grapes are sourced from both estate and top vineyards in Bennet Valley, Bodega Bay, Russian River Valley, Petaluma Gap and Alexander Valley. Whether your preference is Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, Flanagan has something for everyone and is sure to delight.

5. Flowers

After much anticipation and a mega-million dollar tasting room and property renovation, The House of Flowers opened their doors this Summer. Flowers Winery is situated off Westside Road, minutes from Healdsburg, on the old VML site. While the vibe is more Napa-esque than the laid-back Sonoma style, Flowers has been well-received and is touted as the ultimate wine and food pairing offering in the Russian River Vall

The artfully prepared food pairings change with the season and compliment the four Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Definitely a must visit on a warm sunny afternoon! [Read more…]

Russian River Vineyards Has A Storied Past & Noteworthy Wines

December 13, 2014 by Deborah Mines 3 Comments

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Russian River Valley is the picturesque and historic Russian River Vineyards. Historically speaking, this iconic vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the northern Sonoma County wine growing region. The first vines were planted with Merlot in 1963, a time when the surrounding farm plots were planted with apples and prunes.

Surrounded by towering Redwood trees, this eclectic winery was modeled after the many stockades built by Russian settlers in the early 1800’s and the hop kilns that dotted the Sonoma County. Russian River Vineyards was named long before the Russian River Valley was designated as an AVA in 1983. [Read more…]

High In The Vines At Sta Rita Hills’ Babcock Winery

August 24, 2014 by Deborah Mines 2 Comments

After the 2014 Wine Blogger’s Conference in Santa Barbara Wine Country in July, I had the pleasure of accepting an invite from Bryan Babcock, winemaker extraordinaire of Babcock Winery, to tour the vineyards. Bryan spoke at the closing dinner of the conference about his revolutionary Pedestral Cane Positioning. Curiosity got the better me, so I decided to check it out for myself.

When you meet Bryan, there’s a “McGiver” type glint in his eye. Bryan has been farming grapes in the Sta Rita Hills AVA for over three decades with great success. It is no surprise that he is now pioneering a new farming technique, which he refers to as Pedestral Cane Positioning or Canopy Pivoting. This innovative technique works with gravity and allows the canopy of leaves to spill toward the ground as it grows, keeping the clusters above the leaves.

In addition, a shade cloth-type canopy shields the grapes from the sun when needed. This type of trellising system, combined with the wind and gravity has led to substantial labor-saving costs. [Read more…]

Great Rounds Of Applause To The Sponsors Of WBC14!

July 16, 2014 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

I would like to truly thank all the SPONSORS of the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference who made this event possible. Thanks to your support and generosity, more than 350 wine bloggers from all parts of the world were able to converge in the pristine Santa Barbara Wine Country for an unforgettable weekend in the vines.

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As a Scholarship recipient, and a first time attendee of the Wine Bloggers Conference, I must say, that it was far better than I could have hoped for and a little overwhelming at the same time.

To be in the presence of noted fellow wine bloggers and industry experts and top local wine makers was beyond fabulous!

Looking back, one of my favorite parts of the conference, however, was meeting the Santa Barbara County wine makers.

I must admit that I was literally awestruck mingling among the legendary wine makers only to find out that they’re very genuine, down-to-earth people who loved to share their passion of making wine. Best of all, there was no pretense or awkwardness as they each shared their humble beginnings and triumphs, only great pride. [Read more…]

Day Three ~ 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference: It’s a Wrap!

July 13, 2014 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

These wine bloggers are a stealthy bunch of writers and wine drinkers! Between the Wine Discovery breakout sessions, to the speed wine tastings, through the 2014 Wine Bloggers Awards 3-course dinner, Santa Barbara County Wines flowed freely.

Wrapping up the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference with the coveted Wine Writer’s Workshop where a select group of 45 wine bloggers will have writing samples critiqued. [Read more…]