Wine Road

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…]

2016 Wine Road’s Wine & Food Affair Tops All Expectations

November 12, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Nothing could be finer than to be in Northern Sonoma County in the fall ~ especially for the annual Wine & Food Affair which was held November 5 & 6, 2016. What an awesome event! Sponsored by the Wine Road, this event spans the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley and features over 100 wineries with delectable wine and food pairings. Recipes can be found on the Wine Road website www.wineroad.com

The highlight for me was meeting Victoria Wilson, Super Star Winemaker at Matrix Winery on the westside of Russian River Valley. Victoria’s exuberance and passion for handcrafted small lot Pinot Noir was abundantly clear as we tasted through three single clone (667, 777 and 828) estate Pinot Noir vineyards. Matrix’s 2014 Estate Pinot Noir was artfully paired with a Crispy Mushroom Roll with Butternut Squash Ketchup. www.matrixwinery.com

Dutton Estate put on a fine show as always, highlighting a Chardonnay, Kyndall’s Reserve 2013, and a delightful Pinot Noir, Karmen Isabella 2013, which was paired with mouth-watering North African Meatballs with Spiced Tomato Sauce. As a special treat, the 2014 Late Harvest Syrah was served with homemade chocolate chip cookies. www.duttonestate.com

[Read more…]

Battaglini Winery Touts “Viti Vecchie, Vini Buono”

May 30, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Italians have a wonderful saying, “Viti Vecchie, Vini Buono” which translates to “Old Vines, Great Wine.” This is certainly the case at Russian River Valley’s Battaglini Winery off Piner Road. Unassuming at best, it’s easy to pass the driveway on the windy country road mistaking the Battaglini Winery as another of the area’s old farmhouses with colorful red outbuildings and antique lawn art.

Being an Italian wine aficionado, I ventured down the gravel lane. Giuseppe,, aka Joe, Battaglini, sauntered out to unlock the tasting shed for me on a rainy winter’s day following the 2016 Winter Wineland weekend festivities. Joe warmly welcomed me to Battaglini Winery and invited me to taste his award-winning wines.

Ribbons were proudly strung across the back wall and photographs of Italy adorned the walls. Quite a bit of history in this tiny rustic tasting room! Roots run deep, literally speaking, on this old homestead.

Giuseppe and his wife Lucia, immigrated from Italy to California in 1956, seeking a similar Italian lifestyle amongst the vines.

The original owner and vintner, Bartholomew Lagomarsino, also an Italian immigrant, planted Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in 1885 on this very site.

Today, the 1885 vines still flourish and produce incredible full-bodied Zinfandel and Petit Sirah, which have become the Battaglini Winery flagship wines. In addition, the vineyards are planted to Chardonnay.

For a truly authentico experience, stop by for a game of bocce and a glass of Old Vine Zin! www.battagliniwines.com

Dry Creek’s Wilson Winery Wins Gold Medal

March 13, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Just because you perceive something a certain way, doesn’t make it true. Thank goodness! Exploring the Dry Creek Canyon road in all it’s glory after much rain during the 2016 Winter Wineland festival, I decided to stop at Wilson Winery.

Admittedly, the Wilson Winery roadside facade was truly understated and I have driven by it often over the years. The allure to visit the Dry Creek winery was to confirm the scuttlebutt heard at nearly every winery by fellow winery employees throughout the valley. Who was this Diane Wilson, woman winemaker extraordinaire? My curiosity and love of Dry Creek’s big bold reds got the better of me but not before I rounded the corner…

Lo and behold, stood a magnificent wolf iron sculpture standing guard to the entry to Wilson Winery, probably howling at the moon in elation after tasting the decadent estate Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon! [Read more…]

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…]