UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Especial Wine Stops in Historic Alexander Valley ~ Sonoma Wine Country

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It’s mind-boggling to imagine what the ex-fur trapper Cyrus Alexander might have seen when he managed a stock cattle ranch operation on Rancho Sotoyome in the 1840’s.  The pristine 48,000 acres, part of a Mexican Land Grant, spanned as far as the eye could see, extending to the Russian River and through the present day town of Healdsburg.  Years later, the valley would later be named in honor of Alexander  who reportedly said, “it was the best and brightest spot in the world.”   Cyrus Alexander Bio

To the casual wine day-tripper, time appears to have stood still in the sleepy remote valley.  The winding country roads meander aimlessly, dotted with small farms and vineyards at every turn.

A great way to experience the back roads of Alexander Valley is from The Wine Carriage, a half day guided horse carriage ride through the vineyards.  The Wine Carriage  provides an up close and personal view literally between the vines starting at Alexander Valley Winery and ending with the estate’s wine caves.   Owner and tour guide extraordinaire, Bret LeRolland, is an animated story-teller, bringing the colorful history of Alexander Valley alive.  [Read more…]

Top Picks To Wine Down In Dry Creek Valley

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Dry Creek Valley AVA is at the northernmost tip of the North Sonoma County Wine Country, just outside the  trendy town of Healdsburg.  A mere 16 miles long and 2 miles wide, Dry Creek Valley is flanked by Dry Creek, a tributary of the Russian River and the Sonoma Dam.  In the distance beyond the Sonoma Dam is the coveted Rockpile AVA, perched 800 feet above sea level, home to only 180 acres of  Zinfandel, albeit no tasting rooms.

Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the expansive decks at Sbragia Family Winery.  Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, or to sample savory cheese plates and light fare prepared by the resident chef designed to pair with the estate Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Or, treat yourself to the guided comparison tasting inside the library room, vetting the Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard holdings from Mt. Veeder, Howell Mountain and Yountville.                                                               

Sbragia Family Vineyards     

Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs is not to be missed.   The old vine Zinfandel vineyard dates back 115 years and is inter-planted with Petite Sirah, Carignane, a small amount of Mataro (Mourvèdre), and Grenache.  The “field blend” varietals are fermented separately to preserve the individual character of the grapes, then artfully joined for the finished blend.

The views from Ridge Vineyards are some of the best in the valley.  Experience the Chardonnay, Merlot, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and of course, the Old Vine Zinfandel.

The original Ridge Vineyards Montebello (Santa Cruz Mountains) founded in 1885, is most famous today for their 1971 Ridge Vineyards Montebello Cabernet Sauvignon, which outscored the French wines at the highly touted 1976 Judgment of Paris Wine Tasting competition.

Ridge Vineyards ~ Lytton Springs

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Russian River Valley’s Martinelli Winery Dates Back To 1890’s

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Martinelli Winery is impossible to miss on River Road in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley wine country.  The massive brick-red hop barn facade is legendary in these parts.  Tuscan transplants Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli cultivated grapes in 1898 on a steep 60 degree slope, now known as Jackass Hill.  The non-terraced steep slope was originally planted to Zinfandel and Muscat Alexandria and surrounding fields were planted to Gravenstein and Golden Delicious apples, cherries, pears, prunes, hops, berries, walnuts, potatoes and green beans.  The centurion vineyard, Jackass Hill, took its name when family told Martinelli that “only a jackass would farm a hill that steep”.  Today, that very vineyard produces some of the finest old vine Zinfandel in the valley.

Descendants of the Martinelli family, Lee Sr. and his sons now farm the vineyards and his daughters manage the office and marketing for the winery.   The turn of the century tasting room also serves as a mini museum with many artifacts, an old wine press and sepia wall photos of the Martinelli family.

Martinelli‘s vineyards are strategically positioned in the Russian River Valley and along the Sonoma Coast in the Fort Ross/Seaview area.  While the best grapes are retained for the estate wines, over 90% of the grapes are sold to other Sonoma County wineries.

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BOOK REVIEW: A Glass Full of Miracles

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A Glass Full of Miracles is an inspiring autobiography written by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, Vintner and Co-Owner of Napa Valley’s Grgich Hills Estate Winery.

Fleeing his native homeland of war-torn Communist Croatia in 1958, with only a stack of viticulture books, a wooden suitcase and his life savings of $32.00 sewed into the soles of his shoes, Grgich set off to America in search of a better life. His dream was to become a winemaker in the rugged Napa Valley.

While his journey was riddled with setbacks, Grgich always saw his “glass as half full” and would be showered with much good fortune and “miracles” along the way.

The book reads like a Hollywood script, with all the major Napa Valley players of the day ~ Noted 1960’s Winemakers Robert Mondavi, Andre Tchelistcheff, Lee Stewart, August Sebastiani, Joe Heitz, Lee Paschich and Jim Barrett were a few of the early working friendships formed.

Fast forward to 1972, where Grgich was now at the helm as the new winemaker for Chateau Montelena in Calistoga, at the north end of the Napa Valley.  Another “miracle” in Grgich’s life.  With the financial backing of Paschich and Barrett, Grgich outfitted the ghost winery with the necessary presses, crushers, hoppers, tanks, pumps and oak barrels and replanted the abandoned vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.

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Top 6 Eclectic Russian River Valley Wineries (Sonoma County)

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In no particular order, I’ve made a list of the top six most eclectic Russian River Valley wineries, which is no easy feat. With over 100 wineries in the Russian River Valley AVA, there are a lot of choices.  These are off the beaten path wineries with stellar wines, avant-garde winemakers, friendly down-to-earth folk and inviting and fun tasting rooms.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are highly revered here, and comprise over 70% of the vineyard plantings.  Cool climate varietals such as Syrah and Zinfandel make a good showing, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Sirah.

#1 Moshin Winery – Tucked off River Road, it’s easy to miss the entrance.  Look for the giant iron butterfly hovering above the road.  Moshin pours several amazing Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay, a Sparkling Blanc de Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and a late harvest Zinfandel dessert wine.  The tasting room is adorned with local artwork and features a small gift shop.  Super fun way to spend an afternoon!   www.moshinvineyards.com

#2 Porter Creek Vineyards – Stay on Westside Road a mile or so and you’ll arrive at Porter Creek.  The long dirt driveway leads to a vintage outbuilding-style tasting room next to the exotic chicken house.  Large enough for about 10 people, the view from the tasting room rivals the best view in the valley.  The tasting lineup is sure to please every palate.  Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Old Vine Carignane and Old Vine Zinfandel.  Plus, super friendly hosts!  www.portercreekvineyards.com [Read more…]