UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Dry Creek’s Sbragia Family Vineyards Sono Molto Belle

by

IMG_9733

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.

IMG_9738

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.

IMG_9749

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…]

For The Love Of Grapes ~ Harvest Time In Sonoma County

by

IMG_9681An exhilarating time to experience Sonoma County Wine Country is during the harvest, which for the second year in a row, began as one of the earliest on record.

karissa“Growers have kept a fast pace since the start of harvest here in Sonoma County,” said Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. “For some, picking schedules that usually occur over the course of a month have been condensed into a one or two week time frame this season.”

IMG_9795

By Labor Day, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir had already been picked in the Russian River Valley and the vines were starting to yellow.  The vineyard activity was quiet, however, the cellar workers were in high gear!

IMG_9854

Littorai Wines, Sebastopol  ~ Sorting Table 

IMG_8976

Dutton Estate, Russian River Valley ~ Field Bins [Read more…]

Anderson Valley’s Seebass Vineyards’ Old Vine Zin Rocks

by

IMG_9556

Take the road less travelled…toss in miles of hairpin, white knuckled, high-banked turns, for a most scenic drive over the  Highway 128 pass to Anderson Valley, gateway to the towering Mendocino County redwoods and pristine coastal access.

Ahhhhh…. when I reached the top of the summit, I was spellbound by the beauty of the ruggedness and the color of the deep red soil against the vibrant vines and dense dark redwoods.

My destination was Boonville, population 1,035, home of the Boontling folk language (Scottish Gaelic, Irish with some Pomoan and Spanish), and the Seebass Vineyards’ tasting room.

For history buffs, Boonville was founded in 1862 by John Burgots whose claim to fame was building the Boonville Hotel, which still proudly stands.  A general store and post office also co-existed in the tiny western town.  Remnants of the original town are still evident driving down Highway 128.

IMG_9562

Much more modern that the Boonville Hotel, is the quaint Seebass Vineyards’ tasting room right across the street.   Fashioned after an early 1900’s parlor room, complete with a dark wood vintage bar, guests are invited to belly up to the bar and sample the estate wines.   [Read more…]

The Wine Carriage ~ A Perfect Marriage Of Horses & Wine

by

IMG_9522

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.

IMG_9350

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.  IMG_9360

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

IMG_9359

 

 

 

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

IMG_9364

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.

IMG_9402Clip 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…]

Moshin Vineyards Is “Pinot Heaven” ~ Russian River Valley’s Little Gem

by

IMG_8388

Calling all Pinot-philes… Time to experience a “range of motion” at Moshin Vineyards on the westside of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.  Specializing in small lot, hand-crafted wines, there are always several interesting Pinot Noir wines to taste on any given day.

IMG_8385Upon arrival, a towering spectacled iron clad hummingbird greets visitors outside the eclectic tasting room.

Local Artisan’s wares are exhibited in the tasting room with special artist receptions hosted throughout the year.   IMG_8391

Besides a fabulous line up of Pinot Noir wine, Moshin Vineyards also showcases Vin Gris, Pinot Gris, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.  Other estate varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot.  [Read more…]