There is early evidence that grape vine cultivation dates back in history 7,000 years. As far back as the Neolithic period, people have been cultivating wild grape vines to produce wine. Do the techniques used in the vineyard affect the overall product ~ Wine? In Sonoma County, the terroir seems ideal for growing many different […]
Sonoma Valley CRUSH at St Francis Winery
Each year, the changing colors of the leaves in the vineyards signal a start to harvest. Not only is this a great chance to taste through the wines of last season, it is also a time for many winery guests to sample fresh pressed juice or tour a “crush” pad. I learned to use a […]
Visit Carmel Valley & Historic Holman Ranch
As you drive up the mountainside and down again into Carmel Valley, California, your views shift & you can focus on a quieter side of life. As I headed down the California Coast for a 3 day trip in Carmel, my stay started with two nights in Carmel by the Sea where things are also quite historic. Enjoying sunsets, beaches, and shopping galore, the experience […]
Marijke’s Art Grove, A Wine Country Hidden Gem
Nestled amongst groves of ancient gnarled oak trees in Santa Rosa, CA, is a hidden gem of an art sculpture garden. Wine Country is known for it’s eclectic mix of tourist attractions along with it’s rolling hills of vineyards of course so it is no surprise. At Paradise Ridge Winery, you can wander through 4 acres […]
Fierce Napa Grapes Live On Mountain Tops
One day while waiting in the car for the kids to finish school, I noticed a lovely photo on my Instagram feed of rolling mountain vineyards with a light dusting of snow. Later that same day, more grapes with snow covered grounds. Checking out the caption, I was shocked to see that these vines were […]
Napa Pine Ridge Winery Celebrates 35 Years
Whenever I visit Napa, I know I can count on one of my mainstay girlfriends to recommend great spots to stop, sip & enjoy. Jacqueline is a beautiful women both inside and out… and the girl also knows her wine…making her even more attractive. “If you have to ask if it’s to early to drink […]
Best Restaurant In America Says Open Table
St Francis Winery & Vineyards has been a favorite stop of mine for some time. Not only do they pour a fierce glass of wine, but the landscaping, tasting room, staff & atmosphere are lovely. I had visited them in the Fall recently when the leaves are yellow and the backdrop of the mountains beyond […]
Nature Reclaims Wine History, Thomas Lake Harris
Moving to Santa Rosa 12 years ago was one of the best choices I could have made. It’s a rough life here among the beauty of Wine Country. My dog has his pick of fine walking paths, trails and vineyards to run through. I walk my animals at least once if not more a day, […]
Yay! Rain in Sonoma’s Wine Country, What Drought
Waking up to rain on a late January morning in Wine Country is not all too shocking, unless in happens to be 2014. Which it is. We haven’t seen rain around these parts in months and although it is not quite a down pour here today, any and all moisture is welcome at this point. […]