Highlights from the Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure | Veterans Hall – Sonoma, CA

Highlights from the Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure | Veterans Hall – Sonoma, CA

I've said it before and will enthusiastically say it again.  As far as wine festivals go, nothing compares to the California Garagiste Festivals.  From Paso Robles to Solvang to Los Angeles, the Garagiste Festivals have introduced me to some of the best wines I've ever had and have given me an opportunity to meet the [...]

Dog Friendly Wineries in Sonoma County

Dog Friendly Wineries in Sonoma County

I've been spending a lot of time recently exploring the incredible and diverse wines of Sonoma.  That also means I've been seeking out the best dog-friendly wineries in the area so our furry travel companion Booker can join us on our adventures.  Many wineries in the area welcome dogs in their outdoor tasting areas only, however [...]

Porter-Bass Estate Winery | Guerneville – Sonoma, CA

Porter-Bass Estate Winery | Guerneville – Sonoma, CA

Small, back road wineries are my absolute favorite.  Even though they may be harder to find, the reward is definitely worth the effort. Aside from the slightly more complicated journey, back road wineries offer an experience you'd never find along the main tasting routes.  Many small wineries are family owned with rich histories and deep [...]

Iron Horse Vineyards | Sebastopol, CA

Iron Horse Vineyards | Sebastopol, CA

Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol, CA was by far my biggest wine related surprise of the year.  I mean this in the best possible way for a couple different reasons. I love Champagne, but I tend to stay away from California Sparkling Wines.  While there are some standouts, I find many of them too sweet [...]

Williams Selyem Winery | Healdsburg, CA

Williams Selyem Winery | Healdsburg, CA

If I had to declare a favorite wine, without hesitation it would be Pinot Noir.  There are a million other varietals that I love to drink but in my mind, nothing compares to an amazing Pinot.  And this weekend I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite California Pinot Noir makers, Williams Selyem. [...]

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery | Healdsburg, CA

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery | Healdsburg, CA

Over the last year or so, I've fallen madly in love with Sonoma County.  In particular, the area of the Russian River Valley encircled by the towns of Guerneville, Sebastopol & Healdsburg.  From the towering Redwoods to the rocky coastline and everything in between, the natural beauty in this area is unsurpassed. The more I [...]