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 [...]

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 [...]

Cholame Vineyard | San Miguel – Monterey County, CA

Cholame Vineyard | San Miguel – Monterey County, CA

With the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to write about one of my favorite new Garagiste winemakers, Cholame Vineyard. Cholame (pronounced "Sho-Lamb") doesn't have a tasting room, so you have to catch them at festivals such as the Garagiste Festival, at local wine events, or [...]

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 [...]

Truett-Hurst & VML Wineries | Sonoma, CA

Truett-Hurst & VML Wineries | Sonoma, CA

Sometimes wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma can be daunting. With so many wineries to choose from in a relatively small area, I often feel like I don't know where to begin. However, during my last visit, I felt like I found a couple perfect spots. Tucked away on a gorgeous piece of land in [...]