Confessions of a Winemaker Chef - I always considered winemaking to be “cooking”. Through my entire time as a chef, I wanted to work with the flavors, textures, and aromas of grapes from the California coast. Finally I took the plunge and moved to Napa Valley.
A great choice for Healdsburg. The area is known for it's Zins and you'll find many decent wines at Mauritson. The tasting is free to Visa Signature card holders. The tasting room isn't terribly fancy but it's nice and there's an outdoor area for warmer days. The staff was quite friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Nestled in the warmest edge of the Russian River Valley, Merriam Vineyards invites guests to cross cultures while tasting California-crafted Bordeaux-style wines in a beautifully appointed tasting room designed with the comfort and warmth of a New England-style home. This new winery, representing an east meets west experience, lies in the hub of three major California appellations, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley, and is the gateway to Healdsburg’s wine country.
Mat Gustafson, the former winemaker at Sebastopol-Dutton Estate Winery and current co-winemaker at Moshin Vineyards, crafts small lots of Pinot Noir and other varietals from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast under his personal label. Prior to starting his own label, he had worked for twenty years in the restaurant business and in retail sales. Along with business partner, Paul Sloan, he launched the label in 1999, but by 2001 had assumed full control and began to concentrate on Pinot Noir.
SoloRosa is the only New World winery devoted exclusively to dry rosé, arguably the most versatile of all wines. With the exception of our Late Harvest rosé, which is the only such wine in the New World, our wines are bone dry and made from Sangiovese, Syrah, and Merlot.
Really nice people! I've been here a few times, and I have to say that the owners are great. They are often behind the bar and will take their time to talk to you about the winery, the vineyards, and the process that goes into their wine. It really makes you feel like you get to know the history behind what you are drinking.
The Greens have been into paint horses for nearly three decades and the winery is their homage to these wonderful and truly beautiful animals. According to Bruce Green, the couple rides their horses on every occasion, both in western pleasure and also trail riding. Paint Horse Winery became a reality in 1997, when the Greens first purchased the property. Some vineyards were already planted, but needed a great deal of work. The Greens improved the existing vineyards and planted two more acres, mostly to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dropped in here without an appointment, but our hostess kindly welcomed our group of four. The winery emphasizes on the Rhone varietals, including a serious syrah and grenache. They also make a pretty tasty zinfandel as well.
Homewood Winery is more personal and intimate. If you want a less touristy wine experience then you must visit this place. The owner is a 6'7" gentle giant with a warm personality and welcoming manner.
We were treated to a sit down personalized tasting with about 7 different wines. Andy our host was super nice and informative and gave a great tour. Their Viognier, Rock Pile Zin and Cuvee were nice. Their Cab Franc and Cabernet were really delicious as well.
