Sonoma

Sonoma

Rockplie Vineyard

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

The Rockpile Vineyard, at the northwestern end of Rockpile Road, is approximately 2000 feet above Lake Sonoma and Dry Creek Valley. Originally owned by Rod and Cathy Park, vines were planted as early as 1992, known as the kick off of the grape growing era. In late 2014, the Park family sold the 800 acre ranch to Ken and Diane Wilson, the beginning of the 10th winery being added to the family of Wilson Artisan Wines. 

Originally planted with 25 acres of vines, (red Bordeaux varietals along with Syrah and Petite Sirah) by Rod and Cathy Park, Rockpile Ranch is 100% sustainably farmed, and solar power is used for all farming operations and dwellings. Now, this beautiful mountaintop vineyard has 60 acres of planted vines producing Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon of elegance & complexity made by Diane Wilson, Antoine Favero and Chris Barrett. 

Scribe Winery

road sign with picture of a cluster of grapes and crossing

Recently we got introduced to Adam Mariani of Scribe Winery in Sonoma. The winery produces a nice selection of wines without producing so many to miss giving proper attention to each varitiel. Adam and his brother Andrew believe that the best wines are the result of a healthy relationship. between man and nature. The Mariani brothers manage their winery taking into consideration that site-specific wines represent the vineyard, the time and the place from where the fruit grows. The result, the vineyard and it's ecosystem are reflected in the wines produced by Scribe Winery. The winery is closed to visitors at the time of this entery due to the Covid-19 situations that is experienced by us all.  The Mariani's look forward to pouring their wines for your pleasure as soon as circumstances permit. You can make a reservation at frontdesk@scribewinery.com or order some delicious Scribe wines online. 

 

Preston Vineyards

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Wine tasting at Preston was a fun experience. The tasting room had a welcoming atmosphere with lots of funny books decorating the bookshelves and samples of their olives and sourdough. There were other groups also present, but we were attended quite quickly. Hidden gem. This is what wine country should feel like...to be continued.

Ketcham Estate

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Mark Ketcham had long dreamt of owning a Vineyard in the Northern California wine country. That dream came true in 2000 when he purchased a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard was quickly converted to 100% Estate Pinot Noir, while retaining the 'Old Block Pinots' that were its heritage.

Hartford Family Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

You walk up to this old house with gardens and fountains. There is some outdoor seating if you desire to sit and relax. Definitely on the more expensive side bottles ranging from $50-80, but the wine was wonderful. The tasting is $15, but if you buy a bottle that fee is waived so it really gives you some incentive.

Merry Edwards

wine and cheese - Pixabay

The tasting experience was very informative. And a little formal. The host takes you into their tasting room and closes the doors for total immersion. The tasting is really all about the wine and educating visitors of the history of the label. Great stop for very classy wine! Not so much for relaxing and lounging.

Eric Kent Wine Cellars

glass of wine - Pixabay

Kent is knowledgable, passionate, and an easy-going host. We showed up late, and he was very gracious - asked us to hang while the (on time) folks finished up, and then spent a couple hours with us. He climbs up the racks to steal tastes from varoius barrels, walking you through the parietals, methods, barrels,etc. Then to finish up, he brought out bottled versions so demonstrate the difference. Simply a great tasting experience. Bring a sweater. It's about 55 F.

Sonoma Coast Vineyards

wine tasting assortment - Pixabay

John and Barbara Drady founded SCV with winemaker Anthony Austin in 2001. Their affinity for the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscape brought them to the Sonoma Coast and their passion for Pinot Noir drove them to create Sonoma Coast Vineyards.

Combining over two decades of wine industry experience, John and Barbara teamed with Tony to utilize his wealth of expertise and experience to create the stunning wines of SCV.

Freeman Vineyard & Winery

corks and wine glass - Pixabay

Since 2001, Freeman has been one of the great pioneers of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, charting a course to the western edges of California winegrowing, where the influence of the Pacific Ocean shapes the character of the wines. In doing so, they have helped to define a more balanced, sophisticated and thoughtful style of winemaking—a style that has been embraced by connoisseurs and collectors around the world.

A. Rafanelli Winery

painting friends with wine

The A. Rafanelli Winery was founded in the early 1900's and this unique winery is still family owned and operated.  The founder, Alberto Rafanelli, was an Italian immigrant who settled in the Healdsburg, California area and started making wine.

In the 1950's the winery was moved to the Dry Creek Valley and by 1970 had established the current label. This winery specializes in Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot producing only 11,000 cases annually.  The philosophy is quality over quantity.

Tasting and purchases are by appointment only. Wines are only available through direct purchase or through selected fine restaurants. - Art work by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski – Agata Art Gallery

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