Tag Archives: vineyard

Spelunking, Sonoma County Style

by tina1 year ago in Insiders Guide.1 Comment

I went spelunking in Sonoma County recently. After an easy climb from the trailhead, I entered a veritable fairyland, a true “live cave” brimming with activity. Imagine my surprise and embarrassment when I realized caving in wine country didn’t require my carbide headlamp, crampons, or rope. I was woefully over-equipped for the expedition. And the “life” forms in this cave? {…}

Hike a vineyard, drink some wine

by tina2 years ago in Itineraries.0 Comments

You’ve tasted the wines, now hike through the vineyards that grow the amazing grapes. Too active for you? New winery tasting rooms have opened, special events are planned and more. It’s a great time to visit Sonoma County. Sonoma County Vineyard Adventure Program Kicks Off The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission (SCWC) began its Vineyard Adventure Program on Jan. 1. On {…}

13 Wineries You Should Know

by tina2 years ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

Ask 13 Sonoma County locals what winery people should know, out of Sonoma County’s 250-plus wineries and you’ll have more than 13 answers, and a potential row that may result in fisticuffs when people defend their favorites. Sonoma County is home to 13 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with its own distinctive characteristics. Its amazing range of terroir and microclimates {…}

Wine Country Immersion at Grape to Glass

by Beth2 years ago in Insiders Guide.1 Comment

How about a little wine country immersion in the midst of a long, hot summer? The Russian River Valley Winegrowers offer you the chance with ‘Grape to Glass,’ a weekend of wine-centric events so you can ‘Live Like a Local’ in Sonoma County. From Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, there will be a pursuit for all palates. Begin {…}

Wine Country for Kids

by Beth3 years ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

Looking for something fun to do with the whole family?   Summer is fast approaching and why not start it off with a weekend designed to please  everyone. Carneros Heritage Festival;   Saturday, May 30; 12 – 4 p.m. At The Donum Estate, 24520 Ramal Road in Sonoma – just off Rt. 121, 40 miles north of San Francisco, 30 miles {…}

Fermentation Celebration Yields Short Vacation

by tina3 years ago in Itineraries.2 Comments

Take a “hot” little trip to Sonoma County this weekend that will celebrate the ancient process of fermentation. (“Hot,” as in fermentation creates heat. Get it?) The Freestone Fermentation Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, will be held at Salmon Creek School. Visitors can participate in hands-on presentations by the award-winning Wild Flour Bread, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, Freestone Vineyards {…}

Ruby in the Rough

by serenabartlett3 years ago in Green.1 Comment

Andrew was the cleanest farmer I had met in a while, but after I took a closer look at his callused hands and listened to his perspective on Bulgarian-Italian mixed wild pigs, rye grass, and soil, I knew he was the real McCoy. Quivira is an exceptional, certified biodynamic winery on Old Dry Creek Road, one of the best windy {…}

Wine Country Wedding

by kerih3 years ago in Insiders Guide.1 Comment

Every spring holds the promise of three things for single ladies: 1) Deluge of wedding/baby invitations from friends who want you to share in their “blessings.” 2) Diet & workout plans to fit into every form/color of taffeta known to man 3) A Ben & Jerry’s pig-out session to help deal with items 1 & 2. Every year I trounce {…}

"Bottle Shock" scenes

by tina3 years ago in Itineraries.1 Comment

Indy film “Bottle Shock,” set in 1976, shows how underdog California went up against the Goliath of the wine world – France. And won. While the film focuses on Napa Valley’s burgeoning wine industry, the movie was filmed mainly in Sonoma County. Now you can experience your own stunning cinematic vacation by following the camera through Sonoma’s wine country. The {…}

Moms Unite! Stamp Out Bad Gifts with Sonoma County Visit

by tina3 years ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

Here’s a little-known secret: Unless you’re under the age of 8, moms don’t want the crappy, dropped-stitch pot holders you quickly crocheted because you forgot to go buy a real gift. They have enough lawn garbage (from you or your siblings) to stage a garden gnome Civil War reenactment. And they definitely don’t want the blurry photo of your hastily {…}