Bonny Doon Vineyard founder Grahm conducts wine tasting on Oprah show

Randall Grahm appeared on the popular show via Skype, having a dialogue with Winfrey while each tasted his wines at the same time. Grahm was not the least bit intimidated during his recent May appearance and why should he be? He is one of the most popular and well-known California winery owners and winemakers of our day. At one point, when she said she wasn’t fond of a certain type of wine they were about to taste, he responded with “You’re killin’ me, Oprah.”

At the end of the segment, Winfrey said in a loud, clear voice, “Thank you to Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyards, Santa Cruz, CA. As a result of this appearance, the Santa Cruz wine producing region, already holding it’s own on the viticultural map, is now further acknowledged by the wine-loving public thanks to Oprah.

Grahm’s book due for release in October

It has taken him 20 years to write Been Doon So Long, which isn’t surprising, as Randall Grahm is not a man of a few words. He describes the 360 page book as “a highly entertaining journey to find the truth of all things that may be found in the unlikely medium of a wine glass." Release date is October 1st, but can be ordered by pre-sale through University of California Press.

Bonny Doon Cellar Door Café opens

The new café is Grahm’s method of staying engaged with his customers during difficult times. Owners should be asking themselves, “Who are my people and what should I be doing to keep in touch with them,” he says.

After designing the café in the form of a chambered nautilus constructed from recycled wooden wine barrels and tanks, the matter of great food by a great chef was addressed.

Chef Charlie Parker, a protégé of local superstar chef David Kinch of the renowned Manresa Restaurant in Los Gatos, is the appointed Cellar Door Café Executive Chef. This unique café highlights a flavor-packed, yet healthy menu, featuring the community tables known throughout Europe, plus traditional counter and table seating. Small plates are served from Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9:00 pm. and noon to 5:30 pm on Sunday. A prix fixe menu beginning at 5:30 pm changes daily from Wednesday through Sunday and is available on-line.

Meyer lemon cake with apricots at Bonny Doon Cafe  Photo by Jerry Starr