Fun, craziness and plenty of wine drinking in Sonoma(1)
SAN FRANCISCO, DECEMBER 1, 2011 - Thanksgiving is over, and the craziness of the holidays officially begins. Americans are busy decorating, fighting insane moms, grandmas and dads while holiday shopping. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone. It’s time to dig in and find possibly the most important holiday gift of all, wine.
Now that the stockings are hung by the fireplace with care, get away for the weekend to Sonoma and taste and purchase some much needed holiday wine.
Wine is the perfect gift to give to your friends, and it’s what you drink at holiday dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations toasting 2012. It is also a welcome gift to bring to the countless holiday parties. As usual, you are going to so many parties that you’re not quite sure where one ends and another begins. Be sure to bring wine you love, since you can never be sure what the host will be pouring.
Sonoma CA, Sonoma Open House, Benziger wine and food pairing
During the annual Sonoma Holiday Open House, I tried to visit wineries that I had not yet been to. I wound up visiting 15 wineries in total (out of the 22 participating this year).
Eric Ross Winery: Just down the road from Benziger you will find the Eric Ross tasting room. You have probably driven by it 20 times, but never stopped in. I am so happy we did. It has a rustic, barn-like setting that is down to earth and very welcoming. Try their Tempranillo, Old Vine Zinfandel and Old Vine Zin Port. Grab some dark chocolate for the Port!
Moondance Cellars: Literally across the street from Eric Ross is Moondance. Park at one and walk over to the other. As soon as I laid one eye on David Cohen, I knew I’d like him. He is super friendly and natural, he knows what he likes and takes it all in stride. Try their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This would be wonderful with holiday dinner.
Sonoma, CA - Holiday Open House, Eric Ross
Audelssa Estate Winery: Two hops and a jump away from Moondance you will find Audelssa. It is more urban sheik than the others, but not snobby. Try their ‘08 Summit Bordeaux Blend. There were only 550 cases produced, so get ‘em while they’re hot.
Wellington Vineyards: Around the corner and up the road from Audelssa is Wellington, nuzzled just off the main Highway 12. Wellington offers some more unique varietals than what you usually find in Sonoma. Try their Noir de Noirs and either the ’06, ‘05 or ‘04 Meritage if you can find it!
Loxton Cellars: A stone’s throw away from Wellington is Loxton. Loxton is the passion of Australian winemaker Chris Loxton. As a natural result of his heritage, be sure to try the various Syrahs here. Also give the Late Harvest Zin a swirl.
Sonoma, CA - Holiday Open House, Loxton Cellars, owner/winemaker Chris Loxton
Deerfield Ranch Winery: We had a very surprising experience at Deerfield Ranch. It’s just across the other side of Highway 12 from Kunde. Complete with comfortable and luxurious cave tasting rooms, this is a must see! Fall in love with their Red Rex, Cabernet Sauvignon Los Chamizal, Ladis Meritage and Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel.
Paradise Ridge Byck Family Winery: I was excited to try Paradise Ridge on the first stop of the second day of wine tasting. This is an absolutely, fabulously wonderful winery; very cheery and bright, and they were pouring wines not on the event menu. I loved their Blanc De Blanc Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, ’09 Pinot Noir, ’08 Estate Zinfandel, ’07 Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon and the ’08 Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sonoma, CA - Holiday Open House, Paradise Ridge
Ty Caton & Muscardini Cellars: Ty Caton & Muscardini are in one convenient location, and right around the corner from Enkidu, VJB Cellars and Paradise Ridge. It is easy to park at one and walk to the others. The scene at Caton was like Vegas meets wine country, complete with hip hop music and glitter. This is most likely due to the Open House event, but the energy was high and oh my, was the wine flowing! Be sure to try Ty’s Estate Red, Estate Syrah, Estate Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Petite Sirah and Tytanium, as well as Muscardini’s Zinfandel and Tesoro.
