Wine Road Podcast EP 10 - 3-Day Itinerary Cloverdale/Geyserville

Wine Road Podcast provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma County with news on events, wineries, wines, dining options, activities, and places to stay.

Wine Road Episode 10 - Cloverdale 3 Day Visit - In this episode we give a 3-Day Itinerary for where to Sip, Play, Dine & Stay in and around Cloverdale and Geyserville. And we taste the 2012 Meritage from Christopher Creek.

Listen here:



Show Notes:
• Cloverdale/Geyserville 3-Day Itinerary - 0:35
• Wine of the Cast: Christopher Creek Meritage - 10:29
• Food and Wine Affair Event - 12:15

Links:
Wine Road Website - https://www.wineroad.com
Christopher Creek Winery- http://christophercreek.com

3-Day Itinerary Cloverdale/Geyserville:
Geyserville Grille - http://www.geyservilleinn.com/dining-en.html
Rustic - Francis Ford Coppola Winery - https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/visit/dine/rustic
Alexander Inn —http://www.thealexanderinn.com
Kelley and Young Wine Garden B & B —http://vintagetowers.com/index.html
Ruth McGowan’s Brew Pub - http://cloverdaleale.com
Hamburger Ranch - http://www.hamburgerranchandbbq.com
Geyserville Mud - http://www.geyservillemud.com/links_and_events
Catelli’s - http://www.mycatellis.com
Diavola - http://www.diavolapizzeria.com
Bosworth and Son Mercantile - http://bosworthandson.com
Geyserville Gun Club - http://www.geyservillegunclub.com
Flying Goat - http://flyinggoatcoffee.com/324-center-street/

Wineries Mentioned:
Fritz - http://www.fritzwinery.com
Cast - https://www.castwines.com
Trattore -https://trattorefarms.com
David Coffaro - http://www.coffaro.com
Yoakim Bridge Winery- http://www.yoakimbridge.com
Pedroncelli - http://www.pedroncelli.com
Frick - http://www.frickwinery.com/index.asp
J. Rickards — https://www.jrwinery.com
Silver Oak - https://www.silveroak.com/visit-us/alexander/
Pech Merle Winery - http://www.pechmerlewinery.com
Locals - http://localstastingroom.com
Meeker - http://meekerwine.com
Route 128 - http://www.route128winery.com

Wine Maker Profile--Jesse Katz and Devil Proof Vineyards

Check out my latest feature story about Jesse and Andy Katz and Devil Proof Vineyards in Sonoma Discoveries September/October issue. Click here for the online edition.

Lodi Wine Bloggers Conference 2016: The Missed Connection — St. Jorge Winery

My Friday excursion tag for #WBC16 in Lodi read “The Wine Abides” -- and as I waited with my group to board the bus to our undisclosed location, I realized I’d left my phone charge cord behind in the conference center. I ran back to retrieve it and when I returned the “Wine Abides” bus had up and left without me! Without a roster of who was on what bus it was impossible for them to know who should be aboard. But my missed connection had a very happy ending as I ended up on the “Souzão Berry Fields Forever” bus with wonderful small group consisting of Rachel of Three Strings Wine, Rob Frisch of Odd Bacchus, Josh from Josh Likes Wine, Andrew Pitt from Visit Lodi, Chris Kern of Forgotten Grapes, and Jo-Jo the Wine Guzzling Bear. (I think Jo-Jo blogs for Costo.)

Jo-Jo bellying up to the barre. 

Our destination was St. Jorge a winery focusing on Portuguese wines along with a few Italian varietals as well. Our hosts for the evening were Vern & Jenise Vierra, the owners of St. Jorge Winery since 2007. Jenise’s family heritage is Italian and Vern’s family was Portuguese hailing from the island of St. Jorge, thus the name of the winery. Together, Vern and Jenise have all the elements for a great reality TV show--like a modern Lucy and Ricky, they were a thoroughly engaging and highly entertaining couple.

The St. Jorge Estate was like a little slice of Portugal transported to the outskirts of Lodi. After a welcome glass of Verdelho along with some extraordinary Portuguese cheeses and traditional breads, we headed out to the vineyards with Vern.

Bounded by olive trees and oak groves the vineyard soils consist of shallow clay and sandy loam. The estate-grown varietals include Verdelho, Malbec, Tinto Cão, Carignan, Trincadeira, Alicanti Bouschet, Alvarelho, Touriga, Souzão, Tempranillo, and Petit Sirah. 

They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Maria (Mediera Port), Old Vine Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Sobremesa (Dessert), Syrah, Tannat, Vinho Cor De Rosa, Vinho Tinto Belo, and Vinho Tinto Doce.

With over 22 wines offered, you are sure to find one that suits your palate at St. Jorge.

It was dang hot out and I drank a lot of water. Perhaps too much water as it had the effect of flushing all the salt from my body of making me feel worse in the heat rather than better, and I struggled through the evening until my electrolytes finally balanced out. Note to self: Water is dangerous!

Vern Vierra in the St. Jorge vineyard

After the vineyard tour, Vern led us through a technical tasting in the cellar where we tasted a vertical of Verdelho including the 2011 Verdelho Seco from Silvaspoons Vineyard, 2014 Verdelho from Vierra Estate, and 2011 Maria also Silvaspoons Vineyard. 

We also took a mini liquid tour of Portugal and tasted the 2014 Trincaderia , 2013 Tempranillo,  2014 Touriga, 2014 Souzao, and 2011 Vihno Tinto Doce  (Port).

But that’s not all!

We then tried the 2013 Sangiovese (a personal favorite of mine), 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Syrah, and the 2013 Alicanti Bouschet.

Time for Dinner

Jenise Vierra, at left, our gracious host.

As the air temperature dropped to a balmy 92 degrees, we headed back outside for dinner alfresco in the courtyard with outdoor chandeliers, and elegant glass sculptures atop a long table artfully decorated with fresh cut grapes that I mistook for fake as they just looked too good to be true.

Not fake grapes, the real deal!

The Portuguese and Italian inspired meal was prepared on site by the long-time family chef Lucia Rogers. The menu was as follows: Gazpacho with a fiery kick of jalapeño paired with 2014 Verdelho; Filetto Carpaccio Salad with 2014 Souzao; Bacalao the traditional cod dish of Portugal with 2014 Trincaderia; Pappa Pomodori Ravioli with 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon; and Port infused Fudge Brownie with Armena & Raspberry sauce paired with 2011 Vinho Tinto Doce.

It was an evening of grand hospitality and wine, wine, and more wine!

Grateful thanks to Vern and Jenise for hosting us and also to Mike Shinn, Director of Operations, for his assistance and the lively dinner conversation.

If you visit Lodi, be sure to stop in at St.Jorge. They are open Friday - Sunday from 11-5pm .

St. Jorge Winery
www.stjorgewinery.com

The Wines and Revelations of Josip Brkic - A Visit to Brkic Winery in Bosnia & Herzegovina

“I will make wines like this or I will not make them at all.”

ROAD TRIP SERIES: CROATIA/BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Of course almost all winemakers are highly passionate about their craft no matter where they are from. But I found the people I met in Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina were deeply vested in their land and wines in an almost spiritual way.

One of our first visits was to Brkic Winery in Citluk - Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Josip Brkic is a shining example of a winemaker whose wines embody a philosophy that goes beyond mere passion for wine making. It’s a philosophy of life as well. The vineyards, grapes and wines are regarded as members of the family.

We sat down to taste several of the Brikic wines and listen to Josip tell his story.

Fifteen years ago Josip Brkic had an epiphany and it changed the course of his life and the trajectory of his wine making. While exhibiting at an Italian wine expo he learned about biodynamic practices and fell in love with the concept. Up to that point says Brik “I was not thinking of the wine as a living thing, only as a product.” He realized how one farmed and approached the land was a long-term vision that needed to be fully embraced.

After his father died, Josip took over the winery and against all conventional wisdom, and the advice of others, he set out on a new path to convert the vineyards to be fully organic and biodynamic. His goal was to showcase the wine as a document of the year in as pure a manner as possible.

The freedom of the moment, realizing that he alone was making the decision with no one telling him what to do, was thrilling but challenging. Brkic found going organic is risky, and not for everyone. With great changes, came great challenges. All biodynamic vines are organic, but not all organic vines are biodynamic. Brik wanted both.

Converting to all organic practices is a difficult for a vineyard, explained Brkic. “It’s as if the vineyards are addicts that have been on drugs and the new practices presented a shock to them.” It takes time to convert them without stressing them out. But Brik stayed the course and slowly nurtured the vines to a new reality.

As Brkic spoke, a family member translated from Bosnian for us. I focused on Josip’s voice and all of a sudden I felt like I could understand his words completely without translation. Perhaps the wines imbued me with some type of mystical language abilities. I don’t know. I suggest you try some for yourself and see what happens.

When I sampled the wines, it became clear, everything I needed to know about Josip Brkic was there in the glass. Josip’s personal creed and promise also appears on all the labels— “I will make wines like this or I will not make them at all.”

If you find yourself in Bosnia & Herzegovina by all means make the pilgrimage to Brkic tasting room in Citulk. It’s well worth the trip.

Tasting Notes

Unfortunately I spilled wine on my notebook towards the end of the trip so I can barely read my tasting notes. But here is what I could decipher:

Zilavka 2015 : (zhee-lav-ka) Fresh, creamy, bright and light, with full flavors of pear and quince, and notes of limestone and thyme. Pretty, floral nose. Friendly and approachable style.

Greda 2010: An orange wine made from skin macerated Zilavka and aged for 2 years in oak – texture is the name of the game here. Greda is name of the vineyard. Very mellowed orange style wine with long lasting flavors of mead, almonds, orange peel -- Absolutely loved this wine!

Mjesecar 2013: 100% Zilavka. Limited production, numbered bottles. You’ll have to go to Bosnia & Herzegovina for this one, but it is well worth the trip! Named “Moonwalker” after the cycles of the moon in biodynamic charts, not after Michael Jackson and his moonwalking moves as rumor has it.

Rose 2014: Lovely and light, his first time making a rose.

Plava Greda 2013: 100% Blatina fresh and juicy red fruits with a lively minerality. Soft and elegant with long finish. Would be great to pair with smoked meats.

Resources:

Brkic Winery

Kralja Tvrtka 9

Citluk

Bosnia & Herzegovina

http://www.brkic.ba

Brkic Wines are available via Blue Danube Wines.

https://www.bluedanubewine.com

Related Posts:
Možeš Možeš -- The Epic Blue Danube Wine Roadtrip in Croatia!
The Epic Blue Danube Wine Croatia Road Trip-- Video Preview
Essay on Croatia in Wine Enthusiast

Wine Road Podcast Episode 08 - California Wine Month

Wine Road EP 08 - California Wine Month - In this short but sweet episode we talk about California Wine Month and what the Wine Road is doing to feature California wine, we discuss the book Down to Earth, and taste the 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Optima.

Listen here:



Show Notes:

• California Wine Month - 0:35
• Major Valleys and AVA’s along the wine road - 2:26
• Sub-AVA’s - 3:56
• Wine Road Map great resource for visitors- 4:45
• Wine of Day // Wine of the Cast - 2012 Optima Cabernet Sauvignon - 5:22
• Down to Earth wine book published by the Wine Institute 6:35
• George Rose Photographer 6:46

Links:

• Wine Road Website - https://www.wineroad.com
• Wine Road Map - https://www.wineroad.com/maps/
• Optima Winery - https://optimawinery.com
• Down To Earth: A Seasonal Tour of Sustainable Winegrowing in California- https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Seasonal-Sustainable-Winegrowing-California/dp/0615946615
• George Rose Photographer - http://georgerose.com

Wineries Mentioned:

• Optima - https://optimawinery.com

Music:

"Secret of Tiki Island" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Essay on Croatia in Wine Enthusiast

October 2016 Wine Enthusiast 

So this happened.... Last Drop essay in the October 2016 issue of Wine Enthusiast!

I will share the link when it’s available online, but for now it’s only on newsstands. Thanks to Mary Cressler for the above photo.

The essay in the magazine is a thin slice of life about my April road-trip. Now that it’s published, the full story of the wild and epic Blue Danube Wine road-trip along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and through Bosnia and Herzegovina can be told.

So much wine! So much food! So much fun!

Wine Road Podcast Episode 07 - Harvest Time & Farmers Markets

Wine Road EP 07-Farmers Markets / Harvest Begins - In this episode Milly Winehouse and DJ Bethy Beth talk about the start of Harvest, Farmers Markets, Wine Tasting Tips on tasting room hours and picnic grounds, the upcoming Wine and Food Affair event, and we pop some bubbles to celebrate the move to the new Wine Road World HQ.

Listen here:



Show Notes:
• Harvest time on the Wine Road- 0:32
• Wine Tasting Tips:
⁃ Tasting room hours and winery picnic grounds- 0:59
⁃ Winery picnic grounds -1:54
• Farmers Markets (Sebastopol, Occidental, Healdsburg, Cloverdale) - 2:27
• Ring for Wine: Wine of the PodCast - Korbel Natural - 4:35
• Cork pop! - 4:46
• Event: A Wine and Food Affair - 5:30
• Recipe database on Wine Road website- 6:00
• Item of the Day: Capabunga CapaBubbles Champange/Sparkling Topper- 7:10

Links:
• Wine Road Website - https://www.wineroad.com
• Korbel - http://www.korbel.com/california-champagnes/
• A Wine and Food Affair - https://www.wineroad.com/events/wine-food-affair/
• Capabunga CapaBunga - https://www.capabunga.com/Reseal-your-Champagne-s/1827.htm

Music:
“Podcast Theme 03“ Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Epic Blue Danube Wine Croatia Road Trip-- Video Preview

Due to an upcoming print assignment that conflicted with my blog I’ve held back on my posts about my trip to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina in April 2016. But posts are coming soon. In the meantime here is a preview video of the food, wine, rakija, vineyards, amazing views and wonderful people during the Epic Blue Danube Wine Road Trip with the Blue Danube Wine team - Frank Dietrich, Catherine Granger and Gisele Carig.

I have a separate video devoted solely to the awesome Bibich food and wine pairing in Skradin that I’ll post next. 

Enjoy! Zivili!

Will the 10th Wine Bloggers Conference be the Last?

I had a hunch the 10th Anniversary for the Wine Bloggers Conference would be held in Sonoma, and now that that’s been confirmed, I believe it may also be the last Wine Bloggers Conference.

For me.

I’ve attended 8 out of 10 conferences--all except the 1st and Virginia (sorry Frank)-- but the 10th in Sonoma may very well be my final WBC.

I love seeing my wine friends first and foremost, and meeting new people that share a love for wine is one of the biggest draw for me. I think it's still a great value and experience especially for new attendees, but I feel like I’ve outgrown the format. Most of sessions, beyond the keynote and a few specialized break-outs, are of little value to me.

WBC needs more qualified experts to lead the educational sessions. Peer speakers are fine for certain topics, but often not qualified or experienced with presenting before groups. 

I’d like to see an alumni track that allows greater access to the winemakers and more in depth sessions with regard to terroir and local winemaking. Much like the program at WBC14 in Santa Barbara presented by SF Wine School (although that was not an official WBC event).

I’d even be willing to pay more for qualified content such as the Santa Barbara session.

Overall the WBC schedule is filled with fluff and I think the format needs an overhaul as follows:

Keep the Thursday opening reception. Cut back to the core elements on Friday and Saturday: Keynote, Speed tasting (because people do seem to love it), Winery excursions, Wine discovery tastings, and local winemaker discussions and sessions on terroir, vineyards, grapes, history, and geology of the area.

Leave Sunday open for attendees to visit wineries of the region at their own pace. Provide a “hop-on-hop-off” bus that runs a continuous loop from conference hotel to participating tasting rooms and wineries. This would allow attendees the opportunity to meet new people and actually be able to talk to them on the bus.

I loved visiting Lodi this year, but the separate hotels and conference center was a real drag. Made it very difficult to meet up and connect with others after hours.

I think Zephyr has done a great job over the years and it is apparent they try to incorporate attendee feedback. But the content needs improvement.   

I’ll be posting more about my Lodi experience and impressions soon. 

Wine Road Podcast Episode 6 - Outdoor Activities & Places to Stay in Northern Sonoma

Wine Road EP 06 - Beyond Wine: Activities in Wine Country - In this episode we discuss things to do and outdoor activities that are not necessarily wine specific. We debut the “time for wine” bell and Milly goes crazy for Pinot. And DJ Bethy-Beth admits she loves her name. ;-)

Listen here:



Wine Road— The Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma County with news on events, wineries, wines, dining, outdoor activities, and places to stay.

Show Log:
• Another Listener email! - 0:29
• Sonoma County Wine Growers Vineyard Walks - 0:55
• Rivers Edge Kayak and Canoe - 2:27
• Wine Country Bikes - 2:37
• Safari West - 3:12
• Canopy Tour Zip Line - 4:19
• Bodega Head whale watching - 4:44
• Spud Point Crab Shack 5:08
• Kendal Jackson Garden Tours 5:50
• Quivira Gardens - 6:12
• Charles M. Schulz Museum - 6:25
• Luther Burbank Gardens - 6:50
• Wine of Day // Wine of the PodCast - Woodenhead Pinot Noir - 8:24
• Event: AVA Zinfandel Blending/August 13th, 2016 - 10:40

Show Links:
• Wine Road Website - https://www.wineroad.com
• Sonoma County Wine Growers Vineyard Walks Self Guided Tours - http://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/free-vineyard-walking-tours
• Rivers Edge Kayak and Canoe - http://riversedgekayakandcanoe.com
• Wine Country Bikes - http://www.winecountrybikes.com
• Sonoma Canopy Tour Zip Line -http://www.sonomacanopytours.com
• Safari West - http://www.safariwest.com
• Charles M. Schulz Museum- http://schulzmuseum.org
• Luther Burbank Gardens- http://www.lutherburbank.org
• Bodega Head - http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sonoma-coast-state-beach-bodega-head-trail
• Kendall- Jackson Gardens - http://www.kj.com/the-wine-estate-gardens
• Woodenhead Winery - http://www.woodenheadwine.com
• Zinfandel Blending Seminar - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-goes-into-zin-a-hands-on-blending-experience-tickets-26216144193

Wineries Mentioned:
• Paradise Ridge Winery - http://prwinery.com
• Balletto - http://ballettovineyards.com
• Francis Ford Coppola - https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/visit
• Woodenhead Winery -http://www.woodenheadwine.com
• Quivira Winery -http://www.quivirawine.com
• Kendall-Jackson - http://www.kj.com

Wine Road Podcast Episode 05 - Planning a Girlfriend Wine Getaway in Northern Sonoma

Wine Road Episode 05 - Help Planning Your Trip or Girlfriend Getaway - In this episode we give tips and advice on types of lodging available along the Wine Road, Spas, Wine Road Concierge service, Wine of the Day: Moshin Rose, Item of the day: Drip Teez.

Listen to Episode 5 here:



Wine Road Podcast - The Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma County with news on events, wineries, wines, dining options, activities, and places to stay.

Show Notes:
• Places to stay along the Wine Road - 0:36
• Girlfriend Getaway ideas/Spas -1:55
• Email from Listeners -3:30
• Wine Road Concierge Service -3:50
• Wine of the PodCast - Moshin 2015 Rose of Pinot Noir - 5:08
• Item of the Week: Drip Teez - 7:11
• Wine Road.com searchable lodging tool- 8:37

Links:
• Wine Road Website - https://www.wineroad.com
• Drip Teez - http://www.dripteez.com
• Moshin Vineyards - http://www.moshinvineyards.com

Lodging Links:
• KOA Campground Cloverdale- http://koa.com/campgrounds/cloverdale/
• Farm House Inn - http://www.farmhouseinn.com
• Madrona Manor - http://www.madronamanor.com
• Hilton Sonoma Wine Country - http://www.hiltonsonomahotel.com
• Best Western Dry Creek Inn Healdsburg - http://www.drycreekinn.com

B & B’s
• Camellia Inn - http://www.camelliainn.com
• Raford Inn - http://www.rafordinn.com

Spas
• Hotel Healdsburg - http://www.h2hotel.com/home/
• Honor Mansion - https://www.honormansion.com
• Boon (Guerneville) - http://boonhotels.com

Wine Road Podcast Episode 04 - Planning Your Visit to Wine Country

Wine Road Podcast Episode 04 - Planning Your Visit to Wine Country
In this episode we give tips and advice on planing your visit, share some wineries with special food pairings, mention some wineries with great views, and and give the wine tasting tip of the day.

Listen to episode 4 here:



Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma County with news on events, wineries, wines, dining options, activities, and places to stay.

Show Notes:
• What’s happening in the vineyards in July - 0:28
• Planning your trip - 1:31
• Hiring a driver - 1:40
• Appointment only wineries - 2:45
• Booking a food pairing experience - 3:11
• Pick a Valley - 4:55
• Wineries with great views - 6:07
• What to wear. What does wine country casual mean? - 7:49
• Wine Guard - 8:55
• Wine of Day // Wine of the Cast - Acorn Sangiovese - 9:40
• The wine tasting tip of the podcast/day—Step aside make room for everyone at the tasting bar. - 10:23
• Event: 40 Years of Cheers - 11:30

Links:
• Wine Road Website - https://www.wineroad.com
• Wine Guard - http://wineguard.com
• Becoming Independent - http://becomingindependent.org
• 40 Years of Cheers July - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/40-years-of-cheers-registration-26161945082

Wineries Mentioned:
• Amista - http://www.amistavineyards.com
• Viszlay - http://www.viszlayvineyards.com
• Sbragia Family Vineyards - http://www.sbragia.com
• Paradise Ridge Winery - http://prwinery.com
• Trattore Farms - http://trattorefarms.com
• Fog Crest Vineyard - http://www.fogcrestvineyard.com
• Rodney Strong Vineyards - http://www.rodneystrong.com
• Kendall-Jackson - http://www.kj.com

Možeš Možeš -- The Epic Blue Danube Wine Roadtrip in Croatia!

Back in April I embarked on an epic two-week road trip through Dalmatia in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina with Frank Dietrich, Catherine Granger and Gisele Carig of the Blue Danube Wine team. This post kicks off my blog series that will recount all the extraordinary locations, people, vineyards, wine, food and vistas and adventures from the journey.

Gisele Carig, Frank Dietrich and Catherine Granger of Blue Danube Wine

I would argue that a road trip is the best way to really experience a place. Sure you can travel by train or bus or boat, but to really get off the proverbial beaten track to truly go deep into a place and get into all sorts of adventures and tight spots (literally!) --you need to have a car. All of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had (both good and hair-raising) were with a foreign car in a foreign land.

Tight squeeze in Vrboska on Hvar

Možeš, možeš  -- You Can Do It!
But things can go wrong in a jiffy on a road trip—getting lost is a mainstay of road trips, and getting in and out of tight spaces where cars don’t belong comes with the territory. Our very first day we were blocked in parking lot by other cars until a few helpful locals simply picked up the other car allowing us room to pass.

We learned our first and most important Croatian phrase: Možeš možeš. Možeš ti to (You can do it!) Along with a few Polako, polako’s (slowly, slowly) we were on our way to the first appointment.

Making new friends in the Konzum parking lot in Trogir

Yes, having a car is more trouble. Yes, you will get lost. Yes, finding parking may be impossible. Yes, you may find yourself where no car had gone before—but the rewards are greater too.

For efficiency sake during the trip we all took on specific roles. Frank—leader and key negotiator. Catherine—navigator and relief driver. Gisele—client liaison and schedule keeper. Me? I was more than ballast, I have skills too ya know. I’m designated as the Rakija Queen and gladly step forward to take one for the team whenever the potent schnapps is presented. Trust me in Croatia it’s a very important role.

Rakija Queen at sampling the local offerings.

So fasten your seat belts, and follow along as I file reports for the Blue Danube Wine blog about the trip from Split/Torgir to Dubrovnik, Korcula, Ston, Kastela, Hvar, Skradin, plus Bosnia and Herzegovina and the places in between.

Wine Road Podcast Episode 03 - Hiking Trails and Picnic Spots in Northern Sonoma

Wine Road Podcast Episode 03-Hiking and Picnics
We discuss our favorite hiking trails and winery picnic spots, where to buy picnic supplies, a packable picnic blanket and give the wine tasting tip of the day.

Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma County with news on events, wineries, wines, dining options, activities, and places to stay.

Listen to Episode 3 here:



Wine Road- http://www.wineroad.com

Show Notes:
• What’s happening in the vineyards in June - 0:25
• Great hiking trails in Northern Sonoma - :21
• Parks of Sonoma County map - 5:25
• Favorite winery picnic spots - 6:20
• Places to get picnic supplies - 8:07
• Matador Pocket Blanket - 9:20
• The wine tasting tip of the day—No cologne or Perfume! 10:34
• Wine of the cast – Balletto Rose

Links Mentioned:
• Pinnacle Gulch
• Armstrong Redwoods
• Foothill Regional Park
• Taylor Mountain
• Sonoma County Park Map

Winery Picnic Spots
• Armida Winery- http://www.armida.com
• Balletto- http://ballettovineyards.com
• Cast Winery - http://www.castwines.com
• Christopher Creek - http://christophercreek.com

Picnic Supplies
• Big Johns - http://bigjohnsmarket.com
• Jimtown Store - https://www.jimtown.com
• Oakville Grocery - http://www.oakvillegrocery.com

Matador Pocket Blanket - http://matadorup.com/products/matador-pocket-blanket

Tasting Room Experience - Robert Young Estate Winery

Check out my latest story about Robert Young Estate Winery in Sonoma Discoveries July/August issue.  Click here or on image above or below for the online edition.

Wine Road Podcast - Hilarity Ensues

There comes a time in everyones life when you must accept a challenge and step up to the plate or shy away from doing something out of your “wheelhouse” of experience and go drink wine in a corner.

Well, I’m merging the two! I’m doing something way outside my proverbial (technical) wheelhouse producing and co-hosting a podcast for the Wine Road. The best part? I still get to drink wine in a corner while I figure it all out.

Wooo Hooo, for steep learning curves!

Take a listen if you dare or sign up for the RRS and don’t miss second of the ad hoc hilarity that ensues.

Visit http://wineroadpodcast.libsyn.com for all the episodes and show notes.

The Tasting Room Experience -Two Shepherds and Wind Gap Wines

Check out my cover story in the May/June issue of Sonoma Discoveries. I talk about the Seven Percent Solution tasting event that is coming up May 13th and 14th and also cover the Tasting Room Experience at Two Shepherds and Wind Gap Wines.

You can read it online here.

Get Along Little Donkey...

Get along little donkey…

2009 Donkey Dingač Postup from Vinarija Dingač in Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia.

This little donkey is a juicy spicy kick of dark fruits with bright acidity and firm tannins. There are two protected wine growing regions in southern Dalmatia– Postup and Dingač. And it can get a little confusing with regard to the varietal names. While this wine is made of 100% Plavac Mali grapes the wine is called Postup, after the wine-growing region on the Pelješac Peninsula. Also confusing is that Dingač is the name of both the region and the winery, a former communist co-op from the time when the area was still known as Yugoslavia. The donkey on the label is not only cute, but symbolic of the rugged lands and steep slopes in which the vines grow, making hand harvesting a necessity.

But despite all the confusing names one thing is perfectly clear — the wine is delicious. It’s spicy and concentrated with a meatiness and hint of sage. Surprisingly it doesn’t drink like it’s 14.6 AVB! It’s bright indeed, but not hot. I love it and can’t wait to visit the winery when I tag along with the Blue Danube Wine team later this month.

2016 Travel Guide to California - Wine Section

For the fifth year in a row I’ve written the wine section for the Travel Guide to California. It’s a great resource for all things California and useful for tourists and locals alike. Plus it’s always nice to be a contributor alongside many top names in travel writing.

Check it out in digital format here: 

http://globelitetravelmarketing.uberflip.com/t/65757-travel-guide-to-california