15 Years of Come for the Wine!

Fifteen years ago I began writing this blog with my first post titled In Real Life.

I started Come for the Wine to record and share my adventures in and around Sonoma. I would never have believed that this humble blog could led me to so many amazing opportunities. From press trips around the world to elegant wine dinners and guided tastings, to podcast host! Most importantly my blog led to making contact with industry leaders, wine makers, editors and lasting friendships with fellow wine lovers. 

It kinda goes with out saying, but wine people are some of the best people. Curious, engaged, fun, and of course very opinionated. They are also some of the most generous people.

Oh yeah, this blog led to wine samples too! So many wine samples that I had to employ a strict no sample policy unless I requested them. It was just too much.

Additionally this blog led to many speaking gigs and well paying writing opportunities with a variety of publications. Even a fellowship to the 2017 Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood in Napa Valley

Because of this blog I've had the opportunity to travel to wine regions in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Croatia, Croatia (!) Austria, Germany, Sicily, Switzerland, Hungary, British Columbia, Ontario, Montreal, and even Lativa, to the one experimental vineyard that was there at the time. And the many wine regions in the US including Oregon, Washington, California, Virginia, Texas, and New York.

Having a wine blog has been a trip --literally!

Also because of the blog and the inherent networking opportunities it created, I can add Award Winning Podcast host to my credits.

For a while there I thought maybe blogging was dead, but in the last few years it feels like it's more important than ever. 

Cheers to the wine blog and long may it wave!

Wine Road Podcast: Valerie Wathen, General Manager at Dutton-Goldfield Winery

Episode 173 | Valerie Wathen, General Manager at Dutton-Goldfield Winery
Beth and Marcy chat with Valerie Wathen about her experience at Sebastopol’s #1 tourist attraction, and how leaving a “normal job” to be in the wine business is the maverick move that many experienced wine-industry folks have done here in Sonoma County!

Wine of the Day: Dutton- Goldfield Winery 2019 Emerald Ridge Pinot Noir
Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

Varietal of the Month: Chenin Blanc

 

 

Have you noticed that Chenin Blanc is having a moment?  Its popularity has surged lately and seems to be on every wine list by the glass and bottle. It’s a versatile white wine with great texture that can vary in style from dry, crisp and lean, to rich and plush. It’s the signature grape of South Africa and also grown in abundance in the Lorie Valley of France. In the last ten years many California winemakers have been making Chenin Blanc and seeking out the old vine vineyards where it grows.

 

Here are some capsule reviews of Chenin Blanc you may find along the Wine Road

 

Dry Creek VineyardDry 2021 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg

 

The 2021 Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg sets the stage for enjoyment right from the very first sniff. Aromas of honey, peach, orange blossom butterscotch and touch of salty pretzel, which some may call brioche, fill the glass. Great balance of fruit and acidity with rich crisp flavors of apples, pears and honeydew melon with a bright hint of pith and pomelo. It’s juicy, refreshing, delicious and the scent alone will transport you to your happy place—perhaps on a large verandah with a view and a dish of spicy shrimp creole. Yes indeed, that would pair nicely.

 

ABV 12%

$17

Hartford Court 2021 Old Vine Chenin Blanc, JurassicVineyard, Santa Ynez Valley

 

The 2021 Hartford Court Old Vine Chenin Blanc hails from the Jurassic Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, a choice spot for Chenin with fossil rich soils and cool pacific breezes. On the nose, light white floral notes with pineapple and pear and a hint of passion fruit. On the palate it’s soft and chalky, yet lean with flavors of vanilla, ginger, lemon, nutmeg and chamomile with a bright saline note on the finish. Pair with curry chicken salad.

 

ABV 12.1%

$38

 

Moshin Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc, Green Valley Vineyard,Solano County

 

The Moshin Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc is from the Green Valley Vineyard in Solano County. In the glass it’s a joyful rush of spring flowers and scents of ginger, lemon, pear, a touch of chalk. The palate echoes the nose and adds depth with layers of chalk, ginger, pomelo, citrus peel, lemon and ripe honeydew melon. Great acidity with a long pleasing finish and a note of beeswax at the end. It’s the perfect bottle to plop down with in the middle of a meadow and become one with the essence of Spring. Pair with a warm and creamy Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich.)

 

ABV 13%

Wine Road Podcast: Dustin Valette, Chef, Owner, Valette, The Matheson & Roof 106

Episode 172 | Dustin Valette, Chef, Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106

Beth and Marcy chat with local legend Dustin Valette about his three local restaurants, his history with food and wine, and how Sonoma County (and Healdsburg) has become such an important culinary hub in the United States.