Sonoma Valley’s best wine lists announced

July 8, 2015

Wine Spectator has announced the winners of the best wine lists in the world. Over 3,600 restaurants and bars submitted their wine lists, dining menus and additional details to Wine Spectator. The magazine's knowledgeable staff examines every detail, including letters that declare what makes each... Continue

Victor Hill Wines hosts re-grand opening tonight

July 6, 2015

[caption id="attachment_54636" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Victor Hill Tasting room re-opens tonight (Photo: Trip Advisor)[/caption] Victor Hill Wines will celebrate their Sonoma Plaza tasting room opening tonight at 4 PM. The tasting room has been opened since October, however, today is the day we celebrate! The winery... Continue

New, improved, glorious Gloria Ferrer

July 5, 2015

[caption id="attachment_54107" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Pedro Ferrer, CEO of Freixenet, the parent company of Gloria Ferrer, and his wife, Begonia, enjoy a sip of bubbly on the new patio (Sarah Stierch, CC BY 4.0)[/caption] In January, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards announced that they would close their... Continue

Benziger & Imagery sold to the Wine Group for $70-80 mill

June 8, 2015

Another Sonoma County winery has been sold to a wine industry behemoth. According to North Bay Business Journal, Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Winery have been sold, for an estimated $70-80 million, to the Wine Group. The Wine Group is based in Livermore. They make... Continue

The easiest, cheapest way to improve wine

April 29, 2015

If you are like so many wine lovers who open a bottle of red wine minutes before serving it to yourself or your guests, you’re missing out on at least 80 percent of what that wine has to offer. Wine, and especially red wine, needs... Continue

‘Corner’ location

April 20, 2015

Lloyd Davis, with members of his team and the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open Corner 103, a Sonoma Tasting Experience, at 103 W. Napa St. The former owner of Viansa Winery, Davis said the new venture will offer high-end, seated, educational tastings. Lloyd... Continue

It’s time to get grillin’

April 16, 2015

After last time’s “Refreshing Wine Choices for Warmer Weather” it occurred to me that most of you have already reacted to our non-winter and have uncovered, cleaned and fired up that wonderful extension of your kitchen we enjoy so much out here, the outdoor grill.... Continue

Refreshing wine choices for warmer weather

April 2, 2015

Even though the warmer weather around here seems to have started around the first of the year, I have to say that it’s an incredible, stunning day in April. I have surrendered to the “no winter” plan Mother Nature has for 2015 and I am... Continue

Making wine and realizing dreams

March 18, 2015

[caption id="attachment_47046" align="alignleft" width="200"] In 1974, when Steve MacRostie first made wine, there were only about 40 small wineries in Sonoma County.[/caption] Contrary to popular opinion, making fine wine is not easy. It’s not the life of the gentleman (or woman) vintner relaxing on his... Continue

Great values from my “Pinot Passion” Awards

March 6, 2015

In my last column here (Feb. 19) I shared the local highlights of the “Top 12 Pinot Noirs” from the “Pinot Passion Awards” issue of my newsletter PinotReport. As promised, this time I am sharing my “Top 12 Pinot Values” with you. To recap, I... Continue

The Sun Drinks