More Reflections on the Sonoma Visit

Sonoma County is home to literally hundreds of wineries -- nearly all privately owned and of little renown.  Of the dozen or so wineries we visited during our four days in the Sonoma area, only one (the Simi Winery) offered their wines on a broader commercial market.  So, nearly all of the wines we sampled were available only to those who visit their wineries or those who are members of their wine clubs.  Since Mississippi is not one of those "reciprocal" states, a wine club was not an option for us. 

However, we encountered some good wines -- some white, some red -- during our travels through Sonoma County.  Those which we liked were each unique; there was something uniquely appealing about each of them.  Out of the 12 bottles we are bring home with us, there were probably 10 different varietals represented.

Let me be clear:  I am not claiming to be a connoisseur. I am still largely a naïve.  I merely enjoyed my first wide exposure to a part of the culture which is so important in this area of the country.  The beauty of the countryside is also very compelling and inviting.  While we visited, the clouds or fog hung close to the ground, and an ample amount of humidity and moisture were in the air.  The cool temperatures were refreshing.

I would note two of our most enjoyable visits were to the Passalaqua Winery and the Christopher Creek Winery -- and for very different reasons.  The latter was enjoyable because of the hospitality which was so freely offered there.  Our host, Martin, could not have been more welcoming.  He shared generously of the wonderful history of Christopher Creek (with all its delightful twists and turns) and then provided generous pours of the winery's various vintages (including sampling from some barrels, of wines not yet bottled). 

Another winery -- our last visit -- was to Passalaqua, where the wines were outstanding and where Nora and shared a tasting.  Sarah, our host, poured six samples of their vintages, and all were very good and reasonably priced. That visit was a little more luxurious than others, since we were seated at a nice dining table, with glasses arrayed in front of us.  Afterwards, Sarah showed us the two bedroom house available to members of their wine club.  The master bedroom looks out over the lush vines of the cultivated area; the entire house was compelling and inviting. 

Both of these wineries were like most of the others -- you will not see their wines in stores or restaurants.  They produce such small volumes that their in-house sales and wine club members' shipments account for their entire inventories.

Days in the Vineyard

Nora and I have spent the last several days visiting various places in Sonoma County, California.  We are newbies to this endeavor and have had a steep learning curve in acquiring the language to describe our experience.  Our taste buds have been slow to send the messages that we are tasting "passion fruit" or "hints of blackberry" or "essences of oak" or other such descriptors of wine.  We knew what we liked, and we were in no way refined in our tastes.

The last several days have been very educational for us.  We have visited probably 12 wineries in the Healdsburg area and we have been able to identify many of the suggested flavors.  We have been able to distinguish between the various varieties of reds and between the various varieties of whites.  And even the roses (they do make some much more elaborate roses than Beringer White Zinfandel).

The hosts at the various wineries have largely been very knowledgeable and eager to share their perspectives (only one of those we visited were we given the impression that we were wasting their time).  We learned about the various cultivated areas in this general area -- Dry Creek, Russian River, Alexander Valley, Willamette Valley, Chalk Hill, Rock Pile, and the advantages of hillside vines as opposed to those in bottom lands.

We had originally planned to lodge in Napa, but on my arrival out here 10 days ago, I heard more and more about the Sonoma/Healdsburg area.  I changed our reservations so, when Nora arrived on Monday, we took up residence at the Hampton Inn in Windsor, five miles down the road from Healdsburg.

We listened to the locals who freely offered advice as to where to go and what to see.  That resulted in our initial visit to the Simi Winery just north of town.  An older gentleman led us on a 45-minute tour of the winery and introduced us to the methods they use to make their large volumes of widely-commercially-available wines.  It was very educational.

Probably the smartest thing we did was to book an escorted tour, which we took on Wednesday.  We used Terrific Tours, which we highly recommend.  The guide and driver, Ryan, led us to visit six Sonoma-area wineries.  Each was different from the other, and only one was less-than-hospitable.  We came back to the room and took a four hour nap!

I am not an expert, but I have come to know and appreciate the wide varieties and tastes that are available, even from a wine that is from the same varietal of grape, but grown in a different area (or perhaps blended with another varietal). There can be remarkable differences.

I have also come to appreciate white wines more than I have before.  I appreciate, too, the simplicity with which they are made.

All of this gives me a sense of intimidation, because on December 25 I will open the first bottle of wine that I have made at home -- a Malbec.  Later -- around the first of February -- I will open the first bottle of Pinot Noir I have made.  I have a suspicion that they will be a little less remarkable than I would have considered them before this visit.

Nora and I have purchased several bottles which will be home with us.  If I continue to be intrigued with this subject, I will post more reflections on various winery visits and the thoughts on consuming those wines.

A Winegoober is Born

The idea of this blog came as the outgrowth of a visit 10 or so folks from CREDO 7008 made to a "tasting room" in Healdsburg, California.  It was in our lighthearted banter that the idea of this blog was proposed. So, this is a realization of that conversation. It also springs from my daughter calling me a "goober" after I sent pictures of myself sampling some of the wines.

I have described myself as a bit of a "redneck highbrow."  I don't know much about wine -- except what I like.  This past week has given me the opportunity to taste some wines IN Sonoma County -- not necessarily FROM Sonoma County.  There have been "The Seven Deadly Zins" (a creative blend of Zinfandels); "Wild Horse Pinot Noir"; "Menage a Toir" red table wine; and a Cabernet Sauvignon whose name, label and provenance I cannot recall.

In the even you did not notice, I prefer reds.

Nora and I are spending four days in the Healdsburg area.  I am currently awaiting her flight at SFO.  We will tour various wineries and likely try a variety of wines.  Perhaps I will grow in sophistication -- and, then again, maybe not.  We are scheduled to take a guided tour on Wednesday,  Others will be on our own.

I am also in the process of aging 58 bottles of homemade wine at home.  I have got 28 bottles of Malbec, which will be ready on Christmas Day.  Another 30 bottles of Pinot Noir will be ready in early February.

I will have either 58 bottles of wine or a LOT of salad vinegar.