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.