Simple Hedonisms

Posts Tagged ‘Wine Road’

Seasons Greetings to the fine readers of Simple Hedonisms! This article is the first of twelve (I hope!) on the ’12 Days of Wine Christmas.’

We will be exploring an array of Wine and Wine Country related gifts each article, ranging from a few events, gadgets and books, and more, as well as the occasional philanthropic touch, which the Wine Country is renowned for, especially this time of year.

The First Day of Christmas: Tickets to The Winter Wineland, and Redwood Food Bank Raffle Tickets

Winter Wineland is a special event for me;  I can remember it, 2 years ago as the event that made me decide it was time to stop driving up here every month, and move here, and by July, voila I had. (Even when my relationship partner at that time got cold feet at the very last minute. ) My life has changed 100x for the better, and my only regret was I didn’t commit and move back in 1999 when I was first working/commuting to Petaluma.

What is Winter Wineland?

This is the 19th year of the event, organized by the Wine Road - the amazing organization that does events and marketing for Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Coast AVAs.

This year 125 wineries (wow!) are participating, Jan. 15th and 16th. Each winery will have something special and unique; food pairings, art, library wine pourings, tours, and more. The complete program is here. (Note this is still being updated, final completion is Jan. 7th.) Last year I wrote a series of 4 articles for the event, feel free to peruse.

Tickets are $45 for both days, or $35 for Sunday. That’s a great  entertainment value, and gift for the wine lover in your circle of loved ones.

Beef Up Your Gift with a Raffle Ticket for a $2600 Prize, And Help fight Hunger!

For only $10, you can purchase a raffle ticket to win one of three amazing packages, each worth $2600. The packages are here, I will tease you with the first one:

Package 1

• 2 nights Farmhouse Inn – the new “barn” suites ($1400 value) exp. 5/11/2011
• 2 nights Fountaingrove Inn – includes breakfast for 2 people ($400 value) exp. 10/11/2011
• Dinner for two – at Farmhouse Inn ($200 value) exp. 5/11/2011
• West Sonoma Inn – spa treatment ($100 value) exp. 8/20/2011
• Arista Winery – Hummer vineyard tour and tasting for two ($100 value) exp. 11/01/2011
• Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery – lunch or dinner ($100 value) exp. 11/01/2011
• Healdsburg Bar & Grill – lunch or dinner ($40 value)
• 2 tickets – Wine & Food Affair, Winter Wineland & Barrel Tasting ($260 value)

You can purchase tickets here. A single ticket is $10, three are $25, and ten are only $50 ($5 each!)

Add it to your Winter Wineland ticket gift, or buy this is a standalone. Or just donate and do some good for fighting Hunger in Sonoma County. Think we don’t have hunger here amidst our bounty? Take a second to read the 2010, detailed report. (I teared up reading this and bought a $50 ticket.) Help the Redwood Food Bank help those in need.

Hunger In Sonoma County Study Facts

• up to 35% were forced to choose between paying for food and paying for other basic necessities
• 33.3% had to choose between payingfor food or gas for their car
• 35.2% had to choose between paying for food or paying for utilities
• 32.5% had to choose between paying for food or medicine and medical care
• 32.4% had to choose between paying for food or their rent/mortgage
• 30% do not have access to a working car limiting their ability to seek food, services and employment
• 21.1% have a hard time paying their rent and were late paying it in the previous month thus jeopardizing theirliving situation
• 16.9% said their children were hungry the previous year.
• 9.9% have no place to live

None of the people interviewed in this Hunger Study ever imagined they would be seeking food assistance.
Each person had a story to tell which included fortune and misfortune, as well as decisions made and circumstances beyond their control.

Raffle Ticket Sales end Dec 15th!!

More to Come

Come back each day for another suggestion. (Or sign up for email updates.) Feel free to email or post, comments, suggestions, questions, I love to hear from readers.

A very warm, cheers!

After a 2 month hiatus, I am pleased to announce the return of our monthly Sonoma Facebook Wine Meetup. (You don’t HAVE to be on Facebook to attend, that was just the original premise, turning virtual friends into real ones.)

Our hosts this month are two wonderful small producers; Ray D’Argenzio of D’Argenzio Winery (noteworthy Italian varietals, amongst others) and Dylan and Tobe Sheldon of Sheldon Wines, (in their new tasting room) – one of my fave new local producers of Rhone wine (and Burgundian.)

We’ll have lots of great wines poured, a pizza taste off, and a preview of  the new Santa Rosa Vintners Square, the brain child of Ray D’Argenzio; an exciting project that will transform part of this part Santa Rosa.

If this, and seeing all your friends, old and new, isn’t enough, all ticket proceeds will be donated to the Redwood Food Bank, continuing the Wine Road blazing trail. (I haven’t now, or ever taken payment for these events, they actually cost me money.)

Tickets are $8.50 in advance, available here via Brown Paper Tickets.  or $10 at the door.This month, Entry includes:

• Tickets for 3 tastes (2 oz pour) at each winery (6 total)
• Raffle ticket for wine drawings. Pre-paid entry holders get two tickets, at the door gets one
• New this event, persons/wineries bringing wine for a door prize will also receive an additional ticket. (Donating wineries are allowed to present their wine, if they wish.)
• Besides wine, the raffles will include tix to the Wine Road’s January Winter Wineland!
• Catered local pizza taste-off. Compare pizza’s from Franco’s, Jackson’s, Momdo’s, WholeFoods Coddingtown, and maybe more!

• Additional wine is available for  only $5 a glass: Sheldon – Naris white Rhone blend, Grenache, or Petit Sirah. D’Argenzio – Moscato di Fresco (white) Pinot, or Zin.

• Bottle Sales: current releases are on sale for onsite consumption or take-home, at special discount: 20% for consumers, 30% for industry (please bring a card/proof.) If you like the wines, please support these small artisan producers.

The event runs 530 – 7:30 (will stay later depending on interest, sales.) Raffle drawing is at 7pm, must be present to win.

If you haven’t already, you can join the Sonoma F.B. Wine Meetup Fan Page. The official Facebook RSVP event is here.

Lets have a great time, raise money for the Foodbank, and put the ‘social’ in Social Networking!

Cheers and Happy Holidays

p.s. I am getting a fair increase enquiries to send samples for end of year wine review requests. I am ramping up reviews all through the Holiday Season. If you wish a wine considered for review, and don’t want to ship it, feel free to bring it to the event.

Winemaker Tim Borges greets guests daily

There’s a new tasting room off the Plaza in downtown Healdsburg, California: Portalupi Wine. Healdsburg lies at the convergence of 3 renowned Sonoma county wine-growing regions: Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley – also known as the Wine Road. The Plaza is host to a number of tasting rooms, dining and lodging establishments. Here Jane Portalupi and Tim Borges have created an engaging oasis where you can experience the full portfolio of Portalupi wines, learn about wine, and recharge. Tim has been making wine and building winery businesses in Napa and Russian River Valley since the 1980s. Over the years, he developed relationships with the vintners he now sources grapes from. Many are highly-sought-after grapes from proven vineyards. This allows Portalupi to craft their distinctive artisan wines.

Jane and Tim began Portalupi in 2002, with the name and wines inspired by their rich Italian heritage. Jane’s family came from the Piemonte region of Northern Italy, known as the birthplace of the Barbera grape. Jane’s grandmother Marina began making wine in the late 1800’s in Piemonte. She later became a successful entrepreneur retailing Italian food and wine in California.

A Focus on Learning about Wine

Tim is in the tasting room every day, pouring and sharing his wine knowledge with guests. He offers daily sensory seminars including basics such as “understanding wine varietals” and “how to read a label.” If you are new to wine, or just enjoy talking wine with winemakers, this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself right in the center of Healdsburg.

Recharging in the Portalupi Tasting Room

Tech-Savvy Tasting and a “Non-Club”

In addition to free high-speed Wi-Fi, Portalupi’s tasting room is equipped with charging and docking equipment for every variety of device. Apple iPads are used on the tasting bar and Portalupi will even loan you one to use while you are there! Also in the neuvo spirit, Portalupi’s wine club requires no advance purchase commitment. Dubbed Appassionato, “non-club” membership benefits include 10% wine discounts, complimentary tastings and wine classes, and free case shipping.

The Wines

Portalupi’s grapes come from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Monterey and Nevada counties and the Central California coast — including Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands. This access to fruit is reflected in a diverse portfolio of varietals and packages – from the new 1.89 Liter Red Wine packaged in a real milk jug (equivalent to 2-1/2 bottles of wine), to the petite 500 ml Dessert Wine made in the Porto style.  Portalupi also produces white wine and red wine blends, a Paso Robles Pinot Noir and 3 Zinfandels. In keeping with the food wine theme they also offer a selection of branded olive oils and balsamics.

We tasted through the list, from the white wine blend to the Port, savoring each stop and bottle shape along the way. With the family’s Italian heritage, it’s no surprise to find Barbera on the list.  Below we review the current vintage of Barbera — Nevada County 2008.

Jane Portalupi and Wine Family

“Sip and Fit” January Restorative Event

The Tasting Room is available for corporate parties, birthdays, and tours with customized wine education and fun, personalized wine gifts. To help wine country dwellers and visitors recover from holiday excesses, Portalupi is hosting “Sip and Fit,”  a wine country revival weekend with Live Fit  and Healdsburg’s Camillia Inn, January 21-23.  Contact the Camillia Inn for details — ask about special rates for locals to participate without lodging.

Portalupi Tasting Room is open daily, 10:30 am to 7:00 pm and online. Located 1 block off the plaza at 107 North Street, Healdsburg CA, 707.395.0690.

WINE REVIEW

Wine: 2008 Portalupi Barbera — Penn Valley, Nevada County

Color:  Deep, inky purple

Aromas: Sea salt, pepper, wet slate.

In the Mouth: Layers of fig, plum, and licorice. Pleasant heat at the back of the mouth with a long finish. The wine doesn’t come across as high-alcohol despite it’s 15.3% content. Rustic and bold — a food wine.

Pairing: Taste with Fig Newtons. For fine dining, pair this Barbera with braised lamb shanks or wild boar carpaccio.

Price: $36

Portalupi 2008 Barbera

Wine Geek Details:

Alcohol: 15.3%

Harvest: 10/07/08, hand picked

Brix = 25.8

TA = 0.77

pH = 3.23

Vineyard: Pendagio Vineyard

Acreage:  3 acres Prunato clone

Cases Produced: 350

AVA: Nevada County, CA

Aging:  18 months in Slovakian medium plus toasted red oak barrels, 1/3 new; 1/3 1 year old; 1/3 2 year old

Winemaker: Tim Borges

Portalupi Website

Facebook

This Weekend’s amazing Wine Road Wine and Food Affair is sold out. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!) In fact ticket sales ramped faster than previous years, a testament to this great event in a year where any Wine Events have been down slightly.

I Didn’t Get Tickets, Now What?

90 of the Wine Road members are participating, there are another 85 that aren’t, BUT many are doing special offers anyway. Some will waive tasting fees if you have a Wine & Food Affair (WAFA) bracelet and glass. There are many examples of these, feel free to post more in the comments section.

• Old World Winery, a brand new Wine Road Member in the Russian River, is having a special Open House. Normally only open for appointment, they are open 10-5 all weekend, and are offering food pairings, T-Shirt to every 10th Visitor, free tasting to ticket holders, and special discounts on wine sales.
• Mounts Family Winery, in Dry Creek, is having an ‘Insider’s Event‘. Special sale prices, free tastings for WAFA parti cipants, and new releases to try.

Even if you do have tickets, consider dropping in on old favorites, and make some new ones!

How to Maximize Your Weekend

The tips and suggestions are wrote last year are timeless, if you wish to read fully; I will summarize briefly and augment here.

• Plan. This is a weekend to enjoy and savor the Wine and Food pairings. If you go all day, 5 stops is a pretty full day. That’s 5-10 out of 90. Take a few minutes to look at the participating Winery’s list (which shows the food pairings) and pick some that are appealing. The Wine Road maps are an invaluable aid. Also, there is a separate event map that only highlights participating members here. And for you Google groupies, here a version in Google Maps that has the address and food pairing.
  • Visit old Favorites and Make New ones. New wineries join all the time. One of these is Sheldon Wines who just opened a new tasting room in Santa Rosa, next to D’Argenzio Winery, in Santa Rosa. This area is one to watch as very exciting plans unfold for the new Santa Rosa Vintners Square unfold. Sheldon makes some incredible small lot wines, with some exciting Rhone wines, Pinots, and a few others. I recommend.

• Buy. Support these artisans with your purchases. Many will have special sales. If you are have flown in, this is an especially great time to stock up and ship these gems you may not be able to find at home. For visitors, this is also a good time to consider the Wine Club, to keep a regular supply of your favorite winery releases coming.

• Taste Responsibly. Don’t hesitate to dump wine you don’t want, use a spit cup, and consume plenty of food and water. You can’t appreciate the pairings if your taste buds are inebriated!

• Have Fun! Remember if it gets busy; A ‘bad’ day in Wine Country (I think this actually doesn’t exist) is always better than a good day at work. There will be peak times, be patient, smile, and enjoy Sonoma’s leisurely pace.

I will be on the Wine Road Sunday broadcasting “live” on Facebook and Twitter. Twitter users can follow event posts via hashtag #WAFA10 .
Enjoy your Weekend on The Wine Road – Heaven Condensed! Cheers!

As promised last week, there will be a new weekly post on the week’s events in Sonoma Valley. (Calendar information courtesy of Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers.) Please note this is Sonoma VALLEY, aka downtown Sonoma, not the entire county. I am endeavoring to have a less manual weekly post for North Sonoma and the Wine Road as well to cover their AVA’s. Key events are usually also on the Blog Calendar (which I have contracted a company to re-do.)

The big event of course this weekend in North Sonoma is the Sold out Wine and Food Affair.

WINE EDUCATION AT BIG 3 WINE BAR – PETER SPANN OF SPANN VINEYARDS

Friday, November 05: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Big 3 Wine Bar at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Winemakers discuss the nuances of the Sonoma Valley Wine Region at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn”s Big 3 Wine Bar. The unique tasting room and education center pours only Sonoma Valley designate products. Complimentary.

KUNDE FAMILY ESTATE: HIKE & TASTE IN THE VINEYARDS

Saturday, November 06: 10:00 a.m.
Kunde Family Estate
Join Sonoma Valley Docent Bill Myers on a fun, casual and up-close hike through the 1,850 acre volcanic and vertical Kunde Estate. This is a great opportunity to see sustainable winegrowing practices at work while taking in some of wine country’s most spectacular scenery. Bill’s tours wind through the estate’s distinct eco-systems, each one uniquely contributing to the process of sustainable winegrowing. This moderately strenuous hike lasts approximately four hours.

Please pack a sack lunch and wear hiking boots or appropriate footwear. Also bring sunscreen and water, especially on hot days. The hike will also conclude at the Tasting Room, where invigorated hikers can sample Kunde’s hand crafted estate-grown wines. $25.00 per person. Price includes wine tasting. A portion of this fee will be donated to the Sonoma Ecology Center. Please no pets or children under 5. Contact Information: Hospitality Department (707) 833-5501 Ext. 334. Reservations required. Hikes limited to 50 people per hike.

BIG 3 WINE BAR: MEET THE WINERY NIGHT – WHITNEY LINDSAY OF SCHUG CARNEROS ESTATE WINERY

Saturday, November 06: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Big 3 Wine Bar at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
The Big 3 Wine Bar provides both locals and guests an opportunity to sip the best of the Sonoma Valley. In partnership with the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers the unique tasting room and education center will pour only Sonoma Valley designate products. Re-discover the best tastes, flights and full bottles of the Sonoma Valley. The Wine Bar is pleased to offer ongoing wine education programs every Friday and Saturday night. All events are from 5:30-6:30 pm in Wine Bar and are complimentary.

BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY: LOBSTER FEED

Saturday, November 06: 12:30 – 3:30 pm
Benziger Family Winery
Roll your sleeves up and join us for our annual lobster feed. Ticket prices are $90; $75 for club members. For more information phone. 800-989-8890 or email Buywine@benziger.com

CHATEAU ST. JEAN: PINOT NOIR RESERVE RELEASE WEEKEND

Saturday, November 06 – Sunday, November 07: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chateau St. Jean
We are releasing our premium Pinot Noir styled to showcase the very best of Sonoma County. Be the first in line to sample it and you too will concur that “All roads lead to Burgundy!” Come sip, save and shop with many special Holiday packs and unique wine country gifts available. $10.00 per person, $20.00 Reserve Wine Tasting ($10.00 for Club St. Jean Members) www.chateaustjean.com

Other Resources

• For other events in Sonoma Valley, go to the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Calendar of events.
• For more events in North Sonoma, go to the Wine Road Calender of events.
• For a wide variety of events for all of Sonoma County, go to the Sonoma County Calendar.

Simple Hedonisms Has Its First Birthday

It’s not November yet, but I have a lot to be thankful for, first and foremost living here in Sonoma County. I was a ‘lurker’ of the area for a decade before I finally took the plunge in July 2009 (hard to believe such a short time isn’t it?)

I owe a lot of my discoveries and love of the county to the Wine Road. I kept coming to great events, and it was at the Winter Wineland 2 years ago I knew I had to find a path to make this happen, travel challenges or not with my technology industry exec full time job.

Since then I have immersed myself headlong into the wine industry, hobby viticulture (grape growing), garagista oenology (wine making), professional tasting, and more. My ‘big’ dream – buy some land (solo or in partnership, as well as lease vineyards) and be a farmer, and grower. A bit of a change from an American Airlines Two Million Miler.

And now, here we are a year later with the Blog’s Birthday. I only write about 10% of the topics I’d like to from lack of time, but the intent remains; connect consumers with Wine and Food Artisans. It’s not Vinography, but we now average about 3,000 unique readers a month, and ~200,000 hits. And go figure, the more we write, the higher it goes.

Stay with me, at the end of the post are some great giveaways!

A Ticket to the Wine Road

Without taking anything from the many fine AVAs (wine regions) I love and support, the Wine Road team has always done an incredible job promoting their wine regions, event planning, education, and marketing. They embrace both traditional and social media, and are a benchmark for what solidarity can be, in an industry that can splinter with emotion and opinions. Hospitality staff have generally learned here, when the Wine Road speaks, listen.

One of the cool offerings the Wine Road started some months ago is the “Ticket to The Wine Road.” For $25-$50 you can create your own 1-3 day Tasting Excursion, like a mini-event, self-designed.

How Does it Work?

Its simple – 66 of the ~170 (at this time) Wine Road Wineries participate: for $25/person for one day, or $50/person for 3 days, you can taste for free at any of the participating wineries. With wine tastings often costing $5-$20 these days, it’s a value right there, but it also includes many other benefits, which vary by winery; such as:

• Acorn – free Riedel tasting glass with wine purchase
• Balleto – 20% purchase discount
• Downtown Wine – 15% discount and free case shipping
• Quivira – complimentary marble logo coaster

Hotels, Inns and Restaurants also participate with things like:

• Applewood Inn – $25-$50 restaurant voucher
• Farmhouse Inn – free additional spa treatment with purchase of first
• Rio Villa Beach Resort – 20% off stay

These are only a sample, of the many choices of tours, pairings, discounts and more. For the complete list, click here.
Caveats:

• Some wineries are appointment only, be sure to book in advance
• Tours, food pairings etc usually request at least 24 hours notice
• Not valid during other Wine Road events, such as Wine & Food Affair, Barrel Tasting.
• Valid for Groups less than 8.

It’s that easy, and a great deal whether you are local Bay area resident and tasting for a day, or flying in for a long weekend.

Special Wine Road Offer and Giveaway to Celebrate Simple Hedonisms One Year Anniversary

To celebrate, the Wine Road has generously offered these two giveaways:

1. The first 10 “ticket” orders after this blog is posted on the Wine Road Facebook Page today, will be sent a Wine Road license plate frame and Wine and Food Affair cookbook Volume 10.

2. We are drawing for  TWO pairs of One Day Passes.To win the first pair, go to the Wine Road Facebook Page and post “”Why (or what) You Like About the Wine Road.” The 2nd pair will be given away to a Email subscriber of Simple Hedonisms.

If you can’t attend, a license plate frame and 2010 cookbook, is an alternate prize.  If you are not on Facebook, post on the Blog in comments.

Contest ends this Friday evening, so don’t delay!

Thanks

A heartfelt thanks to all the readers; Consumers, Wine Industry, and Fellow Bloggers. Simple Hedonisms is here to stay, and in fact looking to expand coverage. (Details to follow.) Cheers!!!

Summer in Wine Country continues to pick up, with a wide array of fun events to chose from this weekend. Contributing Writer Katherine Parker already wrote this week including the Eighth Street Winery Open House (and ticket contest) about whats going in Sonoma proper (also know as “the island’ by locals), so I can focus on the North Sonoma areas and the Wine Road.

Windsor Oaks – Nature Walks & Wine – 3 Days!

Friday August 6th – Sunday August 8th

Wine Tasting and Picnicking: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

Windsor Oak’s vineyard and winery team are ready for more summer fun!  They are only open to the public 18 days each year, and these are the last 3 before harvest preparations begin.

Trail levels for all guests! Scale the rugged summit or stroll casually through vineyards with a glass of wine in hand, or do nothing but relax by our winery pond.  Hikes begin as early as 8:30 am. Come early to beat the heat if you want to cover some ground.  Hiking snacks and beverages will be available for sale. Click Here for Hiking Details

Wine Club Members may sign up for a “rare” 4-wheel-drive truck tour with Douglas, through our 350 acres Forever Wild Preserve. After your outdoor adventure, sit back and relax as you sip our award-winning artisan wines! Tasting fee is $10 per person, refundable with 2 bottle purchase. Wine Club members and their guests are FREE!  Wine tasting hours are from 11:00 to 5:00. Enjoy new wine-by-the-glass or bottle options for a perfect lunch! Picnics are also welcome! They’ll have the tables, umbrellas and Riedel glasses waiting for you at our picnic site that overlooks the winery pond.  Choose from our list of our gourmet lunches, or bring goodies from home.  Please contact Jil to reserve a table or order a lunch! Please place orders 24 hours prior to arrival! Click Here for Picnic Lunch Options

RSVP: Jil@windsoroaks.com – wine@windsoroaks.com – 707-433-3810

Friday Night – Napa  Cheers St Helena

(Ok, I know its not Sonoma, but its a great event)

Cheers St Helena is a fun event May to October, the 1st Friday of every month on Main Street in St. Helena. Head there from 6-9pm for a kicked-up Social as they toast friendship and wine in the heart of the Napa Valley! Over 100 of Napa Valley’s Top Wineries will be pouring! Attendance is free, only $35 to taste wines from participating wineries.

Eastside Bunch Summer Wine Experience

Eastside Bunch Wineries of Russian River present the  2010 Summer Wine Experience, Saturday, August 7 11am- 4pm

Explore the exceptional family-owned wineries on the eastside of the Russian River in Healdsburg.  Enjoy a fantastic day of special wine tastings, food pairings, and day only event specials. $20 per person, includes a logo tasting glass.

Participating Wineries: Acorn Winery, Christie Vineyards, Christopher Creek Winery, Deux Amis Winery, Merriam Vineyards, Mietz Cellars,  Mutt Lynch Winery

Kendall Jackson Farm Stand – Saturday August 7th

Visit the Kendall Jackson Wine Center and Farm Stand - culinary gardens that are home to hundreds of fruit, vegetable and herb varietals from around the globe. It’s the source of fresh produce for our own culinary team and many exclusive restaurants in the Bay Area.

• Purchase Heirloom Vegetables from the Gardens
• Chef’s Cooking Demonstrations
• Garden Seminars with Master Gardeners
• Wine Tasting and Education

Bring your shopping list and your palate to the Wine Center on the first Saturday of each month May through October.

3rd Annual – Petaluma Music Festival – Saturday August 7th

Benefit for Music Education Programs in All Petaluma Area Schools

An intimate, relaxed, and upbeat celebration: The 3^rd Annual Petaluma Music Festival on Saturday, August 7^th, 2010, at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma with performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, ALO, Poor Man’s Whiskey, Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums, Sol Horizon, Zydeco Flames, the Peter Welker Sextet featuring Jeff Oster, Hillside Fire, and The Artifacts.

This year’s festival will also feature:

• The fine beers of the Lagunitas Brewing Company, and an extensive selection of award-winning wines for tasting
• A unique silent auction and raffle featuring celebrity autographed guitars
• A shaded VIP seating section with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer (where you’ll find Simple Hedonisms covering)
• A variety of specialty food, craft and local business vendors

The large grassy area and park-like setting of the festival grounds are perfect for blankets and low-profile lawn chairs, and the two performance stages guarantee the music never ends.

Because funding for the arts in California is problematic, there is never enough for school music programs.  Festival attendees will help ensure that our children will continue to enjoy the positive influence of music in their lives.

Tickets: $25 General Admission, $75 VIP Premium (shaded reserved seating with complimentary wine, beer, and light appetizers), children 12 and under free with paying adult.  Tickets are available for purchase online at www.petalumamusicfestival.org.  Gates open and music begins at 11:00 AM, wine tasting from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, festival ends at 8:00 PM.  Festival location is the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952.  For more information about the Petaluma Music Festival please visit their website.

Rodney Strong Concert Series – Saturday August 7th, 5 p.m.

This Saturday the Rodney Strong Concert Series continues, and with a handful of tickets remaining for the  Dave Koz & Jonathan Butler – Together Again Tour
Featuring Shelia E.

Enjoy Amazing wines, breathtaking views and concerts with contemporary artists – there’s no better way to enjoy a Sonoma County summer than at Rodney Strong’s annual Summer Concert Series. Be  surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests enjoy top performers while picnicking at the winery’s intimate concert venue, The Green.

Doors: 4 p.m./ Show Time: 5 p.m. Tickets VIP: $75 / General Admission: $50: Tickets are here.

Live Music – C. Donatiello Winery.  Sunday 1-4 p.m.

I almost want to not share this one, as its one of my favorite Sunday events to sneak away to, enjoy their great wines, music and beautiful grounds. C. Donatiello offers free live music every Sunday, with a great list of artists. Grab wine by the glass or bottle, buy local cheeses and snacks, and sit at a table or bring a blanket and enjoy the sights and sounds. This Sunday is Chris O’Brien, who has made quite a name for himself in Boston’s competitive music scene. Enjoy!

Enjoy a GREAT Sonoma (Or Wine Country) Weekend, no matter what you do – cheers!

Ever have one of those weeks you wanted to clone yourself to get more done? As a lover of Wine Country Events, its a weekend like that, starting tomorrow. Just North Sonoma alone is a hotbed of activity.  Featured below are some of the highlights.

Taste Alexander Valley – Saturday & Sunday 11-4

The folks in Alexander Valley, a wine region in North Sonoma, have outdone themselves with a stunning array of food and  wine pairings, and entertainment to boot at many. 35 wineries, some open only for this event, are pouring great wines, pairing savory wine country food.  Check out previous articles for details. Tickets are no longer available online here, are $75 at door. That’s a bargain for ten hours of Sonoma entertainment.

The event kicked off last night with the Opening Night Gala at Rodney Strong’s rarely open Crown Vineyard. It’s sold out, sorry, I did say to buy early!

Plan your day using  Tips & Suggestions for June 5&6 Taste Alexander Valley.

Russian River Single Night (Single Wines, not people) – Saturday 630-10pm

C. Donatiello Winery
4035 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA  95448

The Russian River Wine Growers are hosting a new event, this Saturday night, Singles Night. No,  its not a meat market, its for everyone, the ‘Single’ being single varietal (grape ) wines. This fun filled, unique is at C. Donietello Winery. Get there on time for the special tasting in the cellar room that starts at  630. Bring friends to bid on the very cool auction lots, specially designed to win/share with friends. Details here and here. The list of Single Night participating Wineries is pretty spetacular. As of now, some tickets are still available, but have been selling briskly.

8 at the Gate – Sunday, June 6th  11am to 4pm.

8 at The Gate is a special treat if you are a club member of one of these 8 wineries: Balletto Vineyards, Dutton-Goldfield Winery, Dutton Estate Winery, Hanna Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, Marimar Estate and Taft Street Winery. I am a little miffed about short notice for this event, (I am a member) and overlap to the Taste Alexander Valley event. I know overlap is sometimes inevitable, but it would be nice to see the North Sonoma Wine Road appellations try and co-ordinate; I’d have liked to attend, and spend money at both events.

The event is a traveling farmer’s market with each winery pouring their best wines, offering irresistible wine club discounts and showcasing a local food purveyor and fresh produce from their own winery gardens. For this one special day, you can visit the 8 neighboring wineries, and receive all the privileges of being a member for the day. The wineries are within three miles of each other at the gateway to the Russian River Valley, so it’s a perfect fit for a one-day excursion. Each membership 4 accompanying guests to share in the fun.

Windsor Oaks: Chillin by the Pinot Pond – Saturday & Sunday  11 to 4

Windsor Oaks Vineyards, 10810 Hillview Road, Windsor, CA

Another great venue, only open 18 days a year. Chill Out by the Pinot Pond at Windsor Oaks Vineyards and Winery on Friday June 4^th, Saturday June 5^th and Sunday June 6^th from 11 to 4!  If you have a passion for Pinot, you will love tasting and comparing several their artisan Pinot Noir’s.  Other award winning wines will also be poured.  Order a gourmet box lunch to enjoy pond-side or bring goodies from home.  $10 tasting fee waived with purchase.

Kendall Jackson Farm Stand – Saturday 10-2

The Kendall Jackson Wine Center culinary gardens are home to hundreds of fruit, vegetable and herb varietals from around the globe. It’s the source of fresh produce for our own culinary team and many exclusive restaurants in the Bay Area, and now  sharing their bounty  at the Kendall-Jackson Farm Stand!

• Purchase Heirloom Vegetables from the Gardens
• Chef’s Cooking Demonstrations
• Garden Seminars with Master Gardeners
• Wine Tasting and Education

The first Saturday of each month May through October, starting on Saturday, May 1.

Kickoff of 20th Annual Summer Concert Series at Rodney Strong Vineyards  – Kenny Loggins, Saturday 4 pm

This year’s Rodney Strong Concert Series includes returning greats and winery first-timers that make a stellar lineup for the winery’s 20^th annual concert series.

The season will kick off on June 5^th with Kenny Loggins. As a solo artist Kenny went on to stardom with such top hits as “Whenever I Call You Friend”, “I’m Alright”, “Footloose” and “Danger Zone.” I ran into the head of PR last night at the TAV Gala Event, and was told a few tickets ere still left.

Season passes and individual concert tickets are available here or by calling (707) 869-1595 ext. 4.  Tickets can be purchased in person at the Rodney Strong Vineyards Tasting Room. Doors: 4 p.m./Show: 5 p.m. Tickets VIP: $110/GA: $75. For more information click here.

For additional events, check out the Wine Road and Inside Sonoma websites.

Have a GREAT Weekend enjoying the Simple Hedonisms of Wine Country, cheers!

I am a vocal fan and proponent of the Northern Sonoma Wine Road – a fantastic organization that markets the local wine and hospitality venues in North Sonoma. I generally track their events, try to attend, and write. One that I had seen, but wasn’t sure about, was last Saturday’s Pick of the Vine.

It’s held at the Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa; I have attended a few wine events there, and wasn’t bowled over, especially with the Harvest Fair Wine Awards Banquet, which is crowded, hot, noisy, and expensive for what it delivers. A friend I trust who shares a similar view, said this Pick of the Vine, was different, and I would enjoy it. We had no plans Saturday night, it was reasonably priced at $55, so I said what the heck. I also enjoy silent auctions, especially when wine related items are involved. Its also for a good cause; The Senior Advocacy Services program.

We got there a bit late, so it was in full attendance, but the getting food and wine was never an issue at any table; the only real backup was around the auction tables, especially as each was near closing.

As much as I taste local wines, visit venues and events, there seems a large list I haven’t tried yet, so I took the opportunity to taste broadly and some new ones. As my circle of Sonoma wine friends grows, my productivity level seems to diminish as I spend as much time talking, networking, and catching up as I do getting to wine and food – but that’s what makes Sonoma County such an amazing place, the passionate, friendly people.

• I did visit a few familiar faces; Erik Miller the owner/winemaker of Kokomo Winery, was there. I had yet to try Erik’s (new) Grenache Rose, nor had ever tried his Chardonnay. Kudos to both, Erik continues to shine as a winemaker.

• Ever the Sonoma County advocates, Bill and Betsy Nachbaur of Acorn Winery were there. Is there any local event they DON’T support? Check out their updated website, and of course their great wines – their Medley blend is one of my favorite local red blends.

• Lana and David Mounts of Mounts Family Winery were pouring at another event, so Dry Creek Valley veteran grower Rich Mounts, and Dad, was pouring for Mounts. Their new grenache is amazing, released in June. Grab some before I buy it all. Will see them at the upcoming Hospice du Rhone event in Paso Robles end of month.

• Also a constant supporter of local events, Erin (and occasional helper Lori) were pouring for Harvest Moon.

• I finally got to meet Facebook friend Sue Bonzell of Graton Ridge and sample their great pinot.

• Its been eons since I made it to Thomas George Winery. I had missed them during Barrel Tasting so finally got to try their new Viognier, and of course their flagship, Pinot Noir.

• I didn’t get to every single table (and didn’t notice a few I’d have liked to until seeing the program next day) but was able to sample from D’Argenzio, Route 128, Hop Kiln, Sbragia, Toad Hollow, Martin Ray and Bacigalupi as well.

The food offerings were great quality, and in good supply, and kudos for serving and not running out halfway through the event, as happens at others. Its annoying (and rude) when wine or food vendors leave halfway through a paid event.

BBQ Smokehouse Catering, was one of my top faves. This is a great find from Sebastopol.  There were so many great tables of food I couldn’t get to half of them, including from The Zinful Chef, Nectar Restaurant, BlueWater Bistro, A La Heart and more. Amazing cheeses, breads and deserts abounded from Alvarado Bakery, Costeaux, Redwood Hill Farm, Clover and more.

Overall, the event was well laid out and organized, was never a wait for food or wine, and generally able to chat and interact with the vendor. Traffic sometimes got backed up around the Silent Auction tables; these were interspered with the food and wine. Personally I’d rather they move the action tables to the side, but they were likely integrated by design. It wasn’t really a big deal, although roping them off later made transversing the room a bit more of a challenge.

There were many great donated gifts for the Silent, and Live Public auction – the latter fun, albeit done to the cadence of a livestock auction! Some of the Live Auction prizes were won for a very reasonable price – one that caught my eye was a chance to make Six cases of wine with a Russian River wine maker. The winning price was $1000, 166/case, very reasonable. I was tempted to swoop in, but with my wine cellars overflowing, and the winery not named, resisted.

All in all, a well done, fun, event that I will definitely attend again next year. Cheers!

Simple Hedonisms enjoyed a great first weekend of Friday and Saturday Barrel Tasting! This was made especially fun by running around with  Wine Writers Allie and Peter of  My Wine Words. I am looking forward to this 2nd final weekend, and plan to go out all three days if I can. If you haven’t bought tickets, they are available at the door of participating wineries, 103 of the 160, participating this 2nd weekend.

For those of you going this weekend, who didn’t catch my 4 articles, check out these for hints and tips.

Planning for Wine Road Barrel Tasting – Tips Inside

Barrel Tasting Insights – What am I Tasting & Do I Get Splinters? What should I buy?

also for Wineries:

Wine Road Barrel Tasting & Social Media – Optimizing Your Event

Since not all wineries participate both weekends, and I learned of some new additions, here is an updated list of the Wineries offering special incentives on existing inventory. (Different than futures discounts.)

New Promotions:

Special Joint Promotion at Trione and Stryker Sonoma:

David Coffaro Winery

• In addition to their renowned “Crazy Coffaro Futures Program,” David Coffaro will be offering the following for $20 each:
  • 2006 My Zin, 2006 Cabernet (Sonoma County), 2006 Petite Sirah, 2006 Escuro

Mueller Winery

• Mueller Winery is offering Mueller Winery is offering a 15% discount on all current release bottled wines, Friday through Sunday. They are also releasing our 2007 Mueller Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir tomorrow. (92 cases produced)

Manzanita Creek Winery

• Manzanita Creek is offering their 2006 MC2   (squared)  Zin for  just  $64 per case (SRP $14), and we have their 2005 Stealth Zin, Sweepstakes winner  at the International Pro Wine Buyers Competition at the other extreme for just $396 per case (SRP $55.)

J Keverson (revised)

• J Keverson has a special offer: 2007 Starkey’s Court Dry Creek Zin On Friday 10 cases $99.00 Reg. $300.00. After the 1st 10 are gone $150 (50% off retail.)

Previous Weekends Offers Still Going (To best of my knowledge)

Lynmar Estates

• Lynmar is offering Purchases including these four wines: 2004 Quail Hill Estate Chard, 2006 Russian River Pinot Noir, 2006 Russian River Chardonnay (almost gone) & 2006 Sonoma Coast Syrah are priced at the following discount: 3btls: 20% off, 6btls: 25% off, 12btls: 35% off.

Longboard Vineyards

• Longboard Is offering a a mix-and-match discount special for your-choice combination of our Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Point Break Red.  3 bottles for $60, 6 bottles for $120 and a case for $240.”In addition Longboard has just put out a Magnums only library release with prices starting @ $100. (Club discounts apply.) Their 2005 Syrah is also on sale by the case.

Mounts Family Winery

• Mounts is offering special discounts on its existing inventory, which includes Rose, Cabernet, Petite Syrah, Syrah and Zin.10% on half case (normally 5%), 20% on full case (normally 10%) You can mix and match for full case discount – no minimum per varietal required.

Trione

• Trione  Is offering  a special case discount on the  2007 Sauvignon Blanc of $138 to people who mention the hashtag #barreltasting,  check in on Foursquare, or  Twitter/Facebook/Blog promotion.
• Also, each day they will be drawing  a prize to every 100th customer who comes. The prizes will include but are not limited to hats, T-shirts and VIP tour and tasting for 6 people with a wine educator.

Kokomo

• Kokomo is putting  2006 Dry Creek Zin on special. It normally retails for $27, but for the weekends only during the event, it will be $22.50.

Sausal

• Sausal Winery is offering a 15% discount on any purchase of our 2006 Private Reserve Zinfandel (100% Estate Zin from 90 year-old vines) and a 15% discount off any purchase on our Sogni ‘d Oro (Italian style blend of Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Carignane, and Petite Sirah.)

• They will also be doing a 15% off discount off any 6 bottles purchase (mix and match) or 20% off a case (mix and match).

Acorn

• Acorn Is offering 15% off 6-11 bottles, and 30% off a case, of their 2006 Sangiovese, Axiom Syrah, and Heritage Vines Zinfandel. Mixed Cases ok.

Dutcher Crossing

• Dutcher Crossing is offering a 4 pack special in the tasting room for 15% off.

Other Interesting Offers

D’Argenzio Winery (both weekends)

• D’Argenzio is holding a raffle to win 2 complementary tickets to winemaker dinner at Inn at the Tides, May 21 Friday night $79.00 each, Each purchase of a case of wine earns an entry into drawing and winners at the end of each weekend.

Have a Great Barrel Tasting weekend! Be safe, stock up on wine, and let us know on our Facebook Fan site, where ya want!

Cheers!