Hook & Ladder Winery
Hook & Ladder Winery is the baby of, growers first, Cecil and Christine DeLoach with their son, Jason DeLoach, covering the wine-making honors, and all other business covered by sibs. Cecil, formerly a San Francisco firefighter, brings the “hook & ladder” theme completely to life from the Hook & Ladder firetruck out at the entrance to the winery, to the toy firefighting equipment in the TR as well as an incredible, extensive collection of FD shirts sent by and collected from firefighters from all over the US and internationally. The colorful shirts hang from the rafters and grace the walls in amazing displays, pulling my eyes upward and instilling a warm feeling of pride and patriotism. The TR, approached by a tidy garden path past the...
Read MoreTR’s Intinerary: On the River- Forestville & Graton
Call ahead to Martin Ray to arrange for a tour of their historic winery including their concrete fermentation tanks and purchase red wine decanted into a jug while you watch among the huge old storage casks. Next stop, Merry Edwards, with one of the most famous female winemakers out of UC Davis. Next visit Graton Ridge where every day a portion of their proceeds goes to fight breast cancer. Head into Graton and have lunch at the Underwood Bistro- afterward, browse merchandise and pick up snacks for later at sister Willow Wood Café and Market across the street. Head over to Hartford Family Winery for some extraordinary wines at a lovely winery isolated off River Road. Head now to your lodging, the Raford Inn, lovely queen of Victorian’s perched on her hill...
Read MoreDeLoach Vineyards
On a recent visit to DeLoach Vineyards I actually had to pause here at the entrance to keep out of the way of the many guests who were photographing the buildings, grounds and outdoor sculptures. Making my way into the elegant TR, I spotted darling little oak barrels emblazoned with DeLOACH which house, for home use, in two sizes, DeLoach pinot, cleverly hidden inside the re-usable barrels in a sealed bag for easy serving- the program is called Barrel to Barrel and gives a cellar to glass experience on a daily basis. I also tasted and purchased the very special DeLoach Vinthropic Chardonnay. DeLoach is working with the Redwood Empire Food Bank to end hunger- all proceeds from the wine go to the REFB. DeLoach also offers very personalized and specialized tiers...
Read MoreBalletto Vineyards & Winery
I recently learned about Balletto Vineyards & Winery‘s incredible self-guided vineyard tour which includes their hidden gem: the Balletto Field of Dreams Full-Sized Baseball Diamond snugged up below the irrigation pond, right in the vines. The tour is fun to walk, well-structured and well-explained, covering all sorts of information and offering great explanations about farming. Speaking of farming, Balletto Vineyards is BASED on farming; the family originally farmed vegetables prior to becoming grape growers. As they say: “As grape growers first, we strongly feel that with good grapes comes good wine. We invite you to come Taste the Bounty that is Balletto.” Recently picking up yet more golds from the Sonoma County Harvest Fair for...
Read MoreTR’s Intinerary: 8 at the Gate
Eight at the Gate is your gateway to the Russian River Valley; eight wineries which produce and present excellent pinot noir and chardonnay. Stop in at Hanna’s charming cottage TR on Occidental Road, followed by Balletto Vineyards & Winery, modern structure among the vines, with a distinctive outer courtyard and water features outside the TR- a wee bit down the road- stop in at Taft Street Winery followed by a visit to Lynmar Estate- reserve their picnic wine lunch by Chef Sandra Simile, and eat and taste on their visitor center terrace overlooking the Laguna de Santa Rosa and their Quail Hill Vineyards. Next stop is Occidental, tiny hamlet snuggled in the Redwoods, less than 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean where you will check into the Inn at...
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