BT is almost here- pre-sale ticketing ends tonight, 2.28.11 @ 9pm.  Please note that on the BT Event page we have the Program, Interactive Google Map, Event Map & List of Participating Wineries by Area to help you plan.  And of course, you can call or email us and we will assist!  Remember to PRINT YOUR TICKETS!  Bring your photo ID to the Event to show proof of age! This event does not sell out- tickets can be purchased at the door of any participating winery (147 of them- a record) during the event.  With the close of ticketing tonight, Beth, Lynn and I get down to the serious, specific staging of BT at Wine Road HQ.

On Wednesday all 147 of the participating wineries will wend their way to our HQ in downtown Hburg to pick up their BT Supplies- the warehouse is full of Wine Road Event glasses, designated driver mugs, Coca-Cola products- delicious beverages for DD’s- the Calistoga 5 gallon water bottles have already been drop shipped to each winery location to be used for drinking and for rinsing glasses.  Each member has a Wine Road tote bag to pick up- these bags were designed to hold the Wine Road Schwag that Beth handed out to writers and VIP’s on the Red Carpet pre-Academy Awards this past weekend- yes folks, Beth has gone Hollywood and has taken the Wine Road to the Four Seasons!

These bags hold the wristbands for each weekend, DD bands, Event Maps, the Event Program, Wine Road Signs, balloons (and we also use the WR Event banners and re-usable Event Signs), Control Pourers,  &c.  Each winery will receive an envelope with banking info and their RSVP List (we know who is going where from the pre-sale- and based on glasses left over from Winter Wineland and past need and physics of chance, can distribute the glasses where they are needed- well, more or less- quite exciting.)  Reminds me of staging a military campaign- or perhaps supplying a three-ring-traveling-circus.  We have extra warehouse assistance on Wednesday and Daniel/Danny from Optima Cellars on the fork lift- members come in one side of our driveway and go out the other and do not even have to leave their vehicles.  Let’s hope it does not rain.  Beth told me, however, that that is what coats are for.

The supplies for the special Riedel Tasting at the Fountaingrove Inn on Saturday 5 March are also here by my desk- a pallet of Riedel glasses- and, as soon as I can get it, the wine for the tasting- working on that over the weekend and today. I will look forward to meeting all participants in this fun event on Saturday AM.

Our members have already seen the Power Point on BT by Beth, attended a Wine Road Responsible Hospitality Seminar and many came to our WR Seminar on BT with guest speakers from Dave Coffaro Winery, Joseph Swan and Sunce.  We have our special CHP officers and Hburg PD walking patrol officers in place.

We are all excited, anticipatory, jazzed! along Wine Road- this is our 33rd Annual BT- it is a true apogee of our year!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Nalle Winery: Welcome!

One of the coolest things I have ever learned is that wine makes you smart (thank God) ; or, per Nalle Winery:

Vinum sapientium tibi dat  (Latin- truly NOT a dead language)

This motto is on a coat of arms flanked with two jolly squirrels, so it must be true.  The family at Nalle- and it is all family- has a great sense of wine, humor, excellence, hospitality and fun.  They just celebrated 25 years in business!  They have produced a series of Nalle cartoons which grace posters, calendars and t-shirts.  In fact, when you visit Nalle, you meet a family member and usually, you meet the winemaker himself, Andrew Nalle.  Ensconced in his above-ground-300-plants-of- rosemary-covered- cave, Andrew produces amazing zin, some from estate grown grapes from way back, 1927,  from his mother’s, Lee Henderlong Nalle, family.  But there is also chardonnay and zinot noir.  And with that, you realize that we are talking, also, pinot noir. Lee and Doug Nalle are there- adding zest, zing and amazing verve.  I met with Stephanie Callimanis on a recent visit; she emphasizes the importance of family.

Winemaker Andrew Nalle.

Nalle believes in treating people right.  They are there every Saturday and also by appointment- and those appointments are easy to get – just give a call.  While you visit and taste the wines- you can also engage in a game of horseshoes or petanque- note that the vista is lovely- the cave, when the rosemary is blooming, is spectacular, awash in color and bees- and it is deep, fragrant green in the deep of winter.  OLD vines are right there- gnarly, up close and personal.  Many wineries say that they are “small (how big a family? short in stature?) award winning (you bet!)- but truly here at Nalle Winery, EVERY time you visit you will meet and interact with family- and they are all, I note, nicely proportioned.

See! I TOLD you that Wine Makes You Smart!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

I think that I may never have actually tasted true “gumbo”- so this is my time to try it- and in many incarnations!  Arriving at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center, I am given a purple Mardi Gras necklace of beads which I am supposed to bestow upon the chef of my dreams by putting them around their neck.  Each restaurant chef has a table with their personal best, paired up with an incredible Kendall-Jackson wine.  The room is gaily decorated and also features an oyster bar- something that I also have not tasted in years.  I notice that okra features prominently- a vegetable with which I have had little, or perhaps, no, experience.

For the novice, c’est mois, d’accord, a bit of Gumbo Background scored off of Wikipedia:

Gumbo is a stew or soup which originated in south Louisiana. It consists primarily of a strong stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener, and the vegetable “holy trinity” of celery, bell peppers, and onion. Gumbo is often categorized by the type of thickener used: the vegetable okra, the spice filé powder, or the French base made of flour and fat, roux. The dish derived its name from a West African Bantu tribe’s word for okra, which is “ki ngombo”.  Creole gumbo generally contains shellfish, tomatoes, and a thickener. Cajun gumbo is generally based on a dark roux and is spicier, with either shellfish or fowl. Sausage or ham can be added to a gumbo made with either fowl or shellfish. Gumbo originated in Louisiana in the 18th century and combines ingredients and culinary practices of several cultures, including French, Spanish, West African, and native American (Choctaw), and later influences came from Italians, Germans and other Europeans. The dish is a derivation of the French dish bouillabaisse.

So- here we go, to the barricades:

Syrah

Zin

Duck Club @ Bodega Bay Lodge

Kendall-Jackson

A very enjoyable time on a winter afternoon- the spices in the gumbo, as well as the lovely fire in the K-J fireplace heat the room up!  Delicious pairings with Kendall-Jackson VR and GR wines make the dishes even more memorable- over by the oysters, a taste of the brand new K-J Chardonnay, Avant, green apples, crisp, tasty, is available.

Gumbo attendees start to bestow their beads on their chosen chef! The temperature rises!

Justin Wangler, Executive Chef, Kendall-Jackson Family Wines, has the Gumbo Vote of Karen Wallace, guest.

The heavy purple beads are ceremoniously and carefully removed from the chefs- the counting is done- perhaps by Price Waterhouse, or someone similar, I am sure.  We wait with gumbo scented and baited breath- THE WINNER IS!:

Justin Wangler, and crew, Kendall-Jackson, Executive Chef!  Full bragging rights for one year!

Justin Wangler, Executive Chef, Kendall-Jackson, is declared the winner of this Gumbo Smackdown!

Loyal creatures, following their humans driven from Arcadia, lobsters migrated, too, down to the southern U.S.- and made their tasty transformation! Remember please: CRAW-fish, not CRAY-fish!

Onward to Mardi Gras!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Spring is just awakening the lovely gardens at the TR @ Preston of Dry Creek.

The approach is along a well-maintained gravel road through vineyards and olive trees here at the confluence of the Dry Creek and the salmon-spawning, Pena, certainly off the beaten-path, nestled into the upper reaches of  West Dry Creek Road.  The estate is expansive and open- quick glimpses of the winery and farm buildings can be caught through the foliage while traveling in to this secluded, hidden winery.

Sustainability is the Manifesto of Preston of Dry Creek, certified organic, where all is home-grown, local and personal.  As Lou Preston states: “Familiarity breeds respect.”  Not only home to fantastic estate-grown-only wines and the exclusive iPrestoni Club, the winery is also an organic farm, offering seasonal produce and tree fruits, olive oil and more- including a fantastic bakery where Lou produces award-winning hearth-baked breads right on-site.  “Lou’s Bread” is in high demand; it is for sale only at the farm.  Pigs, sheep and goats also call this special place “home”.  The warm, farmhouse-like TR houses a great bar and gift area   Preston is an icon of Dry Creek sauvignon blanc and zinfandel.  Great wines, great farm, and, please note, that there is also bocce on weekdays.

Sporting a great garden with comfy garden furniture and picnic areas, there are 10- 10!- count ‘em! well-tended and very individualistic cats to entertain and delight.  Bring a picnic and relax with some Preston wines.

1 of 10.

2 of 10.

Preston of Dry Creek welcomes you!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

A Queen Anne jewel: Auberge on the Vineyard (formerly Shelford House).

Slightly east of Cloverdale, just a brief jaunt across the Russian River, nestled romantically right in the vineyards is the aptly named Auberge on the Vineyard.  A glowing example of Queen Anne Victorians, this Inn combines the historical with rooms in the main house along with Carriage House rooms, more modern and spacious, and still carrying the distinctive French appointments, bedding and luxurious baths and fixtures of all the rooms.  This property offers full concierge service to guests as well as their Le-Vin-Van to provide transportation for guests on well-planned, fun outings.  Specials are offered year-round and weddings, family reunions, business conferences and corporate retreats can all be accommodated here.

The dreamy, romantic Montrachet Suite- what a view, right from the bathtub!

Auberge prides itself on its delicious, full, hot breakfast, employing favorite recipes and local, seasonal treats.  The convenient, yet rural, location, at the top of the Alexander Valley, makes Auberge close to wine tasting at Wine Road wineries, the Russian River- known for fantastic canoeing and swimming, as well as restaurants offering gourmet, local fare.  Many of the rooms have mini-kitchen facilities so that gourmet picnics might be prepared and then enjoyed with a bottle of wine out on the wrap around porch of the main house or on the expansive veranda overlooking the vines.  How romantic to watch a glowing sunset over the vineyards, Russian River and mountains to the west.  Mais oui, certainement.

Auberge on the Vineyard- full, hot, complete French-styled le petit dejeuner- aka "breakfast". Bon!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Secluded out West Dry Creek Road, Martorana Family Winery, on the banks of the Dry Creek, is certified organic and has an obvious and admirable respect for the land with its clever, knowledgeable, non-intrusive winery building and the way the winery is placed on their estate, facing due east.  Not visible from many angles, the winery, when revealed at the end of the vineyard-hidden driveway, proves to be lovely and almost startling in its blend into the landscape. Winemaker/Proprietor Gio Martorana grows all his own grapes – and the winery is completely certified organic.  Gio’s motto: “Little guy makes good wine!”  He also makes great estate grown olive oil: Olio de Gio.  The Wine Club, Club Creekside, offers great opportunities and wines to a very small, lucky group of 65 members- “little”, indeed!  Across from the stone winery is a great picnic area and a bocce court, steps away from the Dry Creek and surrounded by the estate vineyards.

Lovely Martorana.

Martorana visitors please call ahead for an appointment; they are happy to welcome you.  Martorana is open during special events and is planning quite a full calendar of fun in the summer months.  This is a small, only 1K cases produced, family run operation and their warmth and traditions are evident.  Be on the look out for their best Winery Ambassador Dog, Sunny- what a doll!  He and Gio make the perfect pair to welcome you to Martorana.

Sunny and Gio.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Foppiano's famous caboose- does Northwestern Pacific miss it?

First stop, Healdsburg, to pick up a picnic at the Oakville Grocery.  Head to Foppiano, taste and then take their self-guided vineyard walk and see the famous Riley Vine, featured monthly on Wine Road Facebook.  Head on over to Limerick Lane and then, visit Christopher Creek.  Next stop, Merriam Vineyards, where you can picnic, too. Head on over to Windsor to check into your lodging, the Hampton Inn & Suites and relax around the pool.  You might have time to slip in a visit to Mueller just the other side of town. Later, you can walk to the Windsor Town Green and experience eclectic shops and restaurants.  Dinner tonight is at Bistro M- French, intimate, fabulous.

Bill & Betsy Nachbaur, Acorn Winery/Alegria Vineyards

Next morning after breakfast, head up to your appointment to meet with the Nachbaurs at Acorn/Alegria, for personal tasting, tour and attention.  Next stop is Rodney Strong where you can taste, take a self-guided or more in-depth guided tour, time permitting.  Though not part of the Eastside Bunch, make an appointment to visit Windsor Oaks Vineyards and have them arrange for your self-styled tour, tasting and lunch; this is a 750 estate only open to the public 18 times per year. Relax back at the Hampton Inn and when rested up, drive a quick 10 minutes south to eat dinner at Willi’s Wine Bar on the Old Redwood Highway, small plates and fantastic wine selections- sit outside on the covered porch or at the cool bar.

Julie Lumgair- Winemaker, Proprietor, Host @ Windsor Oaks Vineyards.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Sheldon Wines: Alive, Awake, Free...Most likely delusional.

First stop is the Urban Winery Center: including D’Argenzio, SheldonWines, MJ Lords and Krutz Family Winery, on Cleveland Avenue, soon to be a destination with covered inner courtyards, food and other shopping.  Take a bit of a break for education and visit the Charles Schulz Museum and the Luther Burbank Gardens- maybe make some time for the neighboring Ripley’s Believe It or Not Church, made from one famous Redwood Tree- also includes some interesting exhibits.  Head up to your lodging, the Fountaingrove Inn & Suites.  Grab a snack at their Equus Bar and Restaurant. Zip up the hill to visit Paradise Ridge Winery, home to the most fantastic view of the Santa Rosa Plain- leave time to explore their fantastic outdoor art installation, dotting their oak and grass covered hillside estate. Dinner tonight is at the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country Restaurant, Nectar.

The home of Lucy and Linus.

After breakfast, head over to your appointments at Siduri, home of fantastic pinot, then Carol Shelton, Queen of Zinfandel, and zip to her new neighbor, Inspiration Vineyards.  Have lunch on the terrace in the vineyards at John Ash & Co. at the Vintners Inn, and then complete the circle of the drive at Robert Rue Vineyard, fantastic zins and darling winery dachshund, Wilson. Dinner tonight is at Syrah Bistro.   Grab an excellent show at the 6th Street Playhouse.  Nightcap at Jack & Tony’s.

Carol Shelton, Queen of the Zinfandels.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

Wilson, the bestest winery dog ever @ Robert Rue Vineyards!

TR

Clay Mauritson, Owner & Winemaker @ Mauritson explains All Things Rockpile to Wine Road concierge guests from San Francisco.

Twice a year Wine Road, working with Rick Spear from Blue Heron Custom Tours & Travel, brings up five concierges from San Francisco to show them what their guests can expect when they visit us, The Road Less Traveled (sorry Robert Frost)- Heaven Condensed, 180 Wineries clustered in a 30 mile radius.  We aim to show our group what the regular, “average” visitor can encounter- ALL are VIP’s along the Wine Road!

Our fist stop is at Mauritson Wines where we are greeted with not only staff and family, but great dogs.

Mauritson dogs make all the concierges smile.

We taste the Mauritson portfolio of wines hosted by Clay and Mandy right in the cellar- in addition to such by-appointment amenities, Mauritson also offers picnic and tour options out in their Rockpile estate, as well as a daily self-guided tour always available steps from the TR and daily tastings in the classy TR space.   Clay talks about Rockpile AVA, the amount of vineyard land his family lost there to eminent domain, the influences of Lake Sonoma on the climate of that small AVA, characteristics of the soil and temperatures, elevation  as well as differences between Rockpile and Dry Creek AVA’s.  Very interesting to hear that the Dry Creek, running year round now, has affected the vineyards near it as the water is cold- 52 degrees when it is released from Lake Sonoma- each step of man has it would seem, often unforeseen consequences.

Rockpile location in relation to Lake Sonoma, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys.

Our next stop is The Dry Creek General Store.  We want to show our group a spot where locals can meet with visitors over a great sandwich and relax on the spacious, old-fashioned front porch and just drink in the Valley.

The Dry Creek General Store- THE place for provisions!

Moments later, back in Healdsburg, we stop at Bovolo for lunch. Owned by Duskie Estes, recent contender on Iron Chef, and John Stewart, the restaurant pioneers the idea of “slow food…fast”; the couple also owns the popular Zazu in Santa Rosa.  Sharing space with the great indie bookseller Copperfield’s Books, Bovolo has you order at a central counter and then brings the food to you at the table that you have chosen.  Amazingly for January, the day is glorious and we choose to sit outside on the back patio.

My concierges gather at Bovolo.

We next have an hour or so of Downtown Healdsburg Plaza Scatter- concierges unleashed!  Rick and I head over to check out the new TR for Roadhouse in the former Rosenblum Cellars location.  Our concierges headed out for some sweets at Powell’s and the Downtown Bakery followed by shopping- noted that Healdsburg is unusual in being able to support two Indie booksellers- Levin & Co. is the other.

Robert Mueller, himself, (far left) shares the Mueller wines with our concierges.

Our next and final stop is Mueller Wine, home to Russian River pinot noir, zin, chardonnay and syrah- Amazing!  Hands-on discussion with Lori and Bob about their whole operation- from top to bottom.  Both are very open to questions and comments and obviously love what they do and enjoy educating and sharing with guests.  Our group really warms up to the comfortable, homey atmosphere here.  We end with Valentine chocolates paired with their TR only LH  zin- all leave happy.

Bob and Lori Mueller, photo by Concierge Dean Colby.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Poetry & Pinot @ Moshin.

Head to Moshin crossing the Wohler Bridge after using River Road as the main access- taste delicious pinot at this gravity-feed winery, and they will show you around- the hummingbird is the symbol of their constant state of motion.  Reserve a time for a tour at Gary Farrell and food and wine taste- check out the view of the Russian River Valley from this hillside.  Head to Korbel Champagne Cellars, nestled in the Redwoods- historic, scenic with tours of the winery and the gardens.  Great tasting room and the Café @ Korbel where you can sit on decks under Redwoods and enjoy your lunch and sparkling wine.  Zip on over to Northwood Golf Course for a quick nine on one of the most beautiful golf courses in the US- amazing Redwoods.   Next stop is your lodging- Applewood Inn, Restaurant & Spa.  Relax in the sumptuous accommodations and around the pool and spa amidst their apple orchards and Redwoods.  Dine at the romantic, Michelin starred Applewood Restaurant.

Armstrong Woods State Park, Guerneville, CA.

Sleep well and after breakfast with the innkeepers in the morning, head over to Armstrong Woods to take a quick look at some old growth redwood trees.  Next stop is Jenner where you can gaze at seals and incredible surf where the Russian River enters the Pacific Ocean at Goat Rock Beach- late lunch at Jenner Inn, Cottages & Restaurant then back to Guerneville for your spa treatment at West Sonoma Inn & Spa.  Leave the driving to your innkeeper with their new service, Wine 2 Dine, and head to dinner tonight at boon eat+drink.

boon eat + drink. totally cool.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR