BT Behind the Scenes: Wine Road Member Pick Up Day
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...
Read MoreNalle Winery
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,...
Read More2nd Annual Kendall-Jackson Mardi Gras Gumbo Smackdown
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...
Read MorePreston 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...
Read MoreAuberge on the Vineyard
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. Auberge prides itself on its delicious,...
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