Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards, elusive at the end of a long, winding, interesting approach through fields, by ponds, under oaks, palms and olives (Palmolive Drive, tee hee) is revealed after tantalizing glimpses of the structures and tanks, to be spectacular in its Rustic Elegance, perfect location to view the stunning view from its heights across the valley with Mount St. Helena visible in the distance. On my visit, burgeoning Spring had set the hillsides alive in green, with apple trees matching the blooming daffodils and tulips with bright color. Iron Horse is best-known, perhaps, for its sparkling wines, “The Drink of Optimists”, which have actually been named as American Icons, being served at the White House and other historic venues for over...
Read MoreGeyserville Walking Tour
I decided to play guest/visitor/tourist the other day and stroll the length of Geyserville from north to south and record what I saw. Starting up at the Geyserville Inn and its Hoffman House Restaurant, I started my walk, camera in hand, due south: Hope-Merrill & Hope-Bosworth: Where Wine and Romance Intertwine. Just past the sign, Route 128 Winery. And a bit of small-town makes it big: recently, our Alexander Valley favorite, Jimtown Store, was featured on our famous Santa Rosan, Guy Fieri’s, DINERS, DRIVE INS AND DIVES- episode “Porktastic”. On May 9, Guy will be @ his Geyserville choice location to present the episode following dinner: Congratulations Catelli’s! Across the street, the famous, just 100...
Read MoreHighlands Resort
Recently I found myself at the tucked-away, private, lovely, underneath the Redwoods, Highlands Resort, in Guerneville, CA, where Specials abound- for example, all Winter long, one can “stay 3 and pay 2″. I took a tour of the romantic cabins, scattered among the Redwoods and gardens, the inviting swimming pool and spa just steps away. I was particularly intrigued with their Redwood Grove Fairy Circle of Trees where spa offerings are available as well as inside the dedicated bungalow for full massage, treatments and such. Very spiritual, very relaxing. Very friendly, savvy Innkeeper Lynnette tells me that: Most of the guests (about 98%) are Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Bi-sexual. YOU do not need to be G, L, T or B – we are very...
Read MoreTwomey Cellars
Today, Twomey Cellars is all about the production of small lot Russian River Valley pinot noir. Back in 1999, founding Twomey winemaker, Daniel Baron, began producing one of California’s few single-vineyard merlots, shaped by a French racking technique, soutirage traditional, a slow, deliberate, time-consuming method of decanting wine from one barrel to another. A centuries old Bordeaux wine making technique rarely used in California because of its labor and time intensity, an incredibly silky textured merlot is the final product. Winemaker Ben Cane, in charge of the pinot noir program here, explains his goal: (My) vision for Twomey Pinot Noir is to craft a wine that expresses the uniqueness and terroir of each vineyard site with finesse and ...
Read MoreMadrona Manor, Wine Country Inn & Restaurant
I recently visited Madrona Manor – both the Country Inn and the Michelin-starred Restaurant, starring Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren. What a treat to all the senses! An amazingly beautiful and graceful Victorian estate, the main house, built in 1881 as a summer retreat, is still filled with original art, furniture and musical instruments from the original owners, the Paxton family of San Francisco. Located just about a mile from the Healdsburg Plaza, the Inn feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, tucked away as it is on its Dry Creek Valley hillside, surrounded by gardens- culinary and flower, fruit trees, extensive private grounds and lawns, a pool, verandas, carriage house, fountains and views- a perfect...
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