As my children have become adults, I have more-or-less stopped being the traditional Ms. Santa Claus, and even this morning, the eve of Christmas Eve, am still pondering just those perfect gifts for the special friends and loved ones in my life.  Amazon warned me two days back that it was pretty much ix-nay on timing for Christmas delivery unless I hurried it up.

So,  Holiday Procrastinators, appear to be thoughtful Plan-A- Headers by purchasing the perfect, instant gift, one that you can give and share with enthusiasm: tickets to our 20th Anniversary Winter Wineland.  Easy to purchase, instant in delivery, and you can go along, too. The proverbial “Gift that Keeps on Giving the Whole Year”- and no, I do not mean the Jelly of the Month Club, Randy Quaid.

Sew my head to the carpet....

A trip up to Wine Road for Winter Wineland continues Christmas and the Holidays right into January 2012!

Wrap it up, Wine Road!

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

My holiday side-board; lots of research to achieve this festive holiday display....

Santa Rosa- home of the Peanuts gang and Charlie Shulz....Woodstock on Fourth Street....

Recently visiting our newest Wine Road Members, Lost Canyon Winery and Cellars of Sonoma,  I took a stroll to check out adjacent Wine Road lodging member neighbors, the Courtyard by Marriott and the Hotel La Rose- which recently welcomed their new Iron Stone Restaurant.

Rear view....

Front view- Iron Stone Restaurant lower right....

Just across Wilson Street is the Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors’ Bureau housed in the train station where Alfred Hitchcock filmed SHADOW OF A DOUBT. Also, the titular “Railroad” of the Railroad Square.

There are a number of attractions and restaurants within walking distance of RR2- or just a quick hop by taxi or car….here are some I snapped:

The Petite Syrah Bistro:

Jackson’s Bar & Oven:

Jack & Tony’s:

Fourth Street- cool, historic buildings- Jack & Tony's and LoCoco's are here.

Speaking of LoCoco’s:

Gorgeous day; small town charm….

Park-and-Walk convenience.

La Gare: (as in The Station en francais…railroads…I am quite fond of them):

The 6th Street Playhouse:

Love these historic, renovated brick warehouse spaces around the RR2....

WPA details....or is it?

Renovations and upgrades in the works nearby...I found this building shell haunting, especially in the fading twilight.

Stark’s:

A step back in time...neon, steaks, cocktails, comfort....

In case the Rat Pack needs some directions....signpost on Stark's....I bet Peter Lawford was not ashamed to ask for directions....

A couple blocks up, above the Santa Rosa Mall-

Flavor Bistro:

Rendez Vous Bistro:

Bistro 29:

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Golly Uncle Charlie, you seem a little tense...let's go take a train ride and listen to the Merry Widow Waltz! That might make you feel better!

Located off Dry Creek Road at Timber Crest Farms, snuggled into the Family Wineries Tasting Room, Dashe Cellars  gently produces sensuous, single-vineyard wines.  With an “Old World” style, such as minimal manipulation, an appreciation of lower alcohol, no overwhelming use of oak, cultivation of cooler climate, intense organic delicious fruit (zinfandel and more!),  this is a winery partnership that includes 40 plus years of wine making expertise and experience as well as a romantic marriage of proprietors/winemaker Michael Dashe and Ann Dashe, establishing their labor of love in 1996.  With a nice array of varietals and intriguingly named wines, such  as Les Enfants Terribles, special perks can also be found on their three-tiered Wine Club.  Special relationships with growers and vineyards in the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys and further north guarantee exemplary fruit which leads to the special, hand-crafted, very food-friendly wines of the Dashes, garnering praises in the media and with fans, recently for their 2010 Dashe Cellars Vin Gris (dry rose) in CHOW.  The blog, Monkey & Fish Tales, Zin & Sensibilities, features their label design as the banner, chosen by Ann and Michael, which they describe as  “a playful image featuring a monkey riding on the back of a fish, a metaphor for two unique creatures traveling together on a journey.”  This is a very cool journey of love, togetherness, expertise and appreciation of fine wine as an integral part of a happy, full life.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Kendall-Jackson Wine Center, Fulton Road, just north of Santa Rosa.

At Kendall-Jackson Wine Center, where taste is everything, and it is ALL about the taste, guests will find a veritable Sensory Emporium, with Wine & Food Pairings (an experience that just leads to contentment-beautifully presented foods with the perfect K-J wines- almost like a full meal- a complete sensory experience),  Wine Tasting, a Culinary Garden, an Affinity Garden and a Demonstration Vineyard- not to mention gorgeous flower gardens, a impressive chateau-like tasting room, walnut orchards, olive orchards and a warm, experienced culinary and tasting room staff- and great gift items, too.  Did I mention The K-J Wine Clubs? Educational, philanthropic and entertaining special events?  How about the culinary team here to help you with All Things Wine & Food Pairing? I am talking specific wine pairing and recipes….at Kendall-Jackson the wines truly enhance life.  Kendall-Jackson Wine Center- might be better named “Sensual Explosion Taste Sensory Experience”- or, the KJWC, as it is familiarly known, provides all you need to know, and is perfect for the novice and the aficionado.  Founder Jess Jackson’s vision shines through in Winemaster Randy Ullom’s making of the K-J wines as he guides his staff to create consistently delicious expressions of each vineyard, each varietal. Ever mindful of the environment and community, innovative K-J gives back.

The Demonstration Vineyards....every varietal that you have wondered about, and all your favorites, are here!

Great garden gazebo.

Lotta corks....

Justin Wangler, Executive Chef...Approachable, enthusiastic, educational....

Take note of the Kendall-Jackson sister TR:

Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg – on the Healdsburg Plaza- this was the very first TR to open on the Square….

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Hope-Merrill House is Holiday HQ; Santa and Mrs. Claus have a reservation for 12.25.11!

Wine Road winery and lodging members go all out for the winter holiday celebrations; while the seasonal more- quickly falling twilight plunges us into early darkness, our members combat it with sparkling holiday lights, warm fireplaces, glogg, mulled wine, warm spirits, bedecked trees and other festivities,  along the jolly Wine Road.  How romantic to stay at one of our lodgings, even more so this lovely time of year….check out the lodging specials!

The other night I was at Bella Villa Messina, a modern villa, built on the foundations of the reservoirs of Simi Winery, spectacular views, lovely accommodations, warm hosts, great food and wine- and even more lovely at Christmastime.

Festive tree at Bella Villa Messina.

Festive holiday table...

Touchingly, prominently displayed in the Bella Bar area.

Amazing views from the Bella Villa Messina terrace- east....

Same view east- slightly later- full moon is rising...

Off now to Hope-Merrill House, @ 1870- Victorian holiday coming at you, pretty sure that Charles and Mrs. Dickens have a reservation….

Victorian garland elegance; wallpaper recreated and silk-screened for just this location.

OMG- Romantic....

Lovely Victorian tree...

Victorian garlands.

A Victorian Chocolate Fountain? All must be OK with the world at this moment.

The Merry Christmas Holiday Moon over Geyserville....

Our next Wine Road event is Winter Wineland; tickets make a great Christmas/Holiday gift- then add the magic of a Wine Road Lodging…fun and romantic….wow….

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Dutton-Goldfield Winery, on the corner of Gravenstein Highway North/116 and Graton Road in Sebastopol, near the little hamlet of Graton.

Dutton-Goldfield Winery, an award-winning partnership/proprietorship of Steve Dutton, grower, and Dan Goldfield, winemaker, is also a collaboration of friends and family, producing flagship pinot noir and chardonnay, wines of balance, evocative of  the personality of each vineyard, vivid, robust expressions of this cool, coastal winery home in the RRV; at one time, many did not believe that quality still wines could even be produced here because of those very cool temperatures- Dan and Steve knew otherwise…those nay-Sayers stand corrected!  Warm, friendly hospitality staff grace the light, airy TR, lots of sun indoors and out, with front enclosed patio area being a great spot for a picnic; special events, The D-G PreRelease Wine Club, Dan being named Winemaker of the Year by Sunset Magazine- lots happening at this TR and winery.  Located conveniently on  the main 116 Route, it is also close to the sweet little town of Graton, some good eats available here.

Picnic, picnic, picnic paired with Dutton-Goldfield wine al fresco, all good....

TR side of the winery.

Relax.

Art: Always an installation of interest, local talent showcased.

Soil samples to demonstrate the terroir of the different vineyards....

Ditto. This time, affinities.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Wine Road Neighbors:

Red Car (right next door.)

Lynmar Estate

Merry Edwards Winery

True dat.

Benovia Winery, tucked away on Hartman Road, just off of Piner, near Santa Rosa and Olivet Road....

Benovia Winery, tucked-away-hidden-gem in the heart of the Russian River Valley, small hand-crafter of exquisite chardonnay, pinot noir and zinfandel, joyful and enthusiastic presenter of an exceptional wine education experience with tasting, practicing green approaches in all ways, providing 95% of their own electric needs via their solar, awaits the visitor at the end of a long, country lane, surrounded by vineyards, oak trees, horses and vast open spaces.  Artisan all the way, as they say, the proof is in the bottle; check out their wine portfolio.   Appointments are necessary-so call right now- hint- and they are VERY, instantly, available- you will be accommodated and welcomed!.  You can even stay here among the peaceful, romantic vines at their Hideaway Cottage….

Benovia wines are most easily found at the winery source.  However, they do get out altruistically:

Piner Road....

 

Look for the intersection of Piner with Hartman Road- on the northern side of Piner.

Eureka! The intersection...turn northward....

Curious- and very friendly gatekeeper.

The country lane approach.

Keep heading north....

A short journey to the peaceful country....

Just like my Blue Heaven.

The approach to the winery.

Impressive Wind Machine Frost Protection gig.

Solar-bedecked winery building.

The vines are so poetic and lovely in late fall.

The Barn.

Easy to navigate....

Here you go!

We are talking some mature olive trees....

Visitor Center is RIGHT in the vineyards...

When not December, the deck is picnic central....look at the view!

Inside at last- comfy furniture, fireplace, great views, leather chairs- perfect tasting location.

Benovia Wine Educator will taste you through the wines....

When you think pinot noir, travel to Benovia along the Pinot Road in the RRV.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Mike Farrow, Amista Winery, about to saber open his new release Sparkling Syrah Rose. (Photo by William Allen.)

  “Champagne! In victory one deserves it; in defeat one needs it.”

This quote is attributed to Napoleon, spurring on his Hussars to open lots of Champagne with their sabers, quite impressive use for their weapons and much more peaceful than some undertakings; the skill is known as sabrage, and Mike Farrow, Amista Winery,  is most accomplished in this method of colorful, exciting bottle openings- and, added bonus, he released his Sparkling Syrah Rose, adding to the general merriment.  This annual display of sabrage, a Wine Club spectacular event at Amista, is just as dramatic as it sounds; this was my first time ever actually seeing it in person.  I must admit that I did stand back- and was happy to note that the first bit of sparkler is tossed out just in the unlikely case that any glass found its way in the wrong direction.

I did not take umbrage at sabrage, though I did find the sabering a bit sobering….

Unsuspecting bottle in repose last summer...unknowing of the incipient sabering.

Vicky and Mike Farrow, saber and bottle....

Vicky ducks for cover.

Mike heads out to the courtyard in front of The Barn.

Ta-da!

Some related articles of interest to Sparkling fanciers:

J Vineyards, Korbel Champagne Cellars and Iron Horse Vineyards.  Also, William Allen, blogger and educator, in attendance at this sabrage, has an upcoming special on sparklers and holiday wine favorites in his Simple Hedonisms.  (I am to be a guest writer on his blog in upcoming months.)

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Festive Amista. Photo by William Allen.

Michelle of Amista and Tracy...by William. Awwww...

Lost Canyon Winery TR, newly opened, Fall 2011, near Railroad Square, one of Hitchcock's favorite movie locations, right on Fourth Street, a destination for, and near to, all sorts of fun....

Lost Canyon Winery, one of Wine Road’s newest members, is excited for their first Winter Wineland.  A welcoming,  modern, sleek Tasting Room in Downtown Santa Rosa, just off of historic Railroad Square, comfortable bar, tables and leather chairs await the taster and buyer; friendly, knowledgeable staff assist.  Specialists especially in RRV single-vineyard pinot noirs, syrahs and chardonnays, Lost Canyon’s winemaking is not finicky, but is, instead, crisp, clean and serious, striving to produce wines that showcase and express the distinct, eccentric and unique characteristics of each vineyard source.  By day, the only open location is the TR for Lost Canyon; by night, the TR closes and right next door, separate entrance,   Station 1870 (named for the first year the station here in Santa Rosa welcomed trains) opens, featuring Lost Canyon and sister Fritz Underground Winery with food pairings in a more romantic, date-night setting.  Convenient tasting location- delicious wines by the glass, tasty bites and easy, perfect wine purchasing with warm, friendly staff.

Hardly lost; this place is where it is at....

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Sonoma Orchid Inn, in the RRV, towards Guerneville, next door to Korbel.

Sonoma Orchid Inn, built by Louis Ridenhour, pet-friendly, child-friendly, solar, green, energy efficient, romantic, garden-surrounded, redwood-grove-ensconced 1906 historic lodging, is perfect for an intimate getaway, private event or retreat, nestled on a hillside overlooking the Russian River Valley and Russian River, truly “Like Home, Only Better”.  Close to it all, including wine tasting along the Wine Road, Guerneville, Armstrong Woods, exciting Canopy Tours and Pacific Ocean beaches, as far away, or not, as you want to be.  Estate organic gardens, chickens, and accomplished Chef Dana Murphy guarantee fantastic, gourmet, full breakfasts, served to guests in the comfy farmhouse dining room, just off the living room where overstuffed, plush furniture, fine art bedecked walls, piano, games, books and fireplace invite relaxation.  Convenient guest kitchen with fridge and such is also available; great Specials.  Lots of outdoor nooks on the porch and patio to sit and muse; solar panels up the hill double as summertime shaded area with chairs and swing.  The little touches- from special linens and robes to a cool collection of roosters, enchant.  Resident Owner Innkeepers, experienced and thoughtful, Dana Murphy, chef, and Brian Siewert, organic farmer, ARE the staff with the personal touch…this is their home, and their sweet cats and dogs, warm hospitality, area knowledge, familiarity with local fine dining and wine tasting, well-tended grounds and gardens, speak volumes on what a labor of love this inn is.

The approach up the drive...enchanted redwood forest.

Approach with a sense of humor....

Impressive surroundings; country peace.

This must be the place....

Faux....

Not faux.

Another candidate for Last Rose of Summer. Not as rare as the Purple Rose of Cairo....

Glowing organic persimmons.

Organic all the way....

Lots of flora.

Lots of fauna...including Ewoks...or perhaps it is Cori(ander) or Saffy(Saffron)- spicy pooches, these Border Terriers; they are the inspiration for George Lucas' creation of the Ewoks.

Energy efficient and altruistic.

Efficient use of sub-solar panel space...relax in the shade.

Homage to the garden and fall.

Fauna Uprising...or perhaps just playing....Shannon is most compliant.

Faux and charming....

Faux...but not faux also present.

Brian and his Ewok.

Dana- his humor, warmth apparent.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR