THE Instant, Perfect Holiday Gift
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...
Read MoreSanta Rosa’s Railroad Square Adventure
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. 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: Speaking of...
Read MoreDashe Cellars
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...
Read MoreKendall-Jackson Wine Center
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...
Read MoreHoliday Decked OUT!
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. Off now to Hope-Merrill House, @ 1870- Victorian holiday coming at...
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