6.28.10

First day on the Road as the Wine Road Warrior: Member & Guest Concierge!  Traveling, wending along the Wine Road to visit each and every member!  I call them Concierge House Calls- Beth says it sounds like I am delivering babies- well, only if the opportunity presents and maybe in my spare time!

Darci @ Foppiano

Hotter than the blazes even at 10am- 83 and climbing.  Amazing Self-Guided Tour dedicated to Margot Doss Patterson, the great, intrepid lover of all things outdoors in the Bay Area.  See the vine called “Riley” celebrated in the Wine Road Facebook page, Life of Riley, a year in the life of a vine- Darci and Danielle pose at the tasting room bar on my way out—oldest family owned winery in RRV.  The caboose is still there- still fun- finally realize that I knew Darci from AVV.

Jim @ Toad Hollow

Abby’s first day behind the bar!  Even hotter now that high noon has passed.  Toad Hollow Sparkling being served in the delicious juice concoction for brunch next door at Costeaux Bakery- a lovely summertime treat.  Groups of 7 or more now need to call ahead, but wow- such an incentive- a surprise to be given at the end of the visit!  Lots of visitors to the TR- crowds wandering downtown in search of summertime fun.

6.29.10

Cindi @ Truett Hurst

Cooler today or maybe I am just getting used to it.  Winery and vines are vivid in the still hush of summertime morning as it heats up.  Cindi takes me down through the gardens to the incredible sitting area by Dry Creek which is shallow, but nicely flowing due to the influence of the Dry Creek Dam and Lake Sonoma slightly upriver.  Bright red Adirondack chairs are randomly yet artfully arranged here- amazingly peaceful spot.  Wonder what it is like when thoe salmon are coming back to spawn.  Wish I could stay here all day but onward and upward.  Air conditioning feels great in the bright tasting room- white walls and wood accents- love the lighting fixtures- and hey, the wine is impressive too.  Realize that while out on the Wine Road in this position, specs about wines are not at the forefront.

Have known Cindi quite some time- including her time at DeLoach- really is a very small world up here….

Jim & Anita @ Forchini

It IS like a visit to Tuscany- or at least as my not-yet-been-to-Italy mind imagines it might be like- looking around for Diane Lane and all that Under the Tuscan Sun business.  The Winery Dogs greet me and Jim and Anita and I head to the office to go over the website and such—did not realize how much innovating Jim has done- a mechanical engineer by education and avocation, he has brought winery equipment from Italy or has innovated it here.  A tour is offered for those who wish who call ahead to arrange it and since Jim and Anita are usually there, it is easy and pretty much usually immediate.  This is truly hands on family stuff.  The motto:

“Un bicchiere di vino Forchini e buono per lei”-
“A glass of Forchini wine is good for you.”

Donnis @ Topel

Turns out that we have both lived extensively in Berkeley- both Cal alums- small world casserole as my

children used to mis-nomer (apologies to Walt Disney).  Awesome tasting room. Great supporters of the Animal Shelter here- produce a Dog Calendar that is just fantastic- event in the fall where your dog’s portrait can be painted for something like $50- amazing.  Donnis is a dancer.

Lisa & Rob at Vintage Wine Estates

Custom Labels—even one for the Fourth of July and for saving Healdsburg’s own Memorial Bridge!  Great location on the downtown Plaza- folks are already gearing up by reserving space- though technically too early- on the grass by the bandstand. for tonight’s Tuesday concert and Farmers’ Market.

Michael & Lynnie at Vintners Signatures

Former Murphy-Goode location in the Alexander Valley with some spiffy new upgrades- huge spaces- room that can be rented out for meetings- nice set up and great view out over the vines.  Opened just in time for Taste the Alexander Valley some weeks back.

Michael has worked all over in the wine business- knew him most recently at Alderbrook- just like Lynnie who sits at a desk that is adorned with princess stuff—as she is one- and also The Perfect Husband Doll who says all the right things and looks rather like Tim Allen on a good day.  We get a chuckle out of all that-

Two days along the road- so much information, faces, miles.  Off for two weeks now- back soon.  Cheers- TR

Posted on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 2:57 am by tracy under General.

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