Alexander Valley Vineyards, aka AVV.
Once or twice each year, Wine Road, working with Rick Spear and his Blue Heron Custom Tours, brings up a group of five Bay Area concierges to give them a taste of what their guests can experience here- these are called Fam Tours- much easier to pronounce than “Familiarization Tour.” Our first stop today is Alexander Valley Vineyards, fondly known as “AVV”.
AVV's Caitlin welcomes us and explains the tasting lineup prior to our Cave Tour. (Bill and Elizabeth also pictured.)
Baby, it's COLD outside! Elizabeth and Bonita warm up by the AVV cozy TR fireplace....
Perfect attire for the Wine Road: LAYERS! We started our day in temps in the high 40's; the Cave was chilly, too. The TR was warm and by the time we left for lunch, the temp was heading up to the low 60's....layers and sensible shoes are the way to go! (Thank you, Andreas....)
AVV offers daily Cave Tours at 11AM and 2PM or by appointment. We were escorted by winemaker Kevin Hall and owner/proprietor Hank Wetzel, along with his sweet dog, Mattie. Off we went into the cave with glasses in hand, ready to not only tour, but barrel taste.
AVV Cave.
Hank, left, and Kevin at the barrels. (Mattie has her back turned....)
Lots of barrels...along the lines of an Indiana Jones Warehouse....lots of American Oak, each barrel bar-coded with all the pertinent information Kevin needs to know.
Classic Barrel Closeup.
Carrying on my tradition of fine animal photography (ahem), I capture and present Mattie! She is a third generation daughter dog for the Wetzel family- pure lab!
Kevin thieves a barrel sample for Javier. (Mattie continues her back-turning ways....)
Back in the TR, Caitlin waxes poetic about the reserve tasting; she tells the history of Cyrus Alexander and his family, too.
Time to head out now, with fond memories of a great stop at AVV, to Healdsburg, about 15 minutes away, to the Hotel Healdsburg for lunch at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen.
The lovely dining room at the Dry Creek Kitchen.
The Bar at DCK.
Dazzling menu, wines and surroundings; Bill, Bonita and Andreas ponder the choices.
We are very well attended by the DCK Crew, spearheaded by Wade and also including the Triple D’s, Dan, Dustin and Drew; HH Concierge Tegan joins us! Just celebrating 10 years here, this property rocks!
My delicious, spicy, Chicken Paillard Salad.
I paired our lunch with Dutcher Crossing Chardonnay and Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Chef also send out a number of treats- including Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi that completely pleases.
We head out for a quick look-see upstairs.
Tegan's desk area in the HH Lobby.
Heading to the elevator....
Wow!
Heading out now for Martinelli Winery and Old World Winery. To be concluded in my next blog.
Here’s looking at you, kids.
TR
Bill, Elizabeth, Caitlin et al at AVV!
