The smoke and images were powerful and devastating but did not tell the complete story of what was happening in the Sonoma Valley. According to the Sonoma County blog, only 8% of Sonoma County’s one million acres were impacted by the October 2019 fires. The vineyards, parks, fantastic views, coastline and redwoods still remain majestic and ready for tourists. But people are not aware that Sonoma County is open and ready for tourism today and now is the optimal time to plan your visit.
I joined a tasting this week hosted by the Wine Road and Amy Lieberfarb in Sonoma County that was designed to taste Sonoma wines and talk about our love for Sonoma, why you should visit today and our favorite (insider) places to go. There’s a lot of information, so you can click here here to follow along the great conversations.
Participating wineries included Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Moshin Vineyards, Hook & Ladder, Holdredge Wines, Viszlay Vineyards and Longboard Wines.
I had a chance to taste several wines that were new to me (I had tried another Hook & Ladder Winery offering prior) and this was fun. And, I was lucky enough to try three really great wineries that I hope to visit on my next visit.
2018 Moshin Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir
Wow. What a delightful rosé! It was a blend of grapefruit, strawberry, cherry, oranges and floral notes. It had a perfect balance of fruit and minerality with great acidity.
2017 Holdredge Pinot-Noir Judgment-Tree Russian River Valley
This wine comes from the “Sweetwater” block at the Rochioli Vineyard, an iconic vineyard. When John, the winemaker, was walking the vineyard in advance of the first harvest, he found himself standing under an oak tree eating berries and thinking that “judgment day” was coming if he screwed up making this wine. Hence, the name.
And, the wine was fabulous. I tasted black cherry, raspberry, a touch of oak, earth and spice.
2016 Hook & Ladder Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a deal at $32. You taste cherry, chocolate, mocha, black tea, tobacco, cherry and spice.
I’ve written multiple blogs about some of my favorite places in Sonoma. Jordan Winery makes the list. Then, Lambert Bridge Winery and Mauritson . I celebrated 90 years with Pedroncelli … And then I visited Arista, Passalacqua, Skipstone and Scherr on the last trip this Summer. With ten years of blogging, there are so many more that I recommend. I’d love to hear more about your favorite Sonoma memory or the visit you plan for 2020.
