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The Extremists of the Extreme Sonoma Coast
THE EXTREMISTS OF THE EXTREME SONOMA COAST The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA may be only three years old, but its ability to produce distinctive and thrilling wines has been recognized for far longer. Anne Krebiehl MW profiles the early pioneers and more recent producers who are brave enough to farm its inhospitable but rewarding coastal ridges he instructions were clear: Drive on, even when the tarmac ends. The vineyards of the Fort Ross- Seaview AVA are really remote, made so not by geographical distance—Jenner and Healdsburg are just one and a half to two hours away—but Tby terrain. Fort Ross-Seaview clings to the inhospitable, crunched-up, forested coastal ridges of northern California, between Pacific Highway No.1 and Sonoma Valley, right along the San Andreas Fault. The roads winding through these ridges are dark in broad daylight, so shaded by giant redwoods and large madrone that light barely filters through. Where forests were logged, open pasture is dotted by giant valley oaks and craggy rocks. You pass more raccoons than other cars. Everywhere, the proximity of the great, cold, deep, and endless Pacific is palpable. Sea air constantly mixes with the smell of conifer. This is where the Pacific and North American Plates meet. This is where the earth moves. Ocean and shore combine in a way that both unsettles and compels. On foggy days, the forests are almost primeval. In brilliant sunshine, the views are breath-taking: of the Pacific and of small vineyards, laid out like giant picnic blankets down the sides of a slope, surrounded by Douglas fir and ranching pasture. -
The West Sonoma Coast: the Region and Its Wines
No. 77 NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2019 AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY PRICE $25 The West Sonoma Coast: The Region and its Wines Unique Terroir Proposed AVA The Vineyards 1 viticultural area, its modern wine history dates back to the 1960-70s. During this period explorers and adventurous vintners attracted to this wild area of redwoods groves and Table of Contents sheep farms purchased land and began growing grapes. The history of the area reads like a who’s who of Sonoma’s wine industry. The early pioneers established their Introduction vineyards in the Fort Ross-Seaview area of high coastal Acknowledgements ridges, mountains, and dense redwood forests located The Region within a few miles of the Pacific Ocean situated above the fog line. In the decades that followed new vintners in Recent History search of other coastal growing conditions planted their The Vineyards vineyards up the coast around the Annapolis area and Winemaking down the coast towards Freestone, Occidental and the Sebastopol Hills. These three main regions are expected The West Sonoma Coast Vintners (WSCV) to constitute the new West Sonoma Coast AVA. Challenges and Opportunities Winery Profiles and Wine Reviews The report next examines the vineyards and viticultural practices of the West Sonoma Coast growing area. Many Annexes: of the sub-regions of the West Sonoma Coast are on the 1. Soil Map of Sonoma County fringes for successful viticulture, the edges of ripening for 2. Selected Sonoma Coast Vineyards Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many of the vineyards are small scale and yields are low. Due to the scarcity of labor and remote and difficult locales of many of the vineyards and the high quality objectives of the winemakers, most operations have to be carried out by hand. -
Sonoma Wine Country Has an Unrivaled History As California’S First Premium Wine Region
Sonoma County Wine History Leaders in Sustainable With almost two hundred years of growing grapes, Sonoma County Winegrowing Sonoma Wine Country has an unrivaled history as California’s first premium wine region. Even before sustainability was a buzzword, Sonoma County’s grapegrowers have been naturally farming the land with respect 1817 Russian Colonists planted grapes at Fort Ross (Sonoma Coast). for generations. More than 30% of the County’s vineyard acres Sonoma County—What Wine Country Should Be 1823 Spanish Franciscans planted several thousand vines are enrolled in the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Programs. at the Sonoma Mission. Additionally, many Sonoma County wineries utilize some or all Sonoma County is truly one of the world’s premier spots for growing and making great wines of all types, 1834 Mexican government begins secularizing the missions, of the following practices to preserve the land for the generations and wine begins to move from the altar to the dinner table. to come. thanks to its ideal climate and varied terroirs. But it’s the environment that surrounds those growing 1845 Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma; California becomes independent. conditions that also sets Sonoma County apart — the natural beauty, ranging from coast to redwoods to 1856 Cyrus Alexander plants grapes in northern Sonoma County. & Winery Vineyards of Quivera courtesy Photograph mountains; the history and heritage; the agricultural diversity leading to a bounty of locally grown foods. 1857 The Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy, “The Father of California Wine Industry,” founded Buena Vista winery Most of all, it’s the people — a true community of growers, winemakers, and friends whose artisan passion in Sonoma Valley. -
Beverage Industry News
BINMAG.COM $9.95 BEVERAGE INDUSTRY NEWS + IRISH WHISKEY • AGAVE BOOM • CANNABIS CONVERSATION • KOMBUCHA • AND MORE FERRARI-CARANO VINEYARDS AND WINERY INSPIRED WINES, VINE TO BOTTLE Written by Marcy Gordon When Don and Rhonda Carano first came to Sonoma County from Nevada on a buying trip looking for wines for their Eldorado Hotel and Casino in Downtown Reno, they did not expect to buy land. But Sonoma County has a way of working its magic in mysterious ways, and they found a 60-acre parcel of land in Alexander Valley that proved irresistible. The rest is history, as Ferrari-Carano went on to become one of the finest wineries in Sonoma County. 18 BIN 2019 Ground was broken for the winery in 1985, that broadens the picture when looking at Bevilacqua, which means ‘drink water’ in and the first wines bearing the Ferrari- things. They generally are good listeners Italian. We couldn’t name the winery using Carano label were released in 1987. Those and understand nuances that may be my last name, so we used my late husband’s first wines were a 1986 Fumé Blanc and overlooked by men. Ferrari-Carano has grandmother’s maiden name, Ferrari.” a 1985 Alexander Valley Chardonnay. three women winemakers, our human Today, Ferrari-Carano produces those resource department is led by a women, Rhonda draws on her heritage and the wines as well as a variety of other white as well as other areas such as compliance, spirit of Italian hospitality throughout all and red wines, including: Pinot Grigio, wine club and regional managers her business responsibilities in California, Siena (a Sangiovese-based blend) and including Vintners Inn, a 78-room hotel in Merlot from Sonoma County; Russian Santa Rosa, the highly-regarded John Ash River Valley single vineyard Chardonnays; & Co. -
La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard
PRESENTED BY LA CREMA ESTATE AT SARALEE’S VINEYARD SATURDAY | SEPTEMBER 21 | 2019 THE POWER OF GIVING FUND THE FUTURE Supporting Childhood Education and Literacy Since 2013 23 HIGH-QUALITY literacy programs $7.5 MILLION distributed COMMUNITY GRANTS Health & Human Services | Arts & Culture Education | Environment Since 2009 156 Sonoma County non-profit organizations $6.5+ MILLION distributed THE PROCEEDS MATTER. WELCOME Dear Friends, Welcome and thank you for being part of the 2019 Sonoma County Wine Auction! We’re thrilled you have joined us for this extraordinary afternoon, one that provides a powerful and far reaching impact on the lives of those in our Sonoma County community. Funds raised today support over 60 local nonprofit organizations focused on literacy, education, health and human services, the environment, and arts and culture. This wouldn’t be possible without your help. With your contributions we can continue to showcase the power of giving. We can enable organizations that feed the homeless, improve mental health for those in need, provide nutrition to pantries for vulnerable families, inspire young minds with music and theater and have the ability to respond to unexpected challenges this county may face in the future. This community truly flourishes from this philanthropic endeavor and your support. Last spring the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation was honored to receive the North Bay Business Journal’s 2019 North Bay Community Philanthropy Award. This award would not be possible without your generosity as well as those of our vintners, sponsors and donors who give of their time and resources and are instrumental in the success of our Foundation. -
2019 California Wine Month Go to for Event Details
Winery Events - 2019 California Wine Month Go to https://discovercaliforniawines.com/california-wine-month/ for event details. Look for updates as events are being added continuously. Last updated 8/14/19 NORTH COAST 2019 Taste of Sonoma Aug. 31, 2019. Green Music Center, Sonoma State University. Cost: $150-$200 The one-day immersive lineup will include a walk-around wine tasting with 100+ wineries, tasty bites from 30+ local chefs, guided wine seminars and themed lounges. 30 Years of Alegría Sept. 1-30, 2019. ACORN Winery/Alegría Vineyards, Sonoma. Cost: Free Free tasting of ACORN's estate-grown, sustainably-farmed, field-blend wines during the month of September to celebrate California Wine Month, the beginning of harvest, and our 30th vintage! Cave Tour and Barrel Tasting at Alexander Valley Vineyards Sept. 1-30, 2019. Alexander Valley Vineyards, Sonoma County. Cost: Free Tour and taste inside our 25,000 square foot underground wine cave. Learn about our barrel aging program while tasting young wine from the barrels. Explore California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay with Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery Sept. 1-30. Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg. Cost: $55 Experience California Grand Cru when you book an experience during California Wine Month. Single Vineyard Tasting Sept. 1-30, 2019, Chimney Rock Winery, Napa. Cost: $55-$65 Discover our exclusive and limited-production single vineyard wines through a tasting of a curated selection of our vineyard designate Stags Leap District AVA Cabernet Sauvignons. Vineyard Hike at Alexander Valley Vineyards Sept. 1-30, 2019. Alexander Valley Vineyards, Sonoma County. Cost: $50 Explore The Wetzel Family Estate vineyards, while tasting our iconic wines where they grow. -
Sonomawineroad.Pdf
The mission of Wine Road is to increase awareness of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys through education and marketing while promoting Sonoma County as the year-round wine country destination. Cover Photo: Dee Dee Daus TABLE OF CONTENTS About Us . 4 Sustainability . 6 Events . 7 Location, Location, Location . 8 AVA Info . 9 Online . 11 Wineries . 12 Lodgings . 16 ABOUT US WINE ROAD 190 WINERIES 56 LODGINGS 50 MILES NORTH OF SAN FRANCISCO Wending through some of the most picturesque wine country in California, the Wine Road takes visitors on a sensual journey of natural beauty, sublime tasting experiences, and memorable personal encounters with the state’s most devoted winemakers. Even for travelers already well acquainted with California wine country, the Wine Road is likely to be uncharted territory—sure to imbue a fresh sense of discovery. Along the way are some of California’s oldest wineries, run by vintners whose commitment to tending the vines and producing world-class wines, true to the appellation, runs back generations. Founded 35 years ago, the Wine Road is an association of wineries and lodgings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys This lively and committed of northern Sonoma County. From its modest beginning as an organization has created a organization of nine wineries, it has grown into a spirited constellation myriad of programs, events, of nearly two hundred wineries and fifty lodgings. It is not actually a and services certain to “road” in the sense of a single, continuous stretch of paved highway, enhance any visitor’s but more of a treasure map to the many jewels nestled among the experience of the region. -
Pinotfile Vol 6, Issue 47
If You Drink No Noir You Pinot Noir PinotFile Volume 6, Issue 47 The First Wine Newsletter Exclusively Devoted to Pinotphiles December 3, 2007 Inside this issue: Fort Ross:Growing Pinot On the Edge Clos Saron 7 “It’s a long way from anywhere. It’s markedly cold - 10 degrees cooler Ramey Schulten 12 than Napa Valley on average. It’s extremely foggy. There’s no infrastructure. Pinot Briefs 13 It’s lonely. The locals don’t like outsiders. Strong winds break the vine Where are the Wine 14 shoots. There’s a high risk of devastation by wild pigs. Gophers frequent Scores in PinotFile? the area in droves.” Susan Keevil, The Wine News. June/July 2004 Growing Pinot Noir along the most western reaches of the Sonoma Coast might be regarded as pure folly to many, but the dedicated band of winegrowers who have accepted the challenge know that the fickle grape feels right at home here. This region is quickly becoming one of the epicenters of fine Pinot Noir in California. The Sonoma Coast AVA is the largest of the 13 AVAs in Sonoma County at 750 square miles. This cumbersome AVA was formed in 1987 primarily to allow certain wineries to include all of their scattered major vineyards within one boundary so they could use the “estate bottled” designation on their wine labels. “No two bottles are ever The Sonoma Coast AVA is defined by its truly identical: every coolness, with no more than 2,800 degree bottle is unique in its days of heat during the growing season. -
California's Edgiest Wine Region: the Western Sonoma Coast
Katie Kelly Bell, Contributor 03/06/2014 @ 12:11PM |178 views California's Edgiest Wine Region: The Western Sonoma Coast The grapes in Nick and Andy Peay’s vineyards are in a precarious state most of the time. Quivering on the edge of the San Andreas Fault, shrouded in hours of chilly fog and subjected to steady Pacific breezes, it’s a wonder these grapes can ripen at all. The Peay’s and their winemaker Vanessa Wong are not alone in the Western Sonoma Coast’s risky winemaking climate. In fact, they enjoy some highly regarded company including wineries such as Hirsch, Joseph Phelps and Littorai. I’m always impressed and slightly agog at winemakers who seek the outermost edge of anything; it takes certain boldness and, some might argue, insanity, to invite extreme challenges into your winemaking. Andy Peay admits there were more than enough naysayers when he and his brother started farming the coast. “Everyone said it was way too cold and that we’d never get grapes to ripen. In truth, we have had problems with ripening; some years are just really tough. Bill Phelps, president of Joseph Phelps wines, agrees with Peay’s assessment, noting that the Western Sonoma Coast wines exemplify a very cool climate style of chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah. “We would say we are truer to a Burgundian style; our wines are higher in minerality and not as plush on fruit. They tend to be more structured, lower in alcohol, and less extracted and fruit-dominated as wines from further inland, such as the Russian River Valley.” Phelps is also one of the founding members of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners Association which includes wineries from Annapolis, Fort Ross/Seaview, Occidental, Freestone, Green Valley and the Sebastopol Hills. -
Wine-Book-210709.Pdf
02 04 08 09 21 52 53 54 02 04 08 09 21 52 53 54 2 SPARKLING Brut, Naveran — Cava (Penedès), 2018 .............................................................................................................. 8 Brut Rosé, Michel Briday – Bourgogne, NV......................................................................................................... 12 Brut, Taittinger — Champagne, NV.................................................................................................................... 18 ROSÉ Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah Peyrassol — Mediterranee 2020 ............................................................................ 10 Touriga Nacional, Maçanita - Douro 2019 ......................................................................................................... 14 WHITE Melon de Bourgogne, Eric Chevalier — Muscadet Côtes de Grand Lieu 2018 ................................................... 10 Sauvignon Blanc, Vincent Delaporte — Sancerre 2019 ..................................................................................... 16 Sauvignon Blanc, Spy Valley — Marlborough 2020............................................................................................ 11 Pinot Grigio, Jermann — Fruili-Venezia Giulia 2019 ........................................................................................... 14 Albariño, Fillaboa — Rias Baixas 2018 ................................................................................................................ 11 Grüner Veltliner, “Crazy Creatures,” Malat — -
Sonoma County Pinot Noir
2019 sonoma county pinot noir We’ve been making wine in Sonoma County for over ten years now and along the way, established a dynamic network of friends and colleagues that include vineyard owners, growers and winemakers. While we successfully navigated and maneuvered our way through the négoce market in the past, Valravn represents the next evolutionary step for us. Because of those forged relationships and friendships, we have exclusive access to grapes from fantastic vineyards and the team to oversee hands-on production from vineyard to bottle. We are proud of our past achievements and excited to realize the culmination of a decade of learning and focus, bringing authentic wines to the table that we have found, seen, and touched at every step. Valravn wines are out of the gate approachable, delicious, and table ready. VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING Valravn Pinot Noir is an exploration of Sonoma County, anchored in the Russian River Valley. Vineyards span at far NORTH as Annapolis, EAST as Sonoma Mountain, WEST as Freestone, SOUTH as Petaluma Gap. Noteable vineyards include Sunnyslope (Bennett Valley AVA), Gap’s Crown (Petaluma Gap - Sonoma Coast AVA), Grand Vent (Petaluma Gap - Sonoma Coast AVA), Gravenstein (Russian River), and Walala (Annapolis - Sonoma Coast AVA). In the cellar, hand-sorted grapes undergo cold soak followed by primary fermentation in small open- top stainless steel tanks for 12-14 days. Following primary, the wine was transferred to a blend of 25% new Cavin, François Freres, Remond, and Tremeaux barrels for 11 months malolactic and aging. PRESS - 90 points Wine & Spirits “Focused on vineyards in the Russian River Valley, this has simple red cherry flavors, light tannins and gentle elegance. -
July 28 - JULY 31 2019 Table of Contents
JULY 28 - JULY 31 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Schedule of Events.................................................................................4-6 West Sonoma Coast History and Information..........................................8 Map of West Sonoma Coast Vintners.........................................................9 Formal Seminar Details......................................................................10-17 The Economics of Yield of the West Sonoma Coast..................................19 Guest Speaker Information.......................................................................20 Typical Soils of the West Sonoma Coast...............................................21-22 Participant Member Wineries..................................................................23 Winery Contact Information..............................................................24-32 Sponsors.............................................................................................33-35 Notes....................................................................................................36-37 Farm Camp Contact..................................................................................39 2 #FARMCAMP19 #WESTSONOMACOAST Notes: SCHEDULE of EVENTS SCHEDULE of EVENTS Notes: SUNDAY, JULY 28 2:30PM Depart for Timber Cove 21780 North Coast Highway 1, Jenner 5:30PM Small Vines Wines Presentation by Paul Sloan Green Valley Sub-Region Presentation 4:15PM Arrive at Timber Cove. Express Check In Welcome Dinner at Small Vines Winery 2160 Green Hill Rd,