Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Pet Friendly Restaurants in Napa Valley

Your dog is not just your pet, they are part of your family. It's becoming more and more common for people to bring their pets on vacation with them. But what do you do with your pet when you visit a restaurant in Napa Valley? If you visit one of the restaurants below, you bring your furry family member along!


Angèle Restaurant & Bar - "We are a French country restaurant and bar offering refined bistro fare, wine and cocktails on the Napa riverfront in the heart of downtown Napa. Our dining room, located in the historic 1890's ship chandlery now known as the Hatt Building, evokes the simple romance of the classic French brasserie, while our riverfront patio celebrates the region's temperate climate and relaxed atmosphere."

Downtown Joe’s Brewery & Restaurant - "An American style grill united with quality and freshness. Our menu is locally resourced then cooked with the flair that is true Napa Valley. We proudly feature salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, decadent house made desserts, and more modern pub grub."

Fumé Bistro and Bar - "Great food, seasonally inspired menus straight from the farmer's market and regional growers, personal service, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. "We build strong ties with local growers and producers of only the freshest produce, meats, cheeses and wines. Our menu, and the friendly welcome you receive when you enter our dining room, reflect my passion for delivering the very best experience to every customer, every night." -Chef Terry Letson"

Gott’s Roadside - "For anyone who craves delicious, high-quality fare in a welcoming, down-to-earth spot, Gott’s Roadside is a tried-and-true local favorite. We serve juicy cheeseburgers, great hot dogs, incredible onion rings and hand-spun shakes alongside crispy Ahi Poke tacos, Chinese chicken salad, and a renowned Ahi burger—try finding those at your average drive-in—but our versions of these American roadside favorites and California classics are made-to-order using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our commitment to local sourcing also extends to the glass: our California-centric list of wines and beers means you can order a Point Reyes Blue Cheese Burger with a high-end Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, or sip a San Francisco-brewed Anchor Steam beer alongside your spicy, sweet potato fries. At Gott’s Roadside every detail matters and nothing is ever ordinary."

For more restaurants in the Napa Valley click here!


Monday, May 22, 2017

What to do in Sonoma County

Sonoma County, California is home to over 425 wineries, amazing redwood forests, and miles of beautiful coastline. It is close to San Francisco which makes it a great vacation spot. Visiting the gorgeous wineries is on the top of our to-do list, but there are a lot of other great activities available for those who love adventure, or just want to relax.

Some activities include:

Regional Parks
Beaches
Fishing
Wildlife Tours
Zip Lining
Horseback Riding
Biking




To see our full list of Napa Valley Activities, along with businesses that offer these activities, click here!

On The Road - May 2017

Hawkes Vineyard
6734 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448 www.hawkeswine.com Tel: 707-433-4295
Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM, walk ins welcome
Tasting Fee: YES: Tripadvisor: #51 of 156 things to do in Healdsburg. Yelp: YES.

Hawkes vineyard is located in Alexander Valley and is bordered by a forest of Douglas Firs and a tributary of the Russian River. While it is off the beaten path it is well worth the visit. Growing stunning Cabernets since 1972 you will be welcomed by a friendly and informative staff into a casual atmosphere with a beautiful and intimate tasting room. The Chardonnays are excellent too. There is a fantastic patio complete with Picnic Tables, which makes Hawkes wine and cheese pairings a delightful experience.

In Sonoma, Hawkes Vineyard has a lovely tasting room that requires reservations:
338 First Street, West Sonoma 95476
Hours: Thursday – Monday 11:00AM-6:00PM by appointment only.
Tel: 707-938-7620/Tasting Fee: YES


Medlock Ames Winery & Vineyard
3487 Alexander Valley Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448 www.medlockames.com Tel: 707-431-1418
Hours at the Tasting Room: 10:00AM-4:30PM
Hours at Bell Mountain Ranch: By appointment.
Tasting Fee: YES: Tripadvisor: #26 of 156 things to do in Healdsburg. Yelp: YES

Medlock Ames is known for their organic delicious Cabernets & Bordeaux Blends. The tasting room is lovely offering walk ins a fabulous tasting experience overlooking views of the beautiful gardens. Wine and Cheese pairings are a sumptuous treat not to be missed, requiring a reservation in advance. Parties of 6 or more must reserve their spot.

To visit the Vineyard at Bell Howell Ranch and have a complete tour and wine tasting with food pairing call and reserve your spot, you will not be disappointed.


While in the area and not too far away...

Dining:

6706 Highway 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel: 707-431-1212 (Open 7:30AM–5:00PM)
*Located next to Hawkes Vineyard & previously featured in our On the Road Blog.

Gusio Latin Fusion (Latin American & Caribbean)
117 North Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel: 707-431-1302 (Open 11:30AM-2:30PM & 5:00PM-9:00PM)

Catelli’s (Italian)
21047 Geyserville Avenue
Geyserville, CA 95441
Tel: 707-857-3471 (Open Noon – 9:30PM)

Taste of Tea (Coffee House)
109 N. Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel: 707-431-1995

Lodging:

20507 Geyserville Avenue
Geyserville, CA 95441
(707) 756-2400

854 Warm Springs Road
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-1221

5131 Warm Springs Road
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 996-5131

Monday, May 15, 2017

Common Flower Aromas Found in Wine

Since it's spring, flowers are blooming everywhere! There's a wide variety of flowers around the country that are in bloom right now and there's a wide variety of flower aromas that you can find in different kinds of wine. Here are some flower aromas and what wines to sample them in:

Citrus Blossom
Citrus blossoms, like orange, lemon, and lime, feature a perfumed smell that is commonly found in white wine.
Found in: Riesling, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc

Geranium
With long, palm-shaped leaves that are generally circular, these flowers contain five petals and usually are white, pink, purple, or blue.
Found in: Torrontes, Malbec, Petit Verdot

Lavender
These shrub-like perennials' flowers are usually blue, violet, or lilac.
Found in: Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Mourvedre

Rose
With over a hundred species, roses are available in numerous sizes and colors. They are known for their romantic style and delightful smell.
Found in: Pinot Nior, Gerwurztraminer, Nebbiolo

Violet
Generally having heart-shaped, scalloped leaves, violet consists of five petals - four that are facing up and one larger one facing down. Violet is usually found in fine red wines.
Found in: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah

White Flowers
Having a subtle, flowery smell, white flower aromas mainly accompany fruit flavors in white wines.
Found in: Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Fiano


Monday, May 8, 2017

2017 Napa Valley Farm Markets

If you're visiting Napa Valley and looking for a casual activity try visiting one (or more) of the many farm markets in the area. In addition to fresh produce, farm markets offer handmade gifts, clothing, household goods, jewelry, prepared foods, and more while allowing you to support the local economy.

Some other things you may find at the local farm markets in Napa Valley include live music, face-painting, and cooking demonstrations.


The local farm markets include:

Napa Farmers Market
April 15, 2017-November 21, 2017 every Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 am until 12:30 pm.
195 Gasser Drive, Napa, CA 94559

St. Helena Farmers Market
Fridays from 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
May 1 through October 31
Crane Park – 360 Crane Ave.  St. Helena, CA 94574

Long Meadow Ranch Farmers Market
May to October every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
AND
November to April every Friday from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 2:00 p.m
1796 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574

Calistoga Farmers Market
Saturdays from 8:30 am to noon, year-round
Sharpsteen Museum Plaza Washington Street, Calistoga

Monday, May 1, 2017

What to do in Napa Valley

Napa County, California is one of the most beautiful places in the world which makes it a very popular vacation destination. Of course we recommend visiting wineries while in the area, but there are so many other activities to do while there.

With the exquisite scenery, warm weather, and amazing views Napa offers, getting out to explore the land is a must. 

Here are some activities available:

Hot Air Balloon Rides
Biking
Golfing
Jet Skiing
Kayaking
Fly Fishing
Horseback Riding
Paddleboarding




To see our full list of Napa Valley Activities, along with businesses that offer these activities, click here!

Monday, April 24, 2017

What Temperature to Serve Wine

A lot of the time your bottles of wine are stored at room temperature on a wine rack. When you're ready to serve the wine you may be unsure if it should be served at that temperature or if it should be chilled before serving.

The temperature a wine is served at is important in releasing the best aromatics of the wine.

The best temperature for white wine is 49-55°F.
Most refrigerators are set to about 39°F which is too cold for the majority of white wines. Dry white wines and champagne should be chilled in the refrigerator for about an hour and inexpensive, sparkling, or sweeter white wines should be chilled for about two hours to bring their temperature down a little more.

The best temperature for red wine is 62-68°F.
Since most homes are kept warmer than 62-68°F, many reds will benefit from sitting in the refrigerator for about a half an hour to bring the temperature down a little bit.

Another way to chill wine is to put it in a bucket with ice and water. This chills the wine more rapidly than the refrigerator. If wine is too cold and needs the temperature increased before serving, warm the wine gradually to avoid damaging it.

If you're not sure what temperature to serve a certain wine at, keep this in mind: it's always better to serve wine a little too cold as opposed to a little too warm.

Friday, April 21, 2017

On The Road - April 2017

Jordan Vineyard & Winery
1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
www.jordanwinery.com Tel: 800-654- 1213
Hours: By Appointment only.
Tasting Fee: YES: Tripadvisor: #8 of 155 things to do in Healdsburg. Yelp: YES.

You are welcomed into a French style chateau in an estate like setting where you will
enjoy an intimate tasting and educational experience. The Chardonnays are fashioned
by the finest White Burgundy and the Cabernets inspired by the finest Bordeaux. There
are several tasting options to choose from and delicious food pairings that enhance the
tasting experience. Tours of the grounds available in good weather.



Ridge Vineyards - Lytton Springs
650 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
www.ridgewine.com Tel: 408-867- 3233
Hours: Walk-in: Monday – Thursday 11:00AM-4:00PM/Friday- Sunday 11:00AM-5:00PM
Tasting Fee: YES: Tripadvisor #29 of 155 things to do in Healdsburg. Yelp: YES.

When you arrive at Ridge-Lytton Springs you will be welcomed by a friendly staff in a
spacious tasting room with lovely views of the vineyards. Famous for their Zinfandels,
tastings will not disappoint. Delicious wines all around. You can personalize your
experience with an intimate tour and tasting. On your next trip visit their other location,
Monte Bello, in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains.



Unti Vineyards
4202 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
www.untivineyards.com Tel: 707-433- 5990
Hours: Everyday 10:00AM-4:00PM by appointment.
Tasting Fee: YES: Tripadvisor # 37 of 155 things to do in Healdsburg. Yelp: YES.

Unti is well known for their Italian varietals, which are all delicious. The simple entrance
to the winery takes you to a lovely tasting room, which is set in the middle of the
vineyard. A warm welcoming staff makes you feel tight at home. Sip, sit and enjoy.



While in the area and not too far away...

Dining:

Café Lucia (Latin American)
235 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel: 707-431- 1113 (Lunch & Dinner)

330 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel: 707-395- 4640 (All day dining opens 11:30AM)

Dry Creek Kitchen (American-Seafood)
317 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel: 707-431- 0330 (Dinner only)

Spoonbar (American)
219 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel: 707-433- 7222 (Dinner only)

Lodging:

198 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448

14891 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448

70 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448

Monday, April 17, 2017

When and How to Let Wine Breathe

After being trapped in a bottle for years, wine needs a chance to breathe. This allows the wine to oxidize which can soften the flavors and release the aromas in the wine. Twenty-five to thirty minutes is usually all you need to accomplish this, but in the case of some tannic or younger red wines, you may need to let them breathe for a few hours.

Just opening the bottle and letting it stand is not the best way to let the wine breathe since it only exposes a little part of the wine to air. A great way to let your wine breathe is to pour it into a decanter. A decanter is a large bottomed glass bottle that exposes a larger portion of the wine to air. If you don't have a decanter, you can pour the wine into a large wine glass and swirl it for a few minutes.

However, not all wines are the same so they don't require the same time to breathe. Here are some tips to remember when aerating wine:

• Vintage red wines should only be aerated for 10-15 minutes to ensure their flavors don't get overpowered by over-oxidation.

• Young red wines should be allowed about an hour to breathe in order to soften the flavors.

• Most white wines don't have tannins so they don't need to be aerated.


Monday, April 10, 2017

Buy Wine Direct from AWineryReview.com

We are now an affiliate of Wine.com which means any wine listed on our website that has a wine glass image
next to it is available for you to buy online!


More about Wine.com...

"Our Story
Welcome to Wine.com, the modern way to learn about and buy wine!

Our mission is to promote the wine lifestyle, through innovation. Headquartered in San Francisco, right between California’s wine country and Silicon Valley, we’re passionate about using technology to bring you the world of wine at your fingertips.

From humble beginnings in 1998, we've been through an incredible journey to navigate the wine shipping laws, earn the trust of thousands of wineries and create a customer experience we are proud of. Today we combine a million-bottle wine shop with the information, tools and expert advice you need to enjoy it. Add to that the best delivery service in the industry, satisfaction guaranteed, and you see why we've been the number one online wine retailer by revenue for the last decade.

And, of course, we're never done innovating, so check back often!

Cheers,

Rich Bergsund
CEO" - Wine.com

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Everyday Wine - White


The following are a list of white wines that are priced to be enjoyed any day or every day of the week. These white wines retail for approximately $20.00 or less. We have also included some wines priced just over $20.00 as they are simply too yummy to omit.  (Please note that retailer prices may vary)

The wines listed for your everyday glass have been rated 89 and above by some of the most popular wine critics (i.e. Robert Parker, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Stephen Tanzer, James Suckling, James Halliday, Vinous & Wine & Spirits).


SAUVIGNON BLANC

A.

Angeline Vineyards & Winery 2014 Russian River ($15.00)

B.

Bodkin, The Victor’s Spoils 2014 North Coast (17.99)
Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Monterey County & Russian River ($9.00)
Bonterra *Organically Grown 2015 (15.99)

D.

Decoy 2015 Sonoma ($18.00)
Dry Creek Vineyard Fume Blanc 2015 Sonoma ($12.99)
Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Dry Creek valley ($15.99)

E.

Easton Monarch Mine Vineyard 2014 Sierra Foothills ($19.99)

F.

Frei Brothers 2014 Release Russian River Valley ($15.00)

G.

Groth Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Napa ($20.00)

H.

Hess Select 2104 North Coast ($13.00)

J.

Jax Vineyards Y3 Yountville ($17.99)

K.

Kenwood 2014 Sonoma ($11.99)

L.

Lava Cap 2015 Sierra Foothills (1999)
Liberated 2014 Sonoma ($17.00)
Long Meadow Ranch 2015 Rutherford ($19.99)

M.

Mangerum 2013 Sybarite Santa Barbara ($18.00)
Miner Family Wines 2013 Napa ($20.00)
Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2014 Napa ($20.00)

P.

Pedroncelli 2014 Eastside Vineyards Dry Creek Valley ($12.00)

S.

Santa Barbara Winery 2014 Santa Ynez Valley ($16.00)
Shannon Ridge High Elevation 2015 North Coast ($19.00)
Six Sigma 2014 Asbill Valley, Lake County ($17.00)

T.

Tangent 2013 *Organic Paragon Vineyard Edna Valley ($14.00)
The White Knight 2014 Lodi ($12.00)
Tin Barn 2015 Carneros ($16.99)

W.

Wente Vineyards Louis Mel 2013 Estate Grown Livermore Valley ($12.00)
WhiteHall Lane 2015 Napa Valley ($19.99)
William Hill Estate Winery 2014 North Coast ($14.00)

Y.

Yorkville Cellars 2014 *Organic Randle Hill Vineyards, Mendocino ($17.00)


CHARDONNAY

A.

Auspicion 2015 California ($11.99)

B.

Bishop’s Peak by Talley 2015 Edna Valley ($18.00)
Bonterra *Organically Grown 2015 Mendocino ($13.99)
Bravium 2015 Russian River ($19.99)
Buena Vista 2014 Carneros ($20.00)

C.

Calera 2014 Central Coast ($20.00)
Carlson 2014 Central Coast ($20.00)
Cline Cellars 2013 Sonoma Coast ($15.99)

D.

Daou Vineyards 2014 Paso Robles ($17.99)
DeLoach 2013 Russian River, Sonoma ($20.00)

F.

Folie a Deux 2014 Russian River, Sonoma ($18.00)
Franciscan Estate 2014 Napa Valley ($18.00)

G.

Geyser Peak 2014 California ($14.00)
Grayson Cellars 2015 ($13.99)

H.

Hess Collection 2104 Napa Valley ($22.00)

K.

Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve 2015 Central Coast ($22.00)
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve 2015 California ($17.00)

L.

La Crema 2014 Sonoma Coast ($19.99)
Lava Cap Reserve 2015 El Dorado, Sierra Foothills ($22.00)
La Follette North Coast 2014 ($19.99)
Leese-Fitch 2015 California ($11.99)
Luli 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands ($19.99)

M.

Matchbook The Arsonist Chardonnay 2014, Dunnigan Hills ($21.99)
Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands ($22.00)
MooBuzz 23014 Monterey, Central Coast ($16.99)
Mossback 2015 Russian River, Sonoma ($17.99)

P.

Parducci Small Lot Blend 2014 Mendocino ($12.99)

R.

Raeburn 2014 Russian River, Sonoma ($17.99)
Raymond Reserve Selection 2014 Napa Valley ($20.00)
Ron Rubin 2013 Russian River, Sonoma ($19.99)
Route Stock Route 121 2014 Carneros ($18.99)

S.

Santa Barbara Winery 2014 Santa Rita Hills ($17.00)

T.

Taken Wine Company Complicated Chardonnay 2014 Sonoma ($17.99)

W.

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2015 Livermore Valley ($13.99)


RIESLINGS

B.

Bishop’s Peak Dry Riesling 2014 Edna valley ($15.99)

C.

Carmel Road Monterey 2014 ($17.99/NR)
Claiborne & Churchill Dry Riesling 2014 Central Coast ($19.00/NR)

F.

Fess Parker Santa Barbara 2015 Central Coast ($12.99/NR)
Firestone Riesling 2014 Santa Ynez Valley ($12.99/NR)
Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Riesling 2013 ($19.00/NR)

J.

J. Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling 2015 Monterey ($9.99/NR)

M.

Morgan Double L Vineyard Riesling 2015 Santa Lucia Highlands ($19.99/NR)

R.

Rancho Sisquoc Santa Barbara County 2015 ($16.99/NR)
Santa Barbara Winery Santa Rita Hills 2.3 Riesling 2014 ($18.99/NR)

Z.

Zocker Paragon Vineyard 2013 Edna Valley ($19.99)


ROSE

A.

A by Acacia Rose of Pinot Noir 2015 Napa ($11.99/NR)

B.

Barrymore by Carmel Road Rose of Pinot Noir 2015 Monterey ($18.00/NR)

C.

Carol Shelton Rendezvous Rose 2014 North Coast ($14.99)

D.

Dashe Dry Creek Valley Dry Rose 2015 Sonoma ($19.99/NR)
Decoy Rose 2016 California ($19.99/NR)

F.

Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Rose 2015 Monterey ($14.99/NR)

H.

Hitching Post Pinks Rose 2016 Central Coast ($16.99/NR)
Hitching Post Pinks Rose 2015 Central Coast ($19.99/NR)

P.

Pfendler Rose 2014 Sonoma Coast ($18.00/NR)
Pinot Patch Pinot Noir Rose 2014 ($16.99/NR)
Presqu’ile Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir Rose 2015 Santa Maria Valley ($19.99)

S.

Sobon Estate Rezerve Rose 2015 ($8.99/NR)
St. Suprey Rose 2015 Napa ($15.99)

T.

Teira Rose 2014 Dry Creek valley ($12.99/NR)
Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad Pinot Noir Rose 2015 ($12.99/NR)

V.

Verdad Rose 2015 Central Coast ($17.99)



SPARKLING WINES

G.

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV Sonoma ($22.00)
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV Carneros ($22.00)
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blanc NV Carneros ($22.00)

K.

Korbel *Organic Brut NV ($15.00)
Korbel Chardonnay Champagne NV ($14.00)
Korbel Brut Rose NV ($12.99)

M.

Mumm Napa Brut Rose NV Napa ($24.00)
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige NV Napa ($22.00)

S.

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence NV Mendocino ($19.99)