Monthly Archives: June 2014

Summer Events At Dry Creek Valley Wineries: Part One

Summer Events At Dry Creek Valley Wineries: Part One

Summer, Summer, Summertime

With the summer finally upon us, there are plenty of palate-pleasing events going on throughout Dry Creek Valley at our member wineries. From gourmet barbecues to Hawaiian luau celebrations, oyster pairings to bicycle marathons through the heart of Sonoma wine country, there’s no shortage of joyous outings to be had here in Dry Creek Valley. And of course, plenty of delicious Dry Creek Valley wine to savor at each and every one!

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Winery Spotlight: Estate 1856

Winery Spotlight: Estate 1856

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Located in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, Estate 1856 is a boutique, family-owned winery that specializes in small, hand-crafted lots of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Tending a land the family originally purchased in 1856 – hence their name – they proudly carry on a farming traditions that have continued now for six generations. From harvest through blending and bottling, Estate 1856 goal is to create rich, fruit forward, and harmonious blends that delight the palate, embody the essence of their agricultural traditions and our region’s award-winning grapes. Love of the land, love of family and friends inspires all the winemaking endeavors at Estate 1856.

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Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blancs To Try This Summer

Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blancs To Try This Summer

We don’t want you heading into the summer without recommendations for some amazing Dry Creek Valley white wines to sip and savor. Which of course, leads us to sauvignon blanc. Sauvignon blanc originally hails from the Bordeaux region of France and is an aromatic white grape that produces a dry, crisp taste that can include hints of grass, herbs, flowers, citrus fruits and honey melons. It’s an extremely refreshing varietal for the warmer seasons and is extremely versatile, pairing well with poultry, pork, shellfish, sushi, umami flavors and many more. Below are five sauvignon blancs from Dry Creek Valley vintners that exemplify Dry Creek Valley terroir at its finest.

 

Dry Creek Vineyard 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

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Dry Creek Vineyard was the first winery to plant sauvignon blanc in Dry Creek Valley, so they’ve been in the business of crafting incredible sauvignon blanc for over 40 years. This wine epitomizes their expertise in growing this wonderfully diverse varietal. At first swirl, the 2013 vintage presents effusive aromatics of honeydew melon, cantaloupe and mango. There are also underlying layers of citrus and a sense of depth and vibrancy that make this wine extremely pleasing. On the palate, the wine is invigorating with fresh lemon-lime, kiwi and grapefruit notes. They blend in 9% Sauvignon Musqué, a unique clonal selection of Sauvignon Blanc, which adds additional layers of tropical fruit and a fleshy, full-bodied mouthfeel. Simply delicious from start to finish! Pairs rather divinely with fresh shellfish or salmon and mackerel.

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Great Wineries To Picnic At In Dry Creek Valley

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Great Wineries To Picnic At In Dry Creek Valley

Ah, summertime. Sun-drenched skies and stunning views are in abundance here in Dry Creek Valley, making summer the ideal time to take your meal outdoors. And unlike Napa Valley, where county regulations make it difficult to offer picnic facilities to their guests, many Dry Creek Valley wineries have some of the best picnic experiences in all of Sonoma County.  So whether you’re packing your picnic in a wicker basket or a Trader Joe’s carry-on, whether the contents are pre-packed gourmet or assembled in your kitchen, there’s a Dry Creek Valley vineyard picnic area for every occasion… and a bottle of wine to go with it!

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