Monthly Archives: December 2014

New Year’s Resolution: Discover New Wines You Love

December 23rd, 2014

New Year’s Resolution: Discover New Wines You Love

Make a New Year’s Resolution that you’ll actually want to keep this year. Seek out new epicurean adventures in 2015! With that goal in mind, these four Dry Creek Valley wineries are hidden gems worth discovering.

The view from D H Gustafson’s Estate picnic area.

DH Gustafson Family Vineyard – The most remote of all the tasting rooms in Dry Creek Valley, and well-worth the scenic drive you’ll take to get there. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy scenic views of the valley from the highest elevation in the appellation. Grapes are all grown at the estate and farmed sustainably.  Because of the unique terroir and cooler microclimate at the Gustafson Family Vineyard, they produce the only Dry Creek Valley Riesling. They also make excellent Syrah, Rose of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and more! If you don’t have time to make the trek, they’ve just opened a tasting room in Healdsburg, too. (more…)

Dry Creek Valley Spotlight: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

December 19th, 2014

Dry Creek Valley Spotlight: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

Late fall and winter is a great time to visit Dry Creek Valley. The air is crisp and the bare grapevines provide starkly beautiful scenery. A hearty zinfandel or a juicy red blend tastes as delicious as ever when it’s cold outside. Perhaps best of all, tasting rooms are quieter than in summer months, which means visitors can count on a highly personalized experience. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, one of the busiest tasting rooms in the Valley, is an especially great stop to make on your journey. This month, we’re putting the spotlight on a Sonoma mainstay. (more…)

San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival Photo Recap

December 10th, 2014

San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival Photo Recap

Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley partnered with The Wine Road to bring 17 wineries from Northern Sonoma County to Southern California in November for the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. From Dry Creek Valley, Collier Falls Winery, Fritz Underground Winery, Kokomo Winery, Papapietro Perry Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Peterson Winery, and Wilson Winery were in attendance with their finest wines! It’s hard to capture in pictures how much fun we had, but we tried. For even more photos from this adventure and more, follow us on Instagram @drycreekvalleywines!

This is where it all took place. Hard to complain about a day like this!

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Dry Creek Valley Holiday Gift Guide

December 9th, 2014

Dry Creek Valley Holiday Gift Guide

There’s more to Dry Creek Valley than its incredible old vine zinfandel. Whether you’re a Sonoma County local or planning a pre-holiday visit to the region, we’ve got your holiday shopping covered. Here are some amazing gifts to compliment your favorite bottles:

DaVero Farms “Just Add Chicken” Gift Basket

DaVero Farms makes a fantastic lineup of jams, vinegars, olive oil, and more. The Meyer Lemon Curd is a delicious breakfast treat to spread on toast or mix into your Greek yogurt for an extra kick. You’ll find gifts of all sizes, from $12 jams and preserves to $30 spa sets which include three olive-oil based soaps to a $214 “Just Add Chicken” basket, which includes everything you need for a gourmet dinner, from seasoning rub to perfectly-paired wines.

Dry Creek Olive Company Gourmet Sampler

Trattore Farms and Dry Creek Olive Company sell gift sets with sample-sized bottles of premium olive oil and vinegars. With delightful salad-friendly flavors like Pomegranate Vinegar and Valencia Orange Olive Oil, these sets will delight any foodie on your list. The Three Orchards Olive Oil blend lists all olive varieties used. It comes as no surprise that it took home Double Gold at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair!

Collier Falls Winery makes irresistible artisan wine-infused chocolate sauces. Choose from Cabernet or Zinfandel. Pour over ice cream or any dessert, if you can restrain yourself from drinking straight from the bottle!

Quivira Vineyard Wildflower Honey

As one of many conservation efforts the winery makes, Quivira Vineyards and Winery raises its own honey bees to help pollinate their vineyards. Quivira’s vineyard wildflower honey sold in 10 ounce jars for $12 each is a sweet bonus.

Tomte ornaments at West Wines

Tomte felt ornaments are a staple Christmas tradition in Sweden. During December, you can purchase these darling handcrafted imports from the tasting room at Swedish-owned West Wines.

For more festive inspiration, check out our Holiday 2014 guide where you’ll find beloved recipes, pairing suggestions, and more!