Monthly Archives: April 2016

Last Round of Winery Themes for 2016 Passport

Passport to Dry Creek Valley – Last Round of Themes Revealed!

We made it! With this round of themes we feature our wineries and tasting rooms in the town of Healdsburg. You now are fully prepared to plan your Passport Weekend.

Download all of these descriptions in this printable PDF and then head over to our Interactive Itinerary Planner to start planning. Don’t forget to schedule in a Vineyard Tour either!

 

Manzanita Creek Winery

Sip and savor award-winning wines paired with tapas, Spanish style small plates, at Manzanita Creek!  Enjoy our great our wines, warm hospitality, and exclusive specials on current release and reserve wines.   Our warehouse winery will be your getaway to Spain for Passport – join us at our friendly and fun filled tasting room!

Manzanita Creek

 

Seghesio Family Vineyards

Get your Passport stamped at Seghesio Family Vineyards where you will be transported to the largest islanda in the Mediterranean… Sicily!! Just off the toe of Italy’s boot. Celebrate with us in our historic grove with live music, bocce ball, and of course a Sicilian inspired food and wine extravaganza!

Seghesio

 

Want to win a large format bottle of Seghesio’s Old Vine Zinfandel?

Purchase a $5 raffle ticket for a chance to win this and other great Passport prizes!

 

Selby Winery

Indulge your senses down on the Bayou!  Join us as we reveal the mysteries of the swamps, marshes and “joie de vivre” of Louisiana.  Fest-goers will experience cuisine prepared by famous Chef Donelon of New Orleans who will pair our Dry Creek Valley Reserves with Crawfish Cornbread, Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, and Alligator Sauce Piquant.  Included in your adventure is Cajun music, magic, dancers and fortune tellers.  Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Selby

 

Roadhouse Winery

Join Roadhouse as we roll back the decades to the 70’s & 80’s with our fully equipped Disco! The Fog billows between the barrels the music thumps and the Disco lights flash to the classics from our local DJ! Put on your dancing shoes jump on the stage and sample our lineup of Gold Medal 90+ point Pinot Noirs, Dry Creek Zin & Cab along with gourmet Mac & Cheese . You Should Be Dancing!  Open Late!

Roadhouse

 

Malm Cellars

Come join us as we celebrate another great year with passport. Bring your cowboy boots and a big appetite as we fire up the grill just outside the Healdsburg square. With a live country band playing enjoy some great wine and good old fashioned bbq.

Malm

 

Blanchard Family Wines

Take a trip back with us to the British Invasion of Rock and Roll, as we welcome Sonoma County’s own, the Pepperland band, as they explore the music of the greatest pop group of all time, the Beatles! We will be pouring our exclusive wines, new releases and even unfinished wines out of the barrel.  And keeping in theme, the wines will pair with delicious British Pub Grub treats.

Blanchard

 

Any of the above themes seem spark a “don’t miss” in your book? Add them to your virtual planner where you can map out your entire Passport adventure in one place. You can find our virtual itinerary planner here.


 

To read more about Passport to Dry Creek Valley visit our events page!

 

There are still a few Prelude to Passport lunches and dinners left – don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to meet your favorite winemakers over a great meal. Learn more here.

 

Sunday only Passports are sold-out and the remainder of 2-Days are going quickly! Be sure to buy your tickets soon so you don’t miss out on this amazing event! Click here for tickets.


Passport to Dry Creek Valley Raffle

Join us in raising money for the Healdsburg Unified School District! This year we’re hosting a raffle to win amazing prize packages from our Passport wineries

100% of our donated dollars support two programs – training preschool teachers in the Healdsburg Unified School District and supporting Pasitos, which helps Spanish speaking children to be successful in school and provides parents with the tools to help maximize their impact on their children’s education. Last year, we raised more than $20,000 through our fundraising efforts and believe Passport is the perfect gateway to our biggest fans.

Raffle tickets are only $5 for 1 ticket, and $20 for 5 tickets. We’ll select winners on 4/27.

Prize packages feature large format bottles from your favorite wineries, bottles for your cellar and even tasting experiences and are an estimated value of $300! As more wineries donate items to the cause, we will add in more packages to accommodate our raffle demand. You do not need to attend Passport to purchase raffle tickets.

Buy your raffle tickets today!

 

Check out below for themes from our donating wineries and be sure to schedule a stop during your Passport Weekend:

 

Forchini Vineyards & Winery

Nothing is better than an Italian experience!  Your travel destination is Italy–welcome to “Under the Forchini Sun!”  In our garden enjoy stunning views and Italian melodies while sipping Papa Nonno, our Tuscan Red.  Chef Muir will serve Cannelloni stuffed with spinach and meat topped with two sauces.  End your Tuscan visit munching glazed chocolate bites, delicious with our Zinfandel and Cabernet.  Special Passport pricing.  Benevenuti a Forchini!

 

Collier Falls at Family Wineries

Join us for our Four Course Mediterranean Wine & Food Pairing. Zinfandel with Canneli Bean and Rocket Salad (Vegan) – Primitivo with Pasta with Sweet Italian Sausage, Artichokes, Roasted Garlic and Tomatos – Petite Sirah with Rustic Italian Braised Short Ribs – Cabernet Sauvignon with Blackberry Gelato and Collier Falls Raspberry Chocolate Sauce.  More Mediterranean wine selections from our 5 co-op wineries in our tasting room.

 

Seghesio Family Vineyards             

Get your Passport stamped at Seghesio Family Vineyards where you will be transported to the largest island in the Mediterranean… Sicily!! Just off the toe of Italy’s boot. Celebrate with us in our historic grove with live music, bocce ball, and of course a Sicilian inspired food and wine extravaganza!

 

Rued Winery                

Step back in time and experience Dry Creek Valley as it once was. The Rued Family invites you to join them in celebrating the rich agricultural history forged by the early settlers. Stroll through our country store, step up to the bar and sip our handcrafted wines, chow down at the cookhouse, tap your toes at the hoedown and enjoy our famous ice cream treats.

 

Pedroncelli Winery          

Pedroncelli is Bistro 1220 this year. Chef Brian Anderson, Bistro 29, will be creating Brittany-inspired fare to complement our wines. Bistro 29 hearkens to the Finistére, Department 29 in France, and is translated as Land’s End. Pedroncelli hails from the eastern-most area Department 1927 (our founding year). A perfect pairing. Featuring our favorite wines where you’ll enjoy a feast for all five senses!

 

West Wines

Grab your Passports and cruise back in time to the 60’s. American Graffiti comes to West Wines with fabulous cars, fun clothes, memorable rock ‘n’ roll and more! Savor our European-style wines next to our Certified Sustainable vineyards. Our small family winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, French and Italian style red blends, crisp white Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and dessert wine.

 

Comstock Wines 

As our estate vines begin to wake and the growing season begins, Comstock Wines celebrates all that is new this spring with fresh farm-to-table bites paired with special new release wines.  Fantastic food, fabulous wines and new friends – Comstock Wines can’t wait to celebrate spring and share our new winery with you!

 

Fritz Underground Winery

Ye outlanders are in for a treat.  Follow the bagpipes to the highlands of Dry Creek Valley and Fritz Underground Winery. Hidden away in the hillside of our 112 acre estate is our unique subterranean facility. Join the lads and lassies of the winery clad in their finest tartan as you feast on potato cakes with smoked salmon and herbed creme  fraiche with our Estate Sauvignon Blanc and a hearty beef stew with our  bonnie Estate Zinfandel. Aye. Ye Ken ye don’t want to miss it.

 

Cast Wines

Take in stunning views from our outdoor tasting terrace at one of Dry Creek’s newest wineries. Taste wines hand crafted by Mike Gulyash. We will be pouring our signature Sauvignon Blanc and Estate Grey Palm Zinfandel, followed by our robust 2013 Watson Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel. Pause for a moment in our relaxing setting, an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the day.

 

A. Rafanelli Winery

Take an early spring picnic with the Rafanelli Family into the countryside of Umbria.  Here you can “Pic Nic a Trevi” where  the olive and olive growing traditions are celebrated in this hillside town.  Delight in this spring time festival that fuses the flavors of olives and herbs with local foods.   Enjoy Italian inspired dishes prepared with our own olive oils and deliciously paired with our new wines.

 

Wilson Winery

Get your passport stamped at Wilson Winery as you travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras!  Join the Wilson Krewe led by our Queen of Carnival, Diane, in a parade of gold medal-winning Zinfandels.  The party continues with authentic Cajun cuisine provided by Lisa Boisset of The Cook And The Drummer, and of course, musical entertainment from DJ FizNik Rick.  Laizzez les bons temps rouler!

 

Kachina Vineyards

Calling all foodies! We are serving up grilled cheesy goodness-Raclette and other specialty cheeses! Blissful days spent creating and perfecting THE best grilled cheesy goodness that pairs with our Bubbly and Cabernet! Unveiling our new Charbono release as well! No foodie experience is complete without dessert! Decadent dark chocolate port-infused truffles paired with out Zinfandel Port. A sweet ending to a foodie experience!

 

Mauritson Family Winery  

Winemaker Clay Mauritson’s superb Rockpile Zinfandels + chef Charlie Palmer’s sublime cuisine = a weekend of perfect wine and food pairings. Plus, don’t miss the highly anticipated release of our 2014 Charlie Clay Pinot Noir. Want signed bottles? Clay and Charlie will be happy to oblige.

 

Göpfrich Winery

Visit Göpfrich Winery ! This is one of the few times in the year that we are actually open to the public. We will be pouring our Dry Creek Valley Estate wines which are only available at the winery since there is no outside distribution of our wines. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of a small family winery. Why not visit a little piece of Germany this weekend!

 

Nick Goldschmidt’s Salmons Leap Vineyard – Sunday Vineyard Tour

650 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg – begins promptly at 9:30a

Join Yolyn Goldschmidt, owner and president of Goldschmidt Vineyards, along with international winemaker Claudia Del Rio from Chile and Phil Enzenauer, a well-known Dry Creek Valley vineyard manager, for a tour of Salmons Leap Vineyard.

Along with the tour, Vineyard Manager Phil will discuss a variety of topics including establishing and managing vineyards throughout Dry Creek Valley, water shortage issues, the growing lack of farm labor, and the move to sustainable vineyard practices. Phil will talk about pruning on VSP versus split canopy, water usage, best practices during the growing season, the importance of berry size, and how proper viticulture practices can influence berry size.  Winemaker Claudia will compare and contrast grapes grown on this site to similar sites in the Alexander Valley. She will discuss wine differences from the two Sonoma County appellations (Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys) that Nick Goldschmidt and she oversee, and include a tasting of Nick’s wine produced in these appellations. Salmons Leap is one of several vineyards Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt own throughout the world, giving Claudia a global perspective of viticulture and winemaking. With this view in mind, Claudia will discuss how the team produces the best possible fruit from this vineyard. To conclude, Yolyn will offer a special tasting of other Goldschmidt wines.

To sign up for this international perspective on the Goldschmidt’s Dry Creek Valley vineyards, please RSVP to Karen at [email protected]

 

Download 2016 Passport Map, Themes & Vineyard Tour Information.

 

Current prize packages* (each is an estimated $300 value):

#1 – For your collection a 2002 Hillside Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum from Collier Falls, a bottle of Forchini Pinot Noir & a bottle of Rued Sauvignon Blanc.

#2 – A 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel Magnum by Seghesio Family Vineyards, Forchini Cabernet Sauvignon, Rued  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Mother Clone Zinfandel from J. Pedroncelli, a surprise bottle from Kachina Vineyards & a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Comstock Wines.

#3 – A Magnum of 2013 Three Vineyards Cabernet from J. Pedroncelli, a bottle of Rued Zinfandel, Zinfandel from A. Rafanelli, a surprise bottle from Kachina Vineyards and a box set of 3 Wilson wines.

#4 – A Magnum from Cast Wines, a bottle of Rued Cabernet, Zinfandel from A. Rafanelli, a surprise bottle from Kachina Vineyards and complimentary tasting for 8 people at Fritz Underground Winery.

# 5 – A 2005 West Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum, Rued Zinfandel, mystery bottle from Kachina Vineyards, a bottle of Zinfandel and tasting for 4 from our newest winery Comstock Wines.

#6 – A collectors magnum from Gopfrich of their 2007 Cabernet Reserve, 2 bottles from Kachina Vineyards with complimentary wine and truffle tasting for 4, a bottle Grey Palm Estate Zinfandel from Cast, and a bottle of Forchini’s Beausierra Bordeaux blend.

#7 – A Vineyard Tour Inspired Prize Package: A magnum of Mauritson’s Rockpile Zinfandel, a bottle of West Wines West Crest Cuvee, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Cast and a large format bottle of 2011 Cabernet from Forefather’s Wine (Goldschmidt’s Vineyards).

Each prize package is an est. $300 value. Packages may vary slightly and will be updated to include new donations.

 

Tickets are $5 for 1 ticket and $20 for 5 tickets.

Visit Raffle River to purchase your raffle tickets today!

 

*Actual Prize Packages may vary slightly from description but will still hold an estimated $300 value.

Fifth Round of Winery Themes for 2016 Passport

Passport to Dry Creek Valley – Fifth Round of Themes Revealed!

We’re almost done. This round features the last of the wineries out on Dry Creek & Westside Road. We’ll finish next week with our wineries located in the town of Healdsburg! Download your map of this year’s participating wineries, click here.

 

Lambert Bridge Winery

Join us for the perfect wine country escape all whilst enjoying great wine and food, warm hospitality and a game or two of beanbag toss.  A relaxing and fun experience at Lambert Bridge creates the perfect environment to savor small-lot artisanal wines and enjoy a hidden gem in the heart of Dry Creek Valley.  Feast Catering will be handcrafting fresh and local food, focusing on the amazing bounty of Sonoma County.

Lambert Bridge

 

Wilson Winery

Get your passport stamped at Wilson Winery as you travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras!  Join the Wilson Krewe led by our Queen of Carnival, Diane, in a parade of gold medal-winning Zinfandels.  The party continues with authentic Cajun cuisine provided by Lisa Boisset of The Cook And The Drummer, and of course, musical entertainment from DJ FizNik Rick.  Laizzez les bons temps rouler!

Wilson

 

Comstock Wines

As our estate vines begin to wake and the growing season begins, Comstock Wines celebrates all that is new this spring with fresh farm-to-table bites paired with special new release wines.  Fantastic food, fabulous wines and new friends – Comstock Wines can’t wait to celebrate spring and share our new winery with you!

Comstock

 

West Wines

Grab your passports and cruise back in time to the 60’s. American Graffiti comes to West Wines with fabulous cars, fun clothes, memorable rock ‘n’ roll and more! Savor our European-style wines next to our Certified Sustainable vineyards. Our small family winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, French and Italian style red blends, crisp white Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and dessert wine.

West Wines

 

DaVero Farms & Winery

Come taste what happens when you work with Mother Nature and embrace natural winemaking. Enjoy remarkable, 100% natural wines from Italian varietals – Sangiovese, Barbera, Sagrantino, and more – most grown right here on our Biodynamic farm and paired with our own lamb, pork, fresh produce and legendary olive oil. You’ll quickly understand why our motto is; “Grow what belongs here. Be patient.”

DaVero

 

Geyser Peak

Join Geyser Peak Winery and our “Taste of the Rat Pack” – Close your eyes and be transported back to the swingin’ days in the Copa Room of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.  Can you dig it?

Sample some of Frank, Sammy, and Dean’s favorite tasty bites paired perfectly with our wines.  We are also featuring a “signature themed cocktail” served on our patio overlooking Dry Creek Valley.  Come swing to live music on the lawn area.  See you soon!

 

Geyser peak correct

 

Armida Winery

CADDYSHACK. “Cinderella story. Outta nowhere. A former greenskeeper, now about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a mirac……  It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!   It’s in the hole!”  Relax in the luxurious amenities of the Bushwood Country Club, along with the Head Pro Menu, the PULSATORS, Barrel Tasting, and of course….. the best Zinfandels in Dry Creek Valley. FORE!

Armida

 

De La Montanya Winery

“Keep on driving south to the last stop in Dry Creek Valley.  If you have visited us before you know we are hard to find but worth the effort.  If you haven’t, we then what are you waiting for?  Food, wine, music, and who knows what other antics will ensue.  Featuring unique varietals in limited quantities that are best enjoyed with friends.”

De La Montanya

 

Next post we reveal our wineries in town: Manzanita Creek Winery, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Selby Winery, Roadhouse Winery, Malm Cellars & Blanchard Family Wines.

 

Any of the above themes seem spark a “don’t miss” in your book? Add them to your virtual planner where you can map out your entire Passport adventure in one place. You can find our virtual itinerary planner here.


To read more about Passport to Dry Creek Valley visit our events page!

There are still a few Prelude to Passport lunches and dinners left – don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to meet your favorite winemakers over a great meal! Learn more here.

 

Sunday Passports are SOLD OUT! Be sure to buy your 2-day Passports soon so you don’t miss out on this amazing event! Click here for tickets.


Dry Creek Valley Wines for Springtime

Dry Creek Valley Wines for Springtime

Springtime boasts fresh cut fields, gorgeous blooms, bees buzzing and warm sunshine all over the idyllic Dry Creek Valley. You can truly taste all of these in our springtime wines. Grassy notes in Sauvignon Blanc, bright florals in our Rose, honeysuckle in the Viognier and refreshment from the heat in a tall glass of bubbly.

Fortunately, Dry Creek Valley is home to over 30 different grape varietals and offers many wine choices perfect for any mood. Here’s a guide on where to find some of what we’re drinking this spring!

 

Chardonnay

The chardonnay grape can make wines that are lean with zippy acidity, briny minerality, and flavors of apple and citrus–or it can make wines that are a little bolder, with ripe tropical fruit flavors often complemented by the vanilla and coconut flavors imparted from aging in new oak. You’ll find some of each style in Dry Creek Valley. These wines can pair with white fish, shellfish, buttered vegetables, and even chicken or pork.

12751516_1768186750083922_2128379089_n

A Glass of Chardonnay @sbragiafamilyvineyards

Try these Dry Creek Valley Chardonnays:

2014 Home Ranch Chardonnay by Sbragia Family Vineyards ($30)

Tasting Notes: Aromas of ripe apples, tropical fruit and toasted almonds with a buttery brioche. On the nose there is vanilla and baking spice from the oak, but on the palate it is pure apple and citrus with bright acidity and a long, weighty finish.

2014 La Nue Chardonnay by Michel-Sclumberger ($28)

Tasting Notes: Aromas of fresh apricots, wildflowers. On the palate there’s bright acidity, fresh apricot and floral flavors, long rich fruit finish

2012 Chardonnay by Amista Vineyards ($30)

Tasting Notes: White peach, nectarine and a hint of citrus on the nose.  On the palate, the rich stone fruit continues, with a round and full mid-palate and a balanced acidity.

 

Sauvignon Blanc

With its bright citrus flavors and tones of fresh savory herbs, this wine is a quintessential weather quencher. Great with everything from oysters to green salads to lighter Mexican food, this abounds in Dry Creek Valley and on picnic tables everywhere.

12547466_1120182114667908_1406300308_n

@karennau

See What All the Buzz is About with Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc:

2014 Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc by Quivira Vineyards ($24)

Tasting Notes: Aromas of lime and freshly cut grass that leads to flavors of pineapple, lemon and lime along with an undercurrent of wet stone. Wonderful for pairing with a plate of briny oysters or a creamy goat cheese.

2014 Sauvignon Blanc by Comstock Wines ($24)

Tasting Notes: Flavors of citrus blossom, papaya and mango. A crisp lemon-lime finish make this Sauvignon Blanc an incredible partner for shell fish and delicate seafood like sole.

2014 Sauvignon Blanc by Mauritson Wines ($21)

Tasting Notes: Loaded with amazing fruit, this crisp wine entices with lemon zest and pink grapefruit, accented by flavors of dried apricot, white peach, passion fruit and limestone.

2015 Sauvignon Blanc by Dry Creek Vineyard ($18)

Tasting Notes: Flavors of Meyer lemons, tangerines and mineral notes come through with a slightly creamy, but lively finish. Stainless steel fermentation was supplemented with small amounts of chestnut, acacia and French oak barrels adding additional character and nuance to this delicious wine.

 

Rosé

While we love rosé in every season, we’re delighted to have entered the time of year in which it’s en vogue to drink it. According to Nielsen, the United States accounts for 13% of all rosé consumed worldwide. With its diverse microclimates and soil types, Dry Creek Valley is producing a lovely range of rosé wines in different styles and shades of pink.

12424902_1693785490860455_1766037982_n

@pedroncelliwinery

Make Sure You Have These Rosés Ready for Your Springtime Guests:

2015 Dry Rosé of Zinfandel by J. Pedroncelli ($12)

Tasting Notes: Inviting aromas of fresh strawberry, watermelon and spicy pepper. These are nicely balanced with the crisp taste of pomegranate, more strawberry and a bit of orange zest.

2014 Salmon Run Rosé of Zinfandel by Truett Hurst Winery ($20)

Tasting Notes: Peaches. Alpine strawberry. Honeysuckle. Pairs with fresh fruit, cheese and spicy dishes.

2014 Estate Rosé of Syrah by Gustafson Family Vineyards ($20)

Tasting Notes: Opens with juicy watermelon, guava, and a hint of bubblegum, balanced by tangy pomegranate, fresh cherry blossom, and sour cherry. There is a delightful minerality that stands somewhere between wet stone and spring rain, which is followed by the characteristic mid-palate creaminess that comes from fermenting in barrel.

 

Sparkling

Effervescence has been observed in wine throughout history and has been noted by Ancient Greek and Roman writers but the cause of this mysterious appearance of bubbles was not understood. Over time it has been attributed to phases of the moon as well as both good and evil spirits. While it does taste magical, it’s actually science! Sparkling wines are grapes with significant amounts of yeast added to the winemaking process which adds carbon dioxide to it, making it fizzy.

@amistavineyards

@amistavineyards

We have a few distinct sparkling wine producers in Dry Creek Valley worth celebrating:

NV Sparkling Blanc de Blanc by Amista Vineyards ($40)

Tasting Notes: Crisp pear start out this glass of bubbles.  On the palate, the pear notes continue and are complimented by hints of green apple and lemon zest.

NV Sparkling Blanc de Noirs by Cast Wines ($32)

Tasting Notes: Classic brioche and grapefruit in the aromas. The fine creamy mousse has flavors of baked apple and a hint of light lime zest.

Sparkling Grenache by Amista Vineyards ($42)

Tasting Notes: The palate is round and lush, with a bright acidity to balance out the fullness.  This wine will be perfect for any classic sparkling wine and food pairing, but will also make a great conversation wine, just hanging out with friends and family before a meal, or anytime.

 

Other Whites

Dry Creek Valley is known for its many Rhone and other white varietals that are all of the highest caliber.

Why Not Give These Whites a Try?

2013 Grenache Blanc by Frick ($26)

Tasting Notes: Aromas are bright green apple, tangerine , melon and mandarin orange, with crisp flavors of apple,pear, mango, pineapple,and a touch of peach. Ends dry with a mineral edge.

2013 Viognier by Trattore Farms ($27)

Tasting Notes: Lush aromatic profile of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, white peach and hints of apricot, it is smooth, yet with a bright and crisp mouthfeel and great minerality.

2014 Gewurztraminer by Mill Creek ($23)

Tasting Notes: very vibrant nose of honeysuckle, lychee fruit and rose petals giving way to like flavors.  The wine is almost completely dry, with a touch of fruitiness on the finish.  Try with Balsamic glazed duck with figs, Cajun shrimp or ginger and green pepper marinated chicken.

 

Something Sweet

Serve a dessert wine after your meal with a light cheese and fruit plate! This is the perfect way to avoid having to turn on your oven and bake when it is getting hot outside.

West Late Harvest

These Sweet Sips are Perfect for Spring:

2012 Late Harvest Viognier by West Wines ($32)

Tasting Notes: Full of ripe mango, peach and some pineapple. Despite being a sweet dessert wine it has a fresh acidity of tangerine and a lingering subtle aftertaste.

2011 Muscat Blend by Peterson Winery ($36)

Tasting Notes: Striking aromatics of fragrant honeysuckle and orange blossom, with a touch of peach, set the tone for this delicious elixir. The rich, velvety texture caresses the palate with lush flavors of zesty orange, nectarine, lychee nut, honey and hazelnut that lingering into the finish

2014 Estate Late Harvest Moscato by DaVero Farms & Winery ($34)

Tasting Notes: This fruit is biodynamic certified and fermented by the native yeasts in the vineyard. With a risidual sugar of only 9.5%, this is a less sweet style then most.