Tag: Sonoma County


Dec
2016

Kunde Family Winery Sonoma Valley Chardonnay 2014

categories: Booze, Wine

I feel like Kunde is one of those big family names that has now become synonymous with Sonoma County wines. And it’s no wonder, since the Kunde’s have been harvesting grapes in the area for over a century. But despite their well-known name and prosperity, the Kunde Family Winery is still, in fact, a family winery, run by 4th and 5th generation Kundes. And as such, each wine is an estate-grown and 100% sustainably farmed. Maybe that’s why this seemingly simple Chardonnay provides not just depth of flavors, but depth of soul.

kunde_sonoma-valley-chardonnay

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Dec
2016

Flanagan Wines Sonoma Stage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014

categories: Booze, Wine

During my latest tour of Sonoma County wine country, I got a sneak peek at the new winery and tasting room for Flanagan Wines. They’re a boutique business that is certainly booming at the moment. After tasting a full line-up of their current releases, I can say from experience that this success is absolutely due to the fact that each bottle contains a specific vineyard’s story.

Once Upon A Time, there was a Pinot Noir from Sonoma Stage Vineyard…

flanagan_pinot-noir

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Dec
2016

Winery Review: Kenwood Vineyards

categories: Booze, Winery Reviews

Tasting Kenwood wines from the store is nothing like tasting with the winemaker himself. So much the better if you can do it after a tour of the vineyards and winery. Seeing the historic estate sitting amongst acres and acres of vines, really gives the “big name brand” wines a sense of time, place, and personality.

Kenwood Vineyards tasting room – original structure dating back to 1906

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Dec
2016

Winery Review: Flanagan Wines

categories: Booze, Winery Reviews

If you haven’t heard of Flanagan Wines yet, then listen up because this boutique winery is worth seeking out during your next wine country getaway. With wines that are just as charmingly boisterous as proprietor Eric Flanagan, there’s no better location for their new winery than on a hilltop along the illustrious Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. Complete with a cozy tasting room overlooking scenic Sonoma, there’s no better place to sip and savor the story captured in every Flanagan Wines bottle.

The New Flanagan Winery, evening

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Dec
2016

Lauterbach Cellars 2013 Late Harvest Syrah

categories: Booze, Wine

Stew and Barb weren’t always winemakers. In fact, Stew still works in the medical field and Barb is only recently retired from her career as an attorney. On a recent visit to Sonoma County wine country, I scheduled some time at this literal mom-and-pop wine operation. And if you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend you visit as well — this is your chance to learn the nitty gritty of the winemaking operation from a couple who’ve made this work a project of passion, not profit. And nothing exemplifies this creativity more than the 2013 Late Harvest Syrah.

lauterbach-cellars_late-harvest-syrah

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