purple grapes hanging form vines with leaves that are turning from green to a reddish rust
Wineries Seeking the Quintessential Zinfandel

If you’re seeking the quintessential Zinfandel, head to Dry Creek Valley, a slice of heaven in Northern Sonoma County. Why visit Dry Creek Valley to find amazing Zinfandel when so many other regions produce good Zins?   Why Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel? Long-time Dry Creek Valley winegrower Fred Peterson, owner of Peterson Winery, explains, “If you […]

Rebecca Germolus / Apr 16, 2024
photo of Nebbiolo grapes just before harvest
Wine Tasting Tips Lesser-Known Varietals Revised

The joys of wine appreciation include checking out unusual or lesser-known varietals. This means varietals that aren’t the standard Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, etc. When wine tasting Along the Wine Road or elsewhere, I find most wineries have some of the standard classic varietals, but I’m seeing more lesser-known varietals […]

Rebecca Germolus / Feb 15, 2024
Podcast Wine Road Podcast Episode 193

  During this episode, our hosts Marci Gordon and Beth Costa, get up close and personal with Mark Orsi from Orsi Family Vineyards. The trio dives into a discussion about the specialty of Orsi Family Vineyards – Italian varietals, shedding special light on their increasingly popular Barbera wine. With 11 individual varieties growing on their […]

Liana / Jan 25, 2024
From left to right: Beth, Jennifer and Marcy. Next panel is a bottle of River Road Vineyards Blue Pinot Grigio
Podcast Wine Road Podcast Episode 188

Join us for an exciting podcast episode where we welcome guest Jennifer Costa, a renowned pastry chef and Beth’s Daughter! She takes us on a culinary journey through Sonoma County, recounting her delightful experiences at a variety of restaurants. Jen does not stop at food, recommending the Italian varietals at Orsi Family Vineyards and highlighting […]

Liana / Nov 16, 2023
Varietal of the Month Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Noble Grapes noted for its high acidity and aromatics. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy; to creamy with notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. Texture is the name of the game with […]

Marcy Gordon / Jun 22, 2023
A colorful sunset with rolling hills and a large tree in the right foreground.
Wineries The Magic of Autumn

Warm sunny days and crisp cool evenings signal the waning of summer and the magic of autumn arriving. October along the Wine Road means stunning colors in the vineyards, a few less people as summer vacations come to an end, and the quality of light in the late afternoons makes for picture perfect photographs. Besides […]

Rebecca Germolus / Oct 4, 2022
Wine & Food Affair 2022 event poster with details and blurred background of vineyards
Event Autumn = Wine & Food Affair

Autumn is just around the corner, and so is one of the Wine Road’s premier tasting events—Wine & Food Affair on November 5th & 6th. Picture yourself meandering along vineyard-lined roads with the autumn sun illuminating the vines bursting with fall colors. Each tasting room visit rewards you with delicious wine and food pairings, plus […]

Rebecca Germolus / Sep 1, 2022
Sparkling wine along the wine road
Varietal of the Month Sparkling: Style of the Month

Nothing makes an occasion more festive than Sparkling Wine. The pop of the cork, the rise of tiny bubbles and the gentle whoosh of foam in the glass—it’s romantic and special. Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety […]

Marcy Gordon / Dec 13, 2021