Rain or Shine!

Going wine tasting is always an adventure to me. It never gets old and my anticipation is almost that of a 10 year old at the gates of Disneyland! Kirsten and I have visited wineries throughout California, from Santa Barbara County on up to Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino and I can honestly say that I recall most of each and every visit, scary isn’t it? I think it is because each one of these regions has such distinct characteristics. This past week, some friends were visiting us on the vineyard and even though the weather was not cooperating (15 inches of rain had fallen already that week and it was still coming down), we decided that nothing could stop us from exploring at least a couple of wineries and so we decided to go down to the Dry Creek region. We donned raincoats, hats and umbrellas and packed into one car...and yes, we had a designated driver! In order to try to maximize the wine tasting adventure in the rain, we called one of our favorites, A. Rafanelli Winery as they only take appointments thinking that they would not have a lot of traffic and that we might have the opportunity for a more intimate experience, maybe even a conversation with the winemaker. To our surprise, they were completely booked...hmmm, maybe the downpour was not keeping people away as we expected. We decided to visit two wineries... Dutcher Crossing and Fritz Underground Winery. With windshield wipers flapping and the storm pounding, we drove carefully down the rain soaked hill and over to Dutcher Crossing, which is one of my favorite settings. The parking lot was full and the tasting room was warm and welcoming with a fireplace in full glow! Two couples were feasting on an impromptu picnic by the fire (nothing would spoil their plans!), and the bar was full of people conversing and sipping. The vineyard views out the back doors are magnificent and the moody sky made the view even more dramatic. I loved their 2008 Stuhlmuller Chardonnay and the 2008 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel is fantastic! I enjoy sipping and just listening to the conversation all around me, a couple were inquiring about where to make a reservation for dinner, while another were scribbling down notes. At this point, the crowds that showed up made it feel like a spring day...on to Fritz. This winery has a great view over a secluded hilltop that looks out over a serene pond (reservoir). The stove pot fire was blazing as we stepped up to the bar...my favorite was the 2008 Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay! I was amazed at how many people braved the weather to pursue their passion for wine! As we made our way back to the Ranch I couldn't help but smile...even the rain couldn't stop the fun!

Here are the rainy day wines:

Dutcher Crossing 2008 Stuhlmuller Vineyard Chardonnay ($34)
Delicately balanced with hints of nuts, pear and butterscotch.

Dutcher Crossing 2008 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel ($40)
Big, luscious fruit with deep blackberry flavors.

Dutcher Crossing 2006 Port ($32)
A stunning port that will pair well with Stilton cheese!

Fritz 2008 Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay ($45)
A full bodied Chard with aromas of baked pear and hazelnut.

Fritz 2006 Estate Zinfandel ($25)
Rich in color with aromas of blackberries and spices.

Fritz 2007 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($35)
This Cab opens with aromas of currents, cherries and coco.

Cheers & Happy New Year!