#wineries in sonoma

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Wine Country

What do you think about my pic?

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Sapphic Splendor

At the time I bought these, they were a bit of an oddity. Relatively unknown winery–known as pretty much a zin & blend house–down in the then-new tin city by the river in Healdsburg. They didn’t make cab every year and I had never visited. I found a few bottles at Tip Top Liquor by the railroad tracks headed out Dry Creek Valley on sale and gave it a try. HOLY WOW. Went back and cleaned out the…

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8 Great ‘Foodie’ Stops in Healdsburg, California!

The streets of Healdsburg, California, are lined with sensational restaurants. From fine dining to casual cuisine, a foodie can’t go wrong. Want a drink with that dish? There are plenty of bars, wineries, and coffee shops too. My only regret about my visit is that I couldn’t indulge in all of them. However, I’d love to share a sampling of the stops I could make and, my favorite fare of the…

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Vineyard workers.  Watercolor by Jake Lee (from the collection of the Chinese Historical Society of America). 

Chinese Pioneers in California’s Wine Industry

The work by the Chinese is excavating the wine caves for what would become the Buena Vista winery has been well known and researched by the original deans of Chinese American historiography, the late Phil Choy and Him Mark Lai.  The story of Chinese participation in building this industry of Sonoma County and California continues to attract the interest of local historians.    

In 2018, I toured the BV winery again last year with the executive director of the Chinese Historical Society of America. With a couple exceptions, most of the guides were aware of the provenance of BV’s wine caves. The then-new ownership appears more committed to recounting the substantial contributions made by Chinese labor and engineering staff into the larger history of this landmark winery.  Photos of Chinese men working in the fields and bottling wine are displayed in Buena Vista’s tasting room.  

“We feel it’s more important than ever to talk about the reason we exist and the people who contributed to it − Chinese, Hungarian, French,” says Jean-Charles Boisset, whose family company, Boisset Collection, a US subsidiary of Boisset, La Famille des Grands Vins (France’s third largest wine holding company and Burgundy’s largest producer), bought BV in 2011.

An 2017 article by NPR food reporter, Grace Hwang Lynch, summarized the labor and the ultimate fate of the Chinese workers whose involvement in virtually all phases of the production literally built a multi-billion dollar industry for Northern California and the US.  “In 1857,” Hwang wrote, “a wealthy Hungarian named Agoston Haraszthy purchased a ranch in Sonoma Valley and named it Buena Vista, with the vision of introducing winemaking techniques from his homeland. . . . Haraszthy turned to Ho Po, a Chinese labor contractor from San Francisco, who sent 150 of his countrymen to build Buena Vista, Sonoma's oldest commercial winery.“

Ho Po, a Chinese labor contractor from San Francisco, sent 150 of his countrymen to build Buena Vista. Photographer unknown (courtesy of Buena Vista winery).

The Chinese workers dug a cave network for the BV winery which is actually more extensive than what a causal tour will disclose.  However, a couple of the 19th century excavations have collapsed due to past seismic activity.  

Chinese labor also dug the caves for other wineries.  In 1870, Jacob Schram found new employment for the Chinese laborers who had recently finished constructing tunnels and grades over the Sierra Nevada Mountains for the Union Pacific Transcontinental Railroad.Schram hired them to dig a network of caves through the soft Sonoma Volcanics Formation rock underlying his vineyard. To its credit, the Schramsberg website also acknowledges the Chinese laborers who dug Napa’s first hillside caves for wine-aging and storage.  

Chinese and other men bottle sparkling and other wine products at the Buena Vista winery, c. 1880.  Photograph by Eadweard Muybridge(from the collection of the Buena Vista winery).

Chinese workers transport wine in front of the main building (which still stands today) at Buena Vista, the oldest winery in California's Sonoma County.  Photographer unknown (from the collection of the Buena Vista winery)

In the late 1870′s Hwang recounts, the locals began to drive out the Chinese from Sonoma County’s vineyards through economic boycott or worse.

“1106 -- Buena Vista Vineyard, Sonoma -- Bottling Wine,” no date. Photographer unknown (from the collection of Buena Vista Winery and George Webber).

The experience of the Sonoma County Chinese demonstrates that the aggregate, private violence continued even after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.  Local law enforcement either turned a blind eye or aided such violence, and the decades that straddled 1882 produced an internal migration of nonwhite Americans in the western US that had not been seen since the Trail of Tears (which was essentially done at gunpoint in a military operation), and would not be seen again until the Great Migration of African-Americans from the rural South between 1916 and 1970. 

The Chinese would remain in vintners’ workforces into the next century, local conditions permitting.  However, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 would continue to exact a toll on the population of laborers, and growers would gravitate toward other groups of agricultural workers.  

“Chinese farm workers pruning a vineyard,” c. 1900.  Photographer unknown (from the Title Insurance and Trust Collection of the California Historical Society).  CHS wrote about this photo in its Spring 1978 quarterly as follows:  “Under the watchful eyes of Yankee overseers, Chinese laborers built California’s railroad, reclaimed the Delta, and nursed the state’s infant agriculture, including its vineyards.  .

The Chinese pioneers left as their legacy the foundation of a multi-billion dollar industry upon which the economy of California prospers in the 21st century.  Even today, researchers and writers continue to coax from the historical record more stories of a vibrant presence in the state’s earliest vineyards.

“The Vintage In California -- At Work At the Wine Presses.”  Drawing by Paul Frenzeny (from the Robert B. Honeyman, Jr. Collection of Early Californian and Western American Pictorial Material at the Bancroft Library)

Note about the artist (by Theresa Salazar of the Bancroft Library):

French artist Paul Frenzeny came to North America in the 1860s to serve under Marshal Achille Bazaine, commander of the French expeditionary corps in Mexico, sent to support Napoleon Ill's abortive effort to establish an empire there under Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Sometime before 1868 Frenzeny went to New York City, for between that year and 1873 Harpers Weekly published some twenty of his sketches, showing New York views as well as events in the Mexican war and the Pennsylvania coal fields (Samuels, p. 178).

Harpers commissioned Frenzeny and Jules Tavernier, another Frenchman, to travel across the country and record the landscape in remote, unexplored areas, telling its readers that "these gentle-men will not restrict themselves to the ordinary routes of travel. They will make long excursions on horseback into regions where railroads have not penetrated, where even the hardy squatter, the pioneer of civilization, has not yet erected his rude log-cabin" (Harpers Weekly, November 8, 1873, p. 994). The men left New York in the fall of 1873 and reached San Francisco the following summer, riding horseback from Denver.

Frenzeny apparently stayed on in San Francisco for at least six years and became known for his illustrations and sketches of Chinatown (Hughes, p. 400). He participated in the artistic life of the city and became a member of the new Bohemian Club. His partnership with Tavernier may have ended shortly after the men arrived in San Francisco, for Harper's illustrations of California and Nevada subjects between 1876 and 1878 and in the early eighties were signed by Frenzeny alone. In 1879 Harper's published Central American drawings executed on his journey back to New York. Between 1882 and 1887 Frenzeny's work appeared in Leslie's Weekly. Frenzeny later provided 150 illustrations for Harrington O'Reilly's Fifty Years on the Trail, Frenzeny’s last known publication (1889). The last decade or so of his life is undocumented, but he is believed to have died in London in 1902 (Karolik, 1:163-164; and Hughes, p. 192).

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4 Perfect Wines for The Holidays

We are officially in the holiday season. And what is better during the holidays than bubbles! Popping open a bottle of sparkling wine signifies a celebration, even if all you are celebrating is Tuesday night. One of the tastiest I have tried recently is from Russian River Valley’s Benovia Winery. Benovia Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling Wine is a 100% Chardonnay selection using grapes grown in the…

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Sonoma Winery Tours

Take a winery tour in Sonoma to explore one of the world's most recognized and diverse wine regions and fall in love with the charm and elegance of California's wine country. Renowned for its easygoing vibe and breathtaking scenery, Sonoma County is home to several top-notch vineyards that make a variety of wines, from bold Zinfandels to sophisticated Chardonnays. A winery tour in Sonoma offers the ideal getaway, blending breathtaking scenery, superb wines, and a long history of winemaking. You will see a range of estates and vineyards on a Sonoma winery tour, from big, well-known producers to family-run boutique wineries.

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A DAY IN SONOMA COUNTY: FOOD, WINE COUNTRY, AND COASTLINE GETAWAY

Calling all food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone craving a quick escape! Sonoma County, nestled in Northern California, offers a delightful blend of gourmet dining, charming wine country, and stunning coastal scenery.

For a whirlwind adventure, here’s a suggested itinerary:

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The California Spanish Dynasty Still Kicking

This is the story of a prominent California family that helped pioneer the Spanish territory of Alta California (California), brought California into statehood, have cities named for them, and pioneered the wine business in California. Not only is one of

This is the story of a prominent California family that helped pioneer the Spanish territory of Alta California (California), brought California into statehood, have cities named for them, and pioneered the wine business in California. Not only is one of them considered the father of California wine growing. But his father-in-law started the wine town of Sonoma, California. This is the story of…

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Exploring Sonoma County Winery Drivers: A Guide to Unforgettable Wine Tours

Introduction: Sonoma County, nestled in the heart of California, is a wine lover's paradise. Boasting picturesque vineyards and a rich winemaking tradition, this region has become synonymous with exceptional wines and breathtaking landscapes. If you're planning a visit to Sonoma County, understanding the winery drivers is essential to make the most of your wine-tasting adventure.

Discovering Sonoma County's Winery Drivers:

Scenic Routes and Landscapes: As you embark on your Sonoma County Winery Drivers, be prepared to be enchanted by the scenic beauty that surrounds you. Our expert drivers are well-versed in the best routes, ensuring you not only reach your chosen wineries but also enjoy the breathtaking landscapes that Sonoma County has to offer.

Wine Varieties and Tasting Experiences: Sonoma County is home to a diverse range of wineries, each offering a unique tasting experience. From bold reds to crisp whites, our drivers will guide you to renowned wineries, allowing you to savor an array of exquisite wines. Mention your preferences, and our drivers will tailor the tour to suit your palate.

Culinary Delights: A wine tour in Sonoma County is not just about the wines; it's a culinary journey too. Many wineries offer delightful food pairings, enhancing your overall tasting experience. Our drivers are well-acquainted with the wineries that provide gourmet treats, ensuring your taste buds are as satisfied as your appreciation for fine wines.

Historical Insights: Beyond the vineyards and wineries, Sonoma County is steeped in history. Our drivers are not just transportation experts; they are knowledgeable guides who can share intriguing stories about the region's past. Learn about the pioneers of winemaking and the cultural heritage that makes Sonoma County a unique destination.

Safety and Convenience: Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our drivers are experienced professionals, ensuring a smooth and secure journey throughout your wine tour. Forget about the hassle of navigation and parking – our team is here to make your Sonoma County wine adventure seamless and stress-free.

Conclusion: Embarking on a Sonoma County wine tour is a memorable experience, and our dedicated winery drivers are here to make it even more special. Trust us to guide you through the enchanting landscapes, exquisite wines, and rich history that define this renowned wine region. Book your wine tour with us, and let the journey through Sonoma County's wineries begin – a journey filled with flavor, elegance, and unparalleled beauty. Cheers to an unforgettable wine-tasting adventure!

[rabbitcruiser]

Zinfandel Day

Zinfandel Day is celebrated on November 17 every year, and we’re going to show you how you can indulge in the excitement. Zinfandel is a type of black-skinned grape that is typically used for making wines. The grapes are known for their high sugar content, which is useful for making wines with an alcohol percentage of more than 15%. The Zinfandel, also known as Primitivo, grows best in a warm but not too hot climate. Its taste varies, depending on the ripeness of the grapes. Zinfandel Day was created in the United Kingdom to give recognition to this exquisite variety of grapes.

History of Zinfandel Day

It is said that the Zinfandel grapes were discovered in the Mediterranean region around 6000 B.C. Shortly after that period, winemaking became prevalent. Zinfandel was found in parts of Croatia, but a lot of the plantation was wiped out by the phylloxera epidemic. The Zinfandel’s genetic structure closely resembles that of Primitivo, which was found in Italy in the 1800s. It was first recognized by the European Union that Primitivo would be a synonym for Zinfandel in 1990. Today both Zinfandel and Primitivo are used interchangeably.

In 1930, Zinfandel agriculture was affected greatly, first by the Great Depression and then by the Prohibition that followed. By the 1960s, Zinfandel was already being referred to as the “lost vine and wine.” In 2002, the Crljenak Kaštelanski variety was discovered in Croatia, and winemakers started mixing Zinfandel and Crljenak Kaštelanski. Soon after, the wine production again rose to prominence. The wines were made mostly in parts of Puglia or Lodi (Croatia).

The Zinfandel Advocates and Producers were formed in the United States for “the preservation, education, and appreciation” of the Zinfandel grapes. Zinfandel Day was created to show love and appreciation toward the Zinfandel grape and the wines produced from it, namely Rombauer, Artezin, Pedroncelli, and Robert Biale. Wine lovers also held Zinfandel tasting days in San Francisco. Zinfandel Day quickly spread to Europe, especially the United Kingdom. It became a day of celebrating one of the world’s most favorite vines and wines.

Zinfandel Day timeline

6000 B.C. Zinfandel Grapes are Discovered

Zinfandel grapes are discovered in the Mediterranean region.

1880 Primitivo is Born

Primitivo, a close relative of the Zinfandel grapes, is found in Italy.

1930 Zinfandel is Almost Extinct

Zinfandel production suffers greatly because of the Great Depression and Prohibition.

1990s Zinfandel Day

Zinfandel Day is created by the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP), to honor Zinfandel grapes and the wines made from them.

Zinfandel Day FAQs

How many wine days are celebrated?

There are about 17 national wine day celebrations — from simple wine-drinking days to more specific wine celebrations such as Mulled Wine Day, Zinfandel Day, and Sauvignon Blanc Day.

What does Zinfandel wine taste like?

The taste of the Zinfandel wines depends on the ripeness of the grapes. It might be sweet, semi-sweet, or dry.

What is the difference between Merlot and Zinfandel?

Merlot adds a plummy flavor to the wine. Zinfandel has a rich blackberry/raspberry or pepper flavor and is less bitter compared with the Merlot.

Zinfandel Day Activities

Drink Zinfandel wines

Share it on social media

Read more about Zinfandel grape history

What better way to celebrate Zinfandel Day than to taste some exotic Zinfandel wines? Pour yourself a glass of Zinfandel wines such as Rombauer or Artezin and enjoy the juicy, sweet taste of Zinfandel grapes. Enjoy your drink with friends and family.

Let everyone know that you're celebrating this day. Take pictures of you enjoying some Zinfandel wine with friends and share them on social media. You can also write articles on the origins of Zinfandel grapes and post them online.

Use this day to improve your knowledge. Read more about the historical origins of the Zinfandel grapes — how they were discovered, and how they became one of the most loved grape varieties among wine lovers.

5 Facts About Zinfandel That Will Blow Your Mind

It is used in cranberry sauce

It is a heritage grape

It has wings

White Zin was created in 1972

Austria brought Zinfandel to the U.S.

Zinfandel grapes are sometimes used to give the cranberry sauce a spicy flavor.

The Zinfandel grape is considered by the people of California to be their heritage grape.

The Zinfandel grapevine always has a side branch growing outwards that gives an appearance of a wing.

White Zin was created by the Sutter Home in 1972.

It is said that the Zinfandel was brought to the U.S. by Croatia, under Austrian rule.

Why We Love Zinfandel Day

We appreciate Zinfandel grapes and wines

It gives us an occasion to come together as a family

We improve our knowledge

Zinfandel grapes are some of the most popular grape varieties on the planet. Yet, we feel as though they do not get the recognition they deserve. Zinfandel allows us to appreciate this magnificent variety of grapes and the tasty, high-quality wines produced from them.

This day is to be celebrated with friends and family. Zinfandel Day gives us the chance to invite neighbors or family members over for a few glasses of Zinfandel wines, and a chance to bond with each other.

This is also a day of learning. This day allows us to learn more about the origins of Zinfandel grapes and wines. We learn about how the zinfandel grape almost went to extinction but survived and became one of the most popular red wine grapes on the planet.

Source

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Cherry Picking

This is a good wine. There’s nothing inherently *wrong* with it. This would be a great entry into the oft-levied discussion in regards to California Cab of “what makes $30 wine different from $100 wine”. Often, there will be $30 wines presenting great value and aplomb–unsung heroes able to place themselves alongside wines far more expensive. Also, there are many $100 wines lacking definitive…

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Indulge in the ultimate wine experience with our Napa and Sonoma wine tours. Explore the picturesque Napa Valley vineyards and charming Sonoma wineries. Book your wine tour today! www.tournapasonomawines.com

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National Wine Day California Favorites

National Wine Day is a day for wine enthusiasts to unite and celebrate with a glass of their favorite red or white wine. In California, Chardonnay wine became one of the most popular white wines to drink thanks to winemaker Miljenko ‘Mike’ Grgich from Napa Valley. Miljenko Grgich – Grgich Hills Estate During the Judgement of Paris in 1976, between French and American red and white wines, a panel…

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Rams Gate Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc is a variety that thrives in cool climates where its delicate layers of citrus, white flowers, and orchard fruit aromas and flavors. The variety is a mutation of Pinot Noir, another cool climate variety. However, instead of red wine, Pinot Blanc is white. Sonoma County’s Rams Gate Winery crafts its elegant Pinot Blanc wine from fruit grown on its Carneros estate. The winery’s…