You've come a long Way Baby!

Often I find myself inspired to share my passion for wine via the internet.  Usually somewhere near the half-way point of some outstanding local wine.

It may be hard to convey how fortunate I am to live in what is truly a wine paradise.  Yet what is still more amazing is just how brief  our wine history is here in Dry Creek Valley.

You must put in prospective that, as far as our recent "modern" history, we are talking about a mire 43 years ago that the first post-prohibition winery was established here.

Yikes.  My son is that age.  We have a long way to go to boast of a generational wine dynasty. 
As I put it to my tour clients: We in America are at the wine culuture age of a post-teen.  So much to learn.

From the 1950's:  "Few housewives who pride them in the appearance of their home will leave it without flowers, however modest the bouquet.  For very similar reasons, the master of the house will see to the proper care and stocking of his wine cellar.  In both cases, it is knowledge and skill in selecting that makes the difference between and ordinary home and one brightened by a touch of color and harmony and the reward is the pleasure of sharing one of the joys of life."

We are still learning.   Men can create floral arrangements and women can, certainly, chose a good wine!!

Let Me be your Wine Guide!

Funny, the last time I wrote way back in April 2013, it was raining in Oregon...today it's raining in Sonoma County!  And we need it!

If you took the time to read the first blog I was musing about California...well, here I am.  So glad to be back. If you're like me, you will understand why a wine geek feels in Wine Heaven here.

I live just over the hill from Dry Creek Valley AVA off Dutcher Creek Road.  That puts me in the thick of all those fantastic wineries.  I've been out "researching" the latest releases for my WINE TOURS and will share my notes with you here.

A few days back, on a brillant warm day, I visited Martorana Family Winery and enjoyed a good share of a bottle of the 2009 Zinfandel Alexander Valley while relaxing near their bocce court.. For me, this is the end game of my wine exploration!

This is a great example of a full-bodied Zin with a gentle finish. Here's the notes from the winery:
"This wine epitomizes the classic Zinfandel with a great balance of white pepper and fruit, finished with a subtle hint of plum on the palette.  Both complex and approachable,this wine is a sure crowd pleaser."  Going to agree with this.

20 Years Later

As I sit at my computer here in Roseburg, Oregon, it is an overcast morning with rain in the forecast.  Makes me think of the old saw : "It never rains in California...!"
You and I know better than that, still, the forecast for Healdsburg today is Sunny and 20 degrees warmer than here.

I lived in Healdsburg from 1992-1995.  In the meantime I bounced around and landed in Oregon wine country.
Now my sights are set on returning and making a home of Sonoma County.

I look forward to exploring the local wine scene and reporting back to you.

Salut!
H Bruce