seven Grenache bottles on a barrel head in the rain

Varietal of the Month: Grenache

Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown....

/ March 24, 2023
Carol Shelton pouring wine from a barrel using a wine thief into a Wine Road wine glass. Barrels in the background with Carol Shelton Wines stamped on each barrel.

A Toast to Women Winemakers

In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s explore the paths of a few women winemakers along the Wine Road. Women have been a part of the wine industry for a very long time. Until recently, a woman rarely was given...

/ March 8, 2023
four Sangiovese bottles in the green grass with yellow daffodils in the background

Varietal of the Month: Sangiovese

Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”. A mainstay of Italy, it’s a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of flavors that include red cherry, black plum, sun-dried tomato, cigar box, black...

/ February 25, 2023
Summer photo of Dry Creek Valley with lots of green vineyard and tree-lined hills in the background.

Stories Behind the Names

What’s in a name? Many wineries bear the name of their founder, like Frick, Foppiano or Trentadue. Others are named for a region or landmark, like Alexander Valley Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard, Russian River Vineyards or Mill Creek Vineyards &...

/ February 8, 2023
Port and late harvest wines in fornt of a wreath

Style of the Month: Port and Late Harvest

Port style and Late Harvest wines have sweeter profiles than other wines. Port, is traditionally made with Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. Alcohol, usually grape brandy, is added during fermentation, which fortifies the...

/ January 23, 2023
Man, all dressed in blue with a red-faced watch, has a wine thief inserted in a wine barrel in one hand and a wine glass in the other hand.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Barrel Tasting 2023

Here are the top 10 reasons to attend the Wine Road’s Barrel Tasting, the weekend of Friday, March 3rd through Sunday, March 5th. Reason 1 – Rare Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to taste and learn about wines being...

/ January 17, 2023
seven bottles of sparking wine ina row with tresses and vlue sky in the background

Style of the Month: Sparkling

Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. Sparkling wines come in a range of sweetness levels the most popular style is...

/ December 20, 2022
30th annual Winter Wineland post with bottle image and snowflakes in blue and white

Experience Winter Wine Tasting at Its Best

Ready to experience a fabulous winter wine tasting along the Wine Road? Then it’s time to buy your tickets to the Wine Road’s 30th Annual Winter Wineland event! As I reviewed this year’s program, I was struck by how lucky...

/ December 1, 2022
Cabernet Franc bottles on a sunny day

Cabernet Franc: Varietal of the Month

Have you noticed everybody is talking about Cabernet Franc lately? It’s no surprise—Cabernet Franc has medium body and moderate tannin and acidity with great texture that makes it a worthy addition to the dinner table. Cabernet Franc offers up the...

/ November 21, 2022
Pedroncelli Winery's holiday 2022 gift boxes with a mix of wines

Perfect Holiday Gifts

Trying to find the perfect holiday gifts can put a damper on the spirit of the season. Once I figured out that wine was the best gift for almost everyone on my list, the holidays got a lot easier. Still...

/ November 3, 2022