Mustards Grill – Since 1983

August 10, 2021 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Excellent wine choices at Mustards Grill

Why we like Mustards Grill

Yountville is one of the best restaurant cities in the entire U.S. Most restaurants in Yountville are on Washington Street in the downtown area. Mustards Grill is on Highway 29 just north of the business area. Travelers can easily miss Mustards Grill. That’s fine for the locals, less waiting time for them. The restaurant is in its 38th year of serving great food to diners. It is one of our favorite wine country restaurants. We love dining there for lunch.

Because of the COVID 19 Pandemic, Mustards created an outdoor dining area adjacent to their beautiful vegetable and flower garden. I hope it is here to stay; it is a fantastic addition to the restaurant. The site is tented and ready for all the weather elements. Indoor dining is now an option, but the outdoors in the Napa Valley for lunch or early dinner is ideal.

Seafood Tostada is a favorite – This one has Sword Fish

The dining is casual at Mustards Grill. We love the down-home atmosphere and the great food choices on the menu. When you are dining at Mustards, it is fun eavesdropping on the tables around you. You will find winery owners, winemakers, and restaurateurs eating at Mustards. It is the place to be.

Popular menu items are the Dungeness Crab Cakes, the Seafood Tostada, and the fantastic half-pound hamburger. If the seasonal Spanish Padron peppers are on the appetizer menu, go for those. They are mildly spicy and very tasty. There are many wine choices by the glass or bottle. Mustards also has a full bar.

Cindy Pawlcyn is the founder and executive chef at Mustards Grill. We once took a short cooking class from Cindy at the old Franciscan winery. What a great lady and an excellent teacher. Part of the class included a signed copy of Cindy’s cookbook, Mustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbook. It is, along with another one of her cookbooks, Big Small Plates, the most-used on my kitchen shelf. In the Mustards Grill book, my go-to entertaining dish is the Achiote marinated chicken with black beans and mango salsa. In Big Small Plates, I love the empanada recipes and the tostada recipes.

Be careful entering and exiting Highway 29 into Mustards Grill. it is very busy, and many people drive too fast.

Explore Yountville

Washington Street is where all the action is in Yountville. One can spend the entire day exploring. It is fun to browse the boutique shops, art galleries, and wine bars in Yountville. Yountville has many excellent restaurants and places to stay.

Where Vineyards Meet the Redwoods

August 8, 2021 by Joe Becerra 3 Comments

Do you love the Redwoods? Do you love wine and visiting wineries? This article will show you where the vineyards meet the Redwoods. Combine a trip that captures both your pleasures. Oh, yes, good food is always nearby. On a trip to Northern California, travelers have plenty of choices for capturing the beauty and wonder of Coastal Redwoods, while at the same time enjoying wine country activities.

Vineyards and Redwoods Together

The Coastal Redwoods depend upon the fog bank that forms along the Pacific Coast from the Monterey area to the Northern border of California. Fog equals cool climate temperatures. Wherever Redwood trees thrive, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian varieties of grapes also thrive. In Part One of this series, we detail the Redwood and vineyard country of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County.

Russian River Valley – Sonoma County

The Russian River Valley AVA is home to many wineries producing quality wines from this cool-climate region. The Pacific Ocean and the waters from the Russian River provide a daily dose of morning fog to the area. It’s the perfect environment for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Redwoods love this environment. The Redwoods have, of course, been here long before the first grape vines were sowed. There are many places to view vineyards and Redwoods together, but we will focus on two areas.

Korbel Champagne Cellars

redwood trees at Korbel winery — Beautiful Redwood trees surround the Korbel Winery

One of the fun wineries that has a connection with Redwood Trees is Korbel Champagne Cellars. The Korbel Brothers originally made cigar boxes from the Redwood Trees. Later, they cleared the Redwood Forest in front of the property and planted the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes needed to make sparkling wine. The Korbel winery began in 1852, and it is a historic fixture on River Road. It is one of my favorite places to visit. We love the atmosphere and magic of this beautiful brick building. By the way, the inside structure is all Redwood. You can visit the winery and see the magnificent Redwood Trees that surround the winery. Korbel is at 13250 River Road, just a few miles east of the town of Guerneville.

Armstrong Grove State Park in Guerneville

Armstrong Grove State Prk — One of the beautiful groves of Coastal Redwoods at Armstrong Grove State Park in Guerneville

Not too far away from Korbel is one of the more fantastic groves of Redwood Trees at the Armstrong Grove State Park. An easy loop trail takes you through thick groves of tall and ancient Redwoods. It is a magical experience. For the more adventurous, try one of the many longer hikes in the park that will give you lasting pleasures of the amazing Coastal Redwoods.

Occidental Area – lots of wineries, lots of Redwoods

Vineyards along Graton Road on the way to Miramar Vineyards

Occidental is a quiet town nestled in Redwood country. Several backroads lead to beautiful views of both vineyards and Redwoods. Read about our stay in Occidental. This area is the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA. Check out our Wine Trail in this area. This photo shows vineyards belonging to Miramar Estate Vineyards and Winery. Miramar Torres is the proprietor, and a member of the famous Torres Family of Spain. The Pinot Noir wines are terrific. The winery is on Graton Road near the tiny town of Graton. Graton has three terrific places to dine. We love exploring the backroads in this area of the Russian River Valley. One backroad leads to another, and around each bend there is something exciting to see or do. Check out the map below.

Next up, in our series of Where Vineyards Meet the Redwoods is the Santa Cruz Mountain Area.

Solitude at Mill Creek Winery

July 12, 2021 by Joe Becerra 2 Comments

Here is a winery that is easy to miss among the big names near Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery is a small family-owned winery on Westside Road. The second and third generations of the family are at the helm with a production of 7000 cases from 45 acres of vineyards. We have been visiting for many years, but hadn’t since the COVID Pandemic. Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery is just around the bend on Westside Road as you pass the famous Madrona Manor. Like most wineries in the popular wine regions of the post-Pandemic era, reservations are required.

Visit Mill Creek Winery and see the water mill

A visit to Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery was just the right medicine for us. Tastings are held outdoors on a beautiful patio. The coolest feature at the winery is the water mill. There is something so peaceful about watching the water mill and listening to the pleasant sounds of water spilling into the pond. The glorious Redwoods are scattered around the area, adding to the setting of solitude. What a great place to relax! This might not be the case on weekends, but we had the place all to ourselves. It was a Thursday, and we’d booked the reservation the day before. Mill Creek is definitely one of the off-the-radar wineries.

Tasting is $25 a person, and one tasting fee is waived if you purchase one of the wines on the tasting menu. Five wines were on the menu. Our tasting started with a Rosé that is 96% Merlot. It is not too often we see a Rosé from Merlot grapes. This wine is delicate, yet has a great mouthfeel. A Chardonnay followed; this version is crisp, with apple and pear flavors. It is aged in neutral oak, so no heaviness to this Chardonnay. They do have a more oaky Chardonnay available in their lineup of wines.

The third white was a dry Gewürztraminer. Mill Creek has been making this wine since 1979. The 2019 vintage is very flowery, a bouquet of garden flowers in a glass. Next came two reds, a Zinfandel and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are lovely wines, but the Rosé and the two white wines were much more enjoyable in the warm weather.

We capped off the visit by enjoying a picnic lunch. The winery gave us the okay because Mill Creek had only one other party scheduled for a tasting. A great place to buy your picnic goodies, salads and sandwiches is at the Big John’s deli in Healdsburg.

view from Mill Creek winery — View from Mill Creek – Dry Creek Valley AVA with Fitch Mountain in the background

Travel information on the Healdsburg area

Hidden Wine Country Town of Occidental

June 21, 2021 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Healdsburg, Sonoma, Windsor, and Santa Rosa are the hot wine towns of Sonoma County wine country. If you like less hubbub, more solitude, and less wine snobbery, try visiting the town of Occidental.

Occidental is in the Russian River Valley wine appellation, about 30 minutes west of Santa Rosa, CA. Occidental is secluded, but in just a short distance there are many exciting activities that await the traveler. The scenery is breathtaking, with lovely rows of vineyards flanked by the magnificent Coastal Redwood Trees.

There many attractions in Occidental but two restaurants, the Union Hotel and Negri’s Italian Dinners, draw many locals and tourists. It has been a long tradition for vacationers along the Russian River resort area to have dinner at one or both of these restaurants during their vacation stay. The Union Hotel has been serving up dinners since 1897, and Negri’s started in 1943.

Wine Country Getaway to Occidental – Details

Grove of Old Redwoods just outside of Occidental

How to get to Occidental

From San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, take Highway 116 from Highway 101 in Rohnert Park. We are going the back roads here, where you can discover so many excellent wineries and cozy restaurants. Sebastopol is a fun town, but for this trip stop in Graton for lunch. Two places not to miss for lunch, Underwood Bar and Bistro or the Willow Wood Market. Both are local favorites and often winemakers will dine for lunch here. Underwood Bar and Bistro has a varied menu and the Willow Wood Market Cafe focuses on hot sandwiches. Wineries in the area are Red Car, Merry Edwards, Dutton, and Marimar Estate. See Occidental Map below.

Where to stay in Occidental

Dining in Occidental

Carmelized onions and arugula pizza at Hazel’s

Things are busy in Occidental, but the restaurants are not yet back to pre-pandemic operations. As of our visit, June 14th and 15th, the Union Hotel and Negri’s restaurants are open only on weekends. Hazel’s is also a good option, serving wood fire pizza and other main dishes. They are open Wednesday to Sunday. On one night of our stay, we bought deli sandwiches and side salads at the Bohemian Market and ate on the patio at the Inn. In Graton, Sebastopol, and Guerneville, there are more restaurant options, but you have to drive along the windy roads to get there and back. Stay safe and eat in Occidental.

Wineries to visit

This area is very much Pinot Noir and Chardonnay country. In and around Graton are terrific wineries. Follow this Wine Route. – Remember COVID has changed the way wineries take visitors. Even though things have re-opened, wineries are opting for reservations, with few drop-in visits offered. You need to plan in advance to taste wine. Our favorites in this locality are Merry Edwards, Lynmar. and Marimar Estate. If you are looking for other whites and reds, the Dry Creek Valley Wine Trail is 30 minutes away.

Vineyards at Miramar Estate – notice the Redwood Trees at the top of the vines

Other Activities

The Redwoods – view, hike, and enjoy

Drive any of the backroads from Occidental and you will see amazing groves of Coastal Redwoods. One close by hike is the Grove of Old Redwoods. From Occidental, take Coleman Valley Road to Joy Road and then a right on Fitzpatrick Lane. It is 1.4 miles on Fitzpatrick Lane to the parking lot and entrance is on the right. The hike is short but the beauty is stunning. This ancient grove of Redwoods will clear your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. If you love the Redwoods, this is an area not to be missed.

A beautiful and peaceful area near Occidental

Drive to Bodega Bay or Jenner by the Sea

Bodega Bay is a wonderful playground for visitors. There are great restaurants, art galleries, fishing, kayaking and much more. From Occidental take the Bodega Highway to this beautiful area. The ride is spectacular and only 20 minutes away.

Jenner is the spot where the Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean. Highway 1 has fantastic ocean views, plus several spots to enter the beach areas. About 12 miles ahead is Fort Ross State Park. Back in the day, Fort Ross was a Russian trading village. On the windy road to reach the Park, there’s a turnoff to Fort Ross Vinyard, about 2 miles up the hill. Reservations are required.

To get to Jenner from Occidental, take the Bohemian Highway to Monte Rio. Turn onto Highway 116 heading west to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, either going or coming, stop in the old lumber milling town of Duncans Mills. The population is only 175, but the interesting shops are a bonanza for boutique shoppers looking for unique items.

Russian River Beaches

During the summer months, the Russian River beaches attract sun-bathers, swimmers, and fishing. Two close by beaches from Occidental are the Monte Rio Community Beach and in Guerneville, Johnson’s Beach. If you need fishing advice, head to King’s Sport and Tackle in Guerneville. King’s is an institution in the Russian River. They also rent kayaks and other outdoor equipment.

More Photos

Handy Map of the Occidental Area

Daffodil Hill in Wine Country

February 8, 2021 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

Daffodil Hill near Sutter Creek

Daffodil Hill in Wine Country – Volcano, California

Daffodil Hill is not open to the public this year

Amador County is a hot tourist destination for wine country travelers. There are many small boutique wineries to visit in the spectacular foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But there is another attraction besides wineries worth seeing, Daffodil Hill in the very tiny town of Volcano. Timing is everything for Daffodil Hill! We always set aside the month of March to travel to the area. Sometimes, we are lucky and can see Daffodil Hill in full bloom. It all depends on the weather for bloom time.

There is said to be a possible 400,000 daffodil blooms. Daffodil Hill is a working ranch and is only open to visitors during the bloom season. The usual hours are 10am to 5pm daily. Check the Sutter Creek Association Website for complete details. We lodge and dine in Sutter Creek. We think it is the best town in Gold Country. From Sutter Creek, we have easy access to the wineries in Amador County and those of Fair Play in El Dorado County.

Daffodil Hill is a beautiful 13-mile drive from Sutter Creek. Once you are up at Daffodil Hill, there is plenty of free parking, and access to the Hill is free. Bring your camera along, and a tripod if you have one. It is a photographer’s delight. There is also a picnic area, so, if the day is nice, pack a lunch, sit among the Daffodils and enjoy Life.

As of February 2021, many wineries in Amador County and El Dorado County are open for outdoor tastings. Check our Wine Routes for this area. If you see a winery that interests you, call and find out if the winery is open for outdoor tastings. Above all, stay safe and wear that mask!

Wine Routes in Amador and El Dorado

sutter creek restaurants — The Gold Country town of Sutter Creek

Do You Know Napa Valley’s Big Three?

February 3, 2021 by Joe Becerra 3 Comments

I originally posted this article in 2017. As of this month in 2021, there are limited wine tasting opportunities in the Napa Valley. We can enjoy Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley and learn a few facts about these “Big Three” grapes at home.

Welcome to the world-famous Napa Valley.

Napa Valley’s Big Three – Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon

If you travel to the Napa Valley or consume Napa Valley wines, here is what you should know about Napa Valley’s “Big Three.” Let us begin with Chardonnay. Do you have your glass of Chardonnay in hand?

Napa Valley Chardonnay

Chardonnay accounts for 6,397 acres of vineyards in the Napa Valley. Chardonnay represents 15% of the vineyard acres in the Napa Valley. The average price per ton of Chardonnay grapes is $2,952. Among the “Big Three,” Chardonnay offers the winemaker the most flexibility in creating a wide range of flavor profiles. It can be produced in stainless steel, neutral oak barrels, and French or American oak. There are also different winemaking treatments, such as battonage and malolactic fermentation. The result is Chardonnay wine that can range in character from light and fruity to robust, with creamy butter and big oak flavors. Chardonnay tends to love cool climates and the Carneros region fits that environment. Hillside regions also offer cool climates, and many flavorful Chardonnays come from the hillside vineyards on Spring Mountain. One interesting idea is to try Chardonnay at the two extremes. Hendry Winery in the Napa Valley makes an unoaked Chardonnay. It is fermented and aged in stainless steel and not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation. Compare it to the Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay. This wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrel and spends nine months aging in American and French oak. The two wines show the versatility of Napa Valley Chardonnay.

Napa Valley Merlot

Now pour yourself a glass of Napa Valley Merlot. Today there are 4,707 acres of Merlot planted in the Napa Valley, fetching an average price of $3000 per ton. Merlot is a grape that grows well in many climates but it particularly likes climates with cooler temperatures like Carneros, Oak Knoll and mountain hillsides. In contrast to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot tends to be a softer and not as intense wine. Both are Bordeaux wines, Merlot being the grape of choice in the Right Bank of Bordeaux.

Merlot nearing harvest in the Napa Valley

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Now for the King of Grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley has 20,342 acres (45% of the vineyard acreage) of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The average price per ton is $6,289. This represents 64% of the total value of grapes in the Napa Valley. There are several “Cult Cabernet” producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. The price for these wines can be astronomical. Screaming Eagle, Harlan, and Bryant Family Vineyard are examples of highly sought-after Cabs selling at high prices. These wineries have a waiting list to get on the buying list. But there are affordable Cabs in the Napa Valley, and excellent Cabernets can be purchased for under $20. Black Stallion and Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet are two examples.

More information on the wines of the Napa Valley

When will we be able to travel safely to the Napa Valley? Perhaps mid-way through 2021? However, you can enjoy the “Big Three” wines of the Napa Valley in the comfort of your home. Enjoy and discover these famous wines of the Napa Valley.

Merlot grapes St. Emilion — Merlot grapes

photo of Joe and Janelle — Joe and Janelle – Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in St. Helena AVA

Napa Valley Hiking – Moore Creek Park

January 27, 2021 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

The late winter months present many days of quality hiking in the Napa Valley. The outdoors, with your mask in use, is safer than most activities in wine country. If you miss the wine country, try this hike. On the way to the hike entrance, you will drive by many beautiful vineyards and wineries.

Hiking in the Napa Valley – Moore Creek

It is not just all about wine and food in the Napa Valley. Among the many entertaining activities to enjoy in the Napa Valley, there are some fun and invigorating hikes that will soothe the soul. This hike, the Madrone Trail, is one we took last Sunday in Moore Park Creek, one of Napa County’s Open Space District Parks. The park entrance is about five miles from the Conn Creek Winery, where Highway 128 meets the Silverado Trail. Last Sunday was a beautiful day with bright sun basking hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers. Moore Creek is flowing, and Lake Hennessey is spilling over its banks. There is water everywhere. Take advantage of this winter’s heavy rainfall to view creeks and waterfalls flowing as they have not done in years.

Moore Creek

There are seven different hikes one can choose to take at Moore Creek Park. In all, there are fifteen miles of hiking trails. It is a fantastic way to start your day in the Napa Valley. The area is a combination of Oak Woodland and Chapparal.

Madrone Trail at Moore Creek Park

After completing your hike, some lunch and wine tasting are in order. Nearby is one of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries and an excellent spot for picnicking, wine tasting, and playing Bocce. It is the Nichelini Family Winery and Vineyards.

Helpful map to get you to the entrance at Moore Creek Park

Additional hiking trails in the Napa Valley

Alston Park – Napa
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park – Calistoga
Hikes in other wine country areas of California

J Lohr in Paso Robles

October 7, 2020 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

National Geographic and the Somm Journal are teaming up to present a virtual exploration of wineries worldwide. The series is “Unique Wine Regions of the World.” In the most recent virtual experience, J Lohr Vineyards & Wines represented the wine region of Paso Robles.

Paso Robles Wine Country

Paso Robles is one of our favorite wine regions to visit and explore. Paso Robles has eleven AVAs. The soil, terrain, and climate are suited for several different varieties of grapes. There are 200 plus wineries in the area, ranging from small and cozy to elaborate and luxurious hospitality centers.

Paso Robles and J Lohr — City Park in downtown Paso Robles

Paso Robles wine history began in the early 1970s. For many years, Zinfandel was the most notable wine, then came Cabernet Sauvignon. Now it is Rhone-style wines that are taking center stage in both white and red wines. Whatever your preference is in wines, you are likely to find it in Paso Robles.

The area is more relaxed than the Napa Valley. Things move at a slower pace. For us, the backroads are varied and beautiful. Around each bend, one finds something exciting to see.

The downtown area of Paso Robles is booming, even amid the COVID Pandemic. Restaurants and lodging establishments seem to be very busy with patrons. In short, there is much to explore for wine country lovers in this region.

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

J Lohr began in 1976, and its founder Jerry Lohr inspires the winery to produce quality wines from its 3000 acres of vines. Wine production is 1.5 million cases. In supermarkets across the U.S., we are likely to find the J Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon and the J Lohr Monterey Pinot Noir, among others. These wines are excellent values, and usually the price is around $15.

At the top of the line, and, in limited production, is the J Lohr single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, “Signature.” The grapes for this wine come from the Beck Vineyard. The elevation there is 1700 feet, and it has calcareous soils. The vineyard is in the path of the afternoon cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean. All of this adds up to a delicious and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visiting J. Lohr and other Paso Robles wineries

The COVID Pandemic is affecting the way many Paso Robles wineries are having their wine tastings. Currently, the J Lohr winery is not accepting visitors. We hope the wine scene returns to normal in 2021.

In the meantime, many wineries are doing tastings in their outside areas. Most wineries require reservations. It is best to plan your trip to Paso Robles by checking with individual winery websites. Find out what their tasting room policy is before heading out.

Additional Paso Robles resources

Paso Robles wine country — Paso Robles Wine Map

Exciting Virtual Wine Country Encounters

September 3, 2020 by Joe Becerra

Each year we plan on taking a trip to a far off wine country or to a wine country we have not visited. With the Pandemic and other issues, travel afar is not possible. But we can see the world-famous wine country in a virtual experience. Here are some exciting virtual wine events to mark on your calendar.

virtual wine with National Geographic — Wine Country Around the Globe

Wine Country with National Geographic

The SOMM Journal, in partnership with National Geographic and SommCon are inviting consumers and wine professionals to a free one-of-a-kind wine tasting Webinar series called Geographic Digest.

Winemakers from all parts of the world will participate in a virtual seminar and wine tasting event. Through the company, BottleTribe, participants will be able to purchase some of the wines in advance of the Webinar.

The first webinar, “UNIQUE REGIONS OF THE WORLD,” will be on September 24, 2020: Wine, and thankfully great wine, is made today around the world. Eight winemakers from different wine countries around the world will be on hand to showcase wines unique to a particular landscape, soil, climate, and other factors. Although we cannot travel until a vaccine arrives, this can help us get through the doldrums of staying sheltered.

Juliette Monmousseau, CEO of Bouvet-Ladubay in the fertile Loire Valley will introduce a bottle fermented sparkler made from 100% Cabernet Franc.
From Germany’s Rheingau to a historic castle where only Riesling has been cultivated for over 300 years, Estate Manager/Managing Director, Stefan Doktor of Schloss Johannisberg will share a classic dry Riesling.
From the windswept sandy soils of Sardinia’s southern coast, we’ll taste the unique Carignano with Winemaking Consultant, Giorgio Marone of Agricola Punica.
From Napa Valley, Director of Winemaking, Ralf Holdenried, will introduce Black Stallion Estate Winery.
From Paso Robles, Director of Winemaking for J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines, Steve Peck will share their Signature Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.
Down the cool Pacific to Chile’s Cachapoal Valley we’ll taste a blend of five red French varieties grown in the foothills of the Andes, with Chief Winemaker, Cristian Vallejo of VIK Winery.
In Australia’s McLarenvale, Winemaker & Joint Managing Director, Richard Angove, Angove Family Winemakers, will dive into the deep purple hues of a single vineyard Shiraz.
And from Europe’s Atlantic coast, CEO Jorge Rosas of Ramos Pinto will take participants to the steep slopes of the Douro with a thoroughly unexpected flavor from one of Porto’s most historic producers.

Take the opportunity and pre-register now.

Duckhorn’s Cheese and Wine Event

Wine and Cheese Event on September 25 – 4 to 6 pm.

Enjoy three Point Reyes cheese delights matched with wines from the Migration, Goldeneye, and Calera labels. This is a virtual event which includes the cheese and wines sent to your home. The event host is Jill Giacomini Basch, a co-owner of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. and the winemakers. The date is September 25, 4 to 6 pm. Complete details and Ticket Purchase information.

September is California Wine Month

how wine is made — Harvested grapes ready for the stainless steel fermenting tanks

There are many exciting virtual events taking place across all of California wine country. September is California Wine Month, with the grape harvest taking place all month long. Check the Virtual Event Calendar and see which ones meet your wine fancy. Take advantage of these one-of-a-kind special tastings. See California Wines

VinoPal is Here

July 21, 2020 by Joe Becerra

Yes, the wine country is open. Tasting is outdoors and mostly by reservation. Visitors are back, but in fewer numbers. The fact is that small artisan wineries are hurting. The smaller wineries do not have the lavish outdoor tasting areas or big PR companies to promote their brand and bring in tourism.

The boutique wineries do not make a lot of wine and, because of this factor, there are no channels for distribution. They rely on tourists. They count on getting their wines into restaurants. How many boutique wineries will be able to survive by the time the Pandemic is over?

In Sonoma wine country, an idea grew to help the artisan wine producers. It is Vinopal. Vinopal and a select number of small wineries will partner to offer wine sales at distributor prices. Vinopal will enable these wineries to sell directly to the consumer and not to a middle-man. It is a Win-Win for both the winery and the wine consumer.

The consumer who joins Vinopal will be able to see a wine for sale each day. For example, the first wine on the docket is Red Car Sonoma Chardonnay. It has a 91-Point rating and lists for $38. The price on VinoPal is $26. Purchase four-to-six bottles, and shipping is free.

The consumer gets a great wine deal, and the winery keeps itself in business. WineCountryGetaways is working with Vinopal as an Affiliate. When a reader registers at Vinopal by clicking on the link below and later buys wine, we get a small commission. It will help us defray Web hosting and other business fees. You will be helping out the small wineries. Don’t let them be gobbled up by the big wine companies.

Join now: Link to Vinopal and today’s wine bargain.