I finished a 12.5 hour shift at 3:39 AM Sat/Sun.
Brundage called me at 7:30 AM. I thought I was going to die......or kill her.
Then I realized, it's sunny! It's Sunday! I'm in Healdsburg! I'm off!!!
No A.C. necessary. SportTrac windows down.
Hello Russian River Valley. Westside Road runs directly out of Healdsburg through Dry Creek Valley. This tree-lined country road winds into the famous Russian River Valley appellation through a sea of vineyards; mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Do you realize Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley all converge on Healdsburg?
To make this road trip (can I even call this a road trip, everything is so damn close) even more appealing is that Rochioli is on Westside Road. We just pressed 6 tons of Rochioli Chard yesterday. Somebody at Ramey racked and barreled it today. Not me, I'm off remember. Hey, Look at the weather in that photo from Rochioli's patio. Ask for Rose in their tasting room, she was extremely friendly. She helped get my day off to a great start.
I was supposed to go to The Sonoma Wine Country Weekend yesterday. MacMurray Ranch hosted the big event. The 30th Annual Showcase: Taste of Sonoma! Instead, I got to wash that giant Press that I was so happy to show you a few episodes back. So, I snuck in and took this picture. Sort of like those stupid tourist T-shirts that say "Mom went to blah blah and all I got was this t-shirt." I did not know MacMurray Ranch was in the Russian River Valley. We sell their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir by the glass. Shame on me (i did know it was in sonoma, give me some credit)
Took a detour onto Sweetwater Springs. The Rochioli Chard grapes were from around here. Didn't see those vineyards but got this view looking sort of North. Do the scenic shots wear you out? Sorry, I love them.
It's 100 square miles of asphalt around DFW.
Back onto Westside Road. Gary Farrell winery is mentioned in several wine publications as having one of the best tasting rooms. It did not disappoint. After navigating the incredibly steep driveway I had the best time with some newlyweds and a couple from Houston on their 1st Anniversary. We all agreed that the '07 Westside Farms, RRV Chardonnay was a winner. I bought the '06 Starr Ridge Vineyard, RRV Pinot. That's Gary's own vineyard. The '06 Rochioli-Allen Vineyard Pinot was a show-stopper but a little much for my new pay-grade (am I even getting paid).
The newlyweds from Michigan: Steve & Debbie & on their 1st anniversay: Elise & Mike. That's "the lonely guy" in the middle.
It's 100 square miles of asphalt around DFW.
Back onto Westside Road. Gary Farrell winery is mentioned in several wine publications as having one of the best tasting rooms. It did not disappoint. After navigating the incredibly steep driveway I had the best time with some newlyweds and a couple from Houston on their 1st Anniversary. We all agreed that the '07 Westside Farms, RRV Chardonnay was a winner. I bought the '06 Starr Ridge Vineyard, RRV Pinot. That's Gary's own vineyard. The '06 Rochioli-Allen Vineyard Pinot was a show-stopper but a little much for my new pay-grade (am I even getting paid).
All hosted by the ever-patient LaVonne. Another great ambassador for Sonoma wines. Check out the view. That's what you get from the tasting room. The patio view is equally spectacular.
Two of my friends from Westside Farms bid you a fond farewell. Until tomorrow!
