Benovia's Fall Release Party

Past orchards and colorful vineyards, winding through roads that glide over hills and finally down a long gravel road that took me past King Family Vineyard (Ramey pressed Chardonnay from here); I arrived at Benovia Winery. Out in the Russian River Valley and yet only 20 minutes from Healdsburg.

I was meeting Lydia for Benovia's Wine Club Pickup weekend! This time we were the guests and they were doing the pouring. You may recall, last weekend I helped at Williams Selyem's Wine Club pickup on Saturday. Lydia did their Sunday party. 
This is also ironic because Benovia's well-honored winemaker Mike Sullivan and Williams Selyem's equally decorated winemaker, Bob Cabral, both worked at Hartford Court. (if you are looking for another school besides UC-Davis for wine studies, they both attended Fresno State).
More than half of Benovia's production is Pinot Noir. Currently my favorite varietal (but, tastes always change and evolve). I do happen to live on the border of the Russian River AVA. home to Pinot and Chard.  Benovia's Cohn Vineyard was planted in 1975. How's that for being ahead of the Sideways curve! 
This artisan winery produces small amounts of gorgeous Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a bit of Zinfandel. Mostly estate grown, mostly from this area: the Russian River Valley, the Sonoma Coast and they do get a bit of grapes up north from the Anderson Valley (Savoy Vineyard).  
There is also a Ramey connection. Dr. Daniel Roberts is their viticultural consultant as well as a consultant to Ramey.  Read more on Dr Dirt in this fascinating Wine Business Monthly article. We are scheduled to visit the Platt Vineyard this Saturday.  This is one of Ramey's chardonnay vineyards out near the coast. 
Always something fun to do here in the heart of Sonoma wine country. 

Like sipping sparkling wines outside in Iron Horse's vineyards with my dear friend Lydia. 
Cheers! 
Next - the olive harvest!