Three Generations of Sonoma Wine: Sailboats and a Dry Creek

Driving into Sonoma, you feel as if you have entered another era. Rolling hills and pastures fill the valleys, hills covered in trees remind you that there are still open spaces, even in California - one of the most populous States in the US. Coming across Dry Creek Vineyards in the midst of the luscious greenery of the Dry Creek Valley is a treat for most people - city dwellers, suburbanites and country-folk alike.

Coming off of the main road (two lanes bordered by vine), you enter a gravel driveway framed by more vine and tall, lush trees. The small winery has three main buildings in the front portion of the property, with the tasting room taking the lead as the most beautiful. Non-descript as it is, the gray stone building sports a wonderful stained glass window with a sailboat on the open sea. As you walk along the path to enter the tasting room, there is an idyllic spot for taking a picnic in your mid-day wine travels or hosting a beautiful outdoor function, with green grass surrounded by a low stone wall and more tall, calming trees.

Entering the tasting room, you are greeted with pictures of the winery from conception in 1972 to present. There are bottles of wine representing multiple vintages of their delicious Chenin Blanc, Fume Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There are pictures of the family from day one until now, pictures of celebs that have graced the winery with their presence, and pictures of sailboats - a passion of the family that has everything to do with the labels of the wine and, I expect, to do with the quality of wine as well.

This may seem contradictory. How can a winemaker make excellent wine and run a world-class winery while on a boat miles away from their vineyards? I believe is has much to do with their philosophy on life and winemaking. For thirty-five years the winery has led the way in the Dry Creek Valley, not only pressing for the AVA designation, but also to pursue the most sustainable winemaking practices available, while maintaining quality and value. They have created some spectacular wines that stand the test of time and the market. They have created a brand that is recognizable without sacrificing their values or the integrity of their product. On top of all that, they also manage to have a good time doing what they do.

I highly recommend all of their wines, but I would suggest the Chenin Blanc and the Russian River Chardonnay in particular, as well as any of their Zinfandels. The Chenin Blanc is reminiscent of wines from the Loire valley. The grapes are from the Sacramento Delta region and the wine is completely un-oaked, lending the wine a bright, fresh acidity not often found in California Chenin Blanc. The Chardonnay is fermented in barrel, lending a nice creaminess to the wine, without overpowering the flavors of the grapes. And the Zins... Well, if you like fruit-forward reds with nice balance and acidity, you will love these, especially since they will not bust your budget.

If you can't visit Sonoma for the wineries or the boating, at least try a bottle or two. You can imagine that you are sitting on a sailboat watching the sunset on the Pacific or picnicking in the grass outside the vineyard, catching the slight aroma of eucalyptus trees as the breeze gently flows through the vineyards. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.