From Sonoma with Love: A View to a Kill (plus wood fired pizza!)
For wood burning pizza second to none, call ahead to Lambert Bridge winery and book an outdoor cooking class with culinary star Andrea Mugnaini.
If you’re looking for a wine country experience off the beaten path — where the only retail shop is a classic, locally operated dry goods store — then bookmark Dry Creek Valley on your (Google) map of Northern California.
The appellation known for Zinfandel (dating back to Prohibition), and killer views, is located in Sonoma just north of Russian River Valley and south of Alexander Valley. It’s an inspirational setting. And with 70 wineries located around the ring road, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget you’ll also find superb cool-climate Pinot and Chardonnay here as well.
If you go, look to the quaint, upscale town of Healdsburg as a luxurious and comfortable launching pad. The walkable town offers plenty of places to stay, and features Michelin star-rated restaurants (such as Cyrus).
MORE WINE: Stark Wine of the Week: Gary Farrell Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Fans of olive oil should make a stop at the Dry Creek Olive Oil Company, operated by former Apple executive Tim Bucher of Trattore Wine Estates. A gorgeous selection of olive oils farmed locally from rolling vineyards await those seeking authentic inspiration or their culinary adventures.
WINE EVENTS WE LOVE: Grape to Glass’ in Sonoma
For wood burning pizza second to none, call ahead to Lambert Bridge winery and book an outdoor cooking class with culinary star Andrea Mugnaini.
Clinton Stark spent a few days touring the region; look for stories, photos and wine reviews coming soon. Salut!
IN PHOTOS: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma
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- Dry Creek Olive Oil Company owner Tim Bucher describes how he farms olives using one of the country’s only olive oil presses – an impressive Italian-crafted machine.
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- Chef Andrea Mugnaini is a culinary maestro, and known for her wood fired cooking. Call ahead to Lambert Bridge Winery and book a class with some friends. You won’t soon forget the experience, or dining on the expansive lawns, surrounded by wine country.
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- Biking is a great option in wine country, especially in Dry Creek Valley with its bike-friendly roads and tasting rooms such as this one at Martorana Family Winery.
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- Be sure to bring your camera (warning: cell phone coverage is spotty!).
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- The main roads, “Dry Creek Road” and “West Dry Creek Road,” are paved, but side roads, and many of those leading up to the winery tasting rooms are dirt or gravel.
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- Just hanging around: the scene at Timber Crest Farms. These grapes will start changing color shortly. A lot of TLC goes into these babies. Extra clusters will be dropped, just like you’d remove suckers from tomato plants. This will enable the remaining grapes to evolve higher concentration of flavor.
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- Stunning view from Trattore Estate Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. If you like olive oil and a tranquil, inspiring setting, this is your place. There are about 70 wineries in this Sonoma appellation.
