Every single day I thank the gods that I am fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful and unique spot as Sonoma Valley. I’ve been here for a decade now after spending time in Marin County to the south and San Francisco, further south. I occasionally like to offer FERMENTATION readers a glimpse of this community. Today that glimpse is the crime that infests our small Valley. From today’s Sonoma Index Tribune: "Patrol Car Hit With Baguette""A 23-year-old female…
Where ever there are hills and vines I think we can expect a movement to restrict exactly how vineyards are planted. We are seeing this scenario play out once again, this time in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco and one of the most impressive growing regions in the state. Napa Valley and Sonoma County has already dealt with the issue of where and how vines can be planted on hillsides. The movement to preserve the hillsides as…
Today, in his absurdly good weekly newsletter "Vintage Experiences" (subscription only), Dan Berger has some very interesting thoughts on Napa Valley and the idea of "Wine Country." In short, Dan suggests that Napa Valley, with its informally high prices for wine and the "wine country" lifestyle, is becoming less and less and true wine country where consumers and visitors can count on an authentic, and affordable, experience. But deeper into his article he makes the most important point: Napa Valley’s…
PROGRAM NOTE… It’s the first Monday of the Month and that can only mean it’s time for my monthly appearance on WineBiz 2.4 with Kaz and Erik. A great show on the wine business from a Sonoma perspective. I’ll be on to….well, to be on. I guess I’m considered a "guest commentator." You can listen in by heading over here to KSVY.or….THE VOICE OF SONOMA!! Kaz is one of Sonoma’s true originals. He’s a winery owner with an intense sense…
