In the Bay Area we are so lucky to have nine core counties with wineries in all of them. Some have more than others. Even if you choose to go outside the central wine area, to places such as Mendocino or Santa Cruz, you are still within two hours driving time to wine tasting. Ah, such freedom!
By Dianne Boate and Robert Meyer
Published: August, 2005
In the Bay Area we are so lucky to have nine core counties with wineries in all of them. Some have more than others. Even if you choose to go outside the central wine area, to places such as Mendocino or Santa Cruz, you are still within two hours driving time to wine tasting. Ah, such freedom!
Some of us who have guests in town can take them on a wine tasting excursion. That’s hospitality and an assurance of a memorable time. Just leave the city and head on out, and make the plan while driving along, if you like.
What we like about all of it is, no matter how much you think you know about California wine country, there are treasures and surprises to be found in any of the counties every time you go. Ah, such adventure!
To help you find the most rewarding experiences around the area, pick up any of the free magazines available at nearly every winery. Contents include listings of regional wineries and maps for how to get there, special event information, articles about winemakers, wineries, art galleries, festivals, and more.
Wine Country This Week, published since 1981, is a favorite. It’s Your essential guide to California wine, dining, romantic getaways, things to do & events. The listings are clear; the maps are easy to read, and it features a Tasting Room Of The Week.
Vine Times is published monthly, and covers Northern California with a special wine country-related feature each month. Recent topics have been: Olive Oil, Casinos, Art, and featured destinations such as: Paso Robles, Bay Area, Sonoma, and Lodi.
A thought to remember is that you really do have to take the road less traveled to explore and investigate wine country.
Twenty-five years ago we were trailing over bumpy roads visiting wineries all over California and Oregon. Some of these wineries set the precedent for future wines and some made California wine something to talk about. Others saw the dollar signs and sold out to big corporations seeking to improve their portfolios. Some succeeded, some failed, but the wine industry marched on, because, underneath the really good wines are the caring craftsmen. If you want to meet these folks, a good idea might be to seek out the smaller wineries. And to become a better wine buyer, educate yourself.
It is hard to say how long we have been receiving wine brochures in the mail. Dianne has a tendency to pass them right on to Robert, who is always doing his own kind of research.
But one publication, quietly crying in a dark corner for being ignored, finally got attention: K and L Wine Merchants Wine News. This monthly newsletter is free and well designed. It is 24 pages of really interesting stuff about wines, wine regions, expert opinions, stories, and listings with prices for buying the wines of the world. For a copy, call (800) 247-5987, or visit www.klwines.com.
Did we mention that Robert has a new bicycle? Yes, now, this one very happy man is out at 5a.m. every day learning about 27 gears. We did not go to a discount store; we went to a bicycle shop that specializes in bicycles. No Two Buck Bike here. It is a piece of high quality sports equipment, and was personally adjusted for his height and build. It was also chosen for the kind of riding he likes to do. Oh, if only we could buy wine this way. You can.
Dianne Boate is a freelance writer, photographer and designer of hats. Her work can be seen at wwwdanielakart.com. Robert Meyer is a consultant to the wine and spirits industry. Although they have been sipping, sampling and traveling for 27 years, he does his thing, and she does her thing. If you could catch them when they think no one is looking, you should see them dance together.
