The summer growing season is now in full swing, with daytime temperatures reaching the 80’s and 90’s; then dropping thirty degrees overnight. This is the pattern that produces world class grapes – one’s that sweeten to maturity while keeping a fresh acidity. Only in Sonoma County (OK, and a few other places as well). It […]
Summer at the Winery Read More »
Summer means barbeque and there are not many things better than smoked brisket. We usually go with the traditional Taft Street Zinfandel, but on very hot days a well chilled Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Gris hits the spot. This was a big hit at our recent “Grill 116” – wine and food pairing
Taft Street’s Smoked Brisket Read More »
It was 32 years ago, on April Fools’ Day in 1982, when Taft Street Winery opened its doors in the Russian River Valley town of Forestville. As they say, the rest is history. Family and friends, including younger generations, continue making wines from local vineyards; we continue sharing our products at the drop of a
Happy 32nd Birthday! Read More »
With warm weather upon us, outdoor entertaining becomes the rule and informal dishes make it easier on everyone. Here is a go-to plate which does not take too much preparation but delivers big on flavor. Moreover, it pairs well with Taft Street Rose of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc – two of our summertime favorites.
Chicken and Cucumber Wraps With Ginger Vinaigrette Read More »
The big news in the vineyards the last few weeks has been the abundance of fruit on the vines. It looked like the beginning of a monster vintage. However, it’s always dangerous to predict anything about a grape crop so early in the season, and this year may be no exception. The last week has
Spring Into…Summer Read More »
After a very wet December, winter in Sonoma County has turned cold and dry. It is time for pruning in the vineyards, and getting the early white wines bottled. Our 2012 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, 2012 Sonoma Country Rose of Pinot Noir, and 2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris will soon be in the
Winter in Wineland Read More »
No, this is not an April Fool’s joke. It was 31 years ago today, April Fool’s Day 1982, when Taft Street Winery officially became bonded winery #5547. A lot has gone under the bridge in the ensuing years, and we are still having great fun doing what we love. Friends and neighbors will help celebrate
31 Years Old and Still Kickin’ Read More »
We cooked these for Thanksgiving and they were a big hit. They match well with many winter dishes – roasts, soups, and the like. Plus, they really work with our current house favorite – Taft Street 2011 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir! Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons melted butter 1
Herb Cheese Popovers Read More »
What a difference a year – or two – makes! After two years of “challenging” harvest – wet springs, followed by fruit shattering heat waves, followed by early rains – this year’s harvest is headed for the record books as about as ideal as possible. Production across the board is way above the last two
Vintage 2012 – One for the Books Read More »
Fall is upon us, and heartier dishes with red wine fit the bill. Here’s a festive vegetarian dish that works with a number of red wines – I particularly like the 2009 Dry Creek Syrah. 2009 Dry Creek Syrah. INGREDIENTS 12 ounce puff pastry 3 head garlic, peeled 1 tablespoon olive oil 1tablespoon balsamic vinegar
