A significant uptick in Covid-19 cases in California has delayed the reopening of sections of the state’s economy. For the wine industry restaurant sales remain virtually nonexistent, and in Sonoma County Tasting Room activities are limited to reservation-only parties who must sit at socially distanced tables. This will undoubtedly change, but no one has been …
In the cellar Melissa and crew continue doing their magic of the wines of 2019, bottling for clients, and starting preparations for this year’s harvest. It is still early and we have just gone through a brief hot spell, but vineyards look healthy and happy. The Tasting Room remains closed. A number of wineries in …
This month we at Taft Street will release our first single vineyard Merlot – the 2018 Los Amigos Vineyard, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley. We had a staff tasting a few weeks ago to get any final pre-release reactions to the wine. Above the usual and expected ooh’s and aah’s was the recognition that the …
As we get into May there appears to be a general feeling that while the worst may be over it will still be quite some time before “normal” returns. There are a few more people out and about, a little more traffic (but still plenty of parking!), and limited access to parks and trails. But …
In the 38 years we have worked and lived in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley we have seen a lot – major fires, devastating floods, and the ever present threat of “The Big One.” We were not prepared for this, however; an unseen, often deadly, and quickly spreading threat which is altering the way we …
In times of stress and uncertainty we often look for something familiar and comfortable. These are strange times indeed, and we’ve come up with a twist on a dish that is both timely and delicious, an ideal spring brunch or quick dessert. We love to pair it with a glass of either of our new …
Winter is not over yet, so warm nourishing soups are still viable. Here is a twist on tortilla soup, with tomatillo sauce added for a little variation and spice. The soup almost demands Taft Street Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, for its forward fruit and brisk acidity. INGREDIENTS: ¼ cup olive oil 1 onion, diced …
We in wine country are currently enjoying our annual mock spring, with blue skies and temperatures in the 70’s. It is usually followed by another couple of months of wintry weather (for us), but we are enjoying it while we can. It gives growers the opportunity to access their vineyards for seasonal pruning; an added …
It’s the time of year for roasts, stews and hearty soups. A wonderful (and easy) accompaniment to any of the above is this month’s dish – cheesy popovers. Simple ingredients, quickly put together and a crowd pleaser; you can serve this with any Taft Street wine. INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon melted butter, plus more for greasing …
