Tag Archives: Sonoma County

Quench Live: Sonoma Leadership & Legacy with Chris Sawyer September 9

Some wine families don’t just make great wine, they help write the history of an entire region.

Join us Wednesday, September 9, from 5:30-6:30 PM PT, live at the CIA at Copia in Napa (or streaming on YouTubeFacebook, and LinkedIn), as Andrea Robinson sits down with Sonoma County sommelier, educator, and journalist Christopher Sawyer to explore the leadership and legacy behind two of Sonoma County’s most important wine families: Hanzell Vineyards and Bacigalupi Vineyards.

Hanzell’s 1953 vines are believed to be the oldest continually producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines in the Western Hemisphere (let that sink in), and Bacigalupi’s fruit helped make the Chardonnay that famously beat top white Burgundies at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. We’ll be joined by Hanzell’s Head Winemaker Michael McNeill and Bacigalupi’s Nicole Bacigalupi Dericco, third-generation winegrower and Operations Manager, for their own take on the families’ stories.

We’ll taste through six wines side by side, including Hanzell’s 2011 “Ambassador” Chardonnay (poured from magnums!), Bacigalupi’s 2023 “Renouveau” Chardonnay, and both wineries’ Pinot Noirs.

Two families, six wines, decades of Sonoma history in the glass. We can’t wait to taste through this lineup with our winery guests. Join us, either in person at Copia or streaming from wherever you are, get your TICKETS for September 9th!


Sonoma County AVA’s at SRJC in Spring 2026!

Hey gang, do you want to learn about the wines and wineries of northern Sonoma County’s winegrowing regions? Join me!

I will be teaching Wine 111.1 Sonoma AVA-North County, an 8-week course at SRJC, beginning in January, and there is still room to join to my class. We will talk about Alexander Valley, Dry Creek, Russian River, Rockpile and more AVA’s along with sensory evaluations (yes, tastings!) and special winery guests.

Hope to see you there! Cheers, Chris

Delicious Grub Everywhere — Go Get Some!

Perfect timing with many places reopened to outdoor dining, or continuing with take-out & delivery. Whatever suits your preference this Sonoma County Restaurant Week 2021, which starts February 19, keeps going until February 28th! You have plenty of time so get some good #SOCO eats and support a local biz!

GGavo
100985368_3084671178282850_7020113973613690880_o
99094344_3084673621615939_2692843983767339008_o

While not on the list this year, just a few examples to help whet the palate (all from delicious menus at Gravenstein Grill)!

Pinot On The River: This Sunday Oct 21 at Healdsburg Plaza

Join me at  Pinot On The River, this Sunday, October 21, from 11am to 3pm.  A must-attend wine event in Sonoma County, featuring a full program of exclusive Pinot Noir tastings, artisanal food vendors, silent auction, and raffle. The event benefits the efforts of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County, helping serve over 10,000 YOUNG PEOPLE ages 6 to 18.

Use promo code VINE18 for 25% off general admission!

pinot2017
pinot2017b
vineyardsunset