Team C&J
North Bay Business Journal – Rooted In Tradition: Sonoma County Winegrowing Families Celebrate A Century Of Farming
In this era when big corporations are buying up family-owned wineries, this is a nice article about over 20 wineries in Sonoma county that have been family run for over 100 years. From the article:
Last week, the inaugural Century Club celebration at Sally Tomatoes in Rohnert Park honored 22 Sonoma County families that have farmed in the region at least 100 years and now grow wine grapes.
Launched by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, the club shines a light on the enduring legacy of these remarkable families who are the cornerstone of the region’s agricultural community.
Wine Spectator – 20 Sparkling Wines Under $30, Picked by Wine Pros
I missed this one and should have pointed this article out three shows ago, but better late than never. This is an excellent list of sparklers under a $30 price point. From the article:
Wine Spectator reached out to 13 Restaurant Award-winning sommeliers from across the country to ask what budget sparkling wines they’d bring to a big bash, giving them a price limit of $30 and under.
Do you want bubblies that are as close to Champagne as possible? These pros suggest looking for bottles labeled méthode traditionnelle, méthode Champenoise or metodo classico. These terms all mean the same thing: Champagne method, using secondary fermentation in the bottle to make bubbles like they do in Champagne.
Wine Business – The Garagiste Wine Festival Returns to Solvang with 30 Winemakers, 150+ Wines
We are planning on checking the wine festival out in 2025. The dates are:
For the Solvang Tasting: The Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure kicks off on Friday, February 7th, with its signature “Rare & Reserve” tasting, showcasing extremely limited Club Only, Library, and Pre-Release bottles along with a Cajun-inspired buffet by local favorite Clean Slate Wine Bar, and sweet treats from Solvang Bakery.
The Grand Tasting, on Saturday, February 8th, features 30 winemakers pouring their latest releases, cheese and charcuterie from Cailloux Cheese Shop, a Silent Wine Auction filled with first-rate wine packages, and a classic Garagiste Festival glass.
Weekend pass holders have access to a special pre-event Q&A, on the 8th, with Mira & Kurt Honeycutt, the authors of Sideways Uncorked in which they will take attendees behind the scenes of the classic wine film and offer up a tasting of a local Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. In addition to the Q&A, weekend pass holders have early access to the Grand Tasting, a wine country lunch from Panino, and a sweet treat from My Mama’s Macarons.
Wine Enthusiast – Unpacking the Merits (and Limitations) of the Universal Wine Glass
We are big fans of the Gabriel-Glas Crystal Wine Glasses, Universal Wine Glass for Red and White Wine, and it is our daily go-to glass, but we still go with the Riedel Vinum New World Pinot Noir Glass when drinking, of course, Pinot Noir. What are your thoughts? From the Article:
As alluring as varietal-specific stemware can be, with glasses specifically designed to make your Burgundy breathe and your Sancerre sing, there’s something equally enticing about the possibility of just one that can do it all. Enter the universal wine glass.
Spicewood Vineyards in Spicewood, TX
Winery Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 Wine Club Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Nestled in the scenic landscape of Texas Hill Country, Spicewood Vineyards brings together the best of Southern hospitality, innovative winemaking, and a profound connection to the local terroir. This charming winery, owned by Ron Yates, offers wine enthusiasts a unique tasting experience, showcasing wines that reflect tradition and bold experimentation. It is renowned not only for its high-quality wines but also for the serene beauty that surrounds it.
2020 Piedlong Châteauneuf-du-Pape
At $73, the 2020 Piedlong delivers both quality and value, as evidenced by its high ratings: a 93 from the Cork and Journey Tasting Panel and 4.2 on Vivino. For collectors and casual enthusiasts alike, this wine is approachable now but promises further rewards with cellaring through 2030.
Vaudeville in Fredericksburg, TX
Restaurant Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 Cost Rating: $$$ 3/4 Food Type: French
Vaudeville, located on Fredericksburg’s historic Main Street, brings a refined French dining experience to the Texas Hill Country. With its sleek design, inviting ambiance, and superbly executed dishes, Vaudeville has quickly cemented itself as a prime spot for those seeking an elevated meal in this charming small town. It has earned a 5-star rating from the C&J guide and boasts a mid-tier Google cost rating, making it an excellent balance of luxury and accessibility.
Corkage: No Outside Alcohol Allowed
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