Sonoma wine adventures: Sparkling wines, eco-friendly wines, and outdoor dining

Our recent February wine country travels took us to Sonoma County, home to 18 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs, or appellations), each with its own distinctive characteristics. The uniqueness of each AVA contributes to the prominence and the worldwide recognition of the California’s wine industry, and Sonoma County's wine regions (AVAs) in particular. Indeed Sonoma County offers a rich diversity of vine-filled experiences. During earlier Spaswinefood Sonoma County visits we have explored many wineries; so for our outing we decided to focus on wineries in/around the town of Sonoma. This took us to Gloria Ferrer, known for its sparkling wines; Benziger Family Winery, where the wine emphasis is on character and conscience; and we dined outdoors at Salt & Stone Restaurant, one of Sonoma County's best outdoor dining spots. For a perfect Sonoma County wine adventure try Gloria Ferrer, Benziger Family Winery, and Salt & Stone Restaurant. 

Wine Travels in Sonoma Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Sonoma Wine Country:  Glora Ferrer

For sure, one of the best sparkling wine experiences is Gloria Ferrer. Glora Ferrer is a name that keeps coming up whenever sparkling wines are mentioned. Last month I was most fortunate to view their awesome vineyard views. Gloria Ferrer is the perfect escape for sparkling wine lovers.

Glora Ferrer, Los Carneros AVA © Spaswinefood

Gloria Ferrer, Los Carneros AVA, offers a unique wine opportunity for those who love bubbles.

Vineyards, Carneros Highway © Spaswinefood

Gloria Ferrer
Gloria Ferrer is home to some of California's best sparkling wines. The Carneros AVA  spans the low hills of the Mayacamas Mountains, which divides both Napa and Sonoma Valleys. The AVA stretches into Sonoma County with grapes grown here also allowed to use the Sonoma Valley AVA designation. Its close proximity to the Bay has made it an ideal location for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production. Besides Gloria Ferrer Carneros has attracted producers from international Champagne houses, such as Moët et Chandon (Domaine Chandon California), and Taittinger (Domaine Carneros). Domaine Chandon has vineyards in Mount Veeder, Yountville and Carneros. Domaine Carneros wines are from the Carneros AVA, with 95% of the fruit from their estate vineyards.

Gloria Ferrer, Los Carneros AVA © Spaswinefood

February explorations reminded me of an earlier wine bloggers conference when I participated in a Gloria Ferrer session on Bubbles & Bites. I love reflecting on my earlier sparkling wine tasting experiences.

Bubbles & More

Gloria Ferrer, #WBC2018 © Spaswinefood

Gloria Ferrer Presentation © Spaswinefood

During the Bubbles and Bites session I was introduced to a Gloria Ferrer wine and food pairing.

Bubbles and Bites, Gloria Ferrer © Spaswinefood

The wines included:

1. Sonoma Brut

2. Blanc de Noir

3. Brut Rose

4. Anniversary Cuvée

Beyond getting to know the above wines the session provided some food pairing strategies. Needless to say, I very much enjoyed the above session. I would also like to add that Gloria Ferrer sparkling wines include both vintage and non-vintage wines. They also produce some still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.

Gloria Ferrer Winery © Spaswinefood

Gloria Ferrer, the first sparkling wine winery in Carneros, is a must for sparkling wine lovers. The Ferrers came from Catalonia to Carenos to establish their winery. They were soon joined by other Sonoma County's sparkling wine producers with international reputations, such as Moët et Chandon (Domaine Chandon California), and Taittinger (Domaine Carneros). For sure Gloria Ferrer and Sonoma County is the place to checkout California Bubbles. Put Gloria Ferrer on your California sparkling wine list. Indeed it sparkles in Sonoma Wine Country. 

Benziger Family Winery, Sonoma Mountains AVA

Within Sonoma County each appellation has something unique to offer, such is the case with Benziger Family Winery in the Sonoma Mountains AVA. 

Benziger Family Winery, Sonoma County © Spaswinefood

February Vineyard, Benziger Family Winery © Spaswinefood

Benziger Family Winery

Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, is one of the must visit wineries in Sonoma County. Founded in 1980 the winery has been producing wines for over 30 years. Their emphasis is on character and conscience. This is achieved by the eco-responsible methods of sustainable, organic, and Biodynamic farming practices. The Sonoma Valley AVA is known for its unique terroir with Sonoma Mountain protecting the area from the wet and cool influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. The Sonoma Mountains to the west help protect the valley from excessive rainfall. The cool air that does affect the region comes northward from San Pablo Bay through the Carneros region and southward from the Santa Rosa plain. Sonoma Valley has played a significant role in the history of California wine. As I have noted the Sonoma Mountain AVA, in the Sonoma Mountains, includes the town of Glen Ellen and is bordered on the west by the Sonoma Valley AVA. 

Onto Benziger Family Winery © Spaswinefood

Now here's a story, about how a bottle of Merlot led me to discover this winery. 

A Merlot Story 

Spaswinefood has wanted to visit this winery after reviewing top Merlot wines in the Top $10 to $20 Category. When I could not find the Cannonball Merlot on the list at the local wine shop instead I came up with a Benziger Merlot 2016. This was not only a great find but also prompted me to learn more about the winery.

Benziger Merlot 2016 © Spaswinefood

Benziger Merlot 2016 ($13.49) came up as a recommended substitution for the Cannonball Merlot. It was not only a good choice, but also I was further impressed that the wine is from a family winery using eco-responsible farming methods. This is a great wine in the $10-$20 range. After discovering this wine I wanted to learn more about the winery. Fortunately my February travels took me to Sonoma County's Benziger winery where the focus is on biodynamic, organic and sustainable farming practice. All their wines carry a third party certification. Their website showcases both varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé) and collections (Estate, De Coelo, Appellations Series, Benziger Family they offer.

This eco-responsible winery is where animals and gardens play an important role. We saw signs of this when viewing their vineyard.

Eco-Friendly Benziger Family Winery © Spaswinefood

Connection with Nature, Benziger Family Winery © Spaswinefood

Needless to say during my Sonoma Valley travels I just had to drive by this winery. Special thanks for one bottle of Merlot that led me to discover this special place.

Mustard Plants Starting to Bloom, Benziger © Spaswinefood

It is exciting to visit a winery where the emphasis is on producing a portfolio of authentic and memorable wines. Hopefully, soon the COVID restrictions will end, and we will return to regular wine country travels. Remember we can always checkout the availability of their wines from online sources. 

Put Benziger Family Winery on your list of Sonoma County wines to sip. 

Salt & Stone Restaurant

Given that Salt & Stone Restaurant was named the best outdoor dining in 2020 for Sonoma County we put it at the top of our list.

Salt & Stone, Sonoma County © Spaswinefood

Indeed it was a beautiful February day for dining outside in wine country. It was a welcomed escape after being vaccinated.

Lunch at Salt & Stone  © Spaswinefood

Over lunch we enjoyed the following dishes:

Time for Lunch, Salt & Stone © Spaswinefood

Salad, Salt & Stone © Spaswinefood

Onion Soup, Salt & Stone © Spaswinefood

Salt & Stone © Spaswinefood

Chocolate Mousse, Salt & Stone © Spaswinefood

We had a most delicious lunch. What a pleasant afternoon visit it was.

Sonoma County's Salt & Stone Restaurant  © Spaswinefood

I would highly recommend  Salt & Stone Restaurant, as offering one of the best outdoor dining experiences in Sonoma County.

Sonoma Wine Country Travels © Spaswinefood

Sonoma County offers the best of sparkling wines, eco-friendly wines, and outdoor dining. For a perfect wine country day put  Gloria Ferrer, Benziger Family Winery, and Salt & Stone Restaurant on your list. Further recommendations on wine offerings are available at Sonoma County's Vitners, whose members are committed to promoting wines and vineyards of Sonoma County. From the Pacific Coast in the west, to the Mayacamas Mountains in the east, there are almost 60,000 acres of vineyards and over 400 wineries. Sonoma County's 18 Appellations (AVAs) include: Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Carneros - Sonoma, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Fort Ross - Seaview, Fountaingrove District, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Moon Mountain, Northern Sonoma, Petaluma Gap, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley. The AVAs reflect the wide variety of climate and soil conditions within Sonoma County. I invite you to join me in my future travels in California and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

February 2021

Sonoma County, California

© Spaswinefood

February Travels in Sonoma Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Benziger, Sonoma Wine Country © Spaswinefood

February Vineyard, Gloria Ferrer © Spaswinefood

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