It took me a couple of years and several trips to Northern Sonoma, and this time around we finally got to Flowers. From the first time I tasted their Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, I was in love and wanted to visit this stunning Sonoma Coast property, nestled in beautiful mountains and off a winding, wooded road. It was worth the wait and everything I hoped it would be.

Right after we left our tasting at Fort Ross, we headed to our appointment at Flowers. Words and pictures can’t do justice to how pretty the drive was as we arrived at the property, went through the gate, and found the house where tastings are done on a property once known as Camp Meeting Ground.

First up, we met our host and guide, Nikki, and the other couple we would be touring and tasting with. We headed out to the vineyard to learn more about where these very special wines get their start while we enjoyed sunshine and fresh air that smelled like honeysuckle and fresh cut grass.

Nikki did a fantastic job of sharing the winery’s history and information on the terroir of the estate. I did a terrible job of taking notes and instead took it all in. Luckily, Flowers’ website helped to jog my memory:

Perched on top of soaring coastal ridges that border the Pacific Ocean, Flowers’ estate vineyards were some of the first planted on the “extreme” Sonoma Coast (1991).  Flowers’ vineyards rise up just two miles from the rugged Pacific Ocean cliffs at elevations of 1,150 to 1,875 feet.  The maritime breezes and coastal fog cool the vineyards during the heat of summer allowing fruit to fully mature with fresh, complex flavors and lively acidity.
The well-known San Andreas Rift comes ashore nearby at Ft. Ross and is responsible for much of the geological movement in the region and has influenced both Sea View Ridge and Camp Meeting Ridge vineyards.  The underlying, or parent material of the vineyard soils was once ocean floor.  Through cataclysmic events of fault movements that generated great heat and pressure, the marine sedimentary rock was transformed into fault gouge material consisting of rocks like schist, shale, sandstone, greywacke, and greenstone.  These ancient rocks and weathered soils help to control vine vigor on our estate and create wines of depth with bright fruit, earth, and mineral characteristics – wines that reflect a true “sense of place”.

It was kind of neat and a little scary to think we were standing so close to a fault! Nikki’s connection to the area is a unique one, and she was able to share some history that was near and dear to her as well. Just across the hills from where we stood, her husband’s family was the first to grow wine grapes this far out on the Sonoma Coast. From that point on, there was lots of talk about the area and farming. My husband grew up farming sheep, and it’s still a topic of interest. We had a great time chatting about Ireland and Sonoma County, which just happen to be my favorite places.

When it was time for our tasting, we headed to the house on the property, built by Joan and Walt Flowers, the original winemakers and owners.

The house is pretty incredible. In addition to tastings, they also hold dinner events there. I missed taking a photo of the kitchen, but it was beautifully designed and a chef’s dream. No one lives in the house at the moment; I offered, but apparently everyone who visits does that. I meant it more. . .

   I mean really, we could have some great parties on this deck.

Of course, we tasted both Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, through lots of talking about anything and everything. We also tasted Flowers Perennial, a blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. All were exquisite, but since I was in Chardonnay mode, I kept going back to steal sips. Lemon tart and nice acidity, and, as the tasting notes say, minerality that is typical of the extreme Sonoma Coast make for a refreshing, balanced, elegant Chardonnay that might just be my favorite in the world.

The Pinot Noir and Perennial were also beautiful, and the company and views matched. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.

The Northern Sonoma Coast is definitely a place I would recommend for a little getaway. From wine tasting at places like Flowers and Fort Ross, to all of the out in nature activities available to cozy accommodations at Timber Cove, it is a little slice of heaven.

Will you be celebrating Chardonnay Day?

Technorati Tags: California, chardonnay, Flowers Winery, Pinot Noir, Sonoma, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Travel, wine, wine tasting

Boston Chops was our host for the evening, and they provided some fantastic snacks for us to snack on with wine from Travessia Urban Winery. Each is an example of a great Massachusetts business and demonstrate the great things happening all across the Commonwealth, especially when it comes to the culinary scene.

Generous gift bag sponsors included Salem’s Harbor Sweets, who shared their signature Sweet Sloops.

Harbor Sweets is launching its first new line since 2001 this summer. Salt & Ayre was inspired by conversations with loyal customers and with company friend/eminent cookbook author Lora Brody. Salt & Ayre boasts seven heavenly bite-size indulgences with flavor notes including Thai ginger, chai, caramel and Himalayan sea salt and its packaging will feature a new distinctive look and style.

The very sweet Robin of Robin’s Candy, which has locations on Newbury Street and in Great Barrington, gave guests gift cards to the store. I had the pleasure of picking the cards up on Newbury Street, and I have to tell you that Robin’s is absolutely enchanting. It’s like a magical candy land, a fun and delicious place for all ages.

Chewy, decadent, yet healthy cookies from Bonnievilles. These power cookies are made of whole food ingredients and leave out things like refined sugars. They are slightly sweet and pack a lot of flavor, definitely a treat you can feel good about!

It was great to spend the evening chatting with bloggers I know and some I had never met. There’s a lot going on in Massachusetts this summer; below are just a few of the things I’m most excited about (in addition, of course, to my annual Cape Cod weekend). For a complete guide to travel  in Massachusetts, visit massvacation.com.

New England Brewery Tours provides an unforgettable beer experience and gives visitors an inside look at all the incredible things going on in New England’s beer industry. Visit breweries large and small and, along the way, enjoy gourmet food paired with local beer. www.newenglandbrewerytours.com

Cape Ann Foodie Tours launches the new Taste Gloucester tour, providing a tasty overview of the 400-year-old port city. From chowder to olive oil, to a special sandwich that Gloucester natives have been enjoying for decades, Taste Gloucester will expose guests to local treats they’d be hard pressed to discover on their own. The company’s 2.5 hour (roughly 1 mile) tours led by dynamic tour guides also include Rockport Sights and Sweets, Taste Newburyport, and Ales & Tales. Tours are $47 per person. www.capeannfoodietours.com

In summer 2013, The Wauwinet, the only Relais & Châteaux property on Nantucket, will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary with $25 meals, wines, spa treats and more. Guests can enjoy a $25 two-course lunch select dates in May and June (excl Sunday Brunch) and specially selected $25 wines at TOPPER’s, the on-site restaurant which was awarded a perfect score of 100 for its cuisine on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Gold List. www.wauwinet.com

The Food and Wine Festival on Martha’s Vineyard in October celebrates local harvests from the sea and Vineyard farms. Enjoy wines from around the world, food prepared by local and renowned chefs; attend seminars and tastings and so much more. www.mvfoodandwine.com

Technorati Tags: Boston, Food, Massachusetts, summer, Travel, wine

With all  of the restaurants available, it becomes difficult to choose. Always one to want to try new things while also wanting to return to old favorites, I end up spending a lot of time trying to figure out where to eat. In the end, it’s best to ask a local.

On our first night in Healdsburg, we had dinner with Two Shepherds winemaker William at Campo Fina. It was so fabulous I forgot to take photos. Or I was jetlagged and on lots of Cartograph Rosé. Actually, it was a little bit of both.

Campo Fina was so great, and we would definitely go back. When we asked for suggestions for our dinner the next night, Spoonbar came highly recommended. After a day in Napa Valley, we headed back to the wine hour at the Healdsburg Inn and then wandered Healdsburg for a bit before heading to dinner. We may have stopped at Cartograph and joined their wine club too. It was a great day.

Wine tasting pretty much always makes me want a cocktail or a beer. I love wine and wine tasting and talking about wine, but at the end of the day, mixing it up a little is nice, and Spoonbar was the perfect venue for cocktails. I ordered this pretty jalapeno number called Jalapeno Business: Charbay Raspberry Vodka, Clear Creek Loganberry, Lemon, Ginger, Raspberry-Jalapeno Foam. In addition to being pretty in pink, it packed a spicy punch with nice berry accents, perfect for sipping slowly. There was a definite burn.

We weren’t super hungry, thanks to the wine hour snacks, so we decided to order a few appetizers to share as we often do.

There was a grapefruit and avocado salad with brioche croutons that was fresh, tangy, delicious.

And a smoked trout mousse with homemade potato chips and Spoonbar’s Old Old Fashioned.

  The best and most interesting dishes were also from the snack menu. Baked cheese gougeres were suspended in a pool of melted fontina. Each bite was light, fluffy, and cheesy, so decadent.

The rock shrimp and seeded granola was also really memorable for the combination of flavors and textures; sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. I would never think to combine shrimp and granola, but this just worked so well.

Spoonbar is a vast open space with windows out on to the sidewalk and a very cool vibe. We were on East Coast time and thus early diners, but I am sure once acclimated to Healdsburg time, we would be late night regulars. The restaurant was a perfect recommendation and a fantastic way to end a day of wine tasting.

The real end to the night came at another new favorite we visited twice on this trip, the lounge at the Hotel Healdsburg. Live music, great wines by the glass, and a super sweet staff made this relaxing spot the place we enjoyed nightcaps two nights in a row. Just a block from our home base on this trip, the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, the Hotel Healdsburg is a must-visit for anyone staying in town. It also happens to be home to Dry Creek Kitchen; come for dinner, stay for music. . . and be prepared to never want to leave!

What’s your favorite vacation dining memory?

Technorati Tags: California, Dining out, Food, Healdsburg, Northern California, Restaurants, Sonoma, Sonoma County, Travel, wine country

Legal Harborside – If you can get a seat, the roof deck at Legal Harborside is perfect for after work cocktails and small bites. Once the sun starts to set, head downstairs to the first floor for a full Legal menu, complete with raw bar offerings and great harbor views.

Sam’s at Louis – Sam’s has one of the best spots on Boston’s waterfront. They also serve up great cocktails, brunch, dinner, and a killer sunset.

ArtBar at the Royal Sonesta – While the above image is taken from our hotel room at the Royal Sonesta during a special celebration weekend, ArtBar definitely also offers some of the best views of Boston that you can find. A fun canvas of cocktails and addictive snacks like mac and cheese egg rolls and sweet potato tots make it easy to stay for another round.

 Ashmont Grill – Ashmont Grill is one of the reasons we moved to Dorchester, and it continues to be a favorite, especially during the summer and fall months. An enclosed patio that offers fleece blankets and a cozy fire pit make for a great date night. Bonus: in nicer weather, their Monday wine club events are sometimes held outside!

Ledge Kitchen & Drinks – I might be partial to restaurants in Dorchester, but the Ledge really has it all when it comes to summer dining. Their patio is a hidden oasis, and they offer dollar oysters on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Is there a better way to spend an evening than with a cold beer and some briny oysters?

The Blue Room – Talk about an urban getaway! Just a few stairs separate the Blue Room patio from the hubbub of busy Cambridge, but it somehow feels a world a way. They have a killer wine list (and wine bar next door). I had an amazing dinner there last year, but the patio and grill are also open for lunch.

There are a couple of new outdoor dining spaces I am looking to try. The Rooftop @ Revere at the Revere Boston Common Hotel sounds delightfully swanky; the pool might be the perfect summer splurge. Current favorite Steel & Rye also has a patio and plenty of Rosé to match those dreamy summer evening skies.

Technorati Tags: Boston, cambridge, cocktails, dining in Boston, Food, outdoor dining, patio dining, Restaurants, wine