Southern Sonoma Country Life

And So This Is Christmas . . . Sentiments, Rituals and Recipes for Comfort and Cheer

Contrary to increasingly popular belief, Christmas is not cancelled this year. It comes in many sizes, shapes and forms and doesn't necessarily have to be celebrated on the 25th. After all, the 'reason for the season' was conveniently attached to the pagan winter light festivities in order to make the best of the darkest time of year, so bringing it on early, waiting a day or two or a week or two even wouldn't be too much of a problem!

Now more than any other time, it's perfectly fine to shake things up, tone it down, even ramp it up if we choose, as long as we do it with necessary caution and care. News has been a bit bleak of late and we're all tired of the on again, off again social restrictions. So finding comfort and joy and celebration in the small details and the company of those we love, even if it has to be by screen, is the key to taking solace in this 2021 festive season. 

I've enjoyed hearing from friends and family around the world as to the fun and innovative and sometimes super last-minute ways to make merry during these unprecedented holidays. And so I reached out on social media to find out what's in store for Christmas. 

If you're not feeling it this year, your plans have been altered or cancelled or you just fancy something new in your holiday activity line up, I hope at least one or two of these missives from around the globe will inspire your mood. 

And if you're batting down the hatches and hunkering down at home with the cat and a good book and a glass of something warm or bubbly (or both), then that's perfectly fine too. A new year is on its way. Yeah! 

"Christmas Eve we have a rousing rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas and a dear friend reads A Night Before Christmas before everyone goes home," says Andrea of Petaluma. "We skipped it last year and my teen insisted we continue the tradition this year."

"We have a long-standing tradition of going for a Christmas Eve neighborhood walk with a flask of good Cognac," says Adrian in Petaluma. "It's wonderful to see everyone's tree or lights in their window and hear the laughter of people having dinner parties. Love to have Becky on my arm as we walk in the cold evening air. Something we look forward to every year. It's sounds voyeuristic but it's very innocent enjoying the lights. Safe and outdoors. Perfect for introverts almost joining in."

And for Tina of Petaluma it's a: "Sunset walk on the beach on New Year’s Eve. Bye, bye last year and no hangover into the next!"

In fact, winter walks are popular at this time of year in colder climes too:

"We make mince pies with fresh apple added into them, then deliver our Christmas cards to neighbours and follow the village advent window trail," writes Kerry in Kent, UK. "Then on Christmas Eve we walk to the village pond to watch Mary and Joseph ride a donkey up the hill into the church."

Nancy in Petaluma is going to: "Make a hot cocoa board with gingerbread men, marshmallows, peppermints, etc . . . and then drag my family out to look at lights."

Helen in Queensland, Australia: "I watch the Love Actually movie to remind me of families coming together again and of the day I can go home (to the UK) for a cold Christmas . . . and I eat Queensland prawns with mango and avocados . . . yum."

"Our fam tradition is to gather and watch Polar Express together. And of course drinking lots of hot hot hot chocolate with marshmallows in our collected vintage Santa face mugs," says Renee, also of Petaluma. 

"Alice's Gluten Free Pear and Persimmon Cake is great for all the persimmons out there," shares Petaluma food writer and designer, Alice. 

"My family gathers to make tamales for Christmas Eve. Usually the Sunday before- it has been a tradition for 4 generations," writes Pilar, of Petaluma. 

John from Cincinnati shares his Mom's Spoonbread recipe from Virginia. "It's like cornbread, but better." His Mom's grandfather was good friends with (American naval officer & explorer) Admiral Byrd. "This recipe has been enjoyed for over 5o years."

John writes: "It's a family tradition every Christmas when my 40-something son and daughter kneel at my side and thank me for getting them out of Illinois when they were still in grade school. Really."  No offense if you're reading this in Illinois. John explains how he came to California when he was eight, left again at 13, wandered the US and France and when he returned to the States at 24, it was obvious to him that Northern California was: "The place to BE." Needless to say, John and family will be happy just to be home in Petaluma this Christmas. 

Elaine, who lives a couple blocks from John shares that she's looking forward to serving Italian foods as per her Swiss Italian family's tradition. "Torrone in individual boxes with lovely protraits, along with Panettone and a St. Honore cake . . . My Swiss grandparents would make a wonderful pastry that I can't find the recipe for: thin pastry squares, deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar . . . and a similar pastry which would be folded over and stuffed with a mixture of brandy, walnuts, sugar, and crushed dried figs, then deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar."

Kerry and I both concur that we love the 1992 Muppets Christmas Carol more than any other cinematic version of Dickens' classic. Wonderful and heartwarming for kids of any age! 

"Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you've got a Christmas tree in the living room." _ Nora Roberts 

And talking of trees . . . my sister-in-law Francesca is spending Christmas in Philly where she lives and works after a last minute change in plans to visit her Mom and family and friends in the UK for the first time in two years. It was hugely disappointing to make the decision at the 11th hour but potential lock downs in the UK and concerns about traveling back into the US were just too much to ignore. Seeing as she didn't have a Christmas Tree, when she stumbled upon one in her all time favorite color on sale, she knew it had her name on it. 

Click here for Francesca's video short! 

"And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent..." Taylor Caldwell. 

Hotel Petaluma Presents Petaluma's 5th Annual Gingerbread House Showcase & Competition

 

Photos: Hotel Petaluma

It's back by popular demand, the spectacular Hotel Petaluma Gingerbread House Showcase & Competition, Friday, December 17th through Sunday, December 19th. 

The community will vote for the People’s Choice winner. All winners will be announced on the final day of the showcase, Sunday, December 19th.

Showcase Days/Hours:
Friday 1pm - 9pm
Saturday 10am-9pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm

Check out all of the event details on the hotel's  Facebook Event Page.

Health & safety protocols The hotel will be enforcing several protocols to help keep this event as safe as possible for everyone. Please make note of the following requirements for attendance: Masks must be worn at all times by all attendees No food or beverage will be permitted in the event space Practice social distancing Do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness We will not be having any communal activities during the event

A Sonoma County Pallet — Bark, Berries, Bramble & Blossom & A Meyer Lemon Hot Toddy

Sunday afternoon I found myself caught in a rain storm walking my dog, Rosie up by the water tower in the hills above West Petaluma. I was wrapped up in a heavy raincoat and had set out with sturdy boots and so I decided to embrace the moment and, in having the hills to ourselves, the time to take a closer look at the gorgeous winter colors gracing the landscape.

Rosie doesn't mind the rain as long as I towel dry her and keep her warm back home. Having grown up in the UK  I'd have never ventured outside if I'd waited for the rain to stop! 

And as we're all so grateful for the rain this fall, there's really nothing more refreshing than a good drenching, that is given that there's the prospect of a warm shower and a hot cup of tea back at the house. It's not this way for all, sadly and it's reassuring to hear that Sonoma County is allocating substantial funding to emergency and temporary housing for the many who don't have shelter of their own. 

It's impossible not to sit indoors or lay in bed at night and listen to the pouring rain without thinking of those who huddle for shelter under freeway bridges and in the stairwells of parking garages. 

Here in Petaluma we are fortunate to have the hard working team and volunteers and donors of COTS, as well as several other organizations, including Petaluma People Services to provide food and warmth and a path toward permanent housing for those who are ready to take the necessary first steps. If you have any dollars in your budget to donate, now more than ever, these non-profits are amongst the many in our community that will put our donations to the best use in helping tackle the crisis of the unsheltered. 

How fortunate we are to have Helen Putnam Park and its surrounds on our doorstep. If you haven't had a chance to check out the new paths and trails, winter season is a great time to get up there for a bracing hike. Watch out for the poison oak which is loving this rain and though cleared from the paths as best as rangers are able, it pops up in abundance and even a slight brushing on a pant leg or dog's coat can wreak havoc. Leaves of three, let them be. 

There's a brand new parking lot on Windsor Drive, off Western Ave that leads to a more gentle pathway up into the park than the Oxford Court climb. It costs $7 to park unless you have a Sonoma County annual Regional Park Pass, which I highly recommend. A park pass makes a great gift for the outdoorsy and those who don't need or want any more stuff! 

The dwarf Meyer Lemon tree I bought at Cottage Gardens a couple of years ago is coming into its own and I look on each ripened lemon like a little yellow gem. I did make a cup of tea on my return after dripping back into the house as it was a little too early in the day for a hot toddy. That had to wait until after the sun went down!

Meyer Lemon Hot Toddy

1 oz. (2 tablespoons) bourbon

1 Tbsp. mild honey

2 tsp. fresh lemon Meyer Lemon juice

¼ cup boiling-hot water

Put bourbon, honey, and lemon juice in a 6-ounce mug. Top off with hot water and stir until honey is dissolved.

Dreaming of Scotland? How About a Long, Luxury Wildlife Weekend at a Shoreline Ancestral Family Home On The Isle of Skye?

In 2022, Kinloch Lodge, Skye’s landmark hotel, celebrates its 50^th anniversary. To mark the occasion, it is introducing a new three-night package showcasing the very best experiences that the hotel has to offer, and giving guests a real sense of place. From a wildlife walk with the hotel’s own ghillie to a shoreline foraging session with the restaurant’s head chef, the package invites guests to join the Macdonald family in marking 50 very special years.
 
Originally built as a farmhouse, Kinloch Lodge was converted into a shooting lodge for the Macdonalds of Skye in the 18th century.

 

Today Isabella Macdonald is at the helm, welcoming guests into not just a hotel, but her ancestral, family home. It was opened as a hotel by Isabella’s father Godfrey, Lord Macdonald and High Chief of Clan Donald, and his wife, world-renowned cook Claire, in 1972.

 

 THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE

 
As soon as guests arrive, they are led into the hotel’s drawing room with its roaring fire and comfy sofas and the atmosphere is of being welcomed into a family home, not a hotel. As they relax and look at artefacts and heirlooms from the Macdonald family’s history (including a signed letter from Sir Winston Churchill), they are served a welcome ‘golden cocktail’ and the feeling of celebration can truly begin. Dinner on each of the three nights, served in the beautifully historic dining room, are three-course affairs, with inventive dishes using homegrown produce from the hotel’s polytunnels and taking inspiration from Claire Macdonald’s early recipes.
 
The first morning is spent with Mitchell Partridge, Kinloch’s own ghillie and part of the Kinloch team for over 20 years. Mitchell has an unrivalled knowledge of Skye’s wild places and the wildlife that can be seen on the island. Beginning from the hotel’s front door, guests will scan the horizon and the ridgelines for the swooping forms of golden eagles, a species that has prospered in the area since being reintroduced, before heading closer to the loch’s edge to spot porpoises and, hopefully, otters. Mitchell will give an introduction to bushcraft skills too, lighting a fire using traditional techniques. In the afternoon, guests will be able to enjoy walks around the Kinloch estate or head south along the Sleat Peninsula for a visit to Armadale Castle, the historic seat of Clan Donald and now home to an enchanting walled garden and museum.
 
The second full day takes on an epicurean feel. After a full Scottish breakfast, guests head off to Torabhaig Distillery, the newest whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. The building was built out of stone from the ruined castle in the bay and today has a removable roof so that the copper stills can be more easily replaced. Visitors will learn how the distillery is fed by the pure waters of the Allt Breacach and Allt Gleann burns before joining a tutored tasting of Torabhaig’s first edition whisky, a dram laced with smoke and peat. In the afternoon, guests join Jordan Webb, Kinloch’s head chef, for a foraging walk along the loch’s foreshore. Jordan will explain more of his food philosophy – seasonal produce, locally sourced and cooked with creativity, while teaching guests some foraging skills. From identifying seaweeds and sea herbs, to tasting and picking bog myrtle and sea buckthorn, there’s much to learn and enjoy. Guests will spot foraged ingredients on the menu for their three course dinner in the evening.

 

 
Price: Kinloch Lodge (Kinloch-lodge.co.uk, 01471 833333) offers a Golden Anniversary package from £899pp sharing, including three nights’ half-board accommodation in a cosy double with sea view, welcome cocktail on arrival, Golden Eagle and wildlife walk, shoreline foraging, tour of Torabhaig Distillery, walk around Clan Donald lands and branded apron.
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Red Barn Studios 14th Annual Holiday Show December 11th & 12th, 2021

Stockhome Restaurant and River Front Grand Central Petaluma Invite You to Celebrate the Annual Festival of Lights With an Outdoor Holiday Market December 11th, 4pm to 8 pm.

Petaluma's popular Stockhome restaurant is collaborating with Grand Central Petaluma on December 11th for the Festival of Lights.  

Stockhome will be serving warm Glög (warm spiced wine) and warm pita wraps at Grand Central Station, on Weller Street in a fun, family outdoor gathering that celebrates the decades-long tradition of the festive boat parade down the Petaluma River. In addition, Grand Central will also be hosting an outdoor holiday market showcasing numerous local vendors.

Petaluma Gap Winegrowers' 2021 Holiday Recipe Pairings — Trombetta Family Wines 2018 Gap's Crown Chardonnay Paired with Pumpkin Sourdough Rolls

Here's the second in a series of recipes from the winemakers of the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA), chosen to pair with our wonderful local wines for upcoming 2021 holiday celebrations. This one is from Erica Stancliff, President of the Board of Directors of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA). 

“We selected the wines that have received the highest scores over the last year of lockdown,” said Erica. “The business of growing grapes and making wine continues and we are grateful for the plethora of awards our wines have garnered over the last year. At last count, there were more than 100 wines that joined PGWA’s 90+ Point Club, since last year’s harvest. The Alliance staff asked winemakers to suggest which recipes they would pair with their wines." 

Click here to check out the Trombetta Family's excellent wines. 

First of Petaluma Gap Winegrowers' 2021 Holiday Recipe Pairings — Gust Wines 2019 Chardonnay Paired With Baked Brie, Walnuts & Honey

With easing restrictions and a pent-up-desire to gather, the winemakers of the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA) have selected some delicious recipes to pair with their wines for upcoming holiday celebrations.

“We selected the wines that have received the highest scores over the last year of lockdown,” said Erica Stancliff, President of the Board of Directors of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA).

“The business of growing grapes and making wine continues and we are grateful for the plethora of awards our wines have garnered over the last year. At last count, there were more than 100 wines that joined PGWA’s 90+ Point Club, since last year’s harvest. The Alliance staff asked winemakers to suggest which recipes they would pair with their wines."

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing recipes, along with details about the wines to pair them with. Here's a great one to start with for Thanksgiving. Click here for more info on Gust Wines. 

 

 

May Our Hearts Be Full of Thanks — And Giving! Wherever We Are in the World! Seventeen Ways To do Thanksgiving

photos via Pinterest

Thanksgiving is upon us. This time last year I was setting a far smaller table than in previous years. I've hosted as many as 20 for Thanksgiving dinner, which is a lot given that my immediate family members number five and most everyone else I'm related to by blood or marriage live about as far from my table as could be. Thanksgiving being an American holiday, on the rare occasions that we've had family over from Europe in November, they've very much enjoyed our version of turkey day without all the extra layers of Christmas.

I always thought it would be nice to host a bunch of students who were far from home and did so for several years when my youngest son, Dom, was a student at UC Davis. 

2020 was a different story for all of us. And it was a beautiful day weather-wise, so at our house, we set up outside and enjoyed a long walk, followed by a more intimate gathering of six in the afternoon sunshine. 

This year we're back up to nine. It'll be an outdoor gathering if the weather permits. One of the positive aspects of the pandemic era has been that we're more inclined to give ourselves, our hosts, family members and our guests permission to mix things up — a little, or a lot, when it comes to holiday entertaining. 

It really is fun to hear of the many different ways that friends plan to celebrate the day, or not, if it's a quiet day of contemplation in giving thanks that appeals. I reached out on social media to find out what kind of festivities are afoot. 

Here's what's in the mix:

"We're mixing it up this year, and having dessert first and early! Everyone wants a different pie flavor; all of the great pie makers are too busy to fit us in for delivery on the day, so.... we're having dessert this Saturday, with 7 mini pies. I can't wait for this pie-extravaganza."

Sue D

"We do the traditional Thanksgiving meal on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day we might go to the beach or to the city or the east bay for Chinese Food. Out of town family members often travel on Thanksgiving Day cuz it’s cheaper and less crowded."

Val R

"Return to tradition"

Tamara A

"I am hoping to dine outside, we do every year. it is one of my favorites, Autumn in CA."

Allison W.M. 

"Spending the day with my family for the first time in over a year & half. I am making a traditional thanksgiving dinner..3 days later Chanukah starts this year." 

Julie P

 

"Yes first Thanksgiving with my moral vegetarian father and our family of four in Las Vegas. I will have all the usual side dishes of course . But food will not be the focus- instead family and good times and may be a little casino show for the fun."

Heidi A 

 

"Driving north to Moms for a small family gathering. Still sensitive to the pandemic so not the extended family yet. Ham dinner ordered in and bringing a few special sides and deserts! Hanging with 91 year old Mom is the centerpiece!"

Jane S

 

"Love April Pantry in Petaluma & we’re having them cater a traditional Tday dinner instead of this mom cooking the traditional Tday dinner all by herself. Still immediate fam only like last year (5 adults & a 2-y-o ) to keep it safe."

Leslie C

"We are meeting a group of about 25-30 Expats at a restaurant called Malandrinos in Orvieto. The chef will prepare the turkey, potatoes and stuffing and many will bring their favorite American dishes. This will be our first Thanksgiving out of California."

Margaret V

"After cooking turkey for over 200+ meals on wheels guests, no turkey for thanksgiving! Standing pork roast with Demi glacé and poached dried fruit compote. Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts, savory porcini bread pudding and of course Little sweet pickles in honor of my great aunt Helen who hosted thanksgiving. Cheers. Pairs nicely with a Pinot or Chardonnay. I’m partial to Hanzell vineyards!"

 

Tracy G

 

 

"My kids requested a roasted chicken this year instead of turkey. So, I was planning that, along with cornbread dressing, cranberry compote, roast brussel sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade dinner rolls, and pies (sweet potato pie and an apple pie). BUT, our priest at St. John's Episcopal Petaluma sent out an urgent request to help him host 10 Afghani refugee families newly resettled in Petaluma. So we're doing that instead."

 

Monty S

 

 

"I am doing a brined Turkey, but with celery root gratin (that’s a new one), grandmas cranberry relish. My bonus daughter is doing a Brussel sprout yumminess, and maybe a sausage stuffing."

 

Thea D

 

 

 

"We usually co-host our T-day weekend at a country cabin with no TV, no Black Friday shopping. But due to remodeling of the cabin, this year we are instead being feted by dear friends in Petaluma. Not our usual weekend, but Dave will get to watch all his football games, the girls will get to shop, and I will provide only side dishes-, stuffing, cranberry sauce, chutney and pie."

 

Lynn H.K. 

 

 

"Hanging out with very close friends at a Thanksgiving potluck. Eight or so people that we've known for 30 or so years. Looking forward to it!"

 

Val H M

 

 

"We are opting for Surf and Turf on a beach in Florida this year."

 

Anja W

 

 

"Heading for Costa Mesa with Brenda and daughter Erin to break bread with son Jack and his bride Tori. Much music will be made."

 

John M 

 

 

"Family is here - smoked turkey and all the sides! I always add something different and this year it's the twice roasted kabocha squash! Love all the food of Thanksgiving - but especially love a day dedicated to gratitude! So much to be thankful for! Life is a precious gift!"

 

Denise R 

 

However you are spending your day on Thanksgiving this year, may it bring peace and contentment and gratitude for where we are and how far we've come over the past year and a half. Cheers to you and yours! 

 

T'is The Season to Stock Up on The Region's Best Sparkling Wine (Culinary and Decorative Wreaths, Garlic Braids and Spices Too) — Mendocino County Fair's Best In Class 2021 —McFadden Cuvee Brut

History, heritage and trailblazing are a few of my favorite things — alongside beautiful, seasonal, locally grown and produced culinary herbs and spices, garlic braids, bay leaf wreaths, wild rice and . . . oh, delicious wine.

And so when an invitation to drive up through the misty morning's newly-greened hills of Northern Sonoma County and over the border into neighboring Mendocino County made it into my inbox this November, I didn't have to think twice about a visit to the sweetest little Blue Quail Wines Tasting Room that is located in the heart of Hopland gateway to McFadden Farm's more remote, organic Potter Valley vineyards.    

Click here for garlic and herb wreath

Blue Quail Patriarch and experimental farmer Guinness McFadden, planted the first vines, tucked into the Northwest corner in Potter Valley back in 1970, ignoring the initial nay-sayers who claimed the climate at 1,200 feet in altitude was too inhospitable to produce world-class wines, all the while raising a family of five kids on his farm in the hills alongside his highly sought-after grapes. 

Today, all of the family wine grapes are still estate grown and organic. The McFaddens proudly carry on this family tradition while representing their small valley across the USA. Guinness, it's good to hear, thriving in his 80s, maintains the homestead and extensive vineyards and farm while younger generations steer the reigns of sales and marketing and distribution. 

It's always a pleasure to meet multi-generational wine families. It's a romantic way of life if you're not the one living it day in, day out, but it takes real stamina and vision and commitment to continue to grow and produce the kind of wines that win best of class in a highly competitive marketplace. 

I've been a fan of Mendocino County sparkling wines for years and I make a bee-line for them when I'm stocking my fridge for the holidays and other celebrations. But I had yet to taste a McFadden Cuvee Brut. 

Now that I have, thanks to Fontaine McFadden's lovely little get-together in which I not only tasted, but learned about the integrity of the family's award winning bubbly, I'm going all-in on the 2021 Cuvee Brut for this holiday season. Made by méthod Champenoise, this striking sparkling is 100% traditional and made with the family's estate grown, organic grapes (45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir). It is aged in the bottle for four whole years before it is released which helps to develop the apple and bready yeast notes that make this wine a fantastic sparkling for all occasions.

The McFadden's organically grown fruit has won out over Roederer Estate and Scharrfenberger Cellars  for the past two years in the coveted Sparkling Wine category of the Mendocino County Fair which is a big deal, as both competitors make terrific bubbly.

Who wouldn't love to receive an award winning Bay and Bubbly gift this winter? 

The McFadden's use different farming techniques across 10 varietals to enhance their individual characteristics and terroir of the stunning piece of land that straddles the Russian River and the border of Mendocino National Forest. Once harvested, grapes are whole cluster pressed and then cold-fermented in stainless steel, which results in super clean, crisp wines, true to the varietal character. 

12,000 cases of wine a year are produced under three labels: Blue Quail McFadden (Sparkling) and Fontaine (Rose). 

Because the farm and vineyards are altogether a long way off the beaten track, a tasting room along the busy 101 corridor in the heart of Hopland makes perfect sense. As fate would have it, a total remodel was completed days before the pandemic shut down in March of 2020 and traffic through Hopland slowed to a virtual halt until May of this year. 

Now that we're all out and about again and familiar with the mask mandate and other protocols, aren't we ready to rediscover our region and venture out a little farther over county lines when the weather is nice? 

Hopland is a fun little day-trip destination with its 12 wineries, Hopland Tap, with its live music and locally sourced food & wines and beers from the finest brewers in the land, The Solar Living Institute’s 12 acres of grounds that contain kids’ play areas, ponds, and native plantings is nearby and don't forget the Bluebird Café, renowned for its giant moose head, its wide selection of unusual burgers and great pies as well as its sister restaurant, The Golden Pig.

Right next door to the Blue Quail Tasting Room is a darling little coffee shop Steep Organic Coffees and Teas. 

"It's really a family operation on every level," says Fontaine, whose family business employs its dedicated farm and vineyard team through each season of the year. The farm's foreman has been with them for 48 years, two more cherished employees for 38 years. 

In 2017, wildfire burned on all sides of the McFadden's property, which is located on the corner of a dead-end in Potter Valley. Considering that no one other than the UPS driver ventures that far on a daily basis, it's a miracle that the property was spared. 

Fontaine and her siblings grew up roaming the land freely and exploring its bucolic swimming holes in summer. Each July wine club members are welcome to experience an epic farm weekend of camping and feasting on a traditional hog roast. 

I came home with a beautiful wreath, a couple of bottles of Blue Quail 2020 Chardonnay and bubbly — this 50th Anniversary edition was a hit with my fellow tasters and I've no doubt we'll be buying more. Fresh and bright with orchard fruit aromas and priced competitively at $16 a bottle, it's another winner in my book. Great value for a wine made with California Certified Organic fruit.

Who doesn't love a great dry Rosé? Appropriately named Fontaine, this one is as delightful as its namesake. A crisp, dry Rosé of Pinot Noir, it is well-balanced with strawberry notes and fresh flowers dominating the nose. Also a super deal at $16 a bottle. Click here to order. 

Blue Quail Sauvingnon Blanc  another $16 steal is bright and refreshing with ripe honeydew melon upfront balanced by a crisp acidity that sings off the palette. Zippy green apple, tart citrus, flint and smoke on the nose. The palate is rich, textured, and fruity with lots of fresh acidity and it's no surprise that this is a best seller. 

If You Go:

The Blue Quail Tasting Room is located at 13275 S, US-101, Hopland, CA 95449 right in the middle of town, on the right hand side if you're traveling north.  Tasting Room is open for drop-ins Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 11 am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Appointments are available if you can't make the opening times/days. Call (707) 744-8463.

Staying Over? Check out the nearby newly refurbished The Thatcher Hotel with its Cafe Poppy, Bar, Library, pool and outdoor courtyard. This fully restored Victorian hotel was established in 1890 by founder and pioneer William Thatcher. The hotel's long, mahogany bar and dining room has been the heart of the community's social life for more than a century. The 21-room hotel, formerly known as the Hopland Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a little spooky looking with its dark-painted gingerbread trim, but take a peek at its web site as the redo, rooms and shared spaces are gorgeous. 

If you're looking for a more rustic overnight, how about Vichy Springs? 

• Holiday GIFT idea: from the farm's Bay Leaf Trees the family makes Wreaths, Garlands and Swag, keeping long time employees busy year round — you and your gifting recipients will enjoy the festive look of a fresh green wreath in the kitchen or front door and when it dries, simply pluck off a bay leaf for soups, stews and any cooking! Click here for the collection.