January 2012
7 posts
Fantasy Is Yours: Farmhouse Inn - Russian River...
FORESTVILLE, CA—Just north of Santa Rosa, California is one particularly choice spot in which to rest and rejuvenate. It’s a well-known and luxurious accommodation called The Farmhouse Inn. In 2009 Sunset Magazine gave it the #1 ranking in their list of “Top Ten Farm Vacations”. Let’s take a mini-tour…
A fully restored 1873 American farmhouse, complete with...
If you pour It -- they will come...
SONOMA, CA—California wine travel insider Tom Silberkleit will be signing copies of his latest book, The California Directory of Fine Wineries, 5th Edition at two Tyler Florence shops on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 in downtown Napa, CA and on Thursday, January 26, 2012 in Mill Valley, CA. A wine tasting, highlighting wines featured in the book, will also be held at each event.
“The book...
Episode #129 - Originally aired on January 14,...
There's nothing like muscat in the morning!
SONOMA COUNTY, CA—One of my favorite Sonoma County wineries is located about 2 miles west of U.S. 101 via River Road technically in the town of Windsor just north of Santa Rosa. You can’t miss the bright red hop barn sitting only a few yards off the highway. Here’s how things looked this morning when I stopped by for a visit.
Their tasting room could well be the setting for an...
It's 9 a.m. — time to go wine tasting!
GEYSERVILLE, CA—It’s 29 degrees at 7 a.m. and I’m pouring water on my windshield trying to melt the frost. It’s a typical scenario for Sonoma County in January. My plan is to drive north and be in the heart of Dry Creek Valley by 9 a.m. to taste the wines at Dutcher Crossing Winery.
This winery exemplifies the low-key ambience of Dry Creek Valley, an appellation sixteen miles...
Have Your European Vacation—Here In California!
Napa/Sonoma, CA—It’s really all about the food, isn’t it? Okay. Throw in a little culture, architecture, antiques, and some country roads and you’ve got Europe. Tomorrow I’ll be taping an interview to let American Francophiles know how to save $1600 in air fare by having that European Vacation in Northern California.
I’ve heard it said that there are multiple...
January and February: A Great Time To Visit Napa...
NAPA VALLEY, CA—Since yesterday morning, I’ve received numerous emails from friends and wine-loving strangers asking “Exactly what are your plans for New Year’s Day?” Folks who know me figured that I’d want to make today special. Certainly, for 2012’s premiere, I needed to start things off right. I knew that sparkling wine (aka Champagne) was A MUST—as was an...
December 2011
5 posts
The Lodge At Sonoma — Large Resort In A Small Town
SONOMA, CA—Though the City of Sonoma is a small town, it has an impressive selection of luxury hotels. Most are small to medium-sized with 4-80 rooms, but some larger area properties offer resort-style amenities.
At 182 rooms, cottages, and suites, The Lodge At Sonoma is one of the area’s few large resorts. But, of course, “large” in the town of Sonoma always means provincial...
Downtown Sonoma: New Chef & Tasting Rooms Shine...
SONOMA, CA—Yesterday, I left the office at 1:00 p.m. determined to “play hookie”. An industry event was being held just down the street at one of Sonoma’s truly grand hotels, The Lodge At Sonoma. The hotel’s internationally-renowned sommelier, Christopher Sawyer, along with several local winemakers had been noticing the myriad of boutique tasting rooms sprouting around the...
Another Must-visit Winery in Paso Robles,...
PASO ROBLES, CA—On a recent whirlwind trip to Paso Robles I made it a point to stop by some favorites wineries. My first stop was Lone Madrone.
They have been making wine on the west side of Paso Robles since 1996 and specialize in small-production, single varietals, and unique blends. Their annual case production is only around 3,500. That’s it. Their focus is on sourcing grapes from small,...
Another Meal at Roberts in Paso Robles, California
PASO ROBLES, CA—Recently, I promised readers of this blog that I’d stop by Roberts, once again, for dinner. I’ve had some very enjoyable meals there.
Creatures of habit, far too often, order the same entree over and over again. I’m afraid that’s me. We’ll this time, I decided to explore the menu just a bit. In the past I’ve had the Herb Crusted New Zealand...
Visiting Chimney Rock Winery in Napa Valley
NAPA VALLEY, CA—The other day, I popped into the very popular Chimney Rock Winery just north of the town of Napa on the Silverado Trail. They specialize in 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District.
Though it was 4:45 p.m., Luke, my host, was very tolerant of my late arrival. Admittedly, coming in the door just before closing is not cool but I was in the neighborhood...
November 2011
10 posts
Luxurious Hideaway on California's Central Coast
PASO ROBLES, CA—I may never get over how the once sleepy, cowboy town we remember as Paso Robles, on California’s Central Coast, has so thoroughly been transformed into a tourism powerhouse in less than fifteen years. Once known for its rodeos and ranches, today, the region has become renowned as California’s epicenter for world-class Rhône style wines and wineries. Lured by the...
La Quinta Offers Great Lodging On California's...
PASO ROBLES, CA—I remember the days, not so very long ago, when there wasn’t much in terms of upscale lodging in this part of the Golden State. Inexpensive motels catered to north/south travelers on their way to and from the glamorous destinations of Carmel, Pebble Beach, Santa Barbara, or San Francisco. After a quick recharge with “40 winks” such visitors were back out on the...
Speed Touring: One Fall Day In Napa Valley (part 4...
NAPA VALLEY, CA—If you have a memory like an elephant, my last post left off as I was moving south on Silverado Trail making my way home before the assault of heavy rain. I had just visited Rutherford Hill Winery and Mumm Napa when I came upon the bold entrance to ZD Wines. It is marked by a two-ton boulder, extracted from one of ZD’s mountain vineyards and is adorned by the winery’s...
Speed Touring: One Fall Day In Napa Valley (part...
NAPA VALLEY, CA—As you may recall, my last post left off when I stopped to buy a molasses cookie at The Model Bakery in St. Helena. Leaving this little tourist town behind me, I traveled south on Hwy 29, Napa Valley’s main artery. My next stop would be Mumm Napa on the other side (the east side) of the Valley. Mumm Napa is renowned for their sparkling wine made in the California...
Speed Touring: One Fall Day In Napa Valley (part...
NAPA VALLEY, CA—I’m back, as promised, to continue the last post from where I left off. Now where was I? Oh, yes! I had just stopped by Whitehall Lane Winery in St. Helena to report on their current tasting line-up. As you may recall, I described the day as dreary with a fall storm drifting across Napa Valley from the Pacific. The vines were sounding off in all directions with vivid colors...
Speed Touring: One Fall Day In Napa Valley (part...
NAPA VALLEY, CA—The weather is changing here in wine country. Summer hung on longer than expected but, in Northern California, when fall descends it does so like a cold slap in the face.
Last Saturday, was a gloomy November 5. An urge overtook me; a compulsion to drive around and take in the changing seasons. For that, locally, there’s no better place than Napa Valley. The grapevines...
Date: November 5, 2011
Subject: Grape Encounters Program #119. Tom Silberkleit offers some wonderful California wineries that require an appointment to visit.
To hear the broadcast click on this LINK. Interview begins about 22 minutes into the broadcast.
Planning Ahead in Wine Country —...
Kansas Wine Lovers Are Loyal To "The Good Life"
WICHITA, KANSAS—Midwesterners love good food, California wine, and “The Good Life” as is evidenced by the longevity of host Guy Bower’s radio program of the same name. Broadcast over KNSS Newsradio 1330, the program reaches an affluent and engaged audience.
KNSS is the #1 Newstalk station in Wichita and has a weekly following of between 15,000 and 20,000 listeners.
...
October 2011
4 posts
Maloy O'Neill Vineyards — a "Hands-On" Boutique...
PASO ROBLES, CA—I’ve been traveling between Sonoma and the Central Coast wine country a lot this year. I’ve never tasted more wine than over the past twelve months. That’s because there seems to be more wine than ever that’s worth tasting. So off I go in search of discoveries that (I hope) our loyal readers will enjoy.
On a knoll 3.9 miles east of Hwy. 46 East, travelers...
The #2 Rule: Don't Eat Bad Food in CA Wine Country
SANTA MARIA, CA—When you visit California’s Central Coast Wine Country, there’s no reason not to have the time of your life. The wineries, hotels, and restaurants you visit should dazzle you. After all, this is your time off for good behavior. You work hard all week and deserve nothing less. That’s my philosophy.
Hence, I try to steer clear of forgettable wines and the bodily...
The BEST Part of My Job!
SANTA MARIA, CA—My thanks and appreciation to all the great folks who came out to sip wine and visit with me on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at Cambria Winery. What a great day it was!
Cambria Winery is about a 20 minute drive (12 miles east of downtown Santa Maria) off Hwy 101 past acres and acres of vegetables and vines. Don’t expect fancy gift shops and restaurants along the way. Here,...
September 2011
3 posts
SANTA MARIA, CA—It has been said that wine is good...
Thanks to all who stopped by to visit at Bristol...
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA—Thanks to all of you wine travelers who made it out to the Bristol Farms market at 9039 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, to talk about their favorite California tasting rooms. I loved meeting you and it was great to compare notes!
The event was called “Meet The Experts” and featured chefs plus product and food company representatives....
Pig Roast at Fritz Underground Winery-Final...
CLOVERDALE, CA—I recently attended an intimate gathering at Fritz Underground Winery one of the northernmost tasting rooms in Sonoma County. In attendance were about 150 wine clubers and general public drop-ins. Here’s the final installment of this charming event.
The setting was relaxed. All in attendance were sporting casual attire. After all, this was Sonoma County.
All the wine...
August 2011
8 posts
“Taste of Sonoma” Spectacular Returns This...
SONOMA COUNTY, CA—This Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, I’ll be returning to cover Taste of Sonoma on the grass at the bucolic MacMurray Ranch located near Healdsburg among the redwoods in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. It’s part of the annual Wine Country Weekend and offers a tidal wave of 170 wineries and 50 top chefs offering small bites and sips. This much anticipated, annual celebration has...
Pig Roast Recap at Fritz Underground Winery
CLOVERDALE, CA—Winery events can be either crowded and overwhelming, dull and disappointing, or intimate and cozy. The other day I attended an intimate and cozy gathering at Fritz Underground Winery one of the northernmost tasting rooms in Sonoma County. In attendance were about 150 wine clubers and general public drop-ins. It was the perfect size.
Getting to Fritz Underground Winery comes with...
KFWB Newstalk Presents "Wine Country On A Budget" →
LOS ANGELES, CA—On Saturday, August 10, 2011, Host David Wilson welcomed wine travel insider Tom Silberkleit to Grape Encounters Radio. The topic: “Wine Country Vacations On A Budget”. Silberkleit is the publisher of The best-selling California Directory of Fine Wineries book series.
Click here to access the podcast of episode #107.
The interview begins about 30 minute into the...
Santa Ynez Marriott — One of My Wine Country...
SANTA YNEZ, CA—It’s location in the heart of sleepy Buellton is central to the delightful wineries of Foxen Canyon, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley, and the Lompoc “Wine Ghetto”. The congenial staff is anything but snippy and arrogant. On the contrary, the front desk stewards are kind and thoughtful and the restaurant staff have made great strides of late in customer service. At...
Sterling Vineyards Private Event Highlights - Part...
CALISTOGA, CA—On August 3, 2011, Sterling Vineyards opened it’s doors to host an industry event that showcased not only the rich variety of local food and wine purveyors but also the unique experience that has made Sterling one of Napa’s top visitor attractions.
Sterling Vineyards is one of the area’s most outstanding architectural landmarks. A commanding complex of bright white walls and...
Anonymous asked: lobster event at Sterling vineyard
Extreme Budgeting Tips For Touring California Wine...
LOS ANGELES, CA–On Saturday, August 13, 2011, California wine travel insider Tom Silberkleit will guest on Dave Wilson’s Grape Encounters Radio to offer tips on touring California wine country on a budget.
Tune In to hear the broadcast via these fine radio stations:
Los Angeles, California KFWB AM 980 AM Grape Encounters w/ host Dave Wilson Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 • 6-7 p.m.
Palm...
Sterling Vineyards Private Event Highlights - Part...
CALISTOGA, CA—On August 3, 2011, Sterling Vineyards opened it’s doors to host an industry event that showcased not only the rich variety of local food and wine purveyors but also the unique experience that has made Sterling one of Napa’s top visitor attractions.
Sterling Vineyards is one of the area’s most outstanding architectural landmarks. A commanding complex of bright white...
July 2011
4 posts
Comforting Duck Burgers in Napa Valley
ST. HELENA, CA—Napa Valley can quickly deplete your pocket book if you only visit the high profile players. Fortunately, there are many quality eateries in this lovely, sun-kissed Wine Country that offer both tasty home-cooking and good value (for Napa that is). If you share, then all the better!
Just one block off the main Hwy 29 is such a place and I do frequent it. From the outside,...
Musical Party Under The Stars In Napa Valley
OAKVILLE, CA—On Saturday, July 16, 2011, there was music under the stars in Napa Valley as Silver Oak Cellars hosted The Second Annual Music & Wine Celebration in support of Music in the Vineyards.
Yes, it was an evening of wine and music featuring a Who’s Who of Napa Valley winemakers: Party guests were serenaded by Violet Grgich, of Grgich Hills Cellars who played harpsichord; Judd...
Silberkleit Hosting Tonight's Televised Wine...
SONOMA COUNTY, CA – Wine Travel Insider Tom Silberkleit is slated to co-host the annual KRCB Public Television Wine Country “Summer Spree Auction” tonight, July 24, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This fundraising benefit for the North Bay PBS/NPR station will offer such wonderful auction items as an adventure trip to view Polar Bears in Manitoba, Canada; three nights accommodation...
Spain's Albariño Grape Blossoms in California's...
SONOMA, CA–I really like trying unfamiliar wines. Chilling in the fridge was a bottle of Opolo Vineyards Albariño Central Coast 2010. Albariño is a popular grape used to make dry white wine in the Northwest of Spain. It’s been called “Spain’s premier white wine”. It’s zesty with a mouthful of minerality and, I believe, is best severed chilled on a hot summer evening....
June 2011
6 posts
Simple and "Authentic" Pizza in Downtown Napa
NAPA, CA—This is their motto at Ca’ Momi Enoteca Pizzeria Pasticceria: “Obsessively Autentic Italitan”. I know this to be true as it says so on their business cards. Plus, I do trust my taste buds from time to time.
Don’t expect a full scale Italian Restaurant as Ca’ Momi is located in the trendy Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, California, USA.
Though...
Gene Burns Chats About "The California Directory...
Robert Holmes, Tom Silberkleit, and Gene Burns in the KGO Broadcast Booth
San Francisco, CA — Tom Silberkleit, award-winning editor and publisher for Wine House Press, and nationally renowned photographer Robert Holmes were guests on KGO Radio’s Dining Around program with Gene Burns on Saturday, June 25, 2011.
The topic was the just released 5th Edition of The California Directory of Fine...
Radio Legend Gene Burns Hosting "Fine Wineries"...
San Francisco, CA — Tom Silberkleit, award-winning editor and publisher for Wine House Press, and nationally renowned photographer Robert Holmes will guest on KGO Radio’s Dining Aroundprogram with Gene Burns this Saturday, June 25, 2011 at noon. The topic will be The California Directory of Fine Wineries. This best-selling book series celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with the...
New Restaurant in Paso Robles Delights (me!)
PASO ROBLES, CA—I promised to report on my new favorite evening eatery and it’s a GOOD one. Forgive me, but I’ve lost my notes; yet, memories of my meal remain sharp!
Just a 60 second walk from City Park in downtown Paso Robles you’ll find Robert’s. Yes, there is a Robert—and he’s the owner. And there is a Mrs. Robert as well who graciously greeted me as I...
Paso Robles Wine Festival "Grand Tasting"...
PASO ROBLES, CA—For many who love California’s Central Coast wines the highlight of the Paso Robles Wine Festival came on day two, Saturday, May 21 2011. The Grand Tasting allowed visitors to spend the afternoon in Paso Robles’ charming downtown City Park where wineries poured a great variety of their regional wines.
To my great relief, this year, the notorious summer heat did not...
Paso Robles Wine Festival "Reserve Event"...
PASO ROBLES, CA—On day one, Friday, May 20 2011, fans of California’s Central Coast wines had the chance to mix, mingle, and taste with a number of revered Paso Robles winemakers, owners, and professional staff. The “Reserve” tasting event kicked off the 29th Annual Wine Festival, a weekend of tastings, auctions, seminars and dinners. But there was a catch. Each of the more...
May 2011
8 posts
SAN FRANCISO, CA— Broadcasting veteran Alan...
SAN FRANCISO, CA— Broadcasting veteran Alan...
SAN FRANCISO, CA— Broadcasting veteran Alan...