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 the great pleasure of driving through the picturesque Dry Creek Valley. 

Upon arrival one is surrounded by natural beauty. This winery is located on a rugged hundred-plus-acre property on a remote hillside.

Winery President, Clay Fritz, and his siblings grew up here in the 1970s. Just below the current tasting room the family dammed a spring to create “Lake Fritz”. But it has been a very long time since he swam in this pond. The winery’s focus is on small-production estate vineyard and single-vineyard-designated wines, many of which are available only at the winery.

The “pig roast” party got underway with help from a very refined hillbilly band: Rovetti and the Meatballs. They specialize in Rockabilly, Swing and Bluegrass and I found these talented musicians to be VERY GOOD.

Manager Lindley and her tasting room staff were polite and energized by the music and positive energy of the visitors that day.

Six Wines Were Poured That Day—They were ALL Excellent!!! Here’s the rundown:

2010 Bianca Mia: Excellent. Great acidity. Russian River fruit. At just $14 a fantastic Value.

2009 Fritz RRV Pinot Noir: This medium body wine brings bright black cherry flavors that roll around in your mouth. Lucius quality. At $30. Another excellent value.

2009 Lost Canyon Goff-Whitton: Sweet plum perfume. Lovely baby soft finish. I’d be proud to offer a toast to my best friend with this wine! Simply wonderful.

2009 Lost Canyon Morelli Land: So elegant; so velvety. All these wines were so consistent.

2009 Lost Canyon Saralee’s Vineyard: Again, so smooth and easy to drink!

2009 Fritz Reserve Pinot Noir: A starburst of black cherries and pomegranate right up front. Feather soft fruit. This is the one I’d like for my birthday. 

I’ll complete this post within the next day or two. Much more wine and event details to come soon… Got to run now. The phones are ringing here at the office and book orders are coming in! ;)