Simple Hedonisms

I am a vocal fan and proponent of the Northern Sonoma Wine Road – a fantastic organization that markets the local wine and hospitality venues in North Sonoma. I generally track their events, try to attend, and write. One that I had seen, but wasn’t sure about, was last Saturday’s Pick of the Vine.

It’s held at the Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa; I have attended a few wine events there, and wasn’t bowled over, especially with the Harvest Fair Wine Awards Banquet, which is crowded, hot, noisy, and expensive for what it delivers. A friend I trust who shares a similar view, said this Pick of the Vine, was different, and I would enjoy it. We had no plans Saturday night, it was reasonably priced at $55, so I said what the heck. I also enjoy silent auctions, especially when wine related items are involved. Its also for a good cause; The Senior Advocacy Services program.

We got there a bit late, so it was in full attendance, but the getting food and wine was never an issue at any table; the only real backup was around the auction tables, especially as each was near closing.

As much as I taste local wines, visit venues and events, there seems a large list I haven’t tried yet, so I took the opportunity to taste broadly and some new ones. As my circle of Sonoma wine friends grows, my productivity level seems to diminish as I spend as much time talking, networking, and catching up as I do getting to wine and food – but that’s what makes Sonoma County such an amazing place, the passionate, friendly people.

• I did visit a few familiar faces; Erik Miller the owner/winemaker of Kokomo Winery, was there. I had yet to try Erik’s (new) Grenache Rose, nor had ever tried his Chardonnay. Kudos to both, Erik continues to shine as a winemaker.

• Ever the Sonoma County advocates, Bill and Betsy Nachbaur of Acorn Winery were there. Is there any local event they DON’T support? Check out their updated website, and of course their great wines – their Medley blend is one of my favorite local red blends.

• Lana and David Mounts of Mounts Family Winery were pouring at another event, so Dry Creek Valley veteran grower Rich Mounts, and Dad, was pouring for Mounts. Their new grenache is amazing, released in June. Grab some before I buy it all. Will see them at the upcoming Hospice du Rhone event in Paso Robles end of month.

• Also a constant supporter of local events, Erin (and occasional helper Lori) were pouring for Harvest Moon.

• I finally got to meet Facebook friend Sue Bonzell of Graton Ridge and sample their great pinot.

• Its been eons since I made it to Thomas George Winery. I had missed them during Barrel Tasting so finally got to try their new Viognier, and of course their flagship, Pinot Noir.

• I didn’t get to every single table (and didn’t notice a few I’d have liked to until seeing the program next day) but was able to sample from D’Argenzio, Route 128, Hop Kiln, Sbragia, Toad Hollow, Martin Ray and Bacigalupi as well.

The food offerings were great quality, and in good supply, and kudos for serving and not running out halfway through the event, as happens at others. Its annoying (and rude) when wine or food vendors leave halfway through a paid event.

BBQ Smokehouse Catering, was one of my top faves. This is a great find from Sebastopol.  There were so many great tables of food I couldn’t get to half of them, including from The Zinful Chef, Nectar Restaurant, BlueWater Bistro, A La Heart and more. Amazing cheeses, breads and deserts abounded from Alvarado Bakery, Costeaux, Redwood Hill Farm, Clover and more.

Overall, the event was well laid out and organized, was never a wait for food or wine, and generally able to chat and interact with the vendor. Traffic sometimes got backed up around the Silent Auction tables; these were interspered with the food and wine. Personally I’d rather they move the action tables to the side, but they were likely integrated by design. It wasn’t really a big deal, although roping them off later made transversing the room a bit more of a challenge.

There were many great donated gifts for the Silent, and Live Public auction – the latter fun, albeit done to the cadence of a livestock auction! Some of the Live Auction prizes were won for a very reasonable price – one that caught my eye was a chance to make Six cases of wine with a Russian River wine maker. The winning price was $1000, 166/case, very reasonable. I was tempted to swoop in, but with my wine cellars overflowing, and the winery not named, resisted.

All in all, a well done, fun, event that I will definitely attend again next year. Cheers!