#Stonestreet Winery

[digitaltariq]

Kentucky Derby x Kendall-Jackson 'one hundred and fiftieth Operating' Wines

Kendall-Jackson Wines Most individuals take pleasure in ingesting a Mint Julep whereas watching the Kentucky Derby, also referred to as 'The Quickest Two Minutes in Sports activities.' This yr the Most popular Wine of the one hundred and fiftieth Kentucky Derby is Kendall-Jackson. Recognized for producing America's #1 Chardonnay, the beloved vineyard launched two completely different limited-edition, commemorative wines. They're perfect to serve at your individual Derby viewing get together. Each the Kentucky Derby x Kendall-Jackson 2022 '150th Running' Mendocino County Chardonnay and the Sonoma Valley Kentucky Derby x Kendall-Jackson 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon wines function a particular label. It is an ode to the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the 'Run for The Roses', and the horse featured on the label is retired American Thoroughbred racehorse Rachel Alexandra of Stonestreet Stables. The Derby is named "The Run for the Roses" because the profitable horse is draped in a blanket of gorgeous roses. Stonestreet Stables is the Jackson household's Thoroughbred horse breeding and racing farm and facility within the well-known Bluegrass Hills of Lexington, Kentucky. Jess Jackson's beloved racehorse Rachel Alexandra was the winner of many races, together with probably the most sought-after races at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Saratoga Racecourse.

Kendall-Jackson 'one hundred and fiftieth Operating' Picture Jill Weinlein This Chardonnay wine is made with grapes sourced from a number of AVA's inside Mendocino County. Every glass provides pleasing vanilla notes with shiny flavors of tropical fruit and tangerine. Meals pairing options with this wine embody: Deviled Eggs, Fried Rooster, Baked Bourbon Rooster and Pimento Cheese Unfold with Crudites. Serve at 50° F in a Burgundy form glass. Winemaking notes: Crafted in small winery heaps and small oak barrels to offer Kendall-Jackson's signature velvety texture and creaminess. The unique Kendall Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon is mixed with 87% Cabernet grapes, 7% Petit Verdot, and three% Cabernet Franc for supple tannins and enhanced mouthfeel. The winemaker provides 2% Merlot to boost the wine's softness and roundness. It is a fruit ahead crimson wine providing shiny aromas of ripe cherries, crimson currants, cassis and a touch of pomegranate. On the palate there may be an essence of baking spices and darkish chocolate. Different flavors comparable to blueberries and caramel linger on the end. Winemaking notes: Aged for 23 months in 74% French Oak and 26% American Oak. Meals pairing consists of Pulled Pork Sliders and Oysters Rockefeller with Pimento cheese. Serve at 65° F in a Burgundy glass. The wines are actually obtainable for buy online and in choose retailers nationwide. Read the full article

[k1reynolds]

It was with eager anticipation that we set off on our journey to the first annual Experience Alexander Valley. We’d been invited as guests of Alexander Valley Winegrowers*, and based on all we’d heard about this new event, we knew we were in for something special. We wrote a couple of preview pieces, which if you missed them and want to catch up, you can read here, and here. But the previews don’t come close to capturing the magic and adventure that Experience Alexander Valley delivered.

* As guests, our event admission was complimentary. We received no other compensation or incentive. All descriptions, opinions, and reviews are our own.

Like many wine country events, this was a two-day adventure. Unlike many wine country events, rather than racing from winery to winery, guests got to choose two Experiences per day. Since we were invited as bloggers, to cover and promote the event, Robyn and I wanted to participate in as many Experiences as possible…to a point – we do enjoy each other’s company! So we decided “divide and conquer”, at least for a couple of Experiences. We each selected one Experience per day to fly solo, and one to attend together.

Saturday dawned clear and bright. And warm.  Weather forecasters predicted highs near 103F, and they weren’t far off. This meant that many outdoor Experiences had to be canceled or at least modified. Nevertheless, we were undaunted and headed from our hotel to Robyn’s first destination, deLorimier Winery. I’ll let Robyn tell the story of her Experience herself. Watch for her blog post in a few days.

I had a bit of a drive to get to my first Experience, at the Medlock Ames Winery. Though they have a tasting room on the valley floor, they wanted to treat guests to a Sustainable Winemaking Experience at their vineyards and production facility. The drive was beautiful, along the east side of the valley, then up Chalk Hill Road. The thing that struck me most: No Traffic! I was virtually alone on a Saturday morning in Wine Country.

Turning onto a single lane road, I started to get a little nervous that my trusty Google Maps might have failed me. It was a paved, single lane road, so that was hopeful. Alas, my trust in Google ran out two hilly ridges in. I turned around, beginning what would be a 30 minute detour that ended up taking me right back where I was. Around a curve about 100 yards beyond where I’d turned around was the entrance to Medlock Ames. Sigh. I’d done it to myself, and was almost 45 minutes late!

Fortunately, friendly Isabella saw my plight and left her post in the tasting room to rescue me. She came out into the already 90+ degree day, and caught me up with the small group on the outdoor tour. Isabella handed me off to Chelsea, who was leading the two other guests, Jimmy and Maryanne, on a tour of the grounds.

Medlock Ames is a sustainable, organic winery, and includes a one-acre vegetable garden, and a one-acre fruit garden. Due to the heat, we were not able to walk to those gardens, but still got a brief overview of the property and history. Chelsea led us to the shade of a large tree at the edge of a vineyard. There she told us that the two acres of vines were looking at were nearly ripped out when owners Chris Medlock James and Ames Morison purchased the property in 1998. The vineyard had been planted by the previous owner, a sheep rancher, and nobody knew what variety they were. Ames, the head winemaker, was hesitant, however, and decided to walk the vines before excavation. He found a tag on a vine, from a nursery in New York. After a call to the nursery and some research, and they found the answer: Merlot. But not just any Merlot. These vines are Jefferson clones; descendants of vines that Founding Father Thomas Jefferson brought from France to his Virginia estate! With that kind of pedigree, the former Tulane University roommates decided to leave the vines in.

Jefferson Clone Merlot

Grow, Merlot. Grow!

All Medlock Ames are made from 100% organic, estate grown fruit. The winery is fully solar powered. Of the 338 acres on the estate, only about 55 acres are farmed, leaving the rest of the land to its native flora and fauna. There are more than 800 olive trees, five retention ponds for irrigation, and at least 50 barn owl boxes on the property. To help conserve energy, the barrel room is underground, below the production facility.

Speaking of the barrel room, where better to continue the tour on such a hot day? After a brief visit among the fermentation tanks upstairs, we ventured down into the 55 degree cellar to meet Ames, and enjoy some barrel tasting.

The beauty of the Experience Alexander Valley event is that the three of us had about 30-45 minutes of interrupted time with the head winemaker. (I was enjoying myself too much to keep track of time.) We could ask whatever questions we wanted, and he took the time to answer in a way we could all understand. You don’t get that on a party bus tour!

Ames is clearly passionate about what he does, and is very knowledgeable. He thieved us samples of their 2017 Lower Slope Chardonnay, the 2017 50 Tons Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Kate’s & B’s Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2017 Secret Ingredient Malbec. Each of the wines has a nick-name, and a story. The Kate’s and B’s is named after Chris and Ames’ wives; Kate is Ames’ wife, and B (stands for Bradley) is Chris’ wife. They chose the very best grapes from the very best vineyards to make the wine with their wives’ names on it. Smart men!

From the cellar, we walked back up to the tasting room where Chelsea hosted us in a wine and cheese pairing. The cheeses are all local, Sonoma County artisan cheeses, and paired each of the wine amazingly! I’ll let the pictures tell the story here.

As we were finishing up, I got Robyn’s text letting me know her Experience was over, and she was ready for me to come get her. So I didn’t have time to explore the preserves, marmalades, and olive oils they make with estate fruit. No worries though; that gives me something to look forward to when I bring Robyn on our next visit!

After a quick lunch break, we headed to our next Experience, this time together. Turning up the tree-lined drive to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, we were taken with the beauty of the property. Here, we were to enjoy a chocolate and Cabernet Sauvignon tasting. Originally scheduled outdoors on their beautiful patio overlooking the valley and nearby Mayacamas Mountain range, they thankfully relocated the tasting indoors, in their air conditioned tasting room.

We were greeted by DTC (Direct to Consumer) Manager, Michelle, and our host and guide for the day, Tasting Room Manager, Samantha. Having never heard of Stonestreet before, we were in for a bit of a surprise.

Video credit: Stonestreet Estate Vineyards

Stonestreet Estate Vineyards owns a large chunk of the Mayacamas Mountains we had admired as we entered the property. 5500 acres, to be more specific. Yet of those 5500 acres, only 800 acres are planted to vines. Committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly winemaking, when the owners purchased the land in 1995, they conducted wildlife studies; migration patterns, breeding grounds, etc. and planted around those areas so as to not disturb the native wildlife. This also helps to keep the critters out of the vineyards. But that wasn’t the biggest surprise. Stonestreet Estate Vineyards is part of Stonestreet Farms, located in Kentucky. Stonestreet Farms breeds thoroughbred race horses, very successfully, including such standouts as Rachel Alexandra (depicted in the beautiful statue on the grounds.) The founder of Stonestreet Farms was Jess Stonestreet Jackson. Jess Jackson. Yes, the Kendall-Jackson Jess Jackson! Surprise! Who knew?

Now on to the chocolate and Cabernet pairing. Some might think that it is difficult to pair chocolate with Cabernet Sauvignon, and it can be. The wine is often too tannic to work well with the creaminess of the chocolate. But Stonestreet sent samples of the wines for the pairing to the local pastry chef they’d commissioned for the event. She, in turn, created the chocolate confections to match each of the wines. It was exquisite! While it was hard to select a favorite, if forced, I’d say mine was third from the left, the Chocolate Budino with huckleberry compote. Robyn fell in love with the Opera Cake (second from left) made with dark chocolate genoise, espresso cream, and topped with a sprig of lemon thyme. Each of the single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons paired perfectly with the chocolates.

Running a little ahead of schedule allowed Samantha to give us a brief tour of the barrel room, and some photo ops. We also had a chance to sample their Meritage, Bordeaux-style red blend. Made from all five of the noble grapes, it was amazing!

  And that’s it. Just two Experiences per day. I’ve prattled on long enough for now, and we’ll cover Sunday later. Robyn will write about her solo Experiences in separate post, too. Oh sure, there was the fantastic blues concert at deLorimier Saturday evening, but Robyn will write about that in her first Experience post.

The biggest takeaways for us on Saturday were these: One, Alexander Valley is a hidden gem; a peaceful wine oasis mere minutes from the crowds and bustle of Napa. There was virtually no traffic all weekend, and no crowds, either. Sure, the heat may have kept some away, but Sunday was much cooler and yet no more crowded.

The other takeaway was this: though the lack of crowds was nice, Experience Alexander Valley was noticeably under-attended. Experiences had capacity for up to 24 guests. Of the four I attended, two had only three guests, one had four, and one had seven. Intimate to be sure, but really, folks, come out next year and let’s make this an event, an Experience, worth repeating! You’ll remember your Experiences forever.

Cheers!

By Kent Reynolds, with Robyn Raphael

Photos by Kent Reynolds and Robyn Raphael, unless otherwise noted.

Experience Alexander Valley, Day 1 – Medlock Ames and Stonestreet It was with eager anticipation that we set off on our journey to the first annual…

[newstfionline]

Discovering Naboth’s Vineyard: Another Find of Biblical Proportions

By Eric Metaxas and G. Shane Morris, BreakPoint.org, Oct. 30, 2017

We love to tell you about the ways that archaeology is confirming the biblical narrative, and the latest discovery is one of the coolest yet. It’s possible confirmation of one of the most memorable stories in the Bible: Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard.

First Kings 21 tells the story of Naboth the Jezreelite who had the misfortune to own a vineyard near king Ahab’s palace.

Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard and offered to either buy it outright or exchange it for what he deemed a “better vineyard.” When Naboth, in keeping with the Law of Moses, refused, Ahab sulked, “lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.” You gotta chuckle at Ahab’s reaction. My goodness.

At any rate, his Phoenician wife, Jezebel, then hatches a successful plot to kill Naboth and seize his land. But their triumph is short-lived: Elijah pronounces God’s judgment on them and their dynasty, which will end in a gruesome fashion.

Since 2012, a team led by Norma Franklin of the University of Haifa and Jennie Ebeling of the University of Evansville in Indiana have led an excavation in the Jezreel Valley, which lies south of our Lord’s native south Galilee.

It’s a region that figures prominently in the Bible, especially the Old Testament. It’s where Gideon defeated the Midianites and the Amalekites in the book of Judges. It’s where Meggido, from which we get the word “Armageddon,” is located.

And it’s the site of the vineyard Ahab coveted.

Five years ago, Franklin and her colleagues, using what’s known as “LiDAR,” a surveying “method that measures distance to a target by illuminating that target with a pulsed laser light,” discovered “several features that had remained hidden for centuries.” These features suggested the presence of an “early winery installation.”

Excavation revealed “several wine and olive presses, including the largest ancient winepress in Israel found to date.” They also found “over 100 bottle-shaped pits carved into the bedrock,” which Dr. Franklin theorizes were used to store wine.

How did they know where to look in the first place? Well, they used the biblical text itself. Writing in Biblical Archeology Review, Franklin said that the details provided in the account of Naboth and the subsequent fall of Ahab’s dynasty at the hands of Jehu provided “valuable information regarding the vineyard’s location.”

In fact, it was the correspondence between the physical evidence and the biblical account that led Franklin and her colleagues to ask if they found evidence of Naboth’s vineyard.

Her answer is a lightly-qualified “yes.” As she told Breaking Israel News, “the story as described in the Bible quite probably could have occurred here in the Jezreel.”

A year ago, John Stonestreet told you about evidence that lent historical credence to the Bible’s account of Jehu and the fall of Ahab’s dynasty: a toilet used to desecrate what the Bible calls “the high places.” As 1 King 10 says, Jehu “demolished the pillar of Baal, and destroyed the temple of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day.”

The Bible is the best-attested book of antiquity. Nothing else comes close.

[carpetravel]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With more than two dozen wine tasting rooms, downtown Healdsburg is one of Sonoma County’s top spots for enjoying a day of wine tasting without ever having to drive. Many Healdsburg wineries have opened tasting rooms in the downtown area in an effort to introduce their wines to more people. Making Healdsburg tasting rooms a great way to explore more of what Sonoma County offers.

On a few of my last visits to Sonoma I’ve had the chance to spend some time exploring the downtown Healdsburg tasting rooms. It’s extremely easy to do especially when you’re staying in Healdsburg, which is a great home base for the Sonoma County wine country. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get to a few more Healdsburg wineries you may not be able to visit in the wine country given their distance or your ability to get to their onsite location.

Nestled in the winegrowing regions of Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Chalk Hill, Healdsburg was once a small farming town but is now a chic, one-stop sipping destination in the heart of Sonoma County. In addition to the tasting rooms, Healdsburg is home to a number of art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and Michelin Star restaurants.

I’ve outlined a few of the top Healdsburg tasting rooms that are a must-sip, and paired them with a few of the best restaurants and hotels for a more, well-rounded wine country getaway. There is one drawback to these urban wine tasting rooms, they’re all lacking vineyard views. So, I highly suggest you still get outside of town to explore the neighboring vineyards.

One Stop Sipping in Downtown Healdsburg Tasting Rooms

One of my favorite hotels in Healdsburg is the H2 Hotel, which is located toward the south end of town, making it a perfect spot to either end or begin your exploration of Healdsburg tasting rooms.

My perfect day of wine tasting in downtown Healdsburg would look like this…

Begin the morning with breakfast and coffee either at Spoon, located in the H2 Hotel or the Parish Café, a few blocks from the hotel. Another option is the Costeaux French Bakery – amazing! But it throws off the route for my tasting tour. If you could care less, and want to walk off your breakfast then head there. You won’t be disappointed. (It opens at 7 am, so you could go early then head back to the hotel to change and then out for tastings after 10:30 am when most Healdsburg tasting rooms open.

Leaving from the H2 Hotel walk up to either at La Crema or Williamson Wine (or both if you’re sharing a wine tasting). Then you’re on your way over to Stonestreet Winery for some stunning Cabs.

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It’s about a 15-minute walk to Seghesio but it’s well worth it for the wine tasting and four-course lunch pairing. (The Seghesio wine tasting room is at the complete opposite end of town as the H2 Hotel, see the map below for reference.) Make sure to make a reservation for this. On your way there, it’s a great time to do some window shopping (or real shopping).

After lunch at Seghesio, you’ll be heading back into the main downtown area. Walking is a welcomed treat at this point given the lunch and wine that’s been consumed.  Grab a coffee or tea at Costeaux French Bakery and make your way down Healdsburg Ave and into the Plaza to check out a few of the art galleries and shops you didn’t pop into on your way up to Seghesio.

If you’re up for more wine tasting, I would suggest you check out Idlewild Wines, LIOCO, Siduri, Selby Winery, Banshee Wines, or Longboard Vineyards. Not all of them of course, pick one or two and then head back to the hotel for a quick siesta before dinner.

As for dinner, I personally love Chalkboard, Valette and Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar. However, I REALLY WANT TO GO TO Single Thread. I wasn’t able to get in on my last visit. This restaurant is a three Michelin Star culinary experience that offers an 11-course, tasting menu for dinner. If you do get a reservation for here, skip the after lunch wine tastings to save your palate.

WINE TASTING TIP: Most downtown Healdsburg tasting rooms charge a tasting fee. Expect to pay $10 or more to taste, the fee may be waived with a purchase. Keep in mind, two people can always share a tasting. Not only will you save money but you may be able to make it to a few additional wineries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbSUyRm1hcHMlMkZkJTJGZW1iZWQlM0ZtaWQlM0QxcjBLRU1LX1puUnY0eFBYLXNtdXR2Nk8xVHd1ZzVobmclMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY0MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjQ4MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Where to Eat in Downtown Healdsburg

Chalkboard for small plates focused on local ingredients.

Valette for a seasonal menu focused on local ingredients.

Single Thread, a three Michelin Star culinary experience offering an 11-course, tasting menu for dinner.

Campo Fina for simple Italian fare.

El Farrolito for old-school burritos.

Brass Rabbit for a burger and a cocktail.

Flying Goat Coffee for coffee and pastries.

Downtown Bakery & Creamery for everything sweet.

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar for fresh, delicious seafood.

Costeaux French Bakery for breakfast or lunch.

The Parish Café for a Cajun breakfast or lunch.

Looking for a few things to do in Healdsburg that are beyond the tasting rooms?

There are more than two dozen art galleries are within walking in the downtown area.

The Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society hosts exhibits about the rich history of Healdsburg and surrounding areas.

Take a walk along the Russian River.

Shop. Shop. Shop. The plaza in downtown Healdsburg is home to some amazing boutiques.

Personal Recommendations for Hotels in Downtown Healdsburg

SingleThread Farm – Restaurant & Inn – If you stay here, a full-service breakfast is included in the stay. I also suggest you make reservations for dinner at the Michelin three-star restaurant at least one of the nights during your stay.

H2 Hotel  – I really enjoyed my stay at the H2 Hotel. The hotel is vibrant, clean, colorful and extremely focused on sustainability and clean energy. One of the coolest things I loved was the green roof. It’s a huge garden!

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You can spend days sipping through two dozen+ tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg in Sonoma County. My latest post pairs the must-sip tasting rooms with restaurants and hotels for a well-rounded weekend getaway. Cheers! #wine #sonoma #travel #winetravel With more than two dozen wine tasting rooms, downtown Healdsburg is one of Sonoma County’s top spots for enjoying a day of wine tasting without ever having to drive. 1,020 more words

[lookbackandrememberme]

Sharing the hot goss (at Stonestreet Winery)

[enlightenedpoet]

UNNECESSARY GUILT Could I be brave enough to stand tall Face demons that haunt and fail To allow me to breathe, feel calm When all nerve endings assail Me with such a tremor Down to my roots I can feel My pastimes sailing toward me Enough to make a heart reel And surrender to my fears All my life has come to a head What will I do in this moment Collapse or speak out to shed A guilt that was never my own But I made it and let it lead My actions and memories alone Far from reality it gathered speed ... ... ... #meditation #poet #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #writer #writing #metoo #writersofinstagram #love #inspiration #heartbreak #photography #photographer #phtoshoot #instafollow #instatraveling #follow4follow #travelphotography #cityscape #california #winetasting #adventure #beauty #sunrise #nyc #sonoma #naturephotography #naturelovers (at Stonestreet Winery)

[tysmzgc]

I actually found their sophisticated Cabernet at Nick and Steff's in LA for the first time. When visiting Healdsburg, must stop by their tastingroom to try it. #stonestreetwinery #tastingroom #cabernetsauvignon #sauvignonblanc #chardonnay #winery #winetasting #winelover #sonomacounty #california (at Stonestreet Winery)

[eatplusdrink]

Wally's 7th Annual Napa/Sonoma All Stars Tasting

Wally's Seventh Annual Napa/Sonoma All-Stars Tasting returns to The Olympic Collection, and will feature more than 100 of the most highly respected wine producers in California. 

As always, the completed lineup will be spectacular, with many of the principals and winemakers in attendance. 

Chef David Féau from Wally's Beverly Hills, and Jenny Knotts from Wally's Cheese Box will both be serving tasty bites to accompany the hundreds of wines being poured, and other food stations yet-to-be announced are to be added to the mix. Keyboard artist David Arana will also class-up the afternoon with his live performance. Your modest $75 per-person entry fee secures a tasting experience that delivers more bang-for-the-buck than any other comparable event in the nation! Below is the list of wineries and brands already confirmed for this year's tasting. 

Alpha Omega Antica Napa Valley Aperture Aril Banshee Beekeeper Beaulieu Vineyard Biale Blue Farm Brassfield Estate Bridesmaid Buoncristiani Cakebread Camino Carpe Diem Caymus Clos du Val Cobblestone Collier Falls Cami Covenant Crocker & Starr Darioush Devil Proof Dominus Estate Donelan Donum Estate Ehlers Estate Eighty Four En Route Etude Far Niente Faust Flowers Fourth Leaf Frank Family Freemark Abbey Frog's Leap Gamble Family HALL Hanzell Hartford Court Heitz Hertelendy Hess Collection Honig Illumination Iron Horse Jamieson Ranch Jordan Kale La Jota Landmark Larkmead LOLA Marciano Estate Mayacamas Merry Edwards Mi Sueño Morlet Napanook Newton Neyers Nickel & Nickel Oakville East Opus One Pahlmeyer Paradigm Patz & Hall Paul Hobbs Prager Port Works Quintessa Ramey Saxon Brown Sean Minor Senses Shafer Sinegal Estate Staglin Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Stags' Leap Winery Stonestreet Tayson Pierce Estate The Debate The Mascot The Prisoner Wine Co. Trefethen Turnbull Twomey Vineyard 29 Wayfarer The Withers ZD Wines