We made it to Sonoma for the second weekend of this years barrel tasting event. Had a great time with Jim/Janet/Mike/Cindy. Included a too brief stop in the Armstrong Redwoods preserve. People pic is Val and I after signing barrel at Windsor Oaks. Favorite new discovery? Mueller.
What do you do when you’ve been laid off and are waiting to start your next job? Hit the road Jack. We recently took advantage of a short hiatus for Val and spent a few delightful days in Southeastern Arizona. I had to have a book along and was fortunate to find Going back to Bisbee by Richard Shelton. We more or less traced the authors route while gaining historical and natural tidbits from his book. The drive from Phoenix to Tuscon is flat out ugly, but from scenic state route 83 onwards is a treat.
We stopped by several wineries in Sonoita. Quite a contrast to Sonoma/Napa of course but this wide open range land on gently rolling hills surrounded by bedrock mountains is just as pretty in it’s own way. Full size pics are available from links on each pic page. 
In Bisbee we stayed at a funky restored miners shack called The Sleepy Dog Guest House. This was the first road trip for Maynard, the funky stub-legged dog whose been with us for about 6 months now. We spent a good deal of time hiking the hills north of the old town as well as the hills and stairways in town. The miners homes were built on terraces interconnected by a complex network of concrete steps. It’s still tricky to navigate among some of the vacation homes clustered about the hills. Makes you wonder how people get the bigger stuff moved about.
Here’s a bit of what the house we stayed in looks like:
I’ve scattered some pics through the gallery in my “unorganized by event or place” fashion. You’ll find a couple of fun macros and some graffiti. Plus an art car shot and one of the long stairways to nowhere. Most notably to our family, I’ve included the first online shots of Maynard, who’s turned out to be a real cool fool of a dog. Here he is doing Rin Tin Tin on the lookout for the ghost of Geronimo…
Ain’t that cute. Gotta love it man, yep.
And the night sky is freaking incredible down there 
Third year we’ve spent the first weekend of March with friends barrel tasting in the Russian River/Sonoma. Quickie post so Val can find the few pics I’ve uploaded!
Last years Russian River Barrel Tasting came and went without a single photo or post about our annual trip. So what better way to toast the new layout than with a post about wine. Here, in no particular order, are my favorite wineries to visit and buy from during the spring barrel tasting event.
Siduri
There’s really no better way to begin a barrel tasting weekend morning than here! Siduri is in an industrial strip warehouse so you’re not here for the froo froo vineyard atmosphere, you’re here for a gigantic selection of top notch California Pinot Noir and Syrah at great prices. The employees are wonderful and there’s always some tasty food to nibble as you go. Expect to spend a good hour or more and to leave with a very pleasant glow.
Another traditional 1st stop is Martenelli. Great munchies, cool gift shop, nice selection of well made wines. I like the humongous Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel. Good to hit early to avoid the crowd.
Joseph Swan Fantastic affordable Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah.
Christopher Creek Up the hill for more great quality affordable Zins, Pinots, Syrah and Petite Syrah. Very friendly and helpful staff. As you go back down the hill look to see if the doors are open at Mietz! You’ll find excellent Sangiovese, Claret, Petite Verdot among the mix.
One rainy morning during the 2006 barrel tasting we discovered Hook & Ladder. We were the first group of the day and spent a good while tasting and talking about the winery with the staff, again great folk. Their wines are a bargain and can be found here in Phoenix.
Gotta visit Talty Just Zin, but some of the most delicious I’ve ever had!
In 2007 kids waving signs steered us to a relative newcomer, Zichichi. Small, family run, a couple of very yummy Zinfandels and an equally tasty Petite Syrah. Beautiful view of the vineyard off of the tasting room.
Woodenhead. Wow. Buena Tierra Vineyard Zinfandel. Say no more!
Ridge. Wow wow. Deep variety, everything exceptional. Wish more of the 02 Lytton Estate Petite Syrah was available!
Did I say 10? Here’s a bonus. Not part of the barrel tasting event, it’s been our good fortune to party with the great folk at Brogan Cellars. The water coolers in Heaven must flow with My Father’s Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and Buena Tierra “Helio Doro Block” Pinot Noir.
Note: Starting a day at Siduri and finishing it at Brogan Cellars can make the following day “a little rough”!
Hope you enjoyed this read, and hope you’ll be able to get out there and lick some barrels! To close, here’s a laugh from the last trip. One of those what the hell happened events caught by the camera…
long time no post – much work need vacation
Now this should be broken down between Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and MD2020.
Swivel – Wine & Violent Crime
