I travelled to Boonville this weekend, in the heart of Anderson Valley, to pour the only Sonoma Valley wine at the Annual International Alsace Varietals Festival.
It was amazing to be surrounded by a group of winemakers and wine lovers so passionate about wines that altogether probably represent less than a few percent of wines sold in the US. Even with all the buzz about alternative, aromatic whites, the few restaurants and wine shops that do embrace these varieties tend to focus on imports, but there are several excellent domestic bottlings that were on display this weekend.
Our cool site and unique legacy make us unique among our immediate neighbors in our ability and commitment to grow gewurztraminer, but up in the Anderson Valley, there are dozens of exceptional rieslings, gewurztraminers and pinot blancs to taste. There were dry and off-dry table wines and decadently delicious late harvest wines. Wines that I (and you) don't remember to drink nearly often enough, though they offer tremendous variety and are exceptionally food-friendly.
I promised myself I'd return to Anderson Valley soon with the free time to explore the wineries and the spectacular beauty of this place. It is only two hours from Sonoma, but something always makes it seem further away in my mind. That something is Highway 128.
Highway 128 is a one-lane slalom course through the mountains that separate Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. It can be a super-fun drive, if you dont get carsick, have a well-handling car, and there isn't a local bearing down on your back bumper for going too slowly. However, when you're running a bit late for an event and it is raining, it can be a bit stressful. The total lack of radio and cell phone reception mean that if you don't have company, you had better have some good driving music close at hand.
Which brings me to today's Music Monday. Mogwai's aptly-named 'Auto Rock' kept me mellow so that I was able to enjoy the beauty of the drive and take my time.
