photo credit: wilshirepix/fickr
Russian River Valley is hands down my favorite place in California to relax, enjoy the sunshine, dine, and, most importantly, drink wine. Yes, I am a bit biased having grown-up there summer after summer since birth; however, the area has so much to offer, and I can’t say enough about it. The Russian River Valley is a hidden gem nestled under soaring redwood trees and sun filled blue skies where food, wine, and activities abound.
When it comes to the history of this region and the birth of this wine country we can thank the Russian settlers who were the first to plant grapes here in the 1830’s. From then on, numerous generations of settlers came to develop the area. Large producers like Korbel Champagne Cellars and Foppiano Winery helped the area gain recognition. The Prohibition area tried to slow the industry down, however the hard work and determination of farmers in the area carried on. It wasn’t until the 1960s, when they realized that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourished, that this valley began to really excel, and the rest is…well…History.
The typical varietals you will find in this AVA are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with some Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel scattered in between. As always there are producers trying their hand at and doing great things with grapes like Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Malbec and Viognier. The climate of this region couldn’t be more perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, with long warm days, cool moderate evenings and coastal morning fog. The wines produced from these grapes are known world wide for their structure, complexity, signature flavor, and style.
There are a handful of wineries in the area that I feel embody this region and all it has to offer. Small producers with a focus on the valleys “terroir” take pride in the wines they produce and are set in their tradition of winemaking in this specific manner. Some of these masters include, but are not limited to, Rochiolli Winery, Davis Bynum Winery, DuMOL, Williams Selyem Winery, Gary Farrell Wines along with some relatively newer players Arista Winery and C. Donatiello Winery. Wines coming from these producers are the epitome of Russian River Valley and should not be missed. Whether it be grapes from the Sonoma Coast or the Valley itself, wines coming from the region will have a boldness that you will not encounter anywhere else. Take a ride down the famous Westside Road and make yourself familiar with its inviting winemakers, breathtaking views, and fair weather. After a long day of wine tasting, there is nothing better than a five-course dinner at the world renowned Madrona Manor. Naturally, with great wine comes great food, and this region’s world-renowned chefs and restaurants that call this place home.
When I think wine country cuisine I think fresh, natural and simple as well as foods that complement local wines. No other restaurant in my opinion does this as well as Madrona Manor with their mix of timeless elegance, above and beyond service and food that will make your knees weak. When you enter the gates of Madrona manner you feel as though you are transported to another time and place. The statuesque yellow Victorian Manor guarded by redwood trees and framed beautifully with manicured gardens instantly removes you from your day-to-day hustle and bustle. Upon entrance into the main building you notice its stunning décor and period furnishings. Whether under dim romantic chandelier lighting indoors or below the canopy of the manors outdoor deck; you have the pleasure of enjoying Chef Mallgren’s artistically prepared Californian creations, paired with mainly local wine producers along with a selection of world offerings as well. Dining here will change your mind about what you though food and wine could be when they are masterfully joined as one.
With wine and cuisine taken care of there is the river to enjoy; canoeing, boating and swimming are a rocks throw from the vineyards. This area has so much to offer and once you visit there is no denying you will be back. The wine, the food and the river are calling.
