Family of Friends Newsletter
Choosing Wineries, Tasting Rooms, and Vineyards for a Sonoma Wine Tastings Weekend
Planning a weekend of Wine Tastings in Sonoma?
Whether it’s a romantic Sonoma getaway, a girls’/guys’ vineyard tour weekend, or a family event, we’ll narrow down the best wine tastings in Sonoma to fit your preferences.
When visiting Northern California’s majestic Sonoma Valley wine country, you want to get the most out of your wine tour. But you’ve only got one weekend. And with over 600 vineyards to choose from, planning wine tastings in Sonoma may seem overwhelming.…
The Epitome of Coastal Elegance: Introducing Halleck Vineyard Balletto Russian River Valley Chardonnay
Halleck Vineyard is pleased to unveil a wine that embodies the quintessence of Russian River Valley’s terroir, our 2022 Balletto Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay. This exquisite white wine varietal manifests the art of winemaking and the unique coastal charm of the Russian River Valley.
“Each bottle of our 2022 Halleck Vineyard Balletto Russian River Valley Chardonnay is like a whispered secret between the verdant lands of Sonoma County and the relentless waves of the Pacific.…
The Difference Between Oaked and Unoaked Chardonnay Taste
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine varietal in the world – and it’s also one of the most diverse. In fact, oaked and unoaked Chardonnay taste couldn’t be more different. Which leads many wine drinkers to scratch their heads and wonder: “What is Chardonnay, really?” What are the characteristics of a Chardonnay grape, and what affects the flavors that end up in your glass? We’re here to demystify this delightful white wine. We’ll discuss what makes one Chardonnay taste so different from another –…
Is Pinot Noir A Sweet or Dry Wine
If you’re new to the world of red wine, or perhaps a white wine or rosé aficionado looking to branch into new (red) territory, you may have found yourself asking: “Is Pinot Noir sweet or dry wine?”
We’re here to help you understand everything there is to know about this silky red wine, including how it tastes, its origin if Pinot Noir is dry or sweet, and how food pairings can affect its taste.…
Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Awarded Top Honor at 2023 Sommelier Challenge
Halleck Vineyard, a Sonoma County winery renowned for its artisanal approach, is basking in the glory of its 2019 Halleck Vineyard Three Sons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, which clinched the prestigious Best Pinot Noir Award at the 2023 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. Only 198 cases remain of their extraordinary vintage, available online only.
This exquisite Sonoma County Pinot Noir earned a remarkable 96-point score and secured the much-coveted Best Pinot Noir title amidst fierce competition from over 900 wines.…
Sonoma Wine Tasting Prices Up 11% Countywide
The entry-level price of a Sonoma wine tasting rose 11% from $36 in 2022 to $40 in 2023. Adjusting for those cities with at least 15 wineries in the sample, we found that prices in Sebastopol increased the most at 27%, from an average of $37.36 in 2022, to $47.50 in 2023.
While the 27% jump in Sebastopol is massive, the actual price increase of $10 is less than the price of one movie theater ticket or a quick-service restaurant meal.…
Top 7 Russian River Valley Wineries to Visit
The Russian River Valley has a viticulture history unlike any other in California. Grapevines were first planted by immigrants from the Mediterranean region in the 19th century. Most were “gardens” that families used for personal consumption, using cuttings brought from their European homesteads. This is how Zinfandel, now a flagship US grape, first appeared in the country. By the early 20th century over 200 wineries were in operation. However, Prohibition devastated the nascent winemaking industry. Nearly all wineries closed.…
Best Pinot Noir Wine: 15 Bottles to Try Right Now (2023 UPDATE)
Want to experience the best Pinot Noir wine this world has to offer? Pinot Noirs that are so bold and fruity you might mistake them for Syrahs? Then we have the perfect list for you – our favorite bottles of Pinot Noir from Sonoma County, California. While the average wine drinker might be focused on Pinot Noir pairings, whether Pinot Noir is sweet or dry, or the differences between Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon. …
Wine Club Gathers for Los Angeles Wine Tasting at Amarano
Winemaker Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard has always believed in the power of wine to bring people together and build communities. To this end, he has been tirelessly promoting his wines beyond the borders of Sonoma County, seeking to share his passion for exceptional Sonoma Pinot Noir with a broader audience.
Ross hosted a wine-tasting event for his Inner Circle Wine Club members and hotel guests at The Amarano in Burbank, California,…