
Family of Friends Newsletter

Sebastopol Wine Tasting Experience at Halleck Vineyard
For more than 20 years, we’ve been hosting Sebastopol wine tasting experiences at our estate. We’re just inland from the majestic Sonoma Coast about 20 minutes from Bodega Bay or 15 minutes from the Barlow. Our Sebastopol wine tastings aren’t held in a traditional visitors center or hospitality tasting room. Rather, we welcome you and your dog if you have one, into our home. We have indoor and outdoor seating and a sweeping view of our vineyard,…
Celebrated Sonoma and Sebastopol Wineries Reopen
Two years after the global pandemic effectively crushed tourism for Sonoma and Sebastopol wineries, tasting rooms are opening again. The lights are coming back on. And visitors from all parts of the globe are raising a glass to celebrate the return of relative normalcy.
To welcome Los Angeles-based travelers out of their homes and back to wine country, on March 22, 2022 Sonoma County Tourism, hosted a very special event. An Evening With Sonoma: Beyond a New Perspective – Life Opens Up was a veritable reopening for Sonoma and Sebastopol wineries and tourism alike. …
Sweet vs Dry White Zinfandel Wine Tasting (Review)
Ross Halleck and Harris Miner are back at the estate in Sebastopol for a sweet and dry White Zinfandel wine tasting, and discussing about their differences, similarities, and pairing possibilities.
Table of contentsHistory of New World White ZinfandelSutter Home Sweet White Zinfandel Wine Tasting NotesHalleck Vineyard Dry White Zinfandel Wine Tasting NotesWine Review VideoWhite Zinfandel Wrap Up
On one side of the table,…
New Zealand vs California Sauvignon Blanc
California Sauvignon Blanc is like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in many ways. But the two varietals from different regions deviate in some respects as well. In this wine review, Ross Halleck and Harris Miner are in Sebastopol wine tasting and discussing the popular Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, comparing to the Halleck Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, judged Best of Class White and Best White Wine in California (94 pts) at the 2019 Orange County Wine Society.…
Château Ste. Michelle Gewürztraminer Vs Halleck Vineyard (Wine Review)
In this wine review, Ross Halleck and Harris Miner are in Sonoma wine tasting and talking about New World Gewürztraminers from the Russian River and Columbia Valley appellations. First on the list is 2019 Château Ste. Michelle Gewürztraminer from Washington’s Columbia Valley, and then we’ll move on to the Halleck Vineyard Dry Gewürztraminer Callendrelli Vineyard from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County.
Table of contentsThe Gewürztraminer GrapeTraditional Gewürztraminer PairingsChâteau St.…
Sonoma Coast vs La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir (Wine Review)
In this wine review Ross Halleck and Harris Miner are in Sonoma wine tasting and enjoying two California Pinots; La Cream Pinot Noir from Monterey and Halleck Vineyard Hillside Cuvee from Sonoma Coast.
Table of contentsLa Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Tasting NotesHalleck Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Tasting NotesWine Review (Video)The Last Word
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Tasting Notes
2019 La Cream Monterey Pinot Noir
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir is one of the most popular wines in the world.…
Inside the Best Wine and Cheese Tasting Sonoma Has to Offer
These pairing suggestions from certified wine educator Jim Laughren and award-winning author offer an inspiring alternative to the cheeses we serve at our Sonoma wine tastings in Sebastopol.
California Pinot Noir Wine and Cheese Pairings
Whether the occasion calls for an impromptu mid-afternoon respite on a sunlit porch or a fully-fledged wine and cheese board as a prelude to an elegant or romantic evening, the age-old combination of wine and cheese tasting is appropriate for a range of circumstances.With roots in French and Italian agrarian traditions,…
Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir vs MacMurray vs Halleck Vineyard (Wine Review)
We’re in Sonoma wine tasting and talking about Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir, MacMurray Estate, and Halleck Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Read on to find out which of these New World Pinots are best for picnics, parties, porches, and anything by candlelight.
Table of contentsKendall Jackson Pinot Noir Wine Tasting NotesMacMurray Estate Wine Tasting NotesHalleck Vineyard Three Sons Wine Tasting NotesWine Tasting VideoPinot Wrap Up
Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Notes
Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reverse Pinot Noir is the most famous of all their variants.…
Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas vs Halleck Vineyard Haas Pinot Noir (Wine Review)
We’re in Sonoma wine tasting and reviewing the Belle Glos Las Alturas 2019 and our own Halleck Vineyard Haas Vineyard 2018.
These are two of the best California Pinot Noir wines. And these two have totally different profiles. Belle Glos is big and bold, with blackberry candy, while Halleck Vineyard Haas Vineyard is lighter with a lower alcohol content and hints of cherry, mace and cinnamon.
California is known throughout the world for its excellent Pinot Noirs.…
