Price supports rarely benefit small farmers.
Grape Farmers & a Winery Dog
Experience Alexander Valley Vineyards
Thursday, September 20 6:30-8 PM
Last April, over five gloriously overstuffed days, John and I managed to meet our daughter for sightseeing in San Francisco and then head north for some winery visits in Sonoma and Mendocino.
One of the most charming visits was at Alexander Valley Vineyards, with warm hospitality, a beautiful setting, and delicious wines at extremely affordable prices. And there was also a dog….
AVV is family-owned and operated. 45+ years after their grandparents bought the property as ‘our place in the country’, the third generation of the Wetzel family is growing, making, and selling lovely sustainably produced wines on their property in Sonoma. An afternoon spent meandering through the vineyards and cellar, topped off with tasting on the front porch is-in my opinion-thisclose to heaven. Along the way, we met Cali, short for ‘California Surprise’. Apparently, her ‘surprise’ is her habit of sneaking into the cellars and making off with a bung. The workers then have to search for which barrel is missing its stopper. There are a lot of barrels….
We were staying at the winery that night, in the historic Alexander Valley Schoolhouse that the Wetzel family rescued and repurposed as guest quarters. Before heading into Healdsburg for dinner, we hiked up some vineyard roads to the top of the ridge behind the property. The views were a treat. On our descent, there was Cali, chewing on a bung.
I can’t take you all to Healdsburg, put you up in the schoolhouse, and introduce you to Cali. But-next best thing!- I can invite you to experience Alexander Valley Vineyards right here. Pennie Haase, AVV’s long-time East Coast ambassador, will take you through the winery’s history and philosophy. You’ll taste Chardonnay, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, and the luscious ‘Sin Zin’. Finish up with Cyrus, an hommage to Cyrus Alexander, the pioneer who gave this valley its name.
This is a seated event. Tickets are $10, refunded on any purchase you make that evening. RSVP here:Â https://pourrichardswine.com/productdisplay/57
BYOD. (Bring Your Own Dog)