UPBEAT'S MONTHLY CLASSICS
SONOMA COUNTY WINERIES, BREWPUBS, FOOD PURVEYORS & SPECIALTY PRODUCTS FOOD • WINE • DINE The New Wine & Art Enthusiast by guest writer Shira Davida Goldberg -
sdavidagoldberg@gmail.com
SONOMA, CA. ~ Sonoma County has some of the most majestic coun- tryside I have ever seen. With many bless- ings bestowed on me along with impec- cable
I live here.
Karma, I
do not take for granted that my daily drive is through one of the most scenic routes in the entire world: Covered in vineyards and the most awe inspiring, world renowned wineries anyone has ever seen. This is the country visited by tourists worldwide and I am in it every single day. I have been here almost three months now and each time I take a drive, I still have my smart phone ready, con- stantly taking pictures, seeing something else I hadn’t seen before that I will incorporate into one of my paintings I am sure. Someone who has called Sonoma his home for almost 20 years told me, “The landscape is ever changing.” This is true, even more now so as the vine leaves change their hue as the colors of fall emerge.
Relocating here and expe- riencing firsthand the con- nection between the grapes, their history and the people involved seems symbiotic
Volunteers needed to deliver
Upbeat Times! 707-494-1767
and an inherent component distinctive to the wines and
Sonoma County during Wine Road, and learned about its fascinating history told so vividly by Jan, a wine educa- tor and guide. It was at that moment when I knew that the grapes I drive past every- day
would
change my life; I knew that I was in love. Wine Country is
culture of the Sonoma County region. It is within these valleys that I have met the individu- als who truly love and have a passion for wine which has allowed me to have a new interest and a greater respect of what it takes to create the perfect wine. It has been a great inspiration for me in my own creative process. After visiting a few of the 150 wineries that participat- ed in Wine Road, a weekend spectacular for wine tasting, in November, I was pleasant- ly surprised to discover how genuine the love and appre- ciation of Sonoma County wines are the world over.
I
had the opportunity to meet other wine enthusiasts from Australia, Germany, Japan, and throughout
the United
States. I even took a tour of one winery, Simi, in Northern
now my muse. Since I didn’t arrive to Wine Country with a wine background I was a little apprehensive, but I decided to check it out anyway. Lo and behold I found the most welcoming and knowledge- able people who were more than willing to share what they knew with me and with wide eyes and big smiles I began to learn. I think helping someone interested in learn- ing more about wine enhances the overall experience. I am a wine enthusiast, not
that
knowledgeable but eager, and that I am told is all I need to get started.
Everything else
will come in time which is encouraging! I have met wine connoisseurs from one end of the spectrum to the other; from those with the most dis- cerning palates to a friendly couple who recently pur- chased a vineyard in Missouri
$100 OFF any services over $1000.
SERVING THE ENTIRE NORTH BAY “Your Locally Certifi ed
Upbeat Electricians!” 707-578-1814
Anything is good if it's made of chocolate. ~Jo Brand
Come in all month long for Holiday Cheer!
Don’t miss our
Music By: “Rovetti And the Meatballs”
Party Favours Save time, energy & money!
Good thru 12/30/11 with this ad. Not good with any other offer. References Gladly Provided. CCL#804051
FREE Estimates
The Fun Starts At 9:00 PM Champagne at Midnight
585 Montecito Center, Santa Rosa, CA (707) 539-9993
www.fiorinoslounge.com UPBEAT TIMES • December 2011 • 7
New Years Eve Party DEC. 31st
who told me, “All you need to know about wine is what you like.” Now that is advice I can take. Meeting so many others from around the country and around the world that make the pilgrimage to sample the regions varietals is a testa- ment to the wines of Sonoma County and like the wines here, the individuals that make Sonoma County home contributes
to its
appeal. With such a variety of CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Pg 7
Weird Facts & Trivia - 2 Thanksgiving is not just an
American holiday. Canada declared their Thanksgiving holiday in 1879. It is observed on the 2nd Monday in October.
President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1863.
Christmas was declared a national holiday in 1870.
President Franklin Pierce was the first President to decorate the White House Christmas Tree.
Since the 1970’s, the Kennedy Space Center has made their shuttle landing facility available for emergency landing by Santa Claus should problems develop during his annual visit to children around the world!
inviting
Each year, Florida Christmas tree growers produce over 120,000 freshly cut quality trees for the holiday season.
Foio one irns Lug te mris lc h eret pae
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32