TexaCali Wine Trail: Tis the Season...

for being buried. The last 2 months of the year for anyone peddling wine is insane. I am now making appointments with myself to wash my hair, put gas in the car, make coffee earlier in the morning - Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day are the two days of rest on the horizon. Man, I needed a pedicure weeks ago, seriously.

Thanksgiving Day is going to be full of fun & love with new and old friends in California this year. My sweet parents are arriving to Sonoma County in a few days to see the beautiful fall vineyards and enjoy some time with me too.

I am so very thankful for my own family and all the family wineries who have trusted and supported me and all that I do to make their world go round...I ask you all to seek out the beautiful wines listed below over this holiday season particularly, they are the REAL DEAL. No marketing hype, no unjust prices, only pure and honest wine making for all to enjoy.

Thanksgiving wines indeed.

California:

Davis Family Vineyards: My new favorite is their Cuvee Luke - white Rhone style blend Guy Davis made from grapes grown in the Sierra Foothills. Guy named this crazy good wine after his first Grandson - Luke. Also, his "Cote Rose" is my favorite dry Rose to drink while cooking up a Turkey storm in the kitchen. Call the winery direct for these.

Handley Cellars: oh their lovely & beautiful Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer (the #1 wine to sip with your roasted Turkey!), Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek. I almost always have Handley Cellars wines chillin' in my fridge.

LIOCO: out of this world "natural wines" made from "Grand Cru" vineyards in California, unoaked Chardonnays, Pinot Noir and a gulpable old-vine Carignan blend "Indica". I have 2 bottles of their first release Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir to open this Thanksgiving. LOVE LIOCO!

Pellegrini Family Vineyards: world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the famed Olivet Lane (Olivet Lane has been a staple on my Turkey Day table for over 8 years now). Plus many other bottles to chose from like Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet and Merlot from Alexander Valley, Eight Cousins Russian River Zinfandel and a whole slew of unique offerings that are only sold through their tasting room and wine club. (Did you know I'm running their wine club now? Please jump on their website and sign up - loads of fun and amazing small batch offerings).

Medlock Ames: your best bet for sustainable wine making and vineyard growing in Sonoma County. I just tasted their 2001 Merlot, and it was unbelievably beautiful after almost 10 years...their Red blend that is 50/50 Merlot and Cabernet has been one of my favorites with a hearty meal for a very long time.

Storrs Winery: When I think of the perfect Zinfandel I think of Storrs. Rusty Ridge Zinfandel has always been my favorite in all of California. Their Petite Sirah is mindblowing too. I can't keep up with all the Gold Medals and "Best of Class" awards the Storrs family receives each year, your best bet is to ask your favorite retailer for Storrs if they are currently without. This family owned winery is such a gem.

Italy

Indigenous Selections: this new importer on the scene has been the biggest blessing of my year. Their portfolio full of handcrafted and family owned wineries in Italy continues to impress everyone. A few highlights include:

ROCCA DEL PRINCIPE FIANO