Sonoma, California

Napa, California is known for its wine region, but if you drive further up, there is another famous wine region called Sonoma.

My husband and I love the wine from a winery called “SIMI,” and the winery is in the small city of Healdsburg. The town is very small and cute.  You will find many tasting rooms and wine and food paring restaurants.

About 30 years ago, when California wine still gaining popularity, wine tasting was more relaxed and free. We used to drive from one winery to another for wine tasting.  Back then all the wineries were generous and gave pretty good pours. After 3 or 4 wineries, we were getting a good buzz. It’s kind of dangerous when we think of it now, but back then, that was that.

Nowadays, tasting is often by appointment only and they charge a lot.  They also do not give you a lot. Times have changed.

My favorite wineries are Cakebread , SIMI, and Remay. At Cakebread we tried a wine and food paring session.

There I learned that each type of wine should be served in specially designed wine glasses. I was amazed by the taste difference.

When you drink Chardonnay in a Chardonnay specific glass, it brings the best of chardonnay .  If the glass shape is slightly different, it will not taste as good.

If you’re celebrating something special, and buy slightly expensive wine, try to use a matching glass. That will make your special occasion more special.

Cheers.