Blog — Gantz Family Vineyards

Angelina M. Lopez

Flowering at Gantz Family Vineyards

We have flowering in Block 4 here at Gantz Family Vineyards. Block 4 was the home of an overgrown kiwi patch when we bought the property. Now, it seems to be our most vigorous block – perhaps because it’s at the highest peak of our property – so we’re not surprised to see it blooming first.

Tasting the Wines of Olivet Road 2014

Olivet Road, our nearest neighbor to the east of our own Laguna Road, is a long road with long views over vineyards that have been around for decades and wineries that are family owned. More often than not, the winemaker will be pouring for you while his dog takes a nap at your feet. Olivet Road is the epitome of welcoming yet unpretentious Russian River Valley. On Saturday, April 12, nine wineries will celebrate their road with the Taste of Olivet. Wine enthusiasts will get a chance to enjoy award-winning wines, food pairings, entertainment and that awesome, laid-back friendliness that only Olivet Road can offer.

Next Step to a Sustainable Sonoma County Vineyard

Our journey to understanding what being a sustainable Sonoma County vineyard means continued this week as we participated in Sustainability Self-Assessment Workshops offered by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). 

Pinot Classic: Celebrating Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The Russian River Valley Winegrowers will celebrate the varietal that put the AVA on the map – Pinot Noir – May 24-25 during the Pinot Classic. This event will allow wine lovers to explore the range and diversity of RRV Pinot Noir over Memorial Day weekend with an educational seminar, a two-day wine tasting event and an exclusive dinner featuring Russian River Valley’s luminaries. 

Unique Spirits at Spirit Works Distillery

We call Sonoma County “wine country”, which is appropriate. But the national popularity of locally owned breweries and the fanatical following for Russian River Brewing’s Pliny the Younger make a case to call it “beer country.” With the addition of Spirit Works Distillery, in Sebastopol’s The Barlow shopping district, is “spirit country” now in play?

Sonoma County Bakery Bakes with Passion

Owner Beth Thorp of Nightingale Breads bakes bread of such unique quality that you can identify it in one bite: Once, we dove into the bread basket at the renowned Farmhouse and immediately asked our server, “This is from Nightingale, isn’t it?”