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Monday, August 27, 2018

Shout Out to our Advertisers

"Karissa Van Tassel is an award-winning photographer based in Connecticut. She focuses her lens on authentic moments, meaningful interactions, and natural beauty. Her work can be found in private collections around the world, as well as in numerous publications, including The New York Times, CNN, National Geographic, Forbes, MSN, and Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. Most recently Van Tassel received five bronze awards for her portraiture. She lives in New Haven with her husband, Yale University professor Dr. Paul Van Tassel, and their three kids. In her free time she enjoys family time, travel, chocolate(!), and good glass of Bordeaux."

"For almost 30 years, Sally Scott and her team have been dedicated to providing professional interior design services to clients throughout New England.

Sally and her dedicated team have completed hundreds of projects, large and small, residential and commercial. Her ability to think conceptually and design practically, with any eye for details—including budget and timing—result in extraordinary interiors."

"At Maya J, we believe jewelry is a celebration of a woman's personal style, her intimate journey, and a representation of the special moments and people in her life. Named after the owner's spirited grand-daughter, this family owned and operated business is committed to creating jewelry of insurmountable quality. With thirty years of jewelry experience in NYC's Diamond District, every piece is hand crafted with extreme love and care.

We hope our jewelry brings you as much joy to wear as it gives us to make."

"Aquarium Backgrounds, Fish Tank Backgrounds & Terrarium Backgrounds for Any Size Tank
Our aquarium backgrounds are the highest quality backgrounds available.  High definition images printed at high resolution on professional, glossy, waterproof materials....beautiful, durable and custom sized for your aquarium. We cater to home fish tanks, office and professional aquarium customers providing the best product and customer service.  The perfect final touch to your fish tank, aquarium or terrarium and an investment in quality and beauty that will last for years."

"Weddings And Wonder is a shop specializing in custom wedding/party accessories. We feature everything from wine bottle labels to invitations, to seating charts and everything in between. We make completely custom designs and our graphic designer is willing to work with you to get exactly what you want. Not seeing anything you like? Send us a message and we'll create a one of a kind design just for you."

"Established in 2005, Skinny's Webworks is a professional business services company offering internet, marketing, media, social, graphics and advertising services. From website design to television commercials and e-commerce, our experienced group of creative and individuals excel in helping you take a business idea...and make it a profitable reality."

Monday, August 20, 2018

Our Favorite Sonoma County Wineries

"With more than 425 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, and its close proximity to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma County is a traveler’s dream vacation spot in California. Sonoma County represents the best of Northern California — premium wine, farm-to-table dining, unique resorts and spas, and over 50 state and regional parks. Breathtaking Highway 1 delights visitors with crashing waves, sea lions and otters sunning on the beaches, and fantastic sunsets that color the sky in brilliant hues." - SonomaCounty.com


• Benziger 
"This family owned winery is warm and gracious. Cheerful staff eagerly pour the wines and makes you feel like a part of the family. The magnificent grounds include a series of old wood buildings. A beautiful barn, which doubles as the aging tasting room. Sit in the nymph garden, educate yourself at the discovery center, view the art in the gallery, stroll the many gardens or just have a picnic. Just for fun, have a tractor pull you on a tram throughout the vineyard and the winery. Save time for this winery, as there is so much to sip and see."

"Today, the Clines own many acres of vineyards throughout Sonoma County, with other properties in Oakley and Tehama County. Passionate about the importance of history, they own and have restored the nearby Dillon Beach Resort, the Mizpah Hotel and Tonopah Brewing Company in Tonopah, NV, and the Villa Laura in Tuscany. They also operate Green String Farm, a 150-acre working farm that produces a variety of fruits and vegetables grown on soil that is tended and nurtured without toxic chemicals. The produce from Green String is used by such culinary luminaries as Alice Waters of Chez Panisse. Their oldest son Ramsey operates the Mizpah Club, a casino and entertainment complex in Tonopah."

"Hawkes vineyard is located in Alexander Valley and is bordered by a forest of Douglas Firs and a tributary of the Russian River. While it is off the beaten path it is well worth the visit. Growing stunning Cabernets since 1972 you will be welcomed by a friendly and informative staff into a casual atmosphere with a beautiful and intimate tasting room. The Chardonnays are excellent too. There is a fantastic patio complete with Picnic Tables, which makes Hawkes wine and cheese pairings a delightful experience."

"Medlock Ames is known for their organic delicious Cabernets & Bordeaux Blends. The tasting room is lovely offering walk ins a fabulous tasting experience overlooking views of the beautiful gardens. Wine and Cheese pairings are a sumptuous treat not to be missed, requiring a reservation in advance. Parties of 6 or more must reserve their spot. To visit the Vineyard at Bell Howell Ranch and have a complete tour and wine tasting with food pairing call and reserve your spot, you will not be disappointed."

"Schug Carneros Estate Winery is situated on a 50-acre site in the Carneros Appellation, south-west of the town of Sonoma. Vineyards of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay surround the winery, while other grapes are bought in from highly respected and experienced growers."

Monday, August 13, 2018

Preparing Your Palate For Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is more than just gulping down one mouthful of wine after another. In order to get the full experience of wine tasting it's helpful to prepare your palate. This allows you the opportunity to really appreciate each wine's flavors and textures. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for your next wine tasting.


Before your tasting, try to avoid eating or drinking anything that has a strong flavor. Things like coffee, tobacco, and garlic can linger on your palate and change the taste of wine. Try to stick to weaker flavors before you taste so you can get the full flavor of the wine without the influence of other foods. Something you may not have thought about that also has a strong flavor is toothpaste, so try to avoid wine tasting directly after brushing your teeth.

Tasting before a meal is a good way to prepare your palate. Your taste buds are more receptive before you eat than after. However, keep in mind that if you taste on an empty stomach you will be more apt to feel the effects of the alcohol so eat before your tasting, but not directly before.

Be conscious of the order in which you taste your wines for the best experience. It may be beneficial to taste dry to sweet, as the sugar in sweet wines tends to stick to your palate and effect the taste of the dry wines. Heavy, tannic red wines can also tire out your palate quicker than sweet whites. 

Drinking water frequently while tasting can also help refresh your mouth and give you the best tasting experience. On top of the tasting benefit, drinking water will also keep you hydrated and help to counter the alcohol so you can taste more without a hindered perception.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Andrea's Hidden Cottage - Sonoma County, California

"Owned and operated by the Tommasi Family since 1996, our charming one bedroom cottage is hidden in our secluded, historic vineyard where natural beauty, peace and privacy are yours to enjoy for a romantic weekend getaway or summer long vacation. 

Andrea's Hidden Cottage is located on Spain Street next to the San Francisco Solano Mission. It is tucked away yet own steps from the historic Sonoma Plaza, the largest town square in California and home to many colorful wine country gift shops and award winning restaurants and tasting rooms. We invite you to enjoy a wonderful, romantic stay and a good night's rest at Andrea's Hidden Cottage in the Wine Country. Like a good cabernet sauvignon, our vacation cottage only gets better with age." - Andrea's Hidden Cottage

If you're looking for a peaceful, relaxing location to stay while you visit wine country, Andrea's Hidden Cottage is the perfect place! The private cottage offers a personal atmosphere where you can unwind and feel right at home. It still includes basic luxuries like a kitchenette, patio, private bath, and off street parking.


With affordable rates and a number of included amenities, call Andrea's Hidden Cottage today for a perfect wine country getaway!