Show 526, May 20, 2023: Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards with Estate General Manager, Geoffrey Thompson Part One

Geoffrey Thompson of Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards is a breathtaking property spanning 710 acres located just minutes south of Healdsburg, and directly in the town of Windsor’s backyard. The vast views from the summit are a patchwork of vineyards and open space seamlessly woven together, hence the French name “Notre Vue” which means Our View. The property features 350 acres of “Forever Wild” protected open space and 250 acres of beautiful rolling vineyards. Their wines are made in the European style, focusing on finesse and purity, and made with low intervention, clean winemaking styles.”

“Notre Vue Estate takes pride as a certified Sustainable Vineyard and Winery producing ultra-premium wines from their estate vineyards that straddle two of California’s most famous viticultural appellations: Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill, located in Sonoma County. What makes them special is the diversity of terroir that sweeps across the rich tapestry of their land, allowing Notre Vue to grow a selection of 16 grape varieties, including some European varieties rarely found in Sonoma County. The 710-acre estate boasts many diverse microclimates, including rare soil and slope combinations. The wines  produced at their estate vineyards are recognized for their uniqueness and richness.”

“Grapes have been grown on the property since 1869 and commercially for wines since 1907. Notre Vue Estate & Winery produces wines under the Notre Vue label which are sold primarily at their tasting salons and in select restaurants. Notre Vue also produces wines under the Balverne label which is a brand that was historically famous in the 1980’s being poured at the White House multiple times as well as the famous Hollywood Brown Derby, the original Spago in West Hollywood and Sparks Steakhouse in New York.”

“Balverne wines were produced on the estate in the 1980’s and the brand was carefully resurrected by the Notre Vue Estate owners in 2012 to honor Balverne’s history. In 2022, Notre Vue Estate celebrated its 30 year anniversary under the current ownership. Notre Vue Estate is now helmed by co-founder Renée Brown-Stein. In addition to producing multiple wines under our two labels they also sell their grapes to many premium wineries in Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Notre Vue grapes are found in some of the most well-known wines from Sonoma and Napa.”

“Notre Vue Estate is committed to the highest level of service in providing more than just wine tastings. They provide crafted experiences of wine, food and nature that create lifetime memories for the Estate’s guests. With breathtaking views at the Block 23 Terrace and Lakeside Pavilion, the estate is a place where you can enjoy the natural environment, beautiful vistas, and appreciate the overall rustic elegance along with the welcoming charm that are all a part of the essence that is Notre Vue Estate.” By advance appointment only.

The Estate General Manager, Geoffrey Thompson, joins us to uncork all that is Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards.

Show 526, May 20, 2023: Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards with Estate General Manager, Geoffrey Thompson Part Two

Geoffrey Thompson of Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards is a breathtaking property spanning 710 acres located just minutes south of Healdsburg, and directly in the town of Windsor’s backyard. The vast views from the summit are a patchwork of vineyards and open space seamlessly woven together, hence the French name “Notre Vue” which means Our View. The property features 350 acres of “Forever Wild” protected open space and 250 acres of beautiful rolling vineyards. Their wines are made in the European style, focusing on finesse and purity, and made with low intervention, clean winemaking styles.”

“Notre Vue Estate takes pride as a certified Sustainable Vineyard and Winery producing ultra-premium wines from their estate vineyards that straddle two of California’s most famous viticultural appellations: Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill, located in Sonoma County. What makes them special is the diversity of terroir that sweeps across the rich tapestry of their land, allowing Notre Vue to grow a selection of 16 grape varieties, including some European varieties rarely found in Sonoma County. The 710-acre estate boasts many diverse microclimates, including rare soil and slope combinations. The wines  produced at their estate vineyards are recognized for their uniqueness and richness.”

“In 2022, Notre Vue Estate celebrated its 30 year anniversary under the current ownership. Notre Vue Estate is now helmed by co-founder Renée Brown-Stein. In addition to producing multiple wines under their two labels (Notre Vue Estate and Balverne) they also sell their grapes to many premium wineries in Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Notre Vue grapes are found in some of the most well-known wines from Sonoma and Napa.”

The Estate General Manager, Geoffrey Thompson, continues with us to uncork all that is Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards.

Show 495, October 15, 2022: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist – Dining at Cyrus

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday.

Anne Marie joins us in-studio to talk about her recent evening at the relocated, reopened and very exclusive fine-dining Cyrus in Geyserville in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. Before the restaurant went on an unexpected hiatus 10-years ago Owner / Chef Douglas Keane’s highly regarded restaurant earned Two Michelin Stars. Business Partner and maire d’ Nick Peyton is also part of the revived establishment. It’s actually located in a vineyard.

Reservations are released in blocks two months in advance. The “Dining Journey” at Cyrus is limited to 12 guests per seating at $295. A separate wine pairing is available for $250.

Show 442, September 11, 2021: Justin Seidenfeld, Director of Winemaking, Rodney Strong Vineyard Estates Part One

Justin Seidenfeld of Roden Wine Company

“What started with Rodney Strong’s (and evolved into Rodney Strong Wine Estates) vision over 60 years ago segued to an almost four-decade long career of Winemaker Emeritus Rick Sayre at Rodney Strong. Rick passed the baton in 2018 to current Director of Winemaking Justin Seidenfeld, who today leads the passionate winemaking team that creates critically acclaimed wines vintage after vintage with an eye towards the future. That future is led by innovative new products like ROWEN Wine Company, the 15-year passion project on Rodney Strong Wine Estate’s remote and rugged Cooley Ranch Vineyard.”

“Rod Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines. Rodney Strong Vineyards established Sonoma County’s 13th bonded winery in 1959.”

RSWE sources grapes from 11 prime Sonoma County appellations including Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley and Northern Sonoma.

“For over 30 years, RSWE has flourished under the leadership of the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers. The Klein family is committed to protecting and preserving the environment in both the vineyards and at the winery through sustainable farming and winemaking.”

“The Rodney Strong Tasting Room in the Russian River Valley (Healdsburg) is open Thursdays through Mondays by appointment only for indoor tastings in their remodeled Tasting Room and outdoor tastings on the Rodney Strong Terrace and expansive Concert Green.”

Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld joins us to pull the cork on all that is Rodney Strong Wine Estates.

Show 442, September 11, 2021: Justin Seidenfeld, Director of Winemaking, Rodney Strong Vineyard Estates Part Two

Justin Seidenfeld of Roden Wine Company

“What started with Rodney Strong’s (and evolved into Rodney Strong Wine Estates) vision over 60 years ago segued to an almost four-decade long career of Winemaker Emeritus Rick Sayre at Rodney Strong. Rick passed the baton in 2018 to current Director of Winemaking Justin Seidenfeld, who today leads the passionate winemaking team that creates critically acclaimed wines vintage after vintage with an eye towards the future. That future is led by innovative new products like ROWEN Wine Company, the 15-year passion project on Rodney Strong Wine Estate’s remote and rugged Cooley Ranch Vineyard.”

“Rod Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines. Rodney Strong Vineyards established Sonoma County’s 13th bonded winery in 1959.”

RSWE sources grapes from 11 prime Sonoma County appellations including Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley and Northern Sonoma.

“For over 30 years, RSWE has flourished under the leadership of the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers. The Klein family is committed to protecting and preserving the environment in both the vineyards and at the winery through sustainable farming and winemaking.”

“The Rodney Strong Tasting Room in the Russian River Valley (Healdsburg) is open Thursdays through Mondays by appointment only for indoor tastings in their remodeled Tasting Room and outdoor tastings on the Rodney Strong Terrace and expansive Concert Green.”

Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld uncorks a bottle of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyards Alexander Valley, Sonoma County and continues with us.

Show 430, June 19, 2021: Donna del Rey, Proprietress, Relish Culinary Adventures, Healdsburg

Donna Del Rey of Relish Culinary Adventures

“Healdsburg-based Relish Culinary Adventures stands out as the only culinary program that brings together talented chefs and fabulous cuisine at a variety of captivating rural locations, including the beautiful Relish Culinary Center, to create one-of-a-kind authentic cooking classes, culinary tours and catering services.”

“Based in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the Sonoma County wine country, Relish offers culinary events on a wide range of topics from wine country cuisine to ethnic specialties, DIY canning to children’s cooking workshops, cheese making to wild mushroom foraging. In addition, Relish hosts activities that bring people together in the kitchen, such as private cooking parties and corporate team-building events. Guests learn about the bounty of this wonderful region and experience a “sense of place”that is all about Sonoma County.”

“Founder Donna del Rey created Relish Culinary Adventures in 2003 to share the flavors and personalities of Sonoma County with others. After more than two decades in various marketing and business development roles for an industry-leading scientific tech company, a move to Sonoma County with its bounty of amazing foods and makers solidified her desire to transition to the culinary world. Donna is not a professional chef; she sees herself as an adventurous learner eager to create and share memorable food experiences.”

“A Relish event is so much more than a cooking class,” says Donna. “We combine amazing Sonoma County ingredients, talented and engaging wine country makers, and unique rural locations to create convivial culinary adventures that, hopefully, inspire guests to create great food in their own kitchens.””

Show 415, March 6, 2021: Belden Barns Winery and Farmstead with Nate and Lauren Belden Part One

Lauren and Nate Belden

“Perched atop Sonoma Mountain, Belden Barns celebrates the totality of farmstead agriculture with a surprising range of exceptional, cool-climate estate bottlings for such a boutique property.  In addition to delicious, terroir-driven wines, they rely on resident farmers Vince and Jenny Trotter for their sustainably grown estate fruit and produce.” 

“Tastings normally take place in a charming old barn — a throwback to an earlier time in Sonoma County farm life. (Currently, all tastings are conducted outside due to COVID 19 restrictions).  Visitors to the (kid-friendly) winery are encouraged to meander around the vines or head downhill to the orchards/produce where they can also hang a wish on the “wishing tree.””

Belden Barns has a program of Spring Virtual Tastings including the launch of their Apple Cider. Nate and Lauren also offer custom virtual tastings for special friends and family celebrations and business gatherings.

“Belden Barns was recently voted one of USA Today’s Top Ten Winery Tours.  Proprietors Nate and Lauren Belden are an amiable couple and their wines (including some highly regarded Pinots, Sparkling Wine, Grenache and what may be the only commercially available Gruner Veltliner in Sonoma County, among other bottlings) are noteworthy.”

Show 415, March 6, 2021: Belden Barns Winery and Farmstead with Nate and Lauren Belden Part Two

Lauren and Nate Belden

“Perched atop Sonoma Mountain, Belden Barns celebrates the totality of farmstead agriculture with a surprising range of exceptional, cool-climate estate bottlings for such a boutique property.  In addition to delicious, terroir-driven wines, they rely on resident farmers Vince and Jenny Trotter for their sustainably grown estate fruit and produce.” 

“Tastings normally take place in a charming old barn — a throwback to an earlier time in Sonoma County farm life. (Currently, all tastings are conducted outside due to COVID 19 restrictions).  Visitors to the (kid-friendly) winery are encouraged to meander around the vines or head downhill to the orchards/produce where they can also hang a wish on the “wishing tree.””

Belden Barns has a diverse program of Spring Virtual Tastings including the launch of their Apple Cider. Nate and Lauren also offer customizable virtual tastings for special friends and family celebrations and business gatherings.

“Belden Barns was recently voted one of USA Today’s Top Ten Winery Tours.  Proprietors Nate and Lauren Belden are an amiable couple and their wines (including some highly regarded Pinots, Sparkling Wine, Grenache and what may be the only commercially available Gruner Veltliner in Sonoma County, among other bottlings) are noteworthy.”

Show 401, November 28, 2020: Winemaker & Proprietor Adrian Manspeaker, Joseph Jewell Wines, Forestville Part One

Adrain Jewell Manspeaker of Joseph Jewell Wines“From a small garagiste operation Joseph Jewell Wines, under the direction of Winemaker & Proprietor Adrian Manspeaker, has morphed into one of Humboldt & Sonoma County’s leading Pinot Noir producers. Joseph Jewell began in 2006 with two barrels of wine. Today, they make roughly 15% of the total wine production from Humboldt County’s 150 acres of vineyards. The wines produced three 90-plus scores and their history is just starting to be written.”

Joseph Jewell Wines sources exceptional fruit from independently owned vineyard properties in Sonoma and Humboldt counties, selecting sites with unique soil profiles and weather conditions. As part of their commitment to the future, they seek out growers who implement sustainable farming practices. Working closely with the property owners throughout the year allows Joseph Jewell to monitor the grapes’ progress and cultivate fruit that delivers the distinctive character of the site. Their goal is a finished wine that celebrates the singularity of the vineyard from which it came—the optimal expression of place captured vintage after vintage.”

Winemaker & Proprietor Adrian Manspeaker artfully pulls the cork on Joseph Jewell Wines for us.

Show 401, November 28, 2020: Winemaker & Proprietor Adrian Manspeaker, Joseph Jewell Wines, Forestville Part Two

Adrain Jewell Manspeaker of Joseph Jewell Wines“From a small garagiste operation Joseph Jewell Wines, under the direction of Winemaker & Proprietor Adrian Manspeaker, has morphed into one of Humboldt & Sonoma County’s leading Pinot Noir producers. Joseph Jewell began in 2006 with two barrels of wine. Today, they make roughly 15% of the total wine production from Humboldt County’s 150 acres of vineyards. The wines produced three 90-plus scores and their history is just starting to be written.”

Joseph Jewell Wines sources exceptional fruit from independently owned vineyard properties in Sonoma and Humboldt counties, selecting sites with unique soil profiles and weather conditions. As part of their commitment to the future, they seek out growers who implement sustainable farming practices. Working closely with the property owners throughout the year allows Joseph Jewell to monitor the grapes’ progress and cultivate fruit that delivers the distinctive character of the site. Their goal is a finished wine that celebrates the singularity of the vineyard from which it came—the optimal expression of place captured vintage after vintage.”

Outdoor wine tasting (under the current regulations) is available at the Forestville Tasting Room. The tasting can also be enjoyed at the nearby “home” vineyard, Starscape Vineyard. Also a vineyard picnic and tasting option are available.

Winemaker & Proprietor Adrian Manspeaker continues with us and artfully pulls the cork on Joseph Jewell 2018 Pinot Noir, Alderpoint Vineyard.