When Don and I first moved to California in 2005, one of the first wine regions we explored was Healdsburg. It is about one hour north from Mill Valley where we lived. Its quaint charm and amazing wine and food have kept us going back ever since. We love the varietals from this region, particularly the Zinfandel from the Dry Creek area, Pinot Noir from the Russian River, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley. Some of our favorite white wines are here too, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. And don't forget Rose. What makes Healdsburg so special is its balance of wine country charm and a true hometown feel. The town square sits right at the center, with a fountain and pavilion that naturally becomes the gathering place. On any given weekend, you'll find people lingering, drinking coffee, enjoying an ice cream cone, listening to music, and just enjoying the pace of it all. Most of our weekends follow a similar rhythm. We spend our days tasting wine, ta...
Since moving to Sacramento , Don and I have spent a lot of time exploring, finding those go-to spots for wine, food, and weekends that feel a little more special. One place that quickly made its way onto that list is Scribner Bend Vineyards . We were first introduced to it while house hunting, thanks to our realtor Kim, whose family just so happens to own it. It’s one of those connections that makes a place feel even more personal from the start. What makes Scribner Bend stand out isn’t just the setting (which is beautiful, tucked along the Sacramento River Delta), but the history behind it. The land dates all the way back to 1893, when George Washington Scribner settled there and began farming pears along what was then known as Silver Bend, a busy shipping point along the river. Over the years, that original farm stayed in the family, passed down through generations. In the early 1990s, the next chapter began when the family transitioned from farming pears to planting wine grapes,...