Palette+Place: Springtime in Sonoma County Wine Country
Sonoma County is a must for any wine lover traveling to Northern California. Quaint towns and picturesque scenery is in abundance– as well as world class wine, of course. For over 10 years, I’ve headed up to Healdsburg in Spring with my husband and family for the annual Dry Creek Valley “Passport” weekend. Participating wineries open their doors with loads of wine to taste and food to eat. Although the wine is delicious, I must admit, I go for the scenery.
Sonoma County in the Springtime is like a breath of fresh air. The rain and cold of winter are gone and everything is in bloom – the trees, the vines, the roses, all bursting with color. Although I don’t live far, everything seems much more vibrant and colorful in the wine country.
It wasn’t until one of my more recent trips that I finally asked a vintner why there were always roses planted at the end of the vines. I thought, of course it was just for aesthetics– to add to the charm of the place — but they actually have a more practical farming purpose. It turns out roses and grape vines are susceptiple to the same type of diseases. Those gorgeous roses, that I love to photograph turn out to be the early indicator that the area may be infected with a fungal disease. Who knew!
So next time you are in Northern California, be sure to head over the Golden Gate and up to Sonoma County, you will not regret a trip to this colorful wine region.
More Details about Sonoma County and Dry Creek Valley
Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley