A Healdsburg Winery with a Nautical Twist!

summer grapes in Dry Creek

Our good friends, Walt and Kathi Bailey introduced us to Dry Creek Vineyard last summer when they met us in the Dry Creek Valley on a stunningly gorgeous day for an afternoon of wine tasting.  They've been coming to Northern California's famous wine country for nearly 25 years - and they know all kinds of cool places to go that we have never been to!

The vines in wine country are simply loaded at this time of the year with plump green grapes, just had to show you!

The last time we had been in Healdsburg was on the 4th of July and many of the wineries were closed, including one of Walt's favorites, Dry Creek Vineyard.  So, when Walt and Kathi came to visit later that month, it was an absolute treat to visit their tasting room and vineyard, not only because they make fabulous estate wines at great price points, but also because the "nautical" twist was so unexpected in the middle of Sonoma County.

(Dry Creek is quite a way from the actual ocean)

Welcome!

Walt and Kathi with Tom - allowing me to take pictures! 

Walt and Tom tasting the famous Chenin Blanc.  Check out the cool rope chandeliers and the  sailing ship painting in Dry Creek tasting room!   This particular painting is reflected in much of their marketing and in their wine label designs.

And the model sail boat on their massive fireplace mantel...

Fun nautical wine related gifts too! 

They have a wonderful picnic area in front of the tasting room, but don't worry if you forget to bring your lunch, the vineyard has a selection of local cheeses, meats and fresh fruit to purchase. When we went up to pick up our wine club selection a few weeks ago, (that's right, I joined the wine club - could not resist!)  we did bring our lunch and enjoyed a bottle of Dry Creek Vineyard's fabulous 2007 Endeavor Cabernet Sauvignon.

A delish red wine that we highly recommend!  It might be sold out (?) currently.. 

"At first swirl, this incredible wine offers aromatic elegance and classic Dry Creek Valley characters of bright red cherry fruit, black tea and dried spices. On the palate, the flavors become harmonious and lush with mocha, plums, cassis, and juicy red cherry elements. The silky tannins are refined and polished presenting underlying characters of earth, minerals and dried flowers. The result is a pleasing and lengthy finish with a smooth texture and a refined structure which offers the potential for very long term aging."

Loved this one too - good thing we took a bottle of it home!  The bottle is a "saver" - the "Mariner" is etched into the glass.

Ah... one more Chardonnay to try before going home.  I would consider serving the 2011 Petite Zin Rose' with our Thanksgiving feast this year.  We did sample a glass while we were there, and it was simply lovely - definitely not a summer Rose', which I am not always a fan of.

Thanks Walt and Kathi!