| Few districts have more of the character of old California than Sonoma County, and grapes and wine have been integral to its history. As early as 1812, Russian colonists planted and cultivated grapes at Ft. Ross on the Coast. But it was the Spanish Franciscan Fathers who laid the foundation for our wine industry in 1823 when Padre Jose Altimera planted several thousand grape vines at their northernmost mission, San Francisco Solano in Sonoma. All of this viticulture activity took place prior to the arrival in 1855 of the man considered "The Father of California Wine Industry ", Count Agoston Haraszthy. The Hungarian Count purchased the Salvador Vallejo vineyard in Sonoma Valley, renamed it Buena Vista, and soon was producing fine wines from the vineyard. In 1861 he was commissioned, but never paid, by the California legislature to study viticulture in Europe. He returned to Sonoma County the following year with over 100,000 cuttings of prized grape varietals from France, Italy and Spain. Haraszthy is credited with first promoting the concept that fine table wines could be produced in Sonoma County as well as Europe. Today, in Sonoma County approximately 190,000 tons of grapes are produced on nearly 65,000 acres of vineyards. There are over 250 wineries, over half less than 20 years old. And, as it was over 150 years ago, small, family-owned wineries continue to exist comfortably alongside larger entities, each producing premium wine in its own unique style. |
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| "James conducted a very thoughtful and introspective interview, allowing us to reveal our wine origins and backgrounds. He was very interested in capturing the farming and winemaking details of our winery which enabled us to highlight the labor intensive efforts and expense aspects of our quality choices. His passion for knowledge and understanding of the different wine regions goes beyond most people we've ever met." Winemaker/owners Richard & Patty Maier, St. Helena Road Winery, Sonoma, California |
| To hear an audio interview with James Woodward and Winemaker/owners Richard & Patty Maier of St. Helena Road Winery, Sonoma, California: |
| (23 minute recording, takes only a moment to load) |
Hear the enchanting stories from actual winemakers about their struggle and passion for wine!
| Wine Country Expert James Woodward interviews Winemaker/owners Richard & Patty Maeir of St. Helena Road Winery, Sonoma California. James' conversations and questions are insightful, thoughtful and compelling. He masterfully guides you through their backgrounds and winery history while examining details such as particular soil, climate, types of wines produced and secrets of producing world class wines. |
| James is also the Director of the PASSPORT Wine Society, the ULTIMATE Wine Lovers organization. For more information about PASSPORT |
Take a few minutes out of life to sit back, relax and enter the world of wine from a perspective never before seen.
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