Rodney Strong Vineyards Brings the Cozy to Cool Weather
As one of the pioneers of Sonoma County’s modern wine industry, Rodney Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines. A successful dancer before retiring and turning to his second love, winemaking, Rodney Strong established Sonoma County’s 13th bonded winery in 1959.

More than 55 years later, Rodney Strong Vineyards is better than ever, producing critically acclaimed Single Vineyard and Reserve wines, stand out Estate releases and best-in-class Sonoma County varietal wines.

Take the Beautiful Drive North
A visit to Rodney Strong Vineyards is a treat any time of year.  As the weather cools, beautiful fall colors present themselves as you wind your way through the vineyards of the Russian River Valley to reach the winery, just south of the quaint town of Healdsburg.  
Gorgeous grounds surrounded by vineyards and mountains greet your arrival and guide you to the beautiful tasting room.  With a variety of tours and tastings offered throughout the day, its best to check the web site to decide what best fits your party’s preference. Reservations are recommended for some, others are more informal, all are fabulous.

Food Pairings Extraordinaire
A new winery chef recently joined the Rodney Strong team and is responsible for an irresistible array of food pairings.  Chef Alejandro Garcia has created the season’s not-to-be-missed “Winter Wine and Food Pairing.”  Served in the rustic and cozy Single Vineyard Room every Saturday and Sunday during the winter season, guests are welcome to experience this 5-bites accompanied by 5-wines pairing. Held at noon and again at 2:30 pm by reservation only, the community-style tasting can accommodate up walk-ins as well as up to 12 people per seating.

How about a preview to whet your appetite and curiosity? A first course might start off with the winery’s 2015 Reserve Chardonnay paired with roasted garlic carrots laying on a hazelnut soil.  Next, a cremini mushroom crepe (socca) drizzled with mushroom aioli and pomegranate syrup is paired with the Davis Bynum 2015 Jane’s vineyard Pinot.  This is the definition of earthiness even though Jane’s is located in Russian River Valley.

Three more bites remain and it’s anyone’s guess what Chef Alejandro has planned. But be sure to save room for a special surprise at the very end of the meal.

The Winter Wine and Food Pairing is offered on The Terrace (weather depending) and in the Single Vineyard Room—a cozy alternative—during cold or inclement weather. Guests are welcome to book on OpenTable or VinoVisit.  For those interested in a more elevated experience, a library wine tasting is also available upon inquiry.

Regardless of which experience suits your pleasure, you won’t be disappointed.