Month: January 2025

Sonoma County Tourism Unveils “Wine Country for All of Us”

Sonoma County Tourism an industry leader in destination stewardship announces its new initiative, “Wine Country for All of Us,” a thoughtful and deliberate commitment to fostering belonging among visitors and residents. Grounded in Sonoma County’s long-standing dedication to inclusivity, the initiative celebrates the region’s diverse history and invites everyone to experience Wine Country through their own lens.

Through the decades, the area has become a haven for visitors and local residents seeking connected communities and genuine acceptance. From the LGBTQ+ pioneers who found refuge in Guerneville’s redwoods to the multi-generational immigrant families who shaped the wine and agriculture industries to a collective of women’s history activists who began efforts that became Women’s History Month, Sonoma County’s culture reflects a deep-rooted tradition of advocating for, welcoming and celebrating individuals from all walks of life.

Sonoma County Tourism is further reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity by pursuing a new partnership with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessibility travel experiences, to enhance accessibility and create more inclusive travel experiences. The region is in the beginning stages of seeking “Destination Verified” status, which will provide visitors with access to necessary information regarding accessibility options, ensuring their needs are fulfilled before, during, and after their trip. Additional affiliations with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Kind Traveler, and Leave No Trace help solidify the region’s philosophy of stewarding the environment and encouraging visitors to respect and care for the county’s natural splendor and habitat. Training classes and resources provided by SCT’s Accredited Hospitality Professionals (AHP) program will also continue to equip local businesses with tools to further foster inclusivity and create environments where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Brian Marchi, Chair of Sonoma County Tourism’s Board of Directors, remarked, “Sonoma County has always been a place where creativity and inclusivity thrive. ‘Wine Country for All of Us’ builds on that legacy, ensuring every visitor feels seen and celebrated while enriching the community. This initiative is a testament to our shared values and a meaningful step toward a more connected, welcoming future.”

The initiative will be supported by a dynamic and upcoming integrated marketing campaign, “This is Wine Country”, which will expand perceptions of the region and invite travelers to discover Sonoma County’s unexpected treasures. The campaign underscores SCT’s authentic, purpose-driven travel ethos, showcasing unique wine country experiences, including redwood hikes, coastal adventures, encounters with local artisans, culinary innovation, and more.

As Sonoma County Tourism looks ahead, “Wine Country for All of Us” serves as a guiding principle, reinforcing the region’s commitment to the belief that travel can inspire deeper understanding and connection. With a history steeped in inclusivity and a future focused on equity and accessibility, Sonoma County Tourism is leading the way in creating a destination where Life Opens Up — for all.

Wine on the Move: Liz Palmer Reviews the VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases

As 2025 unfolds, I am thrilled to announce that I will explore the world of wine with the VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases.

I have had the opportunity to use both suitcases on long and short-haul flights around Europe in 2024 to test their functionality and durability, and here are some of my findings.

Firstly, I chose two sizes: the Piccolo 5-Bottle Wine Suitcase due to its convenient size as a carry-on, and the Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase for long-haul flights. The VinGardeValise® Wine Suitcases are available in multiple colours, and I was fortunate to find one that perfectly matched our car, adding an extra touch of sophistication to our wine travels.

These wine suitcases are functional; they ensure that each bottle is transported safely and in style. The Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases feature sturdy exteriors and padded interiors to prevent breakage. Dedicated compartments for each bottle make packing and unpacking effortless, and there is no concern about bottles clinking together or breaking during travel.

In addition to their practicality, these suitcases add a touch of elegance to my travel gear.  I find the availability of multiple colours allows you to find a suitcase that matches your style or even your car. I found that using the Piccolo 5-Bottle Wine Suitcase for shorter trips and the Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase for longer journeys provided the perfect balance of convenience and capacity.

Moreover, these wine suitcases are designed with portability in mind. They feature easy-to-carry handles and smooth-rolling wheels, making transportation a breeze. The compact design ensures they fit easily in car trunks, overhead compartments, or checked luggage spaces.

Overall, the VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases offered an excellent combination of functionality, durability, and style and I’m looking forward to using them again for my 2025 wine travels!

VinGardeValise® is also the #1 Luxury wine travel suitcase collection with national acclaim in over 100 leading publications such as – Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, CNN.com, Food & Wine, Wall Street Journal, Oprah Daily, and USA Today.

VinGardeValise® Specs:

VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle Specs:
Dimensions:  9.5”D x 16”W x 22.8”
Weight:  9.5 lbs. [unpacked]
Colors:  This Wine Suitcase comes in 3 colors (black, burgundy, and silver)

VinGardeValise® Grande 12-Bottle Specs:
Dimensions:  27.00″ x 17.75″ x 13.75″
Weight:  13.50 lbs [unpacked]
Colors: This Wine Suitcase comes in 3 colors (black, burgundy, and silver)

Website Link:  https://vingardevalise.com/

Stay tuned for more updates, photos, and stories from my 2025 wine travels!

Exploring Champagne Duval-Leroy + Prestige 1er Cru Brut 2008 Blanc de Blancs

History and Evolution of Duval-Leroy

The Duval-Leroy champagne house, established in 1859 through the partnership of Jules Duval and Edouard Leroy, has evolved into a symbol of quality and tradition. Duval-Leroy is situated in the picturesque town of Vertus, France. Unique among champagne houses, Duval-Leroy remains independent and family-managed. This enduring continuity allows the house to uphold its traditional values while adopting innovations that enhance both the quality of its champagnes and its environmental impact.

Since the late 20th century, under the leadership of Carol Duval-Leroy, the house has experienced significant growth and modernization, establishing itself as one of the leading champagne producers globally. Carol Duval-Leroy stands out as one of the few women to helm a champagne house, pioneering sustainable practices in viticulture and production, and driving innovation in winemaking processes.

Duval-Leroy was also among the first to obtain sustainable viticulture certification for its vineyards, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible production.

Wine Tasting Notes: Duval Leroy Prestige 1er Cru Brut 2008 Blanc de Blancs

Duval Leroy Prestige 1er Cru Brut 2008 Blanc de Blancs is an elegant Champagne crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the premier vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. This prestigious cuvée reveals an inviting bouquet of fresh baked brioche, honey, and baked apple, accented by delicate aromas of walnuts. The fine and persistent perlage enhances the sensory experience, offering a lively and elegant effervescence.

On the palate, it unfolds with vibrant flavors of green apple and zesty lemon, accompanied by a subtle hint of nuts. The wine is beautifully balanced, with a harmonious interplay of fruit and acidity, leading to an elegant, light mineral finish. This wine stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and quality of the Duval Leroy house.

93 Points
Liz Palmer

Old Vine Registry Surpasses 4,000 Entries: Vineyards Planted in 1990 Now Eligible

The Old Vine Registry, recognized as the foremost global database dedicated to documenting old vine vineyards, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 4,000 entries. This accomplishment underscores the registry’s ongoing commitment to cataloging historic vineyards, with entries now encompassing 39 countries. In addition, vineyards established in 1990 are now eligible for inclusion. The registry aims to expand its database to 10,000 vineyards by 2027, reflecting its dedication to preserving viticultural heritage.

With the changing of the year, vineyards planted in 1990 are now 35 years old and are eligible for inclusion in the registry. Producers are encouraged to submit their vineyards at https://www.oldvineregistry.org/.

The OIV’s recently passed Resolution OIV-VITI 703-2024 “OIV definition and recommendations about old grapevines and old vineyards in the vitivinicultural sector” made the explicit recommendation to all wine regions around the world to “promote and encourage the cataloguing of old vineyards and old grapevines.”

The Old Vine Registry was conceived expressly for that purpose, with the idea that to study, preserve, or support old vines around the world, you first need to know where they all are. The registry launched in June of 2023 with 2183 entries and has grown steadily over the last year and a half.

“The recent OIV Resolution really validated what we’re doing,” says wine writer Alder Yarrow, who serves as the day-to-day manager of the registry. “I hope it will encourage both individual producers and whole regions to publish information about their old vines.”

Southbrook Vineyards Announces the Release of an Exclusive Chef-Signed Wine Collection to Honor Canadian Culinary Stars Competing at the Bocuse d’Or Finale

Southbrook Vineyards, a highly acclaimed organic and biodynamic winery renowned for its innovative approach to natural, small-batch winemaking has announced the introduction of “The Southbrook CHEFS CANADA Limited Edition Set”. This collection is signed by both award-winning Canadian Chef Keith Pears, and the founder of Southbrook, Bill Redelmeier.

The Southbrook CHEFS CANADA Limited Edition Set establishes Southbrook Vineyards as the official wine partner of CHEFS CANADA and pays tribute to the Canadian culinary team participating in the Bocuse d’Or Finale, held at the Sirha in Lyon, France January 27, under the leadership of Chef Pears.

The collection includes magnum bottles of the 2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Estate Merlot, and 2020 Poetica Red, presented in an elegant wooden box.. Only 50 sets are available online, HST-exempt until February 15, 2025, at a total price of $442.48. From each sale, $100 will support Team Canada at the Bocuse d’Or.

Link to purchase: Southbrook CHEFS CANADA Limited Edition Set  🏆! Let’s go CANADA🇨🇦

“Representing Team Canada at the Bocuse d’Or is an incredible opportunity to continue striving for perfection in my craft,” said Chef Pears, who hails from Vancouver but resides in Toronto, and is Canada’s Bocuse d’Or candidate. “I’m thrilled about the partnership with Southbrook Vineyards because they share a similar philosophy—approaching their work with thoughtfulness, a dedication to small-batch winemaking, and a focus on the health and vitality of their vineyards”.

Bocuse d’Or was founded in 1987 by legendary French Chef Paul Bocuse and is recognized as the world’s most competitive culinary event. It’s a prestigious platform for nations to spotlight their unique culinary heritage and terroir, while showcasing gastronomical innovation from next-generation chefs.

“We deeply admire the passion, precision, and extraordinary skill that CHEFS CANADA and Team Canada bring to their preparation for the Bocuse d’Or. It’s an honour to support Chef Keith Pears and his team on their inspiring journey toward gold,” said Redelmeier.