I had the pleasure of welcoming summer on June 1st by attending a Pink Out event at a new restaurant, Gravenstein Grill in Sebastopol. There was a fantastic line up of rose to quaff and savor this evening, so I was all in! After pulling into the parking lot I began to walk toward the bar area that opens to a beautiful outdoor seating area on the street side of the building that wraps around to where the event was taking place. I found the space comfortable without pretension.
The menu lures you in with options for everyone in a truly relaxed Sonoma vibe and I can tell you from experience, nice portions as well. I could also see this space as being a comfortable place to grab a cocktail or a glass of wine from the impeccable list of local libations and nosh on house made charcuterie while chatting it up with your friends. Check out the calendar for future wine events and winemaker dinners. I know I’m going back for crispy stuffed squash blossoms soon! Preview the menu before you go, if you’d like here: http://www.gravensteingrill.com/
With my hydration game in check I was ready for some rose! Here were some of my favorites from the event:
2016 Sidebar Rose is a lovely side project from David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars that focuses on grape varieties and wine making style to be enjoyed in their youth. So, lay down your Ramey Wine Cellars purchases for awhile so you can sip on the Sidebar collection in the interim…sounds good to me!
This 100% Syrah rose is sourced from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is truly a breath of fresh air! Perfectly dry for summer the glass lures you in with aromas of raspberry and dustings of light pepper. The palate invigorates your taste buds with raspberry and cherry hinted with a muted spiced note. Drink and clink all summer long!
2016 Kokomo Grenache Rose is an annual staple in my house so I was happy to see this wine in the lineup. The winery exudes a laid back and relax style that reminds you that family wineries are true hidden treasures.
This 100% Grenache rose is sourced from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County and has brilliant quenching acidity for warm days. I have been known to enjoy this wine all year long though, well when I buy enough. Strawberries and melon lure you gently into the glass and mingle with white peach notes on the palate. It is that peach and strawberry combo that keeps me coming back for more.
2016 County Line Rose hosts my vote for the most beautiful color. This wine label is produced by winegrower, Eric Sussman of Radio-Coteau, and focuses on truly expressive flavors of cool-climate appellations sprinkled through northern California.
This rose is sourced from a Champagne clone of Pinot Noir located in Anderson Valley and with 12% alcohol this is an easy all-day sipper. Backyard or beach views through this bottle would look fabulous, but really you will want to grab a glass and relax at Gravenstein Grill. It would be worth every sip to taste the delicate white peach notes that intermingle with raspberry. There is a fresh small hint of white floral bouquet on the nose that inspires a flower in the hair country garden stroll.
2016 Kobler Estate Winery had two offerings this evening and I wanted to tuck a bottle of each under my arm and run away like I stole a secret. I have enjoyed trying these wines at different events lately and desperately need to find my way into this tasting room soon.
The rose of Grenache showed glimmers of orange hues dancing through the pink beckoning glass. I enjoyed hints of young sweet cherries and raspberry that was warm evening quenching. The rose of Pinot Noir showed apricot and yellow peach notes with a subtle cherry flavor within. I would do curls on the beach with crazy straws with both of these wines so don’t ask me to choose.
2016 Acorn Winery Rosato from their Alegria Vineyards is a beautiful field blend. The winery is located relatively close to my house and owned by two of the nicest people I know, Betsy and Bill Nachbaur. Bill traded in the law books for the vine life in the early 90s and I am so grateful that he did. It is a true pleasure to geek out on grape varietals with him and their wine love is infectious.
This rose is a blend of Dolcetto, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. This wine is a true food wine that can pair with so many of summers favorite staples. The flavors of bright cherry meld beautifully with red apple skins and a hint of peach. I love the crisp dry quality of this wine, but the flavors can lend itself to the perfect year-round sipping rose. So, enjoy in summer, but stow some away for fall and winter too!
Thank you Chris Sawyer for the invite to this fantastic event. Looking forward to future events and delicious meals in my future!
Cheers to summers pink drinks and sunny sippers!