This week’s Cocktail Friday is something a little different. On Monday, Brad and I were lucky enough to spend the day in Sonoma and Napa. The weather was fantastic. The sun was shining warmly on the tender, young grapes and the breeze gently swept through the valleys. It was a perfect first experience in the gorgeous wine country of California.
One of the most exciting parts of our day that made even the butterflies in my stomach do jumping jacks was a visit to Toad Hollow Vineyards. Toad Hollow has a tasting room located in Healdsburg, CA, where visitors can taste their wines and chat with the friendly staff behind the bar. The actual winery is located about 10 minutes away and is not open to visitors without an appointment.
We were lucky enough to be offered a visit to their vineyard where we sat for almost 2 hours chatting with Corinne, a wonderful and friendly Toad Hollow employee. We sat on the patio, watching the wispy clouds float through the sky, talking about and drinking great wine, and looking at the very vines where everything begins.
Our first introduction to the Toad Hollow crew was with the one and only “Dr. Toad” at a wine dinner in White Bear Lake, MN at Ursula’s Wine Bar and Cafe. We already loved the wine, but the experience of spending a night with the passionate and hilarious Dr. Toad (Todd) was something that made us even bigger fanatics of Toad Hollow. Needless to say, when we planned our trip to California, Toad Hollow was an absolute must-see stop.
The most popular wine produced by Toad Hollow Vineyards is their “Francine’s Selection” Chardonnay, named after Todd’s wife, Francine. It is easy to tell why it is so popular from the first sip. This un-oaked Chardonnay is uncomplicated, drinkable, and easy for pairing with many foods or for enjoying on its own. The extra bonus is that it is so affordable. At less than $20 a bottle, how can you go wrong?
Toad Hollow also makes lovely sparkling wine, Rose, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Tasty!
So without further adieu, the drink of choice for this Friday is Toad Hollow’s Chardonnay, Francine’s Selection.
