Cocktail Friday: Toad Hollow

by Tokyo Terrace on June 13, 2009

IMG_0124This 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.

Brad & Rachael at Toad Hollow

IMG_0153We 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.

IMG_0143

IMG_0138

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?

IMG_9406

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.Enjoying Toad Hollow Chardonnay

Share
  • http://kennychiceats.blogspot.com/ KennyT

    Lucky you!! I’d love to go to Sonoma vineyard one day soon. Thank you for sharing.

  • http://kennychiceats.blogspot.com/ KennyT

    Lucky you!! I’d love to go to Sonoma vineyard one day soon. Thank you for sharing.

  • http://oysterfoodandculture.com/ OysterCulture

    Looks like a lovely way to spend the day, a personal favorite of mine, although I have not been to Toad Hallow, I like Quivera in Healdsburg.

  • http://oysterfoodandculture.com OysterCulture

    Looks like a lovely way to spend the day, a personal favorite of mine, although I have not been to Toad Hallow, I like Quivera in Healdsburg.

  • tokyoterrace

    Kenny T.: If you ever get the opportunity, take it! It is a great experience and one I hope to have again someday.

  • tokyoterrace

    Kenny T.: If you ever get the opportunity, take it! It is a great experience and one I hope to have again someday.

  • tokyoterrace

    OysterCulture: It was a great day- perfect. Hopefully we will make it there again- I will have to add Quivera to our list of places to visit!

  • tokyoterrace

    OysterCulture: It was a great day- perfect. Hopefully we will make it there again- I will have to add Quivera to our list of places to visit!

  • http://www.toadhollow.com/ Kathleen Southworth

    Hi Rachael

    Thanks for the nice review about Toad Hollow. We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit here. Would you mind if I add a link to your blog on the Toad Hollow Facebook page?

    Thanks,
    Kathleen Southworth
    Wine Club Director
    Toad Hollow Vineyards

  • http://www.toadhollow.com Kathleen Southworth

    Hi Rachael

    Thanks for the nice review about Toad Hollow. We are so pleased you enjoyed your visit here. Would you mind if I add a link to your blog on the Toad Hollow Facebook page?

    Thanks,
    Kathleen Southworth
    Wine Club Director
    Toad Hollow Vineyards

  • Aunt J in Hendersonville

    Loved this post! Is there any place more beautiful?
    And thanks for the wine tip. We’ll definitely give
    Francine’ Selection a try (maybe a bottle on hand when
    you arrive)! :)

  • Aunt J in Hendersonville

    Loved this post! Is there any place more beautiful?
    And thanks for the wine tip. We’ll definitely give
    Francine’ Selection a try (maybe a bottle on hand when
    you arrive)! :)

  • Aunt J in Hendersonville

    Francine’s! :)

  • Aunt J in Hendersonville

    Francine’s! :)

  • http://livetheblife.com/ Kori (All Things B.)

    I LOVE Toad Hollow wine! I use to recommend their tasting room all the time, but since I was in the town of Napa our guest’s thought Healdsburg was “too far.” Craziness- there is no such thing as too far for good wine and company!

  • http://livetheblife.com Kori (All Things B.)

    I LOVE Toad Hollow wine! I use to recommend their tasting room all the time, but since I was in the town of Napa our guest’s thought Healdsburg was “too far.” Craziness- there is no such thing as too far for good wine and company!

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks Aunt Jenny! It was very beautiful! The Chardonnay would be a perfect wine for TN in the summer. Hope you can find some!

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks Aunt Jenny! It was very beautiful! The Chardonnay would be a perfect wine for TN in the summer. Hope you can find some!

  • tokyoterrace

    Kori: I agree that you can’t go too far for a good wine and good company. Especially if it is only from Napa to Healdsburg! That’s not even that far!

  • tokyoterrace

    Kori: I agree that you can’t go too far for a good wine and good company. Especially if it is only from Napa to Healdsburg! That’s not even that far!

  • http://foodcreate.com/ foodcreate

    Grand Idea! Mouthwatering I love wine~~~

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Welcome~~~
    http://foodcreate.com

  • http://foodcreate.com foodcreate

    Grand Idea! Mouthwatering I love wine~~~

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Welcome~~~
    http://foodcreate.com

  • http://tokyodrinkingglass.blogspot.com mel

    Look at how pretty you are, frolicking among the vines! Sounds like a lovely day.

  • http://tokyodrinkingglass.blogspot.com/ mel

    Look at how pretty you are, frolicking among the vines! Sounds like a lovely day.

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks, Mel! It was such a great day!

  • tokyoterrace

    Thanks, Mel! It was such a great day!

Previous post:

Next post: