Postcards From Sonoma Country» Agriculture http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:28:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 “I came here with a vision” – Ulises Valdez http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/i-came-here-with-a-vision-ulises-valdez/ http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/i-came-here-with-a-vision-ulises-valdez/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:48:01 +0000 admin http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/?p=342 When Ulises Valdez arrived in Sonoma County from Mexico in 1985 at 16 years old, he knew one thing, “In this life you can do whatever you want”.  Nearly 24 years later, Ulises has gone from a field worker to a highly sought after, premium wine grape grower for Paul Hobbs and Merry Edwards to a winemaker himself.  Ulises’ passion for the land and his commitment to family are evident in every aspect of his life.  In this video take a tour of the new Valdez family vineyards, future home site and tasting room.

Be sure to check out all the Sonoma Wine Country specials here.

Hear the extended interview with Ulises here:

En Español:

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I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Russian trappers some time around 1811 planted trees that produce the tasty Gravenstein apples. In the late 1840’s, the Azevedo family planted what is now known as the Petaluma Gold Rush bean. And I thought Petaluma was just about dairy products.

Sonoma Country is home to a wide range of foods from cheeses, meats and game, seafood, fruits and vegetables from the many farms and, of course, that delicious food in a bottle called wine. No wonder so many chefs from around the world settle in Sonoma Country. Everything they need to produce a menu featuring seasonally fresh, local ingredients is close at hand.

Good reasons to visit and stay in Sonoma Country.

]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/fresh-and-local/feed/ 0 The Dramatic Sonoma Coast http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/the-dramatic-sonoma-coast/ http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/the-dramatic-sonoma-coast/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:09:34 +0000 admin http://www.postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/wp/?p=99 I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Listen to this Postcard.

Here’s a quiz. Where are you if you’re able to enjoy fine cuisine, a round of challenging golf, magnificent hiking, kayaking and let’s, for good measure, throw in stargazing.

The answer is Sea Ranch Lodge on the dramatic Sonoma Coast. And besides hiking, biking and all that other fun stuff, you can also explore the historic town of Gualala, visit Fort Ross and you can also go on a mushroom foray. Wild About Mushrooms Company is dedicated to sharing the joys and benefits of wild mushrooms in a safe, responsible manner. This Saturday, they sponsor a a mushroom hunt and cook-up at Salt Point State Park. You’ll learn to identify and locate tasty seasonal mushrooms.

For me, the dramatic Sonoma Coast is irresistible this time of year.

]]> http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/the-dramatic-sonoma-coast/feed/ 0 The Olive Press http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/the-olive-press/ http://postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/the-olive-press/#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:41:39 +0000 admin http://www.postcardsfromsonomacountry.com/wp/?p=46 I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Listen to this postcard

The grape harvest always gets lots of attention. But in Sonoma Country, vying for its rightful share of the spotlight is the olive harvest. Have you tasted award-winning California Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Olive Press in Glen Ellen?

Located in Jack London Village which was built in 1881, the Olive Press produces olive oil for commercial producers, growers as well as hobbyists. They also have a tasting bar and an excellent gift shop. So, while you’re there, you can watch them press olives, taste some of the olive oils and maybe find just the right gifts for friends and family. There are many charming places to stay and dine nearby, so I suggest you make it an extended visit.

This postcard is brought to you by the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau celebrating Sonoma Country; America’s Premier Wine, Spa and Coastal Destination.

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