Postcards From Sonoma Country

“I came here with a vision” – Ulises Valdez

sctb — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:48:01 +0000

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:

“It’s paradise for flavor” John Ash, chef and author

sctb — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:15:31 +0000

Here’s why award-winning cookbook author and restaurateur Chef John Ash loves Sonoma Country: “there is so much that is going on here.”

Having recently received the “Cooking School Teacher of the Year” by the International Association of Culinary Professionals, John’s success is found in his commitment to culinary education at the Vintner’s Inn in Santa Rosa.

Be sure to check out the hot deals in Sonoma Wine Country here!

Listen now to John explain why he loves Sonoma Country.

Hear the extended interview with John here:

Gerard Presents – Wine Country Paella

sctb — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:12:32 +0000

Now known the world over, Gerard Nebesy bested Bobby Flay on “Throwdown” on the Food Network, and he is paid to lug his paella pans around the world. But in Sonoma Wine Country, he’s known as “Gerard the guy at the Occidental Farmers Market.”

He also makes appearances in Healdsburg, Sonoma, Windsor and everywhere else in Sonoma County.

See how he makes his own paella, with his fresh Sonoma County catch, here:

And check out all the hot deals in Sonoma…

Hear Gerard’s interview with Mike Cleary! Press the “Play” button above..

African Safari in Wine Country

sctb — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:28:48 +0000

Gideon from Safari West, who sang the famous opening song in the movie “The Lion King,” is one of many great guides at the safari camp high in the hills of California’s Sonoma Wine Country.

Take a tour of the 400-acre preserve with 700 animals, including rhinoceros, giraffes, cape buffalo, cheetahs and enough various cute furry things to fill a Disney boxed-set.

Here Leslie takes you on a tour of wine country’s largest animal park:

Be sure to check out the hot deals section for more great values in Sonoma Country!

Hear Gideon’s interview with Mike Cleary! Press the “Play” button above..

Guy Fieri – Sonoma County is so awesome…

sctb — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:21 +0000

Guy Fieri:

“It’s the epicenter of food and wine. To me, that’s what Sonoma County is.”

In addition to hosting multiple shows on the Food Network and hosting a radio show, Fieri operates three restaurants in Sonoma County: Tex Wasabi’s, and Johnny Garlics in Santa Rosa and in Windsor.

Find out why he is in Sonoma County, where he can meet the winemakers and know the people who are growing the food he cooks with.

And check out hot deals in California’s Sonoma Wine Country …

Hear Guy’s interview with Mike Cleary! Press the “Play” button above..

“Everything Grows Here” – Zazu Restaurant & Farm

sctb — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:26:14 +0000

“We specialize in Sonoma soul. Behind every food there is a face and a family that we know and that we can talk to you about, and the same is true of the wine list.” – Duskie Estes of Zazu Restaurant in Santa Rosa, “Sonoma Country.”

Zazu Restaurant owners and spouses Duskie Estes & John Stewart decided to open their restaurants in Sonoma Country. With local purveyors, a garden out back where they pick their food for the meals, and a family farm where they raise livestock and more, Duskie and John show what makes Sonoma Country great for food.

Check out John’s tattoo of the pig!

(And don’t forget to book your hot deals while they last…)

Hear Duskie and John’s interview with Mike Cleary! Press the “Play” button above..