High above Santa Rosa in Northern California, there’s a hidden winery loved by locals. Paradise Ridge is a known for its weddings, wine and sunsets.  Amanda, the Wine Club Coordinator and Culinary Specialist is one of the best wine educators I’ve ever met.  She introduced me to the concept of pouring a wine in a 375 ML bottle with appetizers or first courses.

On Christmas, we poured a lot of great wines, but this pairing blew us away.

Ode to Joy, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Russian River Valley. Paired with Pear & Cranberry Salad.

On the bottle, there is a dedication: In honor of Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars — dedicated to sharing the love of music, art, poetry and all things beautiful.

The property was originally a ranch where Walter & Marijke raised their children.  Marijke ran the winery until her untimely death in a car accident a few years ago.  Paradise Ridge Winery is celebrating its 15 year anniversary in May 2009. Her husband and children continue to run the winery. (Thanks to Martha who answered the phone on New Year’s Eve and gave me the history.)

Unfortunately, the 2005 is only available at the winery, put give Amanda a call and she’ll set you up with a perfect pairing for the 2007, that you can get online.

Tags: Wineries & Wine Bars