By Barbara Barrielle, photos by John Williamson
On a sunny Saturday morning in the gorgeous Bennett Valley area of Santa Rosa, BATW members trekked the vineyards of Coursey Graves Estate Winery, a hillside paradise of vineyards and gardens in this tiny AVA.
Over 40 acres, 12 are planted to grapes and tastings in the vast gardens. Prominent are the pond and vibrant blooms, modeled after the painter Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France – irrepressibly French and peppered with lavender and other native varieties of flowers and grasses.
The array of gardens and vineyards are perched at 1500 feet with views for miles over the valleys of Sonoma County. Coursey Graves Estate Winery is a stunning place, filled with unique platforms and areas carved out of the hills to maximize both the tasting, and visuals with an all-around sensory experience.
The wines at Coursey Graves are sourced from their estate grapes, including Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as nester Napa AVAs like Coombsville and Howell Mountain. Pinot Noir sourced from Sonoma Coast and Petaluma Gap will soon be a part of Coursey Graves’ offerings.
After our tour of the vineyards and gardens, Coursey Graves Estate Winery treated the BATW visitors to a beautiful boxed lunch of either filet mignon or trout from their favorite caterer in the Sonoma Valley, Goodness Gracious, which was on hand to serve a special dessert, prepared on site, with almond financiers, lime ganache and bee pollen.
As a special gift, the winery owners gave each visiting member of BATW a bottle of their highly-acclaimed Chardonnay. capping off an exquisite tasting, tour and luncheon.