Varietals With a View
Discover the most beautiful vineyard view in Sonoma County
Forget the glitz and glam of Napa. Urban farm style is all the rage and in Sonoma County we have it by the bounty. Breathtaking winery views on your horizon? Jaunt over to Alexander Valley, a geographical jewel, where Stryker Sonoma Winery boasts the most dramatic views in Sonoma Wine Country. No other winery evokes the essence of authentic simplicity than Stryker Sonoma. From its wine to its architecture, the venue’s minimalistic yet bold features are just a few of the awe-inspiring experiences the winery pours.
Amidst the Alexander Valley’s majestic mountains, perched above the vineyards, a dollop on a knoll, Stryker appears to be one with the land. As you walk through the winery’s vast custom glass doors, it becomes immediately apparent that it’s all about the view. Transparent floor-to-ceiling windows expose spectacular views of the entire Alexander Valley. Upon entering the tasting room you’ll feel as though you have walked from the outside to, well, the outside. A stunning experience.
For a sublime moment, you may ponder what it would be like to lie amongst the grape vines and make angels in the clover while looking up into the clear blue sky…until suddenly, you are snapped out of your daydream when Brian, the friendly tasting room host, says, “Would you like to try some of our single varietal estate wines?”
Bold and thoughtful is the message winemaker Tim Hardin conveys in each taste of Stryker Sonoma’s estate wines. Careful attention to detail is revealed through his zero-residual-sugar fruit forward wines. When adding Stryker Sonoma to your wine library, it’s clear upon your first swish, Hardin produces balanced Bordeaux varietals rich in fruit and deep with complex character. His signature wine style creates a true expression of the Alexander Valley terroir.
Stryker consists of several eclectic soil types within the vineyard’s 32 planted acres. Ancient river beds, bench land, mountain peaks and valley floor all lends itself to the winery’s ability to naturally focus on the five noble Bordeaux varietals:
Cabernet
Merlot
CabFranc
Malbec
Petit Verdot
The winery’s observation deck boasts the perfect place for an impromptu picnic. Close by, vintage Jimtown Store, an Alexander Valley deli favorite, with a host of local charcuterie available to take with. Or, for a nominal $30 fee per person, make reservations with the winery host Brian for a private wine and charcuterie pairing. Afterwards, opt for a self guided tour of the winery’s explorable vineyards, an extraordinary experience on a warm sunny day.
Wine prices range from $38 to $100 a bottle. If you purchase two bottles (per person) your private wine pairing and charcuterie experience is included. At the moment, Stryker’s Alexander Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is the favorite among tasting room patrons at $38 a bottle. Brian says Stryker plans to release a surprise Sparkling Semillon this Spring; just in time for barrel tasting? “You’ll have to place your sparkling wine order as soon as the wine is released because we typically sell out of the favorites within the first few months of the year.”
If you are looking to experience first hand what urban farm is all about and feel one with the land, make your way over to Stryker Sonoma in Alexander Valley. With its warm, friendly family atmosphere, you will never forget the Stryker Sonoma experience and you might just decide to add one more wine club to your list. Stryker Sonoma Winery http://www.strykersonoma.com/ http://www.googlemaps.com/
5110 Highway 128, Geyserville, CA 95441Toll-Free: 800–433–1944, Local: 707–433–1944
