Explore Dry Creek Vineyard in California's Dry Creek Valley with guest Darren Abel and returning guest Stephen Nasiatka. We discuss the winery's history, signature wines including Mariness and Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah, Sonoma wine country, and delicious food pairing ideas you can try at home.

Dry Creek Vineyard has been a pioneer in California's Dry Creek Valley since 1972, helping shape the region into one of Sonoma County's premier wine destinations. In this Virtual Winery Visit, I'm joined by Darren Abel, Director of Hospitality and Retail Sales at Dry Creek Vineyard, along with returning guest Stephen Nasiatka, Founder and Chief Wine Officer of StephenUncorked and a Dry Creek Vineyard Ambassador.

We begin with the story of winery founder David Stare, an MIT graduate with Boston roots, whose vision helped establish the first winery built in the Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition. Darren explains what makes the region's climate and soils so well suited to varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah, and why Dry Creek Vineyard has remained committed to producing wines that express the unique character of the valley.

Along the way, we taste two featured wines:

2023 Mariness, a distinctive white Bordeaux-style blend with bright acidity, layered texture, and excellent food-pairing versatility.
2021 Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah, a rich yet approachable expression of Petite Sirah that showcases the winery's gentle approach to winemaking.

Of course, the conversation wouldn't be complete without plenty of food pairing ideas. We discuss oysters, lobster, grilled steak, barbecue, braised short ribs, dark chocolate, and more, while I share my own pairing experiences with Mariness alongside pan-seared scallops and Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah with sausage and kale pasta.

Whether you're planning a trip to Sonoma County or simply looking for inspiration for your next bottle of wine, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of California's most respected family wineries.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The history behind Dry Creek Vineyard and its role in reviving the Dry Creek Valley.
Why the winery focuses on varieties that thrive in its unique terroir.
The story behind Mariness and Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah.
Practical food pairing ideas for both wines.
What makes Dry Creek Vineyard a memorable stop when visiting Sonoma wine country.