The clouds parted, the rain subsided, and I found myself on one of the most beautiful drives in Sonoma County. The route from Highway 101 through the edge of Healdsburg, connecting to Route 128 via Alexander Valley Road, couldn’t have been scripted more beautifully. The bridge over the northern end of the Russian River, the bounty of vines on either side of the car, the nearly endless road—this is where our journey begins. Welcome to Soda Rock.
The morning was quiet—the day after January 1st. Perhaps people needed a second day to recover. No judgment here. As I turned into the gravel-laden parking lot, I realized I was probably the only one here. The few other cars were most likely the staff’s. Wintertime in the vineyards of Sonoma County is magical. Yes, the vines are dormant, but the vistas remain picturesque, and the wine is always ready to be poured.
Walking into Soda Rock, the first thing you immediately notice is that you’re in a tasting room, but the tasting room is a barn—with a gigantic chandelier hanging in the middle. Oh, and there’s an enormous statue aptly named Lord Snort just outside. This is going to be fun.
As I suspected from the lack of cars, I was the only person here. The staff member graciously welcomed me, and we exchanged pleasantries about how nice it was to see the sun. Given the recent months of wind and rain, I felt lucky to have a sunny morning in January. While I recommend visiting in the winter, you are gambling on how much rain might fall on a given day. Today, thankfully, that number was zero.
Soda Rock, located in Alexander Valley, is part of the Wilson family of properties, which means there’s going to be Zinfandel—and good Zinfandel at that.
The Soda Rock Zinfandel I tasted was the Postmaster Zin. The namesake comes from the remnants of a previous structure just outside—the remaining wall of what was once the town’s post office. Before walking in, look to your right, and you’ll notice the ruins.
Jammy and delicious, the wine also has Primitivo and a little Petite Sirah, just enough to give it a darker color and deeper flavor. This could be cellared, but I’m ready to drink this one now. Man, I love Zinfandel.
Fear not, Alexander Valley fans—there are Bordeaux varietals as well. The valley is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and other similar grapes.
Following the Zinfandel, I tried a Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Classic. Light hints of mocha, dark berries, and a touch of herbs—all 100% Alexander Valley fruit. If you’re a Bordeaux fan, you’ll enjoy this one, along with the next wine, which brings us into Meritage territory.
The next wine was a Meritage (pronounced like heritage, not Meritaaage). In the previous century, Napa had a labeling problem. They were producing amazing Bordeaux-style wines, but France wanted to retain the exclusive rights to the name “Bordeaux.” The solution? Create the Meritage Society, branding these wines as Meritage blends to keep the French happy. (I’m not sure they’ve forgiven California for using the name “Champagne” for over a century, but I digress.)
Soda Rock’s Meritage comprises of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec (three of the five primary Bordeaux grapes). Notes of dark chocolate, berries, oak, and amazingness. You’re in the perfect area for Bordeaux-inspired wines.
If you need a moment to savor the wines, there are tables just outside the barn overlooking the vines. Heaters are available for when the weather dips below 68 degrees (the borderline number for when Californians dawn jackets), so you can still enjoy the stunning view while staying comfortable.