Reimagining Vineyards. Revitalizing Revenue. Reconnecting with Community.  For over 40 years, Allen Land Design has helped shape the beauty and function of Northern California’s iconic wine country. We’ve built bocce courts, tasting patios, and elegant garden  landscapes. But today, every winery has these—and still, many are struggling.  It’s time for something new.  Introducing: “Beyond the Vines” – A New Vision for Wine Country  We are partnering with forward-thinking wineries ready to transform unused or underperforming vineyard blocks (5–25 acres) into innovative, revenue-generating, and community-driven destinations.  Instead of competing with 5–7 tastings in a day, offer your guests a 2–3 hour immersive experience that blends agriculture, art, technology, food, and connection.  What’s Growing Next? (Hint: It’s not just grapes)  Before the grape boom, Sonoma and Napa counties grew:  • Grains (wheat, barley) – Perfect for

  Sustainable farming practices are essential for protecting the environment, improving long-term agricultural productivity, and supporting healthy communities. In fact, many of the methods highlighted today are shared across a variety of certification programs, from sustainable certifications like SIP Certified to regenerative programs like Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC). While each certification has its own specific requirements, the core principles of responsible farming remain consistent. In this week’s Marketing Tip, we’ll take a closer look at three key areas – Water Management, Soil Health, and Habitat Preservation – and how sustainable farmers manage them to ensure future success. Water Management Water is one of agriculture’s most critical resources. Sustainable farmers work carefully to both use water efficiently and protect water quality.   Efficient Irrigation Anyone who has struggled to keep a plant alive knows that plants

Best of Show Awarded to Brecon Estate Albariño    June 6, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño, which judges described as “fresh and bright,” “honeysuckle,” with a “lingering finish.” Ultimately, they concluded, “a very well-made wine.”  Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery located in the westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. “This particular varietal has been hugely successful for us,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It fits so well with alfresco summers in Paso Robles and so many Southern states, as well as the seafood culture of the [San Luis Obispo] Coast. It’s helped put both Brecon Estate and Central Coast Albariño on the map.” He continues, “Its fruit sourcing h

Best of Show Awarded to Brecon Estate Albariño    June 6, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño, which judges described as “fresh and bright,” “honeysuckle,” with a “lingering finish.” Ultimately, they concluded, “a very well-made wine.”  Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery located in the westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. “This particular varietal has been hugely successful for us,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It fits so well with alfresco summers in Paso Robles and so many Southern states, as well as the seafood culture of the [San Luis Obispo] Coast. It’s helped put both Brecon Estate and Central Coast Albariño on the map.” He continues, “Its fruit sourcing h

2022 Sunset International Wine Competition Awards Best of the Best and Best Red Wine to Wapato Point Cellars’ 2018 Cabernet Franc Santa Rosa, Calif., — June 14, 2022—Boasting a record number of entries, the 2022 Sunset International Wine Competition awarded Best of the Best and Best Red Wine to a Cabernet Franc from Wapato Point Cellars (Manson, Wash.). Judges raved: “Beautiful oak”; “Blackberry”; “Righteous herbal”; “Focused.” This is the first time a Washington State wine has taken top prize at this prestigious competition. “It was unexpected but well deserved,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder and president of Wine Competitions Management & Productions. “We had some really great wines in the final sweepstakes rounds, and Wapato Point Cellars swoops in and takes it all. Results like this are why competitions are so valuable.” To win Best of Show Red Wine, the Wapato Point Cab Franc ha

New “Rooted” Wine & Food Pairing, Created by James Beard Award-Winning Chefs Charlie Palmer & Nate Appleman, Debuts at Bricoleur Vineyards on October 21st

Six-course tasting leads with Bricoleur Vineyards’ wines, while showcasing fresh produce, edible flowers and herbs from the winery’s culinary garden WINDSOR, California (October 20, 2021) – Nepitella Laminated Manicotti and Wild Chanterelle Mushrooms + Pinot Noir. Goat Cheese Panna Cotta & Pink Peppercorns + Rosé. Roasted Cauliflower & Oyster Green Goddess + Sauvignon Blanc. Bricoleur […]

MAY 18, 2021 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Experience Rosé, a wine competition that focuses exclusively on expressions of pink wine — sweet, dry, and sparkling — has announced results of the 2021 contest. Taking top prize this year is Naked Wines’ W. Donaldson 2018 Sonoma Rosé from famed sparkling winemaker Wayne Donaldson (former head winemaker for Domaine Chandon). Judges’ praise included: “Ranier cherry”; “Brioche!” “Orange zest”; “Pretty on palate”; “Fresh-lush at same time”; Hibiscus.” In addition to Best of Show, the wine also took honors as Best Domestic Sparkling.  Mathis Wine’s 2020 Rosé de Grenache was awarded Best Domestic Dry; judges described the estate single-vineyard wine as “Plush wild berry”; “Celery salt”; “Red apple.” Best International Dry honors went to Wayne Gretzky Estates Okanagan Ro

As the vineyard moves from winter pruning through bud break to veraison and harvest, a vineyard manager and his team continuously work their way through the canopy, tending vines and grapes to ensure they yield the highest quality wine possible. As the vineyard moves from winter pruning through bud break to veraison and harvest, a vineyard manager and his team continuously work their way through the canopy, tending vines and grapes to ensure they yield the highest quality wine possible. At each stage in the process, the team takes measurements: logging hours worked, recording the amount of water, fertilizer and pesticides applied, counting the flowers and grape bunches on each vine, measuring Brix levels, and noting the date they captured each metric. Viticulturists must synthesize all this information to assess the health of the vines, progress of the grapes, the efficiency of the work, and make decisions about all parts of the vineyard’s management. Process2Wine® softwar

By Charlotte Seligman 10 years owning and working the vineyards of Limerick Lane Cellars, Jake Bilbro, decided it was time to recast the winery’s brand to be more reflective of the estate’s unique 110-year history. He wanted to convey the rich story of the land and the people who worked it. But how to weave a visual and verbal narrative that succinctly speaks of the land’s magic and the world-class wines it produces? These questions haunted Jake Bilbro for weeks, until one day he found his inspiration. In his own words, Bilbro describes the experience: “Often, I find the answers to many questions associated with Limerick Lane in the property itself: the hills, the vines, the rocks, the trees, and of course, my family. This would be no different. At home, where my family sleeps, and the original founders of the vineyard slept, covered with grass and flowers at the end of our driveway lies a section of a tree stump. I have passed by the stump hundreds of