It is finally summertime in Sonoma County (can I get a heck yes for not as many foggy / windy nights?!) and that means that it is officially BBQ season. Currently, we are BBQ’ing at least 3 times per week and usually sit outside on the patio while the food is cooking with a glass of wine (right now it is Rose or a crisp Chardonnay), enjoy our view of Sonoma Mountain, and talk and laugh with friends and family for hours.
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Ever wanted to know more about the people who are behind the Balletto brand? Here's your chance. First up, the Captain himself: John Balletto.
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We can be sure about one thing in Sonoma County: the restaurants are amazing. However, everyone has their favorites and below is a list from our team here at Balletto.
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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought I would share some of my favorite places to purchase flowers in Sonoma County. Whether you are looking to order the perfect bouquet, buy a potted succulent, create your own masterpiece, or buy a plant (or tools) for mom's garden, this guide is filled with all of my local favorites.
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While the term seems to have a sort of fancy ring to it, library wines can mean any wine that is currently unopened in your library or cellar. This can be everything from a current favorite rosé to a fifteen-year-old pinot noir from your wedding day, a 30-year-old wine given to you by your grandfather and everything in between. The fun part about a library of wines is that it is your own unique collection of memories from different parts of your life – every bottle has a story behind it.
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Anyone else out there on a budget? Well I am and I have definitely found myself accidentally spending way too much money when I have gone wine tasting with friends. Here is my guide to saving those important dollars while also still being able to enjoy a fun day.
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Happy St. Patrick's Day! Whether you are dressed up in green, participating in a parade, or just enjoying your Saturday, I have the perfect easy, festive Slow Cooker Irish Stew recipe that will not leave you saying “why did I sign up to cook for today?!”
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An awesome two-weekend event (Friday-Sunday) in March every year, where wineries bring out barrels of un-finished wine for people to taste and {usually} purchase at discounted prices. The event also helps to teach people about the process of winemaking and the differences in tasting un-finished wine in the barrel and finished wine in the bottle. Many times this is the one and only time you can taste a portfolio of wines back to back.
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Hi all – it’s vineyard update time! As we are in the thick of winter, our vineyard crew’s main focus is getting the vines prepped for this next growing season. So, this means pruning!
When we prune what we are doing is cutting back the “dead” wood on any part of the vine to both keep the plant healthy as well as make room for new growth. We do this when the vines are dormant to maintain the lowest amount of stress possible on each plant.
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