HELICOPTER TASTINGS

As you rise from Sonoma County Airport, the sprawling vineyards of the Russian River Valley unfurl beneath like a patchwork quilt. Below, the rows of Pinot Noir vines stretch out in neat, determined lines, a testament to the terroir that gives the valley its renowned reputation.

We glide westward, the landscape shifting beneath us, until the Dry Creek Valley Estate vineyards appear, their rich greens and yellows a gentle contrast to the wild beauty of the surrounding hills. The shimmering surface of Lake Sonoma reflects the sun, a welcome break from the deep embrace of the valley.

Leaving the fertile land behind, we rise over the Eastern ridge, a gentle ascent that offers sweeping views of the distant mountains. Below, the rippling patterns of the land shift again as we descend into the heart of Alexander Valley, where the Cabernet and Malbec vineyards stretch across the undulating landscape in glorious abandon.

The river below is a ribbon of silver, winding its way through the valley, and soon we pass over the Chalk Hill vineyards, their deep reds and earthy tones a fitting tribute to the soil beneath. Turning back to the Sonoma County Airport, the stunning expanse of vineyards, rivers, and hills is a reminder of the timeless beauty and bounty of this extraordinary corner of the world.