I am thrilled to launch this site for all you explorers, travelers, eaters, drinkers and those that, above all else, value that indescribable, joyful contentment that comes with connection to those we cherish through shared experiences. It is my hope that you find inspiration here…to live, love, celebrate, convene, share of yourself. Embrace adventure. Try something new. Find your place.
After concluding a rewarding fifteen year career in law enforcement and social work, Stacey turned her sights toward another passion: wine and food, and even more importantly, the memorable connections we make when sharing them. She completed the intensive Wine Immersion program at the Culinary Institute of America (St. Helena) and passed their Certified Wine Professional examination, with high marks. She completed Level One sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers shortly thereafter and has gone on to complete the Wine Spirits Education Trust (WSET), Level Two. Stacey has her sights set on completing WSET's Advanced Level Three, as well as becoming a Master of Champagne with the French Wine Society.
Stacey’s been employed by Sonoma County wineries, both as a wine educator and tour and tasting host, as well as in customer service and event planning roles. She interned with her mentor, famed wine journalist Karen MacNeil, in the compilation of the 2nd edition of Ms. MacNeil’s award winning The Wine Bible. Stacey’s continued commitment to philanthropy and community has challenged her wine and food pairing expertise through event and menu consulting services. Her unique ability to identify and hone the needs and preferences of her clients defines Stacey’s character, and is yet another expression of her interminable dedication to creating experiences that excite, fulfill and broaden others’ exposure to, and awareness of, all that food, wine, and togetherness can bring to our lives.
Sonoma Swirl has been developed to pay homage to all that Sonoma County wine country (and beyond) has to offer. It is designed as a resource for locals and visitors, alike. Find maps, descriptions of winery offerings and tasting experiences, local wine and food events, itineraries and unique Sonoma Swirl merchandise.
I am thrilled to launch this site for all you explorers, travelers, eaters, drinkers and those that, above all else, value that indescribable, joyful contentment that comes with connection to those we cherish through shared experiences. It is my hope that you find inspiration here…to live, love, celebrate, convene, share of yourself. Embrace adventure. Try something new. Find your place. .
Above all else, I believe that wine and food should be fun. Spoken like someone who knows a lot about something, and is embarking on a quest to gather followers, right? Yes, I’ve taken some tests and have proved my competence in both sensory appreciation and theory. I value those successes, but for me the journey, as is true with so many of life’s experiences, was far more meaningful than the end result. Let us never forget that something need not be complicated, or fussy, or exhaustingly analyzed to be exactly perfect, right now.
Like so many projects of this type, I'm confronted with the enduring challenge of managing many great ideas and the time it realistically takes to do them all justice. Elements of the site will develop over time, as will additions to existing content. Look for A Tale of Two Sisters, a collaboration with my cheese-mongering sister focusing on cheese and wine (spirits and beer) pairings, coming Summer 2018. Downloadable Sonoma Swirl Itineraries and other, unique Sonoma Swirl Merchandise will be available for purchase in the Sonoma Swirl shop.
Push your way through the 7-11 swinging glass door, and you’ll find yourself in a warm, welcoming space that is just large enough to host groups of up to ten or twelve comfortably, but intimate enough to feel cozy, despite its adjacency to the more expansive space of Siduri’s winery facility and barrel room.
Keller Estate is the home not only to Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (with some Pinot Gris and Cote Rôtie blended in for good measure), it is a veritable total, organic sensory experience.
For the last twenty years, Siduri and Novy have continued to receive outstanding ratings from consumers and critics, alike, and in 2014, their wines were chosen to be served at the White House during holiday parties and festivities.
Lynn Fritz purchased the original site of Lynmar’s estate and vineyard in 1980. Still actively engaged in a career in global logistics, he appreciated the beauty and serenity of the place and established it as his private retreat.
The Cline Family is adamantly committed to sustainable farming techniques. Together with soil scientist Bobby Cannard, Fred Cline developed the Green String farming method, one that “promates and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity,” lessening pollution from the air, soil and and water to protect the health of vineyards.
