By Leslie Sbrocco—
As fall beckons, it’s time for gazing at vineyards blanketed with harvest hues, sharing delicious sips with friends, discovering bites to amaze, and reading books while relaxing al fresco.
To Visit: Cuvaison Winery
One of the top places to visit in Napa Valley is often overlooked in the race to the iconic Highway 29 properties. The stunning swath of vineyard-covered hills known as the Los Carneros region, which straddles Napa and Sonoma, is a cool-climate paradise. Since 1969, Cuvaison has helped pioneer this area and championed wines including elegant chardonnay and pinot noir. Today, in addition to their world-class bottlings, in my opinion, the winery ranks among the best spots to spend a day in wine country. With a wide breadth of tasting experiences from Wine Tails Trail where you can bring your pup on a walk while you taste, up to luxurious tastings in the new waterfront boathouses, there’s something for everyone.
To Sip: Griffo Distillery Espresso Martini RTD $34
It is such a treat to have this highly-awarded local distillery in my home town of Petaluma. I’m a long-time fan of their gin, but their five-times distilled vodka blended with cold brew coffee liqueur has shown me the tasty vodka side of life. Married with Equator
Coffees Mocha Java Blend, it’s a wake-up-to-relax cocktail. It is smooth with a kick of berry and cocoa. Simply add a frothy top and you’ll be toasting the season in style.
To Nosh: Bees & Trees Mānuka Honey $47
As a honey lover I’m always on the hunt for unique finds. We have many local versions to
discover, but this family-owned import from New Zealand has won my honey heart. Lush with a creamy texture (but not overly sweet), it not only delights your taste buds, but it is also gut friendly. Stir a scoop in your afternoon tea, put a dopllop on vanilla ice cream with a dash of sea salt, or serve alongside a cheese platter with salty, hard cheeses for a sublime pairing.
To Read: Deals, Drama, Drive: Michael Mondavi and the Making of Napa Valley by Adam Lechmere $35 (Academie Du Vin Library)
Having known Michael Mondavi for many years, I was eager to read his story. He grew up as the eldest son of Robert Mondavi and entered the famous family business early on. He helped build Robert Mondavi Winery into an international brand, and ultimately found himself at the center of extraordinary family and corporate battles that changed the Mondavi empire forever. But his story is much bigger than wine. This book goes deep to explore the people and businesses that helped create the Napa Valley we know today. It’s also a timely look at where the wine industry now sits. There are profound shifts in consumer drinking habits, which are changing the wine world as we know it.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” which is now in its 21st season; “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and the national series “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.” www.LeslieSbrocco.com
Sbrocco Sips
Published on October 22, 2026
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