Poor, poor Zinfandel—can’t get no respect. First, mouthwash-flavored white Zin ruins the family reputation. Then the movie Sideways canonizes Pinot Noir. But this Rodney Dangerfield of grapes is on the rise, and in “Original Zin,” wine writer Blair Campbell takes us on a statewide tour of its tastiest incarnations—from Monterey to Mendocino.
Now that you’ve got your Zin on, in “Six Degrees of Relaxation,” Mimi Towle and Somer Flaherty tell you where to enjoy it with a half dozen fall wine country getaways, from the therapeutic mud of Calistoga to the gastronomic indulgence of Yountville. Wine without cheese? Never! In “Say Cheese,” Tim Porter highlights the artisan cheese makers of Marin and Sonoma who are doing their triple-cream best to keep Velveeta out of your house. And Lifestyle profiles Jonathan and Susan Pey of Pey-Marin wines.
If you must leave Northern California but still want wine to be part of your vacation, then join Bob Cooper in Journey for a “Mosey on the Mosel,” where he bikes and boats his way through Germany’s picturesque Riesling country.
For a window on one Marin couple’s working getaway, follow P. J. Bremier in Home as Bob and Sharon Kahn of Belvedere open their 15-acre Sonoma farm to us, just in time for lavender harvest.
Also in the issue, FYI Unknown finds a Marin family with a ghoulish houseguest; FYI Green looks at electric vehicles; FYI Home Décor shows lamps that will light up a room; Conversation talks with state Senator Mark Leno; Dialogue quizzes Belvedere environmental pioneer and doctor Marty Griffin; Microclimate travels to the proudly authentic town of Tomales; and Real Estate Update offers advice on getting the most out of your agent.
As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine, as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place!
Lisa Shanower, Publisher
Nikki Wood, Editorial Director
Jim Wood, Executive Editor