by Fred McMillin for April 16, 1997 The Longest Name in the Valley Prologue: "The Alexander Valley Fruit and Trading Co. is an unusual, underrated winery that makes...a zesty Zinfandel, offering good value"...by Prof. John Baxevanis in "The Wine Regions of America" The Rest of the Story: Gourmet gift baskets, picnic grounds, 60 acres of vineyards, a tasting room on a knoll looking west over the valley. That's the flavor of this enchanting enterprise, founded in 1984 by Candace and Steve Sommers. As for their Zinfandel, my panel was very happy with the mellow '92, and even happier with the price tag, $9. 1992 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley Alexander Valley Fruit & Trading Co. (Winery) Geyserville, Sonoma County, CA $9 Category: Recommended in its price range Postscript: For wine and more, contact Candace at (800)433-1944, FAX (707)433-1948; ask for the colorful catalog. About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College and is Northern California Editor for American Wine on the Web. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.

Welcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend Current WineDay January WineDays February WineDays March WineDays 04/15/97 Raising Syrah to New Heights 04/14/97 Learn to say Vee-oh-nyay, For come what may It's here to stay 04/11/97 Winery of the Week Mirassou Vineyards and Winery 04/10/97 When Cape Mentelle Rang the Bell 04/09/97 Where to Grow Merlot 04/08/97 What's Hot, What's Not 04/07/97 An All-Pro Pinot 04/04/97 Winery of the Week How the Pope Coped 04/03/97 The Larsen Legend 04/02/97 The Blush Gold Rush 04/01/97 It's the Grapes, Stupid

Global Gourmet | FoodDay Copyright © 1997—the electronic Gourmet Guide, Inc. All rights reserved.