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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK<br />
SONOMA-CUTRER VINEYARDS<br />
open thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.<br />
4401 Slusser road, Windsor<br />
(707) 237-3489 | www.sonomacutrer.com<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
SONOMA-CUTRER<br />
What does Chardonnay<br />
and Croquet Have in Common?<br />
The answer: Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards! In 1985 Sonoma-Cutrer<br />
wanted to create an activity and environment that would be unique<br />
among wineries not only in the United States but also around the<br />
world to reinforce Sonoma-Cutrer’s philosophy of making Burgundian<br />
style Chardonnay and Pinot noir. It was in that year the two world<br />
class croquet courts were built in front of the winery and history was<br />
made.<br />
The croquet courts were designed and then built incorporating<br />
stones from Sonoma-Cutrer’s Les Pierres Vineyard which is located 45<br />
minutes southeast of the winery near the town of Sonoma. The<br />
cobblestone size rocks are used as borders for the two courts and for<br />
the seating areas surrounding the courts. It takes a great ongoing<br />
commitment from Sonoma-Cutrer as the courts must be cared for on a<br />
daily basis to keep them in competition caliber condition. In the early<br />
years the croquet courts were used primarily for private events,<br />
fundraisers and when restaurants that carried Sonoma-Cutrer would<br />
visit from all over the United States to learn more about the winery and<br />
the wines that are made on the property. The Sonoma County Croquet<br />
Club has been given permission to use the courts over its history when<br />
they are not in use by the winery for other events and activities.<br />
In 2010 when Sonoma-Cutrer opened to the public for the first<br />
time in their 31 year history the croquet courts created the magnificent<br />
backdrop for what has become an award winning wine tasting<br />
experience. The tasting room opens to a beautiful terrace where most<br />
tastings take place during the busy season and which overlook the<br />
croquet courts. Guests are encouraged to stay and have a game after<br />
they taste on days the courts are open.<br />
Beginning in 2011 Sonoma-Cutrer started hosting “Chardonnay<br />
and Croquet” one Sunday a month from April through September.<br />
These monthly events are limited to 16 guests and include Sonoma-<br />
Cutrer Chardonnay as teams compete in a friendly round robin<br />
tournament to become croquet champions for the day. After the games<br />
conclude the guests enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on the terrace to<br />
relax, unwind and enjoy the company of their follow players before<br />
heading home with a memory that will last a lifetime. Chardonnay and<br />
Croquet costs $35 per person and reservations can be made by calling<br />
(707) 237-3489 or emailing mark_elcombe@sonomacutrer.com.<br />
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards invites you to visit and enjoy one of their<br />
popular award-winning sit down tastings ($10) or a fun and unique<br />
vineyard/cellar tour ($25). Tours and tasting are by appointment. Call<br />
(707) 237-3489 to reserve yours today or you can book online at<br />
www.sonomacutrer.com. Remember to leave yourself a little time to<br />
pick up a mallet and play the wickets before you leave!<br />
24 Follow us on Twitter @<strong>Wine</strong><strong>Country</strong>TW
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