Going Nuts
When William and Rhonda Bryerton of
Bryerton’s Roasted Allmonds, had their first encounter in the summer of 2016, things got a little nutty. “I know this sounds crazy, but I’ve been thinking of getting into the
almond roasting business where I live in California,” he told Rohnda. Encouraging as ever, she replied, “You should go for it!” The two soon fell in love, married six months later and have been up to their knees in almonds ever since.
Thrilled to be in the almond business together, the Bryerton’s sell their roasted almonds at 12 different farmer’s markets in Sonoma County as well as music festivals, fairs, rodeos and other events. The Bryerton’s are committed to providing their customers with the highest quality almonds California has to offer. For more information, go to
www.bryertonsroastedalmonds.com.
The Count of Buena Vista
As eyes turn to the future of the wine industry, Jean Charles Boisset, founder of The Boisset Collection, turned an eye to its past. Inspired by
Buena Vista Winery, which Boisset acquired in 2011, the international entrepreneur published “The Legendary Life of Agoston Haraszthy: Count of Buena Vista Winery,”a children’s book about the eponymous grandfather of California wine.
Coming from a noble family in modern-day Budapest, Haraszthy and his family immigrated to California looking for gold, but instead striking a new fortune in grapevines. The book details the count’s life as San Diego County’s first sheriff, his family’s relationship with General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo and the unfortunate disaster at Buena Vista Winery that drove Haraszthy to Nicaragua, forcing him to start anew in the rum industry.
Established in 1857, Buena Vista is one of the oldest continuing wineries in California. And while the Count left behind his “beautiful view,” its legacy inspired untold generations of winemakers to break ground and begin a brand-new wine industry in a brave new world.
Old Vine, New Wine
Sourced from the high plains of the Russian River Valley, Seghesio Family Vineyards introduces its limited production wine, Montafi Zinfandel, made from 100-year-old vines. Ted Seghesio, fourth generation winemaker and general manager at Seghesio Family Vineyards, shares the flavor
components and qualities derived from the Zinfandel’s first vintage. “Old Vine Zinfandel exhibits very site specific qualities and gives one a snap shot of ‘a sense of place,’” says Seghesio. “Perfumed briary spiced black raspberry, cherry, blackberry, a realm of fruit, synergistic, persistent and delicious,” he adds of the Zin’s stand-out characteristics.
This dynamic vine brings rewards as well as challenges for the winemaker. “The biggest challenge is gaining acceptability that Old Vine Zinfandel is a world class cultivar, keeping the same company as the noble grapes from Europe,” says Seghesio. “The rewards come from producing wines with remarkable character from the same vines our founding viticulture fathers planted.”
Where can you get your own glass of the limited production wine? “Because it’s limited production, we don’t pour it in the tasting room. However, it may find its way into our Chef’s Table Program,” he says. Montafi Zinfandel can be purchased online at www.seghesio.com/wines/zinfandels, and the good news? There’s no limit at this time.
