THE NAIDU TASTING EXPERIENCE

Far Enough Away from the Madding Crowds, Close Enough to Serenity

BY ALAN GOLDFARB

Maybe the decades-long kerfuffle that pitted Sonoma County versus Napa Valley – as to which is “better” – has finally been settled once and for all. That’s because Sonoma’s Pinot Noir has come into focus on the world stage, while Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignon has been in the spotlight for half-a-century. Furthermore, it has long been held that Sonoma is more serene and pastoral to Napa Valley’s glitzy, ostentatious, and expensive image.

So, if Napa Valley — goes the conventional wisdom — is to Bordeaux, then Sonoma can be likened to Burgundy. Naidu’s Wines’ tasting room and vineyard – in the bucolic Sonoma hills outside Sebastopol, fits in well with that Burgundian comparison. 

And what a resemblance it is. Far from the frenzied crowds but close enough to the lovely town of Sebastopol with its restaurants and shops, Naidu’s estate vineyard sits atop a hill with 180-degree vineyard views overlooking the world-renowned Russian River Valley wine region. 

The short, winding ride up to Naidu’s mature estate Pinot Noir vineyard, planted in 2001, and to the terraced, multi-spaced tasting area, one is instantly transported and immersed in a relaxed cocoon-like setting. With the 5-acre hillside vineyard less than a hundred yards below; and with Naidu’s wines in hand, one is instantly enveloped into a sense of well-being. 

The breadth of Naidu’s tasting experience is intended to deliver deliciousness from the half-dozen well-balanced wines; and a sense of place when one walks into that Pinot vineyard. With Naidu’s Estate Pinot Noir in hand, descending the hillside between the vines, will connect the dots between glass and the source of the Pinot grapes. One will further understand the terroir – all the elements such as soil, sunlight, fog, and wind – which informs Naidu’s estate wine. 

The tasting itself, enhanced with purpose as one combines the wines with a charcuterie platter comprising cheeses from a nearby creamery (be sure to imbibe in the blue cheese with Naidu’s Grenache Blanc and its two Pinot Noirs – a pairing made in heaven). Naidu’s lovely Brut Sparkling wine and its Rosé of Pinot Noir with the fruits and nuts on that platter, will fit in perfectly with the warm spring and summer days that envelop the estate. Oh, and did I mention, if or when you can tear yourself from the warming and mesmerizing fire pit, take a walk about 50-feet below and play a game of bocce ball? But be sure to bring one of those delectable glasses of wine with you. It enhances the game. 

Or experience a very special Vintner’s Tasting with Naidu’s founder and owner Raghni Naidu – perhaps in the vineyard itself, and add on a caviar service. As Raghni herself says, “At our estate vineyard, we give you the unique opportunity to get personal with our wines by experiencing the terroir yourself.”

Indeed. The Naidu tasting experience is a one-of-a-kind, relaxing, immersive, and meaningful experience. What a way to spend a couple of hours away from the world’s hubbub. You might just think you are in Burgundy but in actuality you are on the Sonoma Coast.