OK, so here we are in the middle of grape harvest, the weather is hot, there is fruit everywhere, and this is a blog about wine - the last thing most of us want to see are GRAPES at the end of the day. While I am a big fan of a nice cold beer at the end of these hot days, out here in west Sonoma County, we have a jewel of a place - California Cider, who make the Ace brand of fruit ciders - apple, berry, grape, and our house favorite - PERRY. It's crisp, it's dry but fruitty, clean and refreshing! Goes with grilled sausage, fish, chicken - you name it, on a warm summer night - it is the bomb!
They also have a great pub out here (on the main highway, between Sebastopol and Graton), where they serve a host of British pub favorites (the owner is originally from the UK), with a Sonoma County twist of freshness. Great bangers and mash, salads, and don't miss the fish n' chips!
Some local grocers (Raley's, Pacific Market, etc) are carrying them, but ask for them at you favorite store - and if all else fails, contact them through their website at www.acecider.com.
More later from the middle of harvest.....