Toad Hollow Winery

I've been meaning to write about Toad Hollow Winery since our visit in early June.  What a pleasant surprise their tasting room was!  We were first greeted by Debbie Rickards who was as friendly and adorable as could be.  We were later joined by Jim Costa, Tasting Room Manager.  Debbie and Jim as a duet were quite amusing and entertaining.  

We learned that the winery had been established by Todd Williams who partnered with Rodney Strong (yes, THE Rodney Strong) to produce quality wines at affordable prices.  I'm happy to say that they were successful.  

Unbeknownst to me was that Rodney Strong was a professional dancer and choreographer in Paris and on Broadway before moving to Sonoma and starting his wine prowess.  Mr. Williams was a restauranteur for many years before "retiring" and starting the wine company with his wife Frankie.

We tasted some mighty fine wine including an unoaked Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir dry Rose', a Russian River Pinot Noir, and their Proprietary red wine "Erik's the Red," principally Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Syrah.  We bought quite a few bottles of Toad Hollow wines because they are affordable.  

They also have the best wine bottle labels in the world, at least the cutest, and all with a Toad theme, even a high-stepping dancing toad.  All the labels are the work of Maureen, their long-time designer.  

The tasting room is located a 409A Healdsburg Ave, in Healdsburg, CA  95448.  Check out their website, it's very clever.  Be sure and visit if you're in the area; you won't be disappointed!

Tom da Wine Guy