We’re Jane and Ted, a couple in our 40s lucky enough to call Sonoma wine country home. We’re just a short drive from San Francisco but surrounded by rolling vineyards, cozy tasting rooms, and some of the best wines in the world. Our love for wine brought us together, and now it’s the heart of what we do every day.
How We Met
Our story began at a wine-tasting event in San Francisco over a decade ago. Jane was there with some friends, dipping her toes into the world of reds, and Ted was volunteering as a pourer (mostly for the free tastings, let’s be honest). One glass of Russian River Pinot turned into hours of talking about wine, food, and everything in between. Ted convinced Jane to visit a vineyard with him the following weekend, and from that point on, wine became not just a passion but a part of our story.
Our Love for Wine
Living in Sonoma, we’re spoiled with incredible wineries right on our doorstep. We spend weekends exploring spots like Jordan Vineyard & Winery, where we love their classic Cabernets, or St. Francis Winery, where the wine and food pairings are next level. Over the years, we’ve fallen in love with so many styles and varietals—it’s impossible to pick just one favorite.
Jane’s Favorites
“I’m all about rich, fruit-forward reds like Zinfandels and Pinot Noirs. If you’ve never tried the Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Zinfandel, you’re missing out. It’s my go-to for pairing with braised short ribs on a cozy night in.”
Ted’s Favorites
“For me, it’s all about bold, earthy reds. Napa Valley Cabernets are my sweet spot, and the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cab never disappoints. Pair it with grilled lamb chops or mushroom risotto, and I’m in heaven.”
Why We Started This Blog
Friends have always come to us for wine advice—what to bring to a party, where to go for a great tasting, or how to pair wine with their favorite meals. After years of answering questions and jotting down notes for people, we thought, why not put it all in one place? That’s how Vine and Dine Chronicles was born.
We wanted to create a space where wine lovers of all levels—whether you’re brand-new to wine or have a cellar full of rare vintages—could find helpful, approachable information.
What You’ll Find Here
We keep things simple, fun, and focused on what matters most: enjoying great wine and good company. Here’s a taste of what we share:
- Tasting Notes and Reviews: Honest takes on wines we love (and a few that didn’t quite make the cut).
- Winery Highlights: Guides to our favorite spots, like Duckhorn Vineyards and Scribe Winery, with tips on when to go and what not to miss.
- Pairing Ideas: Everything from weeknight pasta and Pinot to holiday feasts and sparkling wine.
- Travel Tips: Where to sip, stay, and snack on your next wine country adventure.
Our Goal
For us, wine is more than just what’s in the glass—it’s about the people, the stories, and the memories we create along the way. We hope this blog inspires you to explore the world of wine, try something new, and maybe even plan a trip to wine country yourself.
Thanks for stopping by. Pour yourself a glass and join us on this journey—cheers.
– Jane & Ted