The Spill: Serving up Sonoma Valley wine news

Go poolside with wine in a can!

Canned wine is considered one of the top wine trends of 2017. Due to its rising popularity winemakers and spirit producers are taking notice and crafting quality wines and cocktails to enjoy this summer in a new container.

While no Valley producers are canning yet, Ron Ruben Winery in Sebastopol recently announced Ron’s Red, a convenient and refreshing canned wine. It promotes the canned wine as ideal for outdoors – golfing, camping, beach days, hiking, boat trips – summer activities where you can leave heavy, breakable bottles at home and easily throw Ron’s Red in your bag. Packaged by industry leader Ball, Ron’s Red air-tight, light-weight containers raise the bar for canned spirits and are available in 187ml single servings.

Whole Foods offers a refreshing selection of wine in a can. West Side Wine Co. makes a white crisp chardonnay, a Presto Sparkling Cuveé, as well as a bold and smooth cabernet sauvignon.

Cutwater Spirits also brings a fresh take on cool cocktails in a can. Available at Sonoma Market are Rum & Cola, Gin & Tonic, and Can Can Cocktails, a concoction made of vodka, raspberry, lemon, mint and soda, as well as Moscow Mule in a Can made of ginger, beer and vodka.

Who can argue with convenience? There’s no more unfinished bottles as a leave behind or broken glasses when it comes to wine or cocktails in a can.

Sigh Champagne & Sparkling ‘pops’ open

Sigh opened in grand style to a happy and anticipatory crowd this week. Located off the Sonoma Plaza at 120 First St. W., the contemporary lounge welcomes locals and tourists alike to come sip and stay awhile, savoring champagne, sparkling wine and refreshing beer. Once inside, you will soon discover why this enchanted place makes elegance look easy and fun its mission. With a collection of uplifting quotes displayed on the back wall, bubble chandeliers dangled high over a marble counter tasting bar, and cozy seating areas in the corners, friends are guaranteed a light-filled good time.

Craft Beer Fest

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Craft Beer Festival at the Green Music Center – featuring over 15 breweries including Lagunitas Brewing Co, Moonlight Brewing Company, Bear Republic Brewing Company, Cooperage Brewing Company, HenHouse Brewing Company and many more. With unlimited tastings of some of the best craft beers and hard ciders the North Bay has to offer, the July 9 event is a Summer Sunday at the Green not to be missed. Tickets start at $30.

Drink up at Food Truck Fridays

Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery puts on a good show with its “Food Truck Friday.”

The events take place on the last Friday of every month and have become known for great music and diverse food cooked up by the Fig Rig, Picazo Cafe, the Tuck Box, El Coyote and Top That Yogurt. Then there’s the wines. Sebastiani Winery pours a variety of vintages which pair perfectly with the ethnic cuisine. By glass or by bottle, locals can enjoy the Sonoma County 2015 Chardonnay ($17), 2015 Sauvignon Blanc ($14), 2014 Pinot Noir ($19) 2014 Zinfandel ($17) and top seller 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sebastiani Winery also takes care of its own with the Two Bottle Mini-Club program catered specifically to Sonoma locals. With no cost to join, mini-club members get two bottles four times a year, as well as a 25 percent discount on any bottle purchased. Time to load up on some wine at the next Food Truck Friday event.