Blood Root Sonoma Wine Tasting: Discover California Class at Back Alley Wine Bar (Monday, November 24, 2025)

Ready for an exploration of Sonoma’s modern classics? On Monday, November 24th from 4pm, Back Alley Wine Bar hosts a guided tasting flight spotlighting three acclaimed selections from Blood Root—one of California’s most exciting producer collaborations. Join the celebration of terroir, craftsmanship, and food pairing inspiration spanning Sonoma’s coast and heartland.

Map of California Wine Regions
Map of California Wine Regions. Courtesy of Society of Wine Educators.

Sonoma: A Legacy of Wine Innovation

Sonoma is California’s beating heart of wine diversity, with history dating back to the Spanish missions and Russian River’s earliest plantings. Over two centuries, its valleys, mountains, and fog-soaked cliffs have given rise to legendary chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon—all shaped by marine influence, ancient volcanic soils, and skilled pioneers. From gold rush booms to Prohibition and the renaissance of estate winemaking, Sonoma’s story is one of resilience and radical creativity, now home to some of the world’s most sought-after wines.​

Wine Map of Sonoma County.
Map of Sonoma County Wine Regions. Courtesy of Society of Wine Educators

Meet the Producer: Blood Root Wines

Founded by Noah and Kelly Dorrance (of Banshee and Reeve), along with director of winemaking Katy Wilson, Blood Root brings together the expertise of winemakers renowned for their work at Hirsch, William Selyem, and Flowers. Their portfolio is built from benchmark vineyard sites in Sonoma, Mendocino, and neighboring California districts, all managed with a commitment to sustainable farming and minimal intervention. Blood Root’s philosophy: terroir-driven, authentic wines at accessible prices, celebrated by critics and fans alike.

Blood Root: Regional Holdings & Portfolio

Blood Root manages vineyards across Sonoma Coast, Mendocino Ridge, and Russian River Valley, with additional holdings in Santa Barbara and coastal California. Beyond the three featured wines, their signature portfolio includes Undertow Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, and single-vineyard releases—each crafted for clarity, character, and food versatility.​

Noah Dorrance and Katy Wilson’s leadership is celebrated for combining world-class winemaking pedigree and a vision for sustainable, minimalist intervention—earning Blood Root consistent gold medals and top scores from Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, and others.​

Noah and Kelly Dorrance are the proprietors of Reeve Wines, a boutique Sonoma brand specializing in high-end Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Reeve was launched after Noah’s earlier success as a co-founder of Banshee Wines, a label that gained national acclaim for delivering quality Sonoma and North Coast wines at accessible prices. Banshee established Noah’s reputation for unpretentious, terroir-driven bottlings, and the experience set the stage for his later ventures.

Wine Flight Preview: Tasting Notes & Accolades

Chardonnay | Sonoma Coast | 2023


Aged in stainless steel and French oak with partial malolactic fermentation, this bright, expressive white delivers orchard apple, fresh pear, Meyer lemon, and a whisper of butter and ginger. Aromas are layered with vanilla and wet stone, offering a mouthwatering mineral finish. Sustainably farmed 100% Chardonnay from cool vineyard sites.​

Accolades: 94 points, VinePair; 94 points, SaratogaWine.com; Gold Medal, Sonoma County Wine Competition; 13.7% ABV.​

Pairing: Ideal match for crab cakes, seared scallops, creamy pasta, or roast poultry.

Pinot Noir | Coastal California | 2023


From select Sonoma and Mendocino sites, this 100% Pinot Noir features enticing aromatics of freshly macerated red and black berries, autumn forest notes, Indian spices, and rhubarb. The palate is lively, silky, and complex; 15% whole cluster fermentation and 18 months in French oak impart supple tannins and savory depth.​

Accolades: Consistently 92–94 points, professional reviewers; top value pick in its class.​

Pairing: Roasted salmon, herbed chicken, mushroom risotto, and duck breast pair seamlessly.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Sonoma County | 2022


Rich and layered, showcasing blueberry, cassis, sage, coffee, and dark chocolate notes. Matured for 27 months in French oak (38% new), with fruit sourced from Knights Valley, Dry Creek, and Sonoma Valley. The palate delivers dark berry, plum, and cherry cola with savory structure and polished tannins.​

Accolades: 94 points, SaratogaWine.com; 93–94 points, critics; high praise for authenticity, value, and terroir transparency.​

Pairing: Enjoy with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, and aged sharp cheddar.

Visiting Blood Root Wines


Planning a Sonoma wine getaway? Blood Root’s tasting room in Healdsburg welcomes guests for curated flights and cellar selections.
Website: bloodrootwines.com
Visit: Blood Root Tasting Room, 1201 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA
Phone: (707) 901-7541
Email: info@bloodrootwines.com

Raise your glass and join us for an unforgettable California terroir adventure—where Sonoma history, winemaking innovation, and delicious pairings come together.


Space is limited—early arrival recommended for best seating and flight availability!


Blood Root Winery at Back Alley Wine Bar

Event Details

Location: Back Alley Wine Bar, Prescott, AZ
Date: Monday, November 24th, 2025
Time: 4pm until close
Format: Guided tasting flight + tailored food pairing suggestions
Atmosphere: Intimate, educational, and convivial—perfect for connecting with Sonoma’s wine heritage.

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