wine reviewing industry is our ‘ reward .’”
Anaba , a family-owned and operated winery , introduced its very first vintage in 2006 , creating for John Sweazey a dream fully realized . The family opened a new state-of-the-art production facility in January 2019 and The Vintners House in October of 2019 . “ We ’ ve long desired to create a place for visitors to completely relax and escape . This is an extension of our family home , and we want everyone to feel that same warm and inviting atmosphere ,” explained Sweazey . “ We ’ re now able to offer a much richer tasting experience and create lasting memories for our guests .”
All the while during development and expanded services and programs for the ultimate tasting experience , Anaba Wines was always focused on the environment and how to create a more sustainable winery .
A little over a decade ago , Anaba Wines became the first Northern California winery to utilize wind power with the installation a 45-foot wind turbine that provides clean energy to handle operations on the estate . That was followed by a solar electric system whereby during the entire life of the overall system , nearly 172 metric tons of carbon dioxide generated by Anaba operations will be eliminated . “ This impact is equivalent to removing air pollution produced by over 428,014 miles of driving annually , or the pollutants removed by 225 acres of trees in one year ,” said Sweazey .
While everyone at Anaba takes the wine business seriously , there is still an underlying current of fun and frivolity that permeates the Sonoma Valley .
“ It ’ s a lively environment that doesn ’ t falter when it comes to quality , but we like to have fun too ,” said Taylor Clark , Brand Marketing Manager at Anaba Wines . “ Most times , wineries are stuck in one category of being elegant , luxurious , moody , fun , unconventional , goofy , romantic , a destination , or a hobby . We like to think all these categories make up Anaba .”
For those who are wine connoisseurs , Anaba ’ s bestselling Chardonnay is a 2019 Sonoma Coast , while other popular offerings are a 2021 Turbine Rose of Grenache ; 2018 Pinot Noir , Sonoma Coast ; 2018 Pinot Noir , Sonoma Coast , WestLands ; and 2021 Turbine White , Rhône Blend . Imbibing in beer and wine or even liquor may not be something new to the world of pickleball , but when you
Krishna Raichura . Photo by Bex Wyant .
add the element of a picturesque setting and quality instruction , you have the ingredients for an unforgettable experience . “ All players would benefit from the wine and pickleball experience . I tailor the classes to any experience level , from beginners to seasoned players . This experience is designed in mind to simply celebrate and get people together to enjoy the fun and thrill of pickleball and wine in one place , and Anaba Wines is like no other setting ,” said Raichura .
“ Those who are looking for a lively and unique experience benefit most from events at Anaba ,” added Knox . “ Aside from pickleball , we have a few activities available for our guests at events including bocce ball , cornhole , and wine blending , which gives everyone an opportunity to let loose and have fun . We are also one of the few wineries in the area that are kid and dog friendly . On top of that , our accommodating staff treats all our guests with amazing hospitality , which makes our guests feel welcome and will keep them coming back for more .”
Some of the most popular offerings at Anaba Wines have been the wine blending events along with private pickleball and wine tasting parties and — believe it or not — what Anaba likes to call its “ Glazed and Confused ” gettogethers that include donuts . Clearly , the staff wants guests to work off the extra calories on the pickleball court . “ Who would have thought donuts would be a part of the mix , but those along with our dessert wine pairings with chocolate are a big hit with everyone ,” said Sweazey .
At Anaba Wines , they truly love having a good time , especially , of course , if there ’ s wine involved . The family ’ s unending passion for high-quality , elegant wines has most definitely influenced those around them . They always like to say , “ Why drink something good when you can drink something great ?” And now , with the influx of pickleball enthusiasts to Sonoma County , a new vernacular will no doubt be introduced —“ Why dink something good , when you can dink something great !”
Drew Wathey is a published author (“ A Season With Hope ”) and the first-ever director of communications for the PGA TOUR ’ s Phoenix Open . Wathey is owner of SportsLink , a Phoenix-based sports public relations and marketing company . He is also a national sports anchor for iHeart Radio . His family lives in Phoenix , Arizona .