Paul Mathew Vineyards

Updated: Jan 12

Ambiance

Located in quaint Graton.
Compared to touristy Healdsburg, sometimes Graton can get overshadowed.
Graton is a TREASURE! Not to be missed.
A one road downtown that attracts antique shoppers, foodies, artists and of course wine buffs.
Stroll on the main drag and you’ll find the friendly Paul Mathew Tasting room.
Barb and Mat Gustafson, proprietors, are often at the tasting room ready to share their love of organic winemaking, food pairing, and stories, and wine that will have you coming back for more.
Grab some eats at Willow Wood Market Cafe just up the road.
Then, head to the tasting room.
Paul Mathew tasting room has a lovely backyard patio.
Picnic tables, a fountain, covered umbrellas, and wine tasting make for a perfect day.

I decided on their award winning 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Big decision for a Pinot lover like me.
Paul Mathews has five Pinot Noir choices available for your wine pleasure.
Also Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Vionier, Chardonnay, and a delightfully refreshing Gewurtztraminer.

Mat, the environmentalist, uses light-weight glass for Paul Mathew wine bottles.
Wine bottles are also sourced here in CA instead of China.
You’ll notice there is no foil bottle capsule covering the cork.
One less piece of pollution to throw away.
I appreciate the environmental mindfulness.
Also, Barb is one of the few winery owners who keeps the winery blog up to date!
Stay connected to their lives AND the winery action by reading Barb’s interesting blog posts.

Both Barb and Mat are master sommeliers.
Their depth of wine knowledge and experience in the industry is valuable.
Because Mat owned a vineyard development business in western Sonoma County before owning his own winery, he developed a relationship with many of the the vineyards in the area.
Matt sources his quality grapes from highly selective vineyards.
He’s committed to Burgundian and Rhone varietal grapes.
Have you ever closely inspect your pinot?
Matt showed me how.
I had no idea a dull looking Pinot, will taste dull.
A bright, shimmering, vibrant Pinot will have a more desirable flavor.
Holding wine up to a white piece of paper while tasting helps to show the true color of the wine.

Lots of fun events going on.
You can tell that Mat and Barb are foodies and their events spotlight the wine and showcase AMAZING food.
There are backyard BBQ’s 2x a year.
Matt is a master mushroom forager.
He takes members and guest out to forage and then wine taste with lunch. A sell-out event.
There is also a Lobster Dinner, a Wine Club Taco event, monthly wine and food pairing dinners.
Be sure to stop by their website and scope out the event tab to stay in the loop.
I’m really hoping to attend the Charles Phan Aug, 25th event. 4 recipes from the Charles Phan cookbook. Wines to taste with each course.

I met Barb on a rainy day a few months back.
We were both heading to the 50th Wine Road podcast recording.
You can listen to Barb’s interesting interview HERE.
Honestly, had it not been for crossing paths with Barb this day, I might not have known to visit Paul Mathew.
Thank GOODNESS!
I love little Graton.
I’ve lived in Sonoma County 5ish years and never been!
I will forever open a bottle of Paul Mathew and think of my little weekend discovery.
Little Graton.
I can’t wait to go back.
Several new restaurants to try.
Do a little antique shopping.
See Barb in the tasting room.
She’s the kinda soul you feel like you’ve known for a long time.
The wine is the kinda wine you wish you’d known about sooner.