Press Democrat Blog of story When Life gives you lemons

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From Sonoma Sun – click for full story

It’s a party. It’s work. It’s a working party with a crew of family and friends of Fred and Amy Groth to produce the latest sensation from Sonoma Valley. Made from all organic ingredients including Eureka lemons, oranges, a neutral grape-based spirit, plus agave syrup for sweetener, the making of Limoncello di Sonoma is a production worthy of a team Olympic event.
The history of Limoncello goes back to the beginning of the last century when an innkeeper in Southern Italy treated her patrons to her homemade liqueur as a complimentary after-dinner “digestivo.” Fast forward to this century to the Groths who have traveled for work all over the world, and yet gravitated more and more to Italy, particularly the southern regions where a limoncello recipe is a family affair. You could say that limoncello fell in love with them
With their daughter, Isabella, now age six and twins Alex and Cooper, now four, the Groth’s were looking for a new adventure and the way of life they loved in Italy. Their search brought them to Sonoma when an epiphany came while eating dinner at Swiss Hotel where they noticed a long table opposite them with a family celebrating with friends. It was the picture of the lifestyle they coveted.

The mission of Hello Cello is to provide an artisanal, fresh product which will create a limoncello experience, an event, an atmosphere, a memory, a story to tell grandchildren about the “good ole days” with family and friends.
Fred has been known to orchestrate the limoncello luge similar to the sled event in the Olympics; however, this time the course is an ice sculpture with a funnel at the top in which Limoncello is poured. As it swirls through the track, it develops its characteristic chill and is ready to sip as it emerges at the bottom. This weekend he will be in attendance at the Boys & Girls Clubs Annual Sweetheart Auction with his luge.
At the peel party recently in the spare warehouse space with its concrete floor and roll-up door, the smell of lemons intoxicated the air with a rich citrusy scent. About 60 adults peeled the rind from the lemons while 40 children squealed with excitement as they bounced in the large jumping house located just outside. This is community. Once the peel is removed, the rest of the lemons go to Sonoma Market where they are used with organizations such as Friends in Sonoma Helping.
Buy Limoncello di Sonoma locally at Sonoma Market and Whole Foods. Try it locally at Carneros Bistro, the girl & the fig, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, estate, and Maya. Check the Web site hellosonoma.com for more recipes and information.

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By DIANE PETERSON THE PRESS DEMOCRAT