Sonoma County Day Trips Fall/Winter 2011

DAY TRIPS
Fall/Winter 2011
Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country
A publication of
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com
43
from Sonoma to Geyserville
FORTY THREE 1 TASTING ROOM REVIEWS
TRIPS
NINE WINE TASTING
Rockpile Lake Sonoma

DUTCHER CR EEK
Alexander Valley
SI RUS
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SBRAGIA FAMILY
FERRARI-CARANO DUTCHER CROSSING
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CANYON
Dry Creek Valley

STEWARTS POINT
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Pages 51-59
Northern Sonoma
Dry Creek
TRUETT HURST
FORCHINI PETERSON FAMILY KOKOMO WINERY
116 Westside Road Russian
ER RIV
Pages 40-43 River

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MEDLOCK AMES JCB TASTING ROOM & WINE BAR FERRARI-CARANOS SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD KENDALL-JACKSON STEPHEN & WALKER CHRISTOPHER CREEK DE LA MONTANYA ARMIDA RODNEY STRONG
DRY CREEK RD.
DRY CREEK VNYD

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LYTTON SPGS
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Downtown Healdsburg & Alexander Valley

Knights Valley
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Green Valley DUTTON ESTATE
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Eastside Bunch
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Russian River /Olivet

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Sonoma/Carneros Glen Ellen Kenwood/Highway 12 Russian River/Olivet Sebastopol Eastside Bunch Westside Road Downtown Healdsburg & Alexander Valley Dry Creek Valley
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Tomales Bay
9 Wine Tasting Trips

7-14 15-21 22-26 27-31 32-35 36-39 40-43 44-50 51-59
WASHINGTON
Glen Ellen
Pages 15-21
ERIC ROSS ARROWOOD MOONDANCE B.R. COHN
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MOUNTAIN TERRACES VINEYARDS
FRAT ES
ST AG E
CHARLES CREEK
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HAYWOOD SCHUG
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LA VIL KE R LE D.
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121
CLINE CELLARS MEADOWCROFT
Sonoma/ Carneros
12 121
Pages 7-14
TO SAN FRANCISCO
TO SAN FRANCISCO
JACUZZI FAMILY VIANSA

TO V A LLEJ O
Los Carneros Region

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San Pablo Bay
Photo by Eric Luse/Eric Ross Winery. Copyrighted 2011. In the glass: Eric Ross Pinot Noir, Saralee's Vineyard.
DAY TRIPS
Notes on Wine Tasting Heading to the Tasting Room Destiny Wine Tours 4 5 6 Armida Winery Arrowood Winery B.R. Cohn Winery Balletto Vineyards Chalk Hill Estate Charles Creek Vineyard Chateau St. Jean Christopher Creek Winery Cline Cellars De La Montanya Estate
A Publication of
Sonoma Country Preferred Wine Country
Fall/Winter 2011
Index Varietals Poured Sonoma County Wineries Map
60-61 60-61 62-63
43 TASTING ROOM REVIEWS

42 18 17 34 37 14 24 39 10 43 DeLoach Vineyards Dry Creek Vineyards Dutcher Crossing Winery Dutton Estate Winery Eric Ross Winery Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery Forchini Freestone Vineyards Haywood Winery Hook & Ladder Hop Kiln (HKG) JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Kendall-Jackson Tasting Room Kokomo Winery Ledson Winery & Vineyards Martin Ray Winery Matanzas Creek Winery Meadowcroft Wines Medlock Ames Winery Moondance Cellars Mountain Terraces Vineyard Peterson Winery Rodney Strong Vineyards St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Schug Carneros Estate Sbragia Family Vineyards Simi Winery Sonoma-Cutrer Stephen & Walker Winery Truett Hurst Winery VJB Vineyards & Cellars Viansa Winery 29 52 57 35 19 58 56 33 13 28 41 47 9 48 54 26 30 21 11 50 20 16 53 38 25 12 59 49 31 46 55 23 8
669 Broadway, Suite B Sonoma, CA 95476 P.O. Box 92 El Verano, CA 95433
707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674

PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco Direct (707) 938-3734 mike@winecountrythisweek.com SALES REPRESENTATIVE Margaret Villarreal, 707-338-2894 winecountrytw@comcast.net MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant Phone 707-938-1783 Fax 707-938-3674 chandra@winecountrythisweek.com OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Gore Phone 707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674 Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com EDITORIAL Introductions by Abigail Zimmerman CONTRIBUTORS Michelle J. Baker James Marshall Berry Brendan Conroy Ronda Giangreco Charles Neave Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
Notes on Wine Tasting

Its a good idea to plan to visit several wineries as every wine-tasting experience offered is different. With so many distinctive viticultural areas, one can easily taste many of the worlds best varietials and winemaking styles without learning the region. Listed below are five basic types of tasting experiences. The experience will vary in style from winery to winery.
Wine Bar Tasting

The most common tasting experience is a Wine Bar Tasting. You step up to the bar where typically a list of wines being poured is displayed. Expect to pay a tasting fee between $10-$40. Some tasting bars will offer you the option to taste a library or reserve wine. Exercising this option increases the fee, but will allow you to taste very unique, old or rare wines.
Sit Down Tasting

A Sit Down Tasting usually requires an appointment and there may be a slightly higher fee than a wine bar fee. Seated in an elegant room, you are poured several wines by your winery host. Expect your host to describe the unique characteristics of each wine and how it was made.
Table Service Tasting

A Table Service Tasting, popular at sparkling wine facilities, is a tasting experience where you are seated at a table and the tastings are brought to you. ery to pour the first round. Then you move to another place within the winery to sample the next wine. This experience continues until all the wines are tasted.
Walk Around Tasting

A Walk Around Tasting is a combination of a tour and a tasting. Your host brings along several bottles of wine on your tour, and may take you to a garden area of the win-
Barrel Tasting
Another popular tasting experience that can be part of a tour or a Walk Around is a Barrel Tasting. Your guide takes a wine thief, a special siphon placed into a hole in the top of a barrel to extract tasting samples of a maturing wine. The sample allows you to taste what the wine is like in the middle of developing its full potential.
Why make an appointment?

Some wineries are so small that they need to know when you are coming so someone will be there to greet you. Other wineries have permit restrictions that limit the number of guests that can visit each day. Others have sit-down tastings that start and end at specific times. Its always a good idea to schedule your appointments well in advance of your visit because some of the more popular wineries fill up their appointments weeks in advance.
WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM
Heading to the Tasting Room

Do not be intimidated for any reason. That is rule number one (and there are very few real rules after that). For the most part, going wine tasting is about the easiest thing in the world, especially here in Northern California where wineries and tasting rooms abound. You can find wineries specializing in red wines of all types, those that are Twomey Cellars famous for their white wines and others who pour sparkling wine. It is a matter of doing a little research and planning your day. Most tasting rooms open around 10 a.m. and close between 4:30 and 6 p.m. As a rule sparkling wine houses are opened the latest. Before you start off pack a few essentials: Water (plenty of water) and something to snack on crackers or a baguette. Many wineries have picnic areas and there are plenty of delis and bakeries that can make up a lunch for you, or make your own. Which brings us to eating and drinking, the kind that doesnt directly involve wine. Be sure to nibble during the day and make sure you make time for lunch. Two tips: drink at least twice as much water as you do wine, and remember that you dont have to drink everything poured into your glass. There is a reason tasting bars have dump buckets and a pitcher of water to wash out your glass. That said, here are some tips that have proven to be helpful and are designed to help make the sensory adventure of wine tasting all the more enjoyable. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Time and time again I have heard knowledgeable winery workers say that there is no such thing as a stupid question, and they mean that. You can drink what you want, in the order you want. If you only like reds, say so; if you dont like sweet wines, speak up. But the idea of starting with whites, then going on to reds and then sweet wines is a good guide. Zinfandel is red. I am sure you know that but it never hurts to remind everyone. If there is a particular wine you want to try and it is not on the list, ask. There might be a bottle around that was opened for a trade tasting or by the winemaker. Most tasting rooms are happy to pour a little if you show enthusiasm. If you plan to take wine home with you, either in the car or on a plane, buy a cardboard box with Styrofoam wine inserts. Fill it during the day and this keeps wine from rolling around in the trunk. Check out the smaller wineries. It is a revelation. Take notes on the wines you most enjoyed. Take advantage of tours when the winery offers them, but keep in mind that they take anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour, so one a day is plenty. Buy wines that you can only find at the winery. These often include smaller (375 ml) bottles of limited production Ports or dessert wines. Dont buy a wine you can get at a supermarket back home. Youll pay more, and besides, whats the point? Look for tasting rooms in towns. Many of these are cooperative tasting rooms, where in one place you might find wines from a dozen or more small-to-medium premium producers. They are scattered throughout the area and more are opening all the time. Dont give too much thought to ratings and vintages. Its like art: if you like it, its a good wine. It is as simple as that. Remember that you dont have to do the driving. It takes no more than a phone call to rent anything from a Town Car or restored Packard convertible to stretch limos and a 20-passenger bus. All have drivers that will stow your wine for you and the local companies know the area. As to taking that wine home, ten people sharing one of those impossibly long limousines is fine and fun, but if you all plan to buy a couple of cases the trunk which is no bigger than a normal luxury cars is going to fill up fast and youre going to find yourself filling the interior floor with boxes and using cases of Cabernet as footrest. Tell the transportation company what you have in mind and listen to their advice. They know the territory and the people and personalities. See next page. Know your limits. If you get close to it let others taste and you can listen. It beats ending the day in a blur, and if need be calling a taxi is cheaper than the alternative. And if at a seated tasting, dont be afraid to leave a gratuity. Its more than worth the five or ten dollars to get wisdom and wine and a great time. BY CHARLES NEAVE
Ill tell you the owner, Ray Hanson, is a real character and hes passionate about what he does. He loves talking with all kinds of people young people, older people, people from all around the world, etc. One could say that Ray is a real people person. He told me, I meet my passengers as clients, and they leave as friends. I want to adopt them and take them home with me. Next thing you know, Ray will own a bed & breakfast to accommodate all of his adoptees! Ray is also a firefighter, so if some sort of unfortunate incident happened to occur during your adventure, he would know exactly how to handle it. If by chance Ray isnt your driver, his other drivers have all been through rigorous training to provide exemplary (and safe) service. Along with the wine tours, Destiny safely chauffeurs clients to the airport, concerts, shopping sprees, weddings, bachelorette parties, sporting events, proms, anniversaries and just about any kind of special event imaginable. The limo (which comfortably seats eight passengers) is a spotless black 2006 Lincoln Tiffany Town Car, and it comes fully stocked with Champagne and other adult beverages, water, sodas and more. It features a state-of-the-art sound system, which will sooth your ears or rock your world, depending on your mood. Your car is waiting let Destiny Wine Tours take you to your travel destination! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
LITTLE KNOWN FACT Destiny Wine Tours was founded in 2009 and Rays wife is credited with choosing the name for the company (great name, by the way!). FUN FACT Owner/Driver Ray Hanson saysafter driving a big re truck for all those years, driving my limo is like driving a sports car!Not to worry, though, Ray is a true professional and pilots his limo with great care. PLAN AHEAD At this point, Destiny Wine Tours has only one limo in their eet (but theyll be adding more soon), so make sure to book your trip well in advance! KUDOS FOR DESTINY WINE TOURS Five Star Rating on www.yelp.com! It doesnt get any better than that!
Destiny Wine Tours

Tours are available seven days a week 3295 Vichy Avenue, Napa 707-254-0442 www.destinywinetours.com facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Destiny-Wine-Tours twitter: @destinywinetours
Mention this story and get 20% o your adventure with Destiny Wine Tours.
Sonoma/Los Carneros
Visitors seeking an over-the-top ultra-luxury wine country experience would best steer clear of idyllic, slow Sonoma Valley. Sure, doublewide tractors grace the two-lane Highway 12, wide-open ranchlands blanket the valley between towns, and wooly sheep keep weeds and grasses minimal in the vineyards. But no doubt you will also find countless award-winning wineries and world-class restaurants throughout all of Sonoma. Living in Sonoma Valley is all about life, about taste and enjoying each day. Sonomans are very proud of their heritage and their town. Excellence is what they do its just done in blue jeans. On the south end of town is one of the most unique appellations, Los Carneros, that bridges both Napa and Sonoma counties. Colloquially known as simply Carneros (or ram in Spanish), Carneros has long been known for its cool, coastal climate, natural beauty and unparalleled Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, Syrahs and sparkling wines. THINGS TO DO Downtown Sonoma Picturesque city plaza boasts unique shops, award-winning restaurants and fine wines available for tasting. Historic points include: Mission San Francisco Solano, Barracks, Toscano Hotel and the home of General Vallejo. Sonoma TrainTown Railroad 20264 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 938-3912, www.traintown.com The Most Well-Developed Scale Railroad in the Americas! Steam and diesel scale railroad rides, petting zoo, miniature town, ferris wheel and carousel rides. Depot Museum 270 First St. West, Sonoma (707) 938-1762, www.vom.com/depot Open 1-4:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday Fine museum with historically significant collections. Admission is free. CornerStone Sonoma 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 933-3010 www.cornerstonegardens.com CornerStone Sonoma is an eclectic collection of shops, wineries and a gourmet cafe set amidst nine acres of garden installations created by the world's leading landscape architects.
FOOD Swiss Hotel Bar & Restaurant 18 West Spain Street,Sonoma (707) 938-2884, www.swisshotelsonoma.com Located on the Plaza, this historic bar is a favorite among locals who can often be seen seated on the sidewalk patio enjoying modern renditions of classical Italian fare . Hopmonk Tavern 691 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 935-9100, www.hopmonk.com Large selection of beers; traditional and innovative pairings of beer and food. Check the website for live music. Girl & The Fig 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma (707) 938-3634, www.thegirlandthefig.com Country food restaurant with a French passion. Fremont Diner 2698 Fremont Drive, Sonoma (707) 938-7370 Old-fashioned style roadside hamburger joint with updated menu. Fresh, local ingredients. Try the pulled-pork sandwich or grilled cheese with sage and be sure to splurge on the milkshakes! LODGING El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen 405 1st Street West, Sonoma (707) 996-3220, www.eldoradosonoma.com 27-room contemporary boutique hotel located on the Plaza. Restaurant is sophisticated urban style with relaxed winecountry dining. Sonoma Hotel 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma (707) 996-2996, www.sonomahotel.com A 16-room, 19th-century hotel with modern amenities. Located downtown on the plaza.
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Girl & The Fig Sonoma Hotel El Dorado Kitchen
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Depot Museum Swiss Hotel LOVE LL California Mission

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Lodge at Carneros Cellar Door

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MacArthur Place 29 E. MacArthur Street, Sonoma (707) 938-2929, www.macarthurplace.com 19th-century estate transformed into a luxurious inn and spa featuring Saddles Sonomas best steakhouse The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa 1325 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 935-6600, www.thelodgeatsonoma.com Spacious and luxurious accommodations; world-class Raindance Spa; award-winning Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar; excellent venue for weddings and corporate events.
TO PETALUMA
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TO SAN FRANCISCO
CLINE
JACUZZI VIANSA
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Driving Time: 14 minutes From Viansa to Jacuzzi >1 mile to Cline >1 mile to Meadowcroft 1.5 miles to Schug 1 mile to Haywood 5 miles to Charles Creek >1 mile Total 8 miles
Sonoma/Los Carneros
Experience Italy in Sonoma Valley!

Viansa Winery & Marketplace is a true destination in wine country a taste of Italy on a hilltop at the entrance to Sonoma Valley. From the moment guests arrive, theyre greeted by rows of grapevines, gnarled olive trees, Italian cypresses, manicured gardens and Italian statues and fountains. At the end of the drive sits the winerys iconic Tuscan Villa, commanding views of Sonoma Valley and Carneros. Viansa is best known for its Cal-Ital wines, New World wines crafted using Old World varietals and methods. Among the award-winning wines are Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Vernaccia, Barbera, Sangiovese and more. Of course, the winery also produces California favorites like Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Viansa is also known for its interesting blends combinations of California and Italian grapes that you wont find anywhere else. In fact, all Viansa wines are available only at the winery, through Viansas Tuscan Club or at www.viansa.com. A tasting of Viansa wines is best followed by a journey through the winerys Marketplace, the largest in Sonoma Valley, with freshly prepared foods, artisan cheeses and sweets. Youll want to taste the dozens of specialty foods created exclusively for Viansa to complement Viansa wines. Youll also discover unique wine accessories along with imported ceramics, wine country artwork and home dcor. Its so much more than your average tasting room! Viansa also hosts special events, reserve tastings, wine and food pairings and more. Visit viansa.com for details. There are few better places to experience wine country!
CALIFORNIA WINE & FOOD PAIRING: Each Saturday we share special recipes created using Viansa food products specially paired with Viansa wines. A must for any food and wine lover! Visit viansa.com for details or call 1800-995-4740 for reservations. ITALIAN WINE & FOOD PAIRING: Each Sunday we create special Italian-inspired recipes using Viansa food products and pair them with specially selected Viansa Italian varietals. Its a virtual trip to Italy! Visit viansa.com for details or call 800-995-4740 for reservations. WINES TO SAMPLE ON YOUR VISIT 2009 Viansa Barbera This food-friendly Italian-inspired red wine bursts with aromas and flavors of fresh berry, cherry, plum and oak spice. A perfect companion for hearty Italian fare! 2009 Viansa Vino Rosso A tasty mix of Sangiovese, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Petite Verdot and Barbera, this red blend offers great flavors of cherry, berry, plum and even a hint of chocolate. JOIN THE CLUB! Viansas Tuscan Club oers a wine country experience like no other. You can tailor your shipments to meet your particular taste. Find our more when you visit the property or at www.viansa.com.
Viansa Winery
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma 1-800-995-4740 | www.viansa.com
8 Sonoma/Los Carneros
BRING A FRIEND FOR A FREE TASTING! Purchase one weekend Wine & Food Pairing, and well treat you to a second one. Simply mention this offer when you make reservations and present this printed offer to your Viansa host to redeem. Limit of four guests per visit.
The sun is shining on an endless sea of vineyards. Youre sipping a luscious glass of Sangiovese and dipping fresh bread in a bowl of rich, buttery olive oil. A scene from a villa in Tuscany? No, just another perfect afternoon at the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in Sonoma. The Jacuzzi family first emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s to work on the railroad. Eventually however, the Jacuzzi brothers would venture into the aviation business, the spa business and to the delight of visitors to the Sonoma Valley, the wine business. The vineyards lie primarily in the Carneros wine region that stretches between Napa and Sonoma. Here, the winery sits on one hundred and ninety acres of lush, fertile land that boasts rolling green hills and the historic flatlands of the San Pablo Bay. Concentrating on Italian wines, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards produces Moscato Bianco, Dolcetto, Aleatico, Aglianico, Primitivo and the hard-to-find varietals, Lagrein and Vernaccia, one of Tuscanys most historic wines, just to name a few. There is no need for a passport to be transported to the wine regions of Italy, just a short drive to Sonoma will provide all the charm, scenery and magnificent wines of the country without the time and expense of overseas travel. No visit to the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is complete without a stop by The Olive Press Olive Oil Tasting Room and Gift Shop. Dedicated to anything and everything having to do with olives and olive oil, the shop offers samples of the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards award-winning olive oil that was inspired by the rich olive oils of Italy and Southern France. Ronda Giangreco
FUN FACT Their rst vineyards were planted in 1936 and consisted of Zinfandel, Carignane and Mourvedre grapes that they sold for a mere $30-$35 a ton! WINE TOURS While the tasting room is open daily for complimentary tastings, wine tours are available only by appointment. Please call (707) 931-7576 and they will gladly arrange to give you a guided tour of their remarkable winery. Food and wine pairings can also be arranged. DONT MISS The Jacuzzi Family museum. A fascinating collection of photos and memorabilia documenting this amazing Italian/American familys history.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 931-7575 | www.jacuzziwines.com For tours & reservations, contact Teresa Hernando (707) 931-7576 Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/jacuzziwines and Twitter: @JacuzziWines
Join the Wine Club and receive special oers and discounts on wines.
Sonoma/Los Carneros
Wine tasting is never just about the wine. A picturesque winery, warm and welcoming hosts and a bucolic setting in which to enjoy a picnic, all combine to produce the memories everyone hopes for when they set out to visit the wine country. No place delivers all three better than Cline Cellars on the southern edge of Sonoma. Fred Cline and his wife Nancy moved their winery from its original home in Oakley in order to enjoy the magnificent splendor of the Sonoma countryside, as well as to take advantage of the long and fruitful growing season that the Carneros region offers. Their tasting room, located in an 1850s farmhouse, is surrounded by lush green lawns, six spring-fed ponds and a glorious array of flowers, including more than five thousand rose bushes. The scene is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of wine tasting, a wedding or a special event. Their historic 350-acre estate is planted to Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, producing wines that have consistently garnered rave reviews. But it is Freds passion for the Rhone varietals that have made the winery famous. Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne flourish on the estate and produce award-winning wines that have visitors coming back time and time again to this quintessential Sonoma winery. By Ronda Giangreco Follow them at facebook.com/clinewine and on Twitter @clinecellars.
FUN FACT The vineyards were once the site of a Miwok village, as well as the site of the original Sonoma Mission before it was moved to downtown Sonoma. MUST SEE The California Missions Museum is a marvelous collection of to-scale models of all of the California missions. It was rst debuted at the 1939 Worlds Fair at Treasure Island. The models are acclaimed as an extraordinary and accurate depiction of California history. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WINERY TOURS/TASTING Tours are available at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. daily. Complimentary tasting is oered daily. Food and wine pairing, wine blending and barrel tasting can be arranged by appointment. WHATS COMING UP Cline Cellars will host the 15th Annual Dixieland Jazz and Wine Festival on July 16th. A local favorite in the wine country, this event is the perfect way to spend a summer day.
Cline Cellars
Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 940-4030 | www.clinecellars.com For tours & reservations, contact Eric Hansen ehansen@clinecellars.com or (707) 940-4061
Join the Wine Club and receive special oers and discounts on wines.
Meadowcroft Wines is truly a distinctive wine tasting destination. Sitting amid exclusive, one-of-a-kind shops, a sculpture gallery, an Argentinean restaurant, a flower shop and more than 20 architectural gardens, this location offers whimsy, imagination and quite literally, food and wine for thought! Tom Meadowcroft selected this location, Cornerstone Sonoma, because of the uniqueness and matchless character of the property, not unlike his wines. Toms ascent from picking grapes in Bordeaux to his formal education at Napa College, as well as joining Buckland Vineyard Management, initiated and solidified his knowledge and relationships with an elite list of winemakers throughout Napa Valley. Tom considers his wines as a marriage between the European style of winemaking with the California style to create distinctive, enduring wines. In 1999 Tom bought his Mt. Veeder property, which he replanted and started anew. The first vintage from this new vineyard was his 2005 Cabernet which garnered a 94 rating in Wine Enthusiast and was named in the Top 100 Wines of the Year as well as a Cellar Selection. While Tom is often in the vineyards, he does stop by the tasting room, frequently and enjoys catching up with old friends and meeting new friends alike. By Phyllis Hyland
UPCOMING EVENTS Songwriters In Sonoma music series every 3rd Thursday of the month 1st Anniversary of the Tasting Room October 1, 2011 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Party February 18, 2012 More wines than they can pour! VARIETALS Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and All She Wrote a Port-style red wine PLAN AHEAD Bring a picnic and enjoy the wine garden Large groups by appointment only Available for private parties
Meadowcroft Wines
Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 23574 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 934-4090 www.meadowcroftwines.com www.facebook.com/drinkmeadowcroftwines http://twitter.com/#!/catchthebuzzz
Complimentary 2-for-1 wine tasting with this story.

Sonoma/Los Carneros
11
If you want to visit the Old World without a passport or plane fare, drive a mile or two off the highway to Schug Carneros Estate. Not only does the winery have a European air about it, they also combine those sensibilities and tradition with modern winemaking techniques. They source only the finest grapes and maintain high winemaking values, crafting wines that are considered contemporary classics. This is what founder Walter Schug, a celebrated winemaker, had in mind when he founded the winery in 1980. The location he chose in the Carneros region specializes in world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The Bavarian-style winery is set atop a broad knoll and surrounded by vineyards and the traditional rolling hills of Sonoma; on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Mount Diablo off in the distance. There are also strategically placed picnic tables available for use by visitors who want to enjoy lunch or some cheese and crackers in the sun, overlooking the winery chefs private herb garden. The tasting room warm and compact. The L-shaped tasting bar is just the right size, the people knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. They are also very proud of the wines they offer, and rightly so. There are usually up to ten available, from a crisp coastal Sauvignon Blanc and a rich Chardonnay to a whole roster of reds from four carefully chosen varietals. All the work of some of the finest winemaking knowledge and experience to be found anywhere. By Charles Neave
VARIETALS Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sparkling Pinot Noir and Late Harvest Riesling TOURS As part of the Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures program, the winery oers free, self-guided tours of the property year-round and for all ages. It is not strenuous, and it will provide memories (and probably photographs) to keep and to share. CELEBRATE The winery also oers a Rouge de Noir Sparkling Pinot Noir for those special occasions when nothing will do but bubbles. LOCAL TALENT Winemaker Michael Cox is a Sonoma native. CAVES Your first hint that is truly Old World is the cave entrance on the right as you drive in. It looks like a European movie location.
Schug Carneros Estate Winery

Open daily 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. 602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma (west at the intersection of Highways 116/121) (707) 939-9363 www.schugwinery.com Follow them on Facebook and Twitter
Bring in this story for 2-for-1 tasting.

It is a new story with a long and distinguished past. The history is about winemaker and vintner Peter Haywood, a legend among Zinfandel lovers from around the country. Another part of the back story begins in 1973 and is about Sonomas Los Chamizal Vineyard and the Haywood Estate Winery, located in the hills high above this part of Wine Country. The new chapter in the Haywood story is their just-opened tasting room off the Sonoma Plaza. Down a beautiful and charming European alley, it is stylish and comfortable, with wide-board wood floors, a warm gray and beige color scheme, wine racks on either side and a compact U-shaped tasting bar. There are a couple of caf tables inside and two right outside the door, where you can take a glass of wine and relax and imagine you are near the Mediterranean. Behind the bar is a large painting by the talented artist Tom Clark, and off to one side is an intimate room for private tastings and small groups. At times the entire space is taken over for small special events. Oh, and if the painting looks familiar, take a look at the wine labels. Peter remains sole proprietor of the winery that bears his name, and he still produces wine in the Old World manner. The wines available for tasting includes Single Vineyard Zinfandels; a clean, crisp, well-rounded Chardonnay; Primitivo (an Italian Zin) and Cabernet Franc. The perfect wines to sample in this casual, laid-back spot. By Charles Neave
VARIETALS Chardonnay, Single-Vineyard Zinfandel, Primitivo and Cabernet Franc THE VINEYARD In addition to the varietals that make up the Haywood Estate labels, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also grown on the 190-acre estate. LOCATION The Haywood tasting room is just a few yards from the Historic Sonoma Plaza, which is full of California history, restaurants of every avor and style, and dozens of unique and interesting shops, galleries and boutiques. THE NUMBERS Annual production is limited to 5,000 cases. PLAN AHEAD Sonoma is known for having a good time and throwing great parties, so be sure to go on the web to nd out what is going on when you plan on visiting.
Haywood Estate
Open every day 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. 25 East Napa Street, Suite C, Sonoma (707) 933-3001 www.haywoodwinery.com Follow them on Facebook and Twitter
Check their website for special oers, www.haywoodwinery.com.

Sonoma/Los Carneros
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The wholesome, unpretentious charm of the Sonoma Plaza is undeniable. Fortunately for the Charles Creek Vineyard Tasting Room, it is also the view out their front door. Being located directly across from the historic stone city hall and leafy expanses of the famous Sonoma Plaza is certainly an advantage, but having award-winning wines to pour is really the true measure of a tasting rooms draw for the wine lovers who flock to the Sonoma Valley. The Charles Creek Winery does not fail to deliver. Their 2009 Las Patolitas Chardonnay was named the Best Chardonnay of California at the 2011 California State Fair with a score of 98 points and a double-gold medal, as well. Created when Bill and Gerry Brinton, the descendants of Midwestern farm stock, took the step to expand their little family vineyard into a real commercial winery. Charles Creek Winery specializes in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but they also produce some marvelous smaller lots of Malbec, Tempranillo and Grenache. The Brintons are also dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists. One very eye-catching piece, however, is not for sale. Ms. Moolot a near-life-sized cow made entirely of wine corks graces the middle of the tasting roomin fact, she nearly takes over the space. But no one complains. Shes a whimsical addition to the tasting room and famous for happily posing with visitors. She has appeared in literally thousands of vacation photos and has become an icon of the winery. By Ronda Giangreco
FUN FACTS: Charles Creek Winerys Tecolote Wine Club is named after his grandmother. It is Spanish forowland was his grandfathers nickname for her. Bill Brinton is a direct descendent of John Deere, who gained fame and fortune as the inventor of the selfscouring steel plow and started one of Americas most successful companies. Charles Creek is named after Bill and Gerrys son, Charley.
Charles Creek Vineyard

Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 483 First Street West, on the Sonoma Plaza (707) 935-3848 | www.charlescreek.com Find them on Facebook and Twitter.
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Show your Day Trips guide and receive complimentary tasting (up to 4 persons) and a special discount: 10% off 3 bottles or 20% off any case of 12. Does not combine with other discount offers. Sonoma/Los Carneros
Glen Ellen
THINGS TO DO Jack London State Historical Park 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen Half-mile-long trail cirlcles through world-famous author, Jack Londons Beauty Ranch features the remains of Jack Londons dream home destroyed by fire before moving in as well as a museum and the grave site of Jack and Charmian London. Quarryhill Botanical Garden 12841 Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6027, www.quarryhillbg.org Asian botanical gardens featuring one of the largest collections of documented, wild-collected Asian plants in the world.
Follow Highway 12, once the railway system, through the Valley of the Moon to the bucolic berg of Glen Ellen! Glen Ellen is more than just a town. It is the foodie and wine destination for Sonoma locals. Located north of downtown Sonoma on Arnold Drive, just west of Highway 12, Glen Ellen restaurants and town market celebrate the best of local wines, produce and services. Check out Glen Ellens award-winning wineries such as Eric Ross, Benzinger, Audelssa, HKG, Mayo Family, B.R. Cohn, Arrowood and Moondance Cellars. Enjoy a rejuvenating spa experience inside a large, historic wine cask at Magical Massage. Walk Jack Londons hillsides and explore the famous ruins of his Wolf House. Or, gather with friends and family at local spots such as The Fig Caf, Glen Ellen Inn, Garden Court Caf, Saffron and Yeti the best curry youll have outside of India. Whatever your taste, Glen Ellen is one sweet town that satisfies time and again.
FOOD Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar 13670 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6409, www.glenelleninn.com Fusion of local ingredients paired with French, Asian and Italian influences. Saffron 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 938-4844, www.saffronrestaurant.com The menu of California fusion cuisine constantly evolves, with the only constant entre being Chriss centerpiece dish, Paella. Yeti Restaurant 14301 Arnold Drive, Jack London Village, Glen Ellen (707) 996-9930, www.yetirestaurant.com Fusion of both Nepalese and Indian cultures. Garden Court Cafe 13647 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 935-1565, www.gardencourtcafe.com A local favorite for breakfast, brunch and lunch. If you leave hungry, its your own fault. Glen Ellen Village Market 13751 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6728, www.sonoma-glenellenmkt.com Pack the perfect picnic at this wine country inspired gourmet market with fresh, local products. LODGING Gaige House Inn 13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 935-0237, www.gaige.com Asian-inspired ambiance combined with modern luxury. Granite soaking tubs and private Japanese gardens perfect for in-suite spa treatments. Michelin recommended. Ranked as 18 in Conde Nasts Top Small Hotels in the U.S. Beltane Ranch 11775 Highway 12, Glen Ellen www.beltaneranch.com, (707) 996-6501 1892 ranch house and cottage walking trails lead past horses and cattle, through vineyards, olive orchards and organically farmed produce gardens. Jack London Lodge 13740 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen www.jacklondonlodge, (707) 938-8510 Situated on Sonoma Creek quiet, peaceful setting with a pool, heated spa and lovely gardens. Facility includes Wolf House Restaurant and historic Jack London Saloon.
Bouverie Preserve 13935 Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 938-4554, www.egret.org Magnificent 535-acre property features a rich and distinct combination of plants and animals, including more than 130 species of birds, 350 species of flowering plants and numerous large mammals such as the bobcat, grey fox, and coyote. The Red Barn Store at Oak Hill Farm 15101 Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6643, www.oakhillfarm.net Rustic 100-year-old dairy barn selling fresh herbs, lettuce, heirloom vegetables, flowers and ornamental greens, handcrafted wreaths, dried goods, bouquets and gifts.
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Driving Time: 32 minutes From Mountain Terraces to B.R. Cohn 4+ miles to Arrowood >1 mile to Eric Ross 2.5 miles to Moondance >1 mile to Matanzas Creek >8 miles Total 15+ miles
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The Red Barn Store at Oak Hill Farm

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MOUNTAIN TERRACES VINEYARDS
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As one travels up the mountain, miles upon miles of terraced vineyards cascade in perfect symmetry down the summit while being juxtaposed to the cool, silk-like fog embankment that highlights the terrain. Very few sites in the area embody such aesthetic beauty as Mountain Terraces Vineyard. Located on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder, this pristine masterpiece of agricultural artistry will leave any viewer with a sense of awe and appreciation. With 125 acres (80 of which are planted) as well as multiple elevations within the estate, it is no wonder that Mountain Terraces Vineyard is capable of growing a multitude of Bordeaux and Rhne varieties. There are also 800 Italian olive trees adding to the beauty of the property from which absolutely lovely estate olive oil is made. The winery on the top of the estate is called Akma Zome which is Greek and means live on. Thoughtfully crafted from these premium mountainside grapes are truly delightful, complex and balanced wines. Mountain Terraces Vineyard will offer the quintessential day trip experience. With such majestic views, one cannot help but to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a bright, sunny afternoon with friends and family in the heart of naturalistic decadence. Vineyard tours are presented only by appointment so that the guests may have the finest experience and make a memory to last a lifetime. By Brendan Conroy
OVERALL PHILOSOPHY Dont forget to stop and smell the vino. The overall message imparted by the Schaefer family is very festive and emphasizes the celebration of life. SEEING THE SIGHTS From Mountain Terraces Vineyard, one can see not only a beautiful slice of Sonoma Valley, but one can also see San Pablo Bay, San Francisco and the top of the Golden Gate Bridge. The true majesty of the view is nothing short of amazing. BRING SOME SNACKS We would highly suggest packing some picnic items for the trip because once you see the view; you will not want to leave for a very long time. There are also conveniently placed picnic tables from which one can take in the charm of the mountainside. Dont forget a loaf of bread for dipping in the estate olive oil.
Mountain Terraces Vineyard

Open by appointment only. For tours or more information, contact Dan and Gloria Schaefer (707) 481-7377 | gloria@mountainterraces.net Follow Mountain Terraces Vineyard on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MtTerracesVnrd and also on Twitter @MtTerracesVnrd
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Check in or Tweet about your visit and receive a gift while you are here!
Glen Ellen
Rounding a curve on Highway 12, the sight of the pristine, white farmhouse that is home to the B.R. Cohn Winery looks like a postcard in the making. This small family-operated winery, surrounded by the Olive Hill Estate Vineyards, says Sonoma in a way that no other winery quite can. The vineyards are warmed by underground hot springs, while cool ocean breezes from the west swoop in to create the ideal growing conditions for the B.R. Cohn line of wines, including exceptional Cabernets, Zinfandels, Malbec, Merlots and Chardonnays. The Olive Hill designation is famous throughout the region for providing the highest quality of grapes and many of the regions top winemakers have utilized fruit from these vineyards in their production of premium wine. But magnificent wine is not the only draw of this popular winery. In 1990, Bruce Cohn began producing gourmet extra virgin olive oil from the 140-year-old Picholine olive trees that dot his land, as well as handcrafted vinegars. His B.R. Cohn Olive Oil is now considered one of the finest examples of ultra-premium olive oil in California. Music is another passion of this very Renaissance man. The Charity Fall Music Festival held at the winery, now in its 25th year, has garnered a loyal following and helped to make the winery a primary destination spot for visitors to the area. Dont miss the Gourmet Shop either, where you can sample their line of gourmet olive oils and hand-crafted vinegars. On the many sunny days that grace this beautiful corner of the world, their patio area provides the perfect location for a picnic and a chance to gaze out at the rolling vineyards surrounding the estate. By Ronda Giangreco
FUN FACTS: Bruce Cohn sold his rst crop of grapes to August Sebastiani. Soon to be famous winemaker, Helen Turley, was an early member of the B.R. Cohn team and wowed the wine world with stellar releases of B.R. Cohns rst four vintages. Bruce Cohns favorite car is his classic 1933 Willys Roadster, one of only 98 built in Australia. Besides owning one of Sonomas most famous wineries, Bruce Cohn is also the manager of the Doobie Brothers. The B.R. Cohn farmhouse was once used as a stagecoach stop for Wells Fargo.
B.R. Cohn Winery

& Olive Oil Company
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen (707) 938-4064 | www.brcohn.com Email: info@brcohn.com To schedule tours by appointment, call 1-800-330-4064 ext. 124 Look for B.R. Cohn on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.
2-for-1 wine tasting when you mention this article.

New food products in the Gourmet Shop: Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar & Fig Balsamic Vinegar!
Glen Ellen
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With a roaring fireplace in the tasting room and a wraparound veranda offering sweeping views of Sonoma Mountain, Arrowood Winery is the perfect winery to visit anytime of year. At Arrowood, the focus is squarely on great wine, and leading the way is a slate of truly special Cabernet Sauvignons. Arrowood is one of a scant few wineries that makes Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard, which was first planted all the way back in 1888. Arrowoods Monte Rosso Cab, hailing from a small block of the vineyard planted in the 50s, 60s and 70s, is classically dark and intense, with beautiful aromatics, complexity and elegance, with a lengthy and soulful finish. Arrowood makes a vast selection of other varietals, including three Syrahs that each show a different face of this versatile and interesting varietal. The same is true for the winerys various Chardonnays, and for white wine lovers Arrowood offers Gewrztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Viognier produced in very limited quantities. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden took over winemaking duties in 2010 after three years as Arrowoods assistant winemaker. Heidi has the good fortune to work with fruit from some of the best vineyards in the area, including Arrowoods certified organic estate vineyard, Saralees Vineyard in the Russian River Valley and Monte Rosso Vineyard. On your trip through Sonoma Valley, drop by Arrowood for a Classic Tasting, featuring the best of what Sonoma County has to offer, or a Reserve Tasting, representing the best quality fruit selected for Arrowood wines. By Michelle J. Baker
PLAN AHEAD For a more intimate and in-depth experience, call ahead to reserve a spot in the daily winery Tour and Private Wine Tasting, held at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily ($20); for just $10 more visitors can add cheese pairing to the Private Wine Tasting. VARIETALS Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Syrah, Viognier, Cte de Lune Blanc (white Rhne-style blend), Cte de Lune Rouge (red Rhne-style blend) and a decadent Late Harvest Riesling. LITTLE KNOWN FACT Arrowood has a by-the-glass wine list; its easy to stop by for a glass of wine and enjoy the roaring replace in the winter; in the summer, hang out on the wrap-around veranda and enjoy the spectacular view.
Arrowood Winery
Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 14347 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen For tours or more information, contact 1-800-938-5170 | (707) 935-2600 www.arrowoodvineyards.com Become a fan on Facebook!
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Mention Day Trips and receive a complimentary tasting of the Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% o your wine purchase!
Glen Ellen
If one is charged with finding a perfect wine for the perfect meal, Eric Ross is the place to look. With a wide variety of different grapes originally descending from such prestigious regions as France, Spain and even Croatia, any consumer can discover a wine that would not only go with their favorite meal, but also could be enjoyed on its own. Stylistically, each wine has a bold, fruity front palate which only blossoms the longer one savors it and very elegantly finishes without bite or harsh tannin. The wine makes a statement without being abrasive. As one is deciding on a preference between the different wines (which is no easy feat), take a moment to experience the photography adorning the tasting room. The winemaker, Eric Luse, began his wine journey as a photographer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Fascinated by the wine and its lifestyle, Luse began taking pictures of vineyard workers as they worked diligently day-by-day in the vineyards. Each one of his photographs has a story to be told, and yet the viewer can by themselves relive life from moment to moment through the eyes of these dedicated vineyard workers. With a total annual production of roughly 3000 cases, Eric Ross does not distribute outside of the tasting room and thus is very hard to come by. So plan a day at Eric Ross and make sure to think of your favorite meals because this truly premier winery will make any dinner exceptional. For more information, visit ericross.com. By Brendan Conroy Become a Fan of Eric Ross Winery on Facebook!
WINES NOT TO MISS 2010 Marsanne Roussanne Lemon, citrus with a balanced acidity which would be perfect with shellsh. 2010 Saralee Pinot Noir Light body with hints of bramble and raspberry. 2009 Dry Creek Old Vine Zinfandel Classic example of the 90 year old vines working hard to deliver smooth rich darker berry aromas with balanced smokey undertones. VARIETALS Marsanne-Roussanne, Albarino, Russian River Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Old Vine Zin Port are available to taste and purchase by the case or the bottle during regular tasting room hours with 20% discounts available for wine club members. LEARN MORE As stated earlier, each of Luses photos has a vivid story behind it, so feel free to also inquire into the individual lives of the vineyard workers that he has so eloquently depicted and memorialized. The beauty of some specic pictures stem from the minimalistic presentation of the photograph contrasted with the depths of emotion in the central point of focus.
Eric Ross Winery

Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 14300 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 939-8525 | www.ericross.com For private tastings, contact Dennis & Diane (707) 939-8525 or ddmitchell@ericross.com
Each wine from Eric Ross is unique and complex for one reason only, great wine is made in these quality driven vineyards, not the cellar. Once you Taste The Vineyard your palate will be forever spoiled!
Glen Ellen
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Not everyone in the wine industry takes themselves seriously. Some have a blast doing what they love and enjoying the ride. Priscilla and David Cohen are two of the most friendly, approachable vintners in Sonoma County. Their casual, welcoming tasting room offers exactly the kind of personal, one-of-a-kind wine country experience that many people seek when visiting this famous region. Moondance Cellars is truly a boutique winery, producing small lots of award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel from grapes grown in some of the most celebrated vineyards of Napa, Sonoma, Russian River and Dry Creek Valley. Located in historic Jack London Village, in the sleepy little village of Glen Ellen, Moondance Cellars requires that you take a moment and step off the beaten path. You will be amply awarded for your efforts. Either David or Priscilla themselves will likely be around to greet you and pour their marvelous wines, along with a few tall tales sure to produce a hearty round of laughter at the tasting bar. This is where wine tasting means a darned good time. David and Priscillas white wines are offered as Orchard Station wines. Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railroad ran through the West County hills until the 1940s. The stop Orchard Station was on propety near Sebastopol that is now their home and winery. Orchard Station wines are also award-winning, Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and an un-oaked Chardonnay from RRV, Sonoma Coast and Gold Ridge grapes. David came by his skills as a winemaker through family connections. His cousin, Bruce Cohn, owns the famous B.R. Cohn Winery. With the assistance of such luminaries of the trade as Helen Turley and the late John Speed, David was able to hone his craft and take his place alongside the best. By Ronda Giangreco
FUN FACTS Davids pride and joy is his 1965 blown candy brandy-wine Corvette. David and Priscilla are ardent supporters of Canine Companions for Independence and are partnering with them through the sale of the Life Unleashed Moondance Merlot. Priscilla likes to spend her days o exploring the beautiful back country of Sonoma astride her paint gelding, Jester. In the tasting room, Sonoma Valley Portworks also pours 3-5 Ports and dessert wines. And, guests can step next door to watch the Wine Country Chocolate Chocolatiers hand-craft their delicious trues. For the ultimate in wine country experiences, gather together a group of your friends and make some vino of your own at Moondance Cellars. It starts with a private tasting tour, lunch and even a serenade in the gardens. Then your group will actually participate in the bottling and labeling of approximately twentyve cases of your own custom-blended wine.
Moondance Cellars
Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 823-0880 info@moondancecellars.com For tours & reservations, call (707) 938-7550 Follow them on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter.
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Complimentary tasting with mention of this magazine. 100% Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back LOL. x
This is what wine country is all about leave the big town or the big highway, roll down the windows and let the fresh country air flow as you meander the narrow, winding road past horses, dairy cows and vineyards. All just to see where the road takes you. In this case it will take you to Matanzas Creek Winery, a place that offers something for the wine lover, the green thumb and most anyone in between. Matanzas Creek, which put the bucolic east Santa Rosa neighborhood of Bennett Valley on the map, took its name from the creek that drains away the runoff in the valley. The area enjoys a unique microclimate among North Coast appellations, with cooling influences from several fronts the Russian River Valley and Petaluma Gap from the west and southwest, and the San Pablo Bay to the south and southeast. Matanzas Creek produces a wide range of wines that reflect the viticultural diversity of Bennett Valley and Sonoma County. The winery is perhaps best known for its Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. At Matanzas Creek, the cooling influences in Bennett Valley produce a Merlot that is not only great, but wonderfully expressive and complex. Visitors flock to Matanzas Creek in the spring and early summer when the lavender fields are in bloom. Lavender has long been the honored co-star here, and a section of the tasting room is dedicated to the lavender products (soaps, scents, oils and more) that are made at the winery. By Michelle J. Baker
WHAT TO TASTE The Journey wines are crafted from the most pedigreed vineyard sites in Sonoma County. Try the Journey Chardonnay or the Journey Red Wine, a Bordeaux-style blend. LAVENDER CLASS! Matanzas Creek is hosting a series of lavender seminars for fans of this aromatic and versatile plant. Learn how to plant, tend, harvest and dry lavender. For more details, check the winerys website. SPECIAL TOURS AND TASTING OPPORTUNITIES Matanzas Creek oers private tours and tasting daily at 10:30 a.m. Choose from a Tour and Vintage Room Tasting or go all out with a Tour, Vintage Room Library Tasting and Cheese Pairing! Reservations are required. LITTLE KNOWN FACT You can take a free, self-guided vineyard tour during regular tasting room hours. The walk is less than a mile and is designed for all ages and levels of wine experience. No reservations required.
Matanzas Creek Winery

Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa www.matanzascreek.com For Tours and Reservations, call 1-800-590-6464 or (707) 528-6464 or email: info@matanzascreek.com
Mention Day Trips for a complimentary tasting of Journey Red Wine.

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Kenwood/Highway 12
THINGS TO DO Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Highway 12 & Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood Hikes include views, bridges and impressive waterfalls. Home of Ferguson Observatory largest in the western United States. Kenwood Depot 314 Warm Springs Road, Kenwood (707) 833-5190, www.kenwooddepot.com Sonoma County Historic Landmark #46. Now a venue for special events, this historic landmark was once a working train station and was built from locally cut basalt. Kenwood Community Church 9637 Channing Row, Kenwood www.kenwoodcommunitychurch.com Charming church built in 1888.
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First driving into the Valley of the Moon is certainly a lushly sensory experience. Rolling hills, centuries-old Heritage Oaks and verdant vineyards drape the slopes and valley floor beneath Sonomas majestically craggy Mayacama mountain range. Graceful old country manors and their largely still in-tact estates dot the countryside while cozy towns still speak to neighborly days gone by. Kenwood boasts some of the finest artisan wineries in all of northern California. Ty Caton, Muscardini Cellars, VJB, Mayo Reserve Room, Kenwood Winery, Kunde, Deerfield Ranch, Enkidu, the Annadel Estate, Ledson, St. Francis and Chateau St. Jean are only some of the award winning, gorgeous Wine Country Destinations located in and adjacent to Kenwood. Looking for a break from wine tasting? Enjoy antique shopping at Vita Bella or browse Swedes Feeds for garden and both large or small pets needs. Splurge on an ultra-luxurious massage or facial at the Kenwood Inn & Spa. Or simply sit out, pick up a Kenwood Press newspaper and unwind on the patios at Caf Citti, the Kenwood, or Doce Lunas restaurants. Kenwood Plaza Park Located on Warm Springs Road between Kenwood Depot and Kenwood Community Church This 5 acre park comes complete with a play structure and picnic tables. Kenwood Farmhouse 9255 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood (707) 833-1212 Gift shop specializing in the works of local artisans and craftsmen. Look for them on Facebook. Swedes Feeds Pet Garden & Gifts 9140 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 833-5050, swedesfeedskenwood.com Gifts, garden art, unsual plants and pottery.
Driving Time: 4 minutes From VJB Vineyards & Cellars to Chateau St. Jean >1 mile to St. Francis >2 miles to Ledson 1 mile Total 3 miles
FOOD Kenwood Restaurant 9900 Highway 12, Kenwood, CA 95452 (707) 833-6326, www.kenwoodrestaurant.com A favorite restaurant for local winemakers, vintners & celebrities. Fresh ingredients, great views, local/international wines. Caf Citti 9049 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 833-2690, www.cafecitti.com A trattoria style restaurant with great food, great value, great atmosphere. Vineyards Inn 8445 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 833-4500, www.vineyardsinn.com Creative, organic, authentic flavors of Spain LODGING Kenwood Inn And Spa 10400 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 353-6966, www.kenwoodinn.com A secluded, luxury hotel; Mediterranean-inspired private restaurant; rated in the top three resort spas in the United States Cond Nast Traveler Readers Poll, April 2009.
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Kenwood Restaurant Kenwood Inn and Spa
Glen Kenwood/Highway 12
Photo courtesy of Kenwood Depot
As one of the few family owned and operated wineries in Sonoma Valley, VJB emphasizes hospitality. Derived from rich, Italian upbringing, the Belmonte family treats guests as if they were family. In fact, most of the time, one is even able to meet the actual family members working diligently in the tasting room and appreciate their love of wine and people. The idea for the winery originally stemmed from the Belmonte familys restaurant known as Caffe Portofino located near the town square of Santa Rosa. They wanted to make wine specifically to serve the patrons at their restaurant in order to add a more personal connection to the meal. These customers were certainly in for treat with these wines. One of the best representations of VJBs wine is the 2010 Barbera. It begins with ripe cherry, a hint of boysenberry, and ends with rich notes of cinnamon and a trace amount of jamminess. This is from start to finish one of the best Barberas in the valley. Montepulciano and Sangiovese are also Italian varietals from VJB that should not be missed. Now producing roughly 5000 cases annually, VJBs highly acclaimed and often sold-out wines are excclusively sold at the tasting room and through the wine club known as Club Enoteca. The wines themselves are mostly grown in Sonoma Valley on their estate vineyards and they use, for the most part, neutral oak in order to emulate the Italian style of winemaking. Not only does VJB serve wine, but it also offers exceptional Italian coffee and homemade biscotti so that patrons can enjoy the facility at all hours of the day. By Brendan Conroy
STANDOUT WINES The award-winning Estate Sangiovese has a nose full of red fruit, baked earth and cedar, with hints of dried orange peel. Soft and velvety on the palate, black cherry and ripe strawberry abound. Supple tannins, rm acid and soft earth tones round out thisClassico-style Sangiovese. Pair this wine with a thin-crust pizza with basil and prosciutto for an authentic Italian meal! Other standout wines include some unique Italian varietals, Aglianico (91points), Montepulciano (96 points) and our super Tuscan blend, Dante (93 points). WINE CLUB CRUISE Join the Belmonte Family for their 3rd Annual Wine Club Cruise, June 22 through July 1, 2012. Spend nine days cruising from Barcelona, Spain to Venice, Italy complete with winemaker dinners and receptions. Henry and Vittorio Belmonte, and the rest of the family, will lead you through the ultimate in wine, culinary fare and scenery. For details, contact Alec Vance of Casa Bella Vista Travel, (707) 280-2712. To join the VJB wine club, visit the website at www.vjbcellars.com.
VJB Vineyards & Cellars

Tasting available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Espresso bar opens at 7 a.m. weekends 6 a.m. Monday-Friday 9077 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood (707) 833-2300 www.vjbcellars.com
Mention this story for complimentary tasting + 15 % savings on any wine purchase!
Kenwood/Highway 12
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As patrons arrive at Chateau St. Jean they are greeted by an expansive European-inspired garden. The topiary is a true spectacle which creates a defined ambiance of both grandeur and sophistication. The adjacent patio allows patrons to fully admire the garden even before they have had a chance to taste. Chateau St. Jean has two tasting room options. The main tasting room has one of the largest wine-related gift shops in Sonoma Valley and offers a well-balanced sampling of both whites and reds. The Vineyard Room, located directly across from the main tasting room, focuses on Chateau St. Jeans higher-end wines. With a total annual production of slightly under 400,000 cases, consisting of 32 different wines (10 of which are distributed), Chateau St. Jean is well known in many wine circles. One of its most highly reputable wines is known as the Cinq Cpages. A winner of countless awards over the years, the Cinq Cpages is arguably the most complex wine in Chateau St. Jeans wine repertoire. In fact, for $75 per person, one can experience all of the different components that go into the wine with the Cinq Cpages blending seminar. It lasts roughly two hours and the everyday wine drinker can feel like an expert as they create their own blend and compete with other tour members in the Best Blend contest. Another option is the Promenade Tour and Tasting a relaxing guided tour of the stunning estate that takes place daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For $15 per person an educated host will teach you the rich history as well as the growing cycle and the fruit characteristics of several grape varieties while sipping on some of their finest wines. By Brendan Conroy
WHAT NOT TO MISS The gardens stand alone as truly a spectacular sight. The Vineyard Room tasting may be $10 more than the regular, but one should invest in the experience itself and taste premium wines in the comfort of an outside patio overlooking beautiful hills and vineyards. STANDOUT WINES The Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cpages, Merlot Reserve, Reserve Chardonnay, Benoist Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Fume Blanc and for the sweet wine drinker, the Gewurztraminer. ONE STOP SHOPPING Chateau St. Jean has an exquisite merchandise section with assorted cheeses, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, as well as anything one would need in order to create a superb picnic experience. With grounds as beautiful as this, one can plan an entire day around the bounty of Chateau St. Jean.
Chateau St. Jean

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood www.chateaustjean.com For tours & reservations, call 1-800-543-7572
Follow Chateau St. Jean on Facebook!
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2 for 1 wine tasting and 15% o wine purchases with this story. $5 o the Promenade Tour and Tasting with this story.
Kenwood/Highway 12
With so many different options for wine tasting in Sonoma Valley, it can be difficult to choose one over another. One winery may have great wine, and another may have a beautiful view. For the best of everything, come to St Francis Winery & Vineyards. Start by admiring the majestic view surrounding the Visitor Center. With its plush foliage, acres upon acres of vineyards and intricate, Tuscan-inspired architecture, St. Francis Winery is nothing short of breathtaking. Sit on the back patio taking in the view of 136 acres of estate vineyards as well as the grandeur of Hood Mountain. With three different tasting options, there is a selection of wines for every palate. Visitors can select from a mixture of whites and reds. Zinfandel fanatics can even enjoy a tasting exclusively comprised of different, distinct Zinfandels. The vast majority of St. Francis grapes come from Sonoma Valley, with the rest coming from other top appellations in Sonoma County, such as Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley. For the ultimate culinary wine adventure, reserve a seat at one of the daily wine and food pairings. The multi-course experience costs $35 and pairs four premium wines with exceptional gourmet foods from the winerys talented onsite Executive Chef David Bush. Availability varies by season. Call for information or reservations: 1-888-675-WINE. Shopping for a great wine club? AOLs Luxist recently named the St. Francis Patrons Society one of the best wine clubs in the U.S. By Brendan Conroy
PLANNING A SPECIAL EVENT? The St. Francis Visitors Center is perfect for events such as company meetings or wedding receptions. Its a gorgeous setting, ideal for all types of gatherings and celebrations. WINES TO ENJOY Zinfandel lovers will delight in St. Francisselection of award-winning Zins. The 2008Tres Viejos(meaning three old men) is a zesty, distinctive red, with pomegranate, cherry and black licorice aromas and ripe, supple wild berry, toasty dill and sage avors. The 2008 Pagani Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel is a Sonoma Valley classic; spicy and brambly, with avors of dark fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, followed by a long, balanced nish. FOR THE HOLIDAY SHOPPER St. Francis oers a large selection of holiday gifts for the wine lovers on your list, including an assortment of beautifully etched hand-painted bottles. These elegant showpieces make a unique gift, or use them to add air to a festive holiday table.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa 1-888-675-WINE www.stfranciswinery.com Follow St. Francis on Facebook!
Present this story to receive two-for-one wine tasting.

Kenwood/Highway 12
25
Located in the heart of the picturesque Sonoma wine country rests a majestic castle known as Ledson Winery. The absolute grandeur of the Castle is simply stunning. Driving up the road to the winery, one feels they are being welcomed into a world where wine and decadence meets. Whether exploring the scenery, sitting by the fountain and looking out over the estate vineyard, or combing through the seemingly endless amount of corridors within the Castle, one is sure to feel theyre in for an unforgettable wine country experience. On every level, Ledson Winery aims to create an experience for their guests which goes well beyond common expectations. Once inside, you are greeted by a concierge and invited to visit any of the three downstairs tasting bars or peruse the gourmet marketplace fully stocked with sandwiches, salads and artisanal cheeses perfect for a picnic outside on one of many benches overlooking the vineyards. Upstairs are multiple private tasting suites that one can reserve ahead of time. If visiting with a large group this is really a wonderful way to experience the winery and I recommend calling to check on availability. With a staggering 86 different wines produced Ledson offers a wine tasting experience for all in both diversity and complexity. Not one of the wines produced by Ledson Winery is distributed outside of the tasting room. Steve Ledson, the winerys owner and winemaker, says he prides himself on crafting wines for every palate. And to do so effectively, without compromising Ledsons extraordinary attention to quality, he limits his total case production to 40,000 cases a year. So if you want to sample the incredible Ledson catalogue of wines, you must visit the Castle, in Kenwood. With such beautiful grounds, its no wonder this winery is constantly holding special events throughout the year. The tickets for their annual Harvest Party, held every October for wine club members, go quickly. So when planning for you next vacation, or weekend excursion to the wine country, remember that Ledson Winerys calendar is one youll want to check. By Brendan Conroy
WINEMAKER PHILOSOPHY To make a bottle of wine for every person on Earth for both the price point and palate. WHAT NOT TO MISS The intricately detailed architecture of the building is a must see. It is designed so that even the smallest detail on the walls or the oor creates an impact. TASTING MENU Ledson has numerous dierent varietals as well as diversied growing regions on the menu, so there really is a wine for every preference. Specic standouts include the Dry Creek Zinfandel, the Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cpage blend. YOU MAY NOW KISS THE BRIDE Ledson is one of the few Sonoma Valley wineries that can be reserved for wedding ceremonies. There is truly nothing more magical than a wedding at the beautiful castle in order to make a story book fantasy come true.
Ledson Winery & Vineyards

Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7335 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood (707) 537-3810 | www.ledson.com For tours & reservations, contact (707) 537-3823 or tastings@ledson.com Follow Ledson on Facebook!
26 Kenwood/Highway 12
Upgraded Tasting: Purchase a tasting of 6 wines and receive an upgrade to 9 wines.

Russian River/Olivet
For more than a century, the Russian River has been a true gateway to the grandeur of California's wild nature and dramatic coast. Today, it is still a destination for all naturalists as well as an increasingly high-profile wine region and rightly so. Russian River wines are quickly becoming some of the finest, most sought-after wines in the world and artisan winemakers are finally getting their due. Come for the fresh air, fine wines, incomparable cuisines and relax! THINGS TO DO Safari West 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa (707) 579-2551, www.safariwest.com Fun for all generations of your family! Experience the spirit of Africa in the wine country on a Safari Adventure or book a tent and sleep overnight in the Animal Kingdom. Riverfront Regional Park 7821 Eastside Road, Healdsburg (707) 565-2041 Once a gravel quarry site, this park now boasts 2 sparkling lakes perfect for fishing and non-motorized boating. Explore redwood grove picnic areas and more than 2 miles of trails around Lake Benoist! Charles Schulz Museum 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa (707) 579-4452, www.schulzmuseum.com A tribute to the wonderful man who brought so much joy to the world with the "Peanuts" cartoon strip. Finally, a fitting place in Charles "Sparky" Schulz' hometown to preserve, display, and interpret the Peanuts art. Pacific Coast Air Museum 2230 Becker Blvd., Santa Rosa (707) 575-7900 www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org Climb Aboard vintage aircraft, and learn about the history of where and how it was used from the crew who has lovingly restored it. Currently, the F-14 Tomcat, F-16N Viper & F-5 Tiger II are featured. Windsor Golf Club 1340 19th Hole Drive, Windsor (707) 838-7888, www.windsorgolf.com Follow in the footsteps of the pros at this par 72 championship course regarded by the regulars as a must-play course. Four tee options provide an appropriate challenge for any skill level. Armstrong Redwoods 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville (707) 869-2015, www.parks.ca.gov The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on our planet! Come see this stately nature preserve of trees close to 1,000 years old!
FOOD John Ash & Co. Restaurant , 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa (707) 527-7687, www.vintnersinn.com Celebrate wine cuisine at its best. Cooking seasonally with fresh, local foods and produceand pairing these exceptional recipes with wines from the region, today the restaurant remains an icon of gourmet dining and wine country living. Gilardi's Delicatessen, 810 Den Beste, Windsor, (707) 838-9869 Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna and freshly baked sourdough garlic breads. LODGING Vintners Inn, 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa (707) 575-7350, www.vintnersinn.com A luxury, 44-room, 4 Diamond intimate hotel that is designed to showcase the very finest in gracious hospitality that Wine Country provides. Relax in the spa, walk the grounds, even take a cooking class with famed chef John Ash! Truly an exceptional hotel! Fountain Grove Inn 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa (707) 578-6101, www.fountaingroveinn.com For business or leisure travel, the Fountain Grove Inn Hotel & Conference Center is a luxurious, but not ostentatious, hotel that is convenient to all of Sonoma County wine country. Hilton Sonoma Wine Country 3555 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa (707) 523-7555, www.hilton.com Enjoy 13 acres of landscaped grounds and views over Santa Rosa Valley in this resort-like, pet-friendly, 100% non-smoking hotel.
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Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Olivet Road has been home to the De Loach family for 35 years. Cecil De Loach was a firefighter in San Francisco for 16 years and in 1970, he and his wife Christine bought their first 24acre vineyard in Sonoma County and started second careers as winegrowers. Five years later they made their first wine and they went on to build one of the countrys most successful, popular and iconic wine brands. In 2003, with the De Loach Vineyards brand one of the biggest in the country, the De Loach family decided to start over. They sold their eponymous winery and concentrated on Hook & Ladder, which theyd started 20 years earlier with a Port. In 2004, they opened Hook & Ladder on Olivet Road on the first property the family purchased, next to the historic Barbieri Ranch. Cecil retired from firefighting in 1982, but there are lots of firefighter themes at Hook & Ladder, including fire department patches and t-shirts from visiting firefighters decorating the tasting room. Now, three generations of the De Loach family keep Hook & Ladder to just 35,000-case annually. As part of their philosophy of keeping it simple to help keep prices down, the informal and friendly tasting room occupies a part of the winery itself. As to the wine? Medals, loyal followers and enthusiastic newcomers to the wines are further proof that the De Loaches are still making great wine after all these years.
Medal Time Hook & Ladder hit gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition: two Golds for Merlot and Zin; Double Gold and Best of Class for Third Alarm Reserve Pinot Noir; another Double for Sauvignon Blanc. The Land On 375 acres situated in Russian River Valley, the Hook & Ladder vineyards produce cool climate grapes widely recognized as some of the nest in the world. Fun Fact Look for the shiny red Willys vintage re truck near the driveway. For Gourmets The long, cool growing season here yields hand-picked olives with the intense, ripe avors for their extra-virgin olive oil. Made from mature Mission trees, the stonecrushed cold press master blend produces a richly avored and beautifully colored oil.
Hook & Ladder Winery and Vineyards

Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa (707) 526-2255 www.hookandladderwinery.com Look for them on Facebook and become a Fan!
28 Russian River/Olivet
Complimentary wine tasting...and public service (re/police, etc.) get a 20% discount.
This is a great place to consider if you are looking for a quintessential Russian River Valley wine country experience. The winery features a host of unique activities that take visitors beyond the typical tasting room experience, with a particular emphasis on education and exploration that brings people deeper into the wine world. A wonderful garden tour brings visitors a deeper understanding of Biodynamic farming and the role it plays in making great wines, all while enjoying fresh produce and treats from the winery chef while sipping sumptuous wines beside the vineyards. In the elegant, rustic guesthouse behind the tasting room, the walls are bedecked with gorgeous original art, created by students of the San Francisco Academy of Art. Book in advance to explore the finest terroirs of Burgundy with an exclusive guided tasting in the DeLoach Vineyards guesthouse. Enjoy a quiet, elegant retreat tucked amongst our vineyards while you discover the origins of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Boisset family of wineries in Burgundy, including Domaine de la Vougeraie, Bouchard Aine & Fils, Jean-Claude Boisset, and Louis Bouillot, Burgundys premier producer of sparkling wines. Gorgeous picnic grounds in front of the winery invite guests to relax and enjoy the wine country. The landscaped garden is the perfect spot for a picnic, and DeLoach will provide a picnic basket of special delicacies, elegant linens, stemware, cutting board and knife along with your favorite DeLoach wine. While youre here, schedule a tour of the grounds for $15 (includes a wine tasting), or simply enjoy the wine tasting, sans tour for $10. Tours are at 11 a.m. Tasting fees are refundable with purchase. By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
VARIETALS Focused primarily on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel, DeLoach also produces Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. LITTLE KNOWN FACTS DeLoach Vineyards became a certied Biodynamic estate in 2009, which is a method of beyond-organic farming that looks upon the farm as a self-contained living organism, so all things on the farm are interconnected. At DeLoach Vineyards, there are sheep that keep the weeds under control in the vineyards and a huge ower and vegetable garden that provides produce and owers for special events. DeLoach has a very unique Barrel to Barrel program where you can have your very own French oak barrel in your home, complete with aneco-baginside that holds three liters of wine, or four bottles. The barrel to barrel keeps the wine fresh while showcasing a very elegant, unique way to serve wine. The winery oers new wines each quarter to help keep your barrel full & delicious! Check out the fun website www.barreltobarrel.com.
DeLoach Vineyards
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa www.deloachvineyards.com For tours and reservations, call (707) 526-9111
Mention this story for one complimentary tasting.

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Martin Ray Winery is an ambitious amalgam of labels and wines, all housed in one of Sonoma Countys most historic wineries. Courtney Benham is a third-generation San Joaquin Valley winemaker who knew he wanted to own a winery himself. In 1990, he discovered a treasure trove of old library wines with the label of Martin Ray, a Santa Cruz Mountains winemaker. Courtney bought the rights to the Martin Ray name and in 2003 purchased the historic Martini-Prati Winery in western Sonoma County; they are now home to the Martin Ray line of wines. One common thread is the firm belief that vineyard location is crucial to character and quality. There is a special emphasis on mountain-grown wines, a conviction that mountain-side elevation provides cooler nights during the growing season resulting superb fruit ripeness. Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley, Sonoma Mountain in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south are three of the most prestigious vineyard locations for Martin Ray grapes. Wines available include fruit-forward, picnic-friendly Angeline wines, while Martin Ray wines have more structure and vineyard character and the Reserves are all vineyard designate. Courtney Benham wines are limited-production offerings from some of Californias most interesting wine regions. At the winery, picnic tables and chairs outside the tasting room look over verdant hills and vineyards. Lush, colorful landscape and flowers surround the tasting room and the tasting room staff can suggest interesting wines to taste side by side so you can compare a Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Mountain with one from Alexander Valley. Its not only a great educational experience, its also lots of fun!
VARIETALS Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Ros, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon ON THE VINE The longerhang time(the time a grape cluster remains on the vine) means riper, richer fruit. You can nd the result right there in your glass. FUN FACT Martin Ray is one of the oldest historical winery sites in the Golden State California so take your time and wander through the cellar and see the 10,000 gallon old-growth redwood tanks. PLAN AHEAD Allow extra time for a tour by appointment only of the historic production facilities as well as extensive tasting. The scenic drive there on winding roads is a fascinating combination of forests and vineyards. Youll know youve reached the winery when you see the large water tower that dominates the skyline at the winery.
Martin Ray Winery

Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa (707) 823-2404 www.martinraywinery.com Look for them on Facebook and become a Fan!
30 Russian River/Olivet
15% discount on your rst purchase when you mention this story in the Tasting Room!
What makes a tasting room visit special and memorable? Excellent wine? Charming location? Great staff? Yes, all of the above, and Sonoma-Cutrer, tucked away in the rural paradise of the Russian River Valley, has all of these. And here is proof: They make Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a true French Burgundian style. Yes, the vines are in Sonoma County, but the clones are French, and the winemaking is pure Burgundian in method and tradition. The result is delicious wine at a fraction of the cost of its French counterparts. The winery is located in the cool Russian River Valley, a prime growing area for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. To get there you drive past lush vineyards and then up a tree-lined driveway to open lawns and panoramic vistas. Climb a flight of broad stone steps to a spacious, trellis-covered patio with tables and chairs and expansive views toward the west. Youll want to sit and drink it all in, which you can do with a glass of Sonoma-Cutrer in hand. Great wine and a great location can still be diminished if the tasting room staff isnt top notch. But the folks who work here really love their jobs, and their energy and enthusiasm shines through. Most impressive is their understanding that every visitor comes with a different degree of wine knowledge and tasting experience. Here there is no memorized cookiecutter patter. They listen to you, and tailor information to match your interests as they pour those outstanding wines. By Charles Neave
VARIETALS Chardonnay and Pinot Noir WHAT TO TASTE The winery was founded originally purely as a Chardonnay producer and added Pinot Noir only a few years ago, though most of its production is still Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir is not distributed nationally: a visit to the tasting room is the only way to sample this outstanding wine. GOOD PRESS This Chardonnay is so popular that it has been chosen as theNumber One Most Requestedwine in restaurants for 19 of the past 20 years. PLAN AHEAD The winery has two gorgeous croquet courts and hosts major tournaments each summer. Ask about attending this Wine Country Classic event. TOURS They oer an extensive tour of the vineyards and winemaking facility with a taste of six wines.
Sonoma-Cutrer
Open Thursday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments recommended - Call ahead for tour reservations or make them online 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor (707) 237-3489 www.sonomacutrer.com
Mention this story for one complimentary tasting.

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Sebastopol
Sebastopol Equal parts hippie chic and rustic elegance, Sebastopol is a true insider's favorite. Located at the mouth of Russian River wine country, Sebastopol offers authentically artisan shopping, great tea houses, brew pubs and restaurants and darling hotels all within a quaint one-street-downtown. Local families stroll the sidewalks eating hand-made ice cream cones. Visitors stretch out and relax in any one of the outdoor cafes, pubs and bistros. And the local theatre and live music scene is beyond lively. If you are looking for an off-beat (but still fabulous) wine country experience, Sebastopol is your place! LODGING Fairfield Inn & Suites 1101 Gravenstein Hwy. So., Sebastopol 1-800-465-4329 www.marriott.com Fairfield Inn & Suites provides a high-end Marriott experience within the heart of Sebastopol and Russian River wine country. The Sebastopol Inn 6751 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol 1-800-653-1082 sebastopolinn@yahoo.com www.sebastopolinn.com Lush gardens & fresh water fountains, wraparound porches and veranda-style-lounging Vine Hill Bed & Breakfast 3949 Vine Hill Rd, Sebastopol (707) 823-8832 innkeeper@vine-hill-inn.com www.vine-hill-inn.com Enjoy relaxing accommodations in this awardwinning, stunningly remodeled 1890s Victorian. Be pampered with a full breakfast, Egyptian towels and glorious views! DINING GTOs Seafood House 234 South Main Street, Sebastopol (707) 824-9922 A taste of New Orleans here in wine country! Hopmonk Tavern 230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol (707) 829-7300, hopmonk.com This killer brew pub is an absolute local favorite. Go for a pint and stay for the live music out back on the patio or the fun crowd at the bar. Sushi Tozai 7531 Healdsburg Avenue, Sebastopol (707) 824-9886 www.sushitozai.com Creative cuisine fused with fresh fish and local ingredients! Impressive Japanese woodcarvings and fine art. Peter Lowells West County Organic 7385 Healdsburg Avenue, Suite 101 (707) 829-1077 www.peterlowells.com Feel good from the inside out after one of Peter Lowell's delicious dinners made entirely from locally produced and organic foods.
POINTS OF INTEREST Antique Row Gravenstein Highway Highway 116 from Cotati to Sebastopol (a.k.a Gravenstein Hwy) Antiques, collectibles, glassware and furniture. Sonoma County Repertory Theater 104 N. Main St, Sebastopol, (707) 823-0177 Inspired, contemporary plays, top-notch performances and educational programs.
Shop Downtown Sebastopol! Small town America meets hippie-chic along this goldmine of a downtown. Art and hand-hewn furniture galleries, artisan clothiers and book sellers, tea houses and wine bars, high-end restaurants and beer pubs, theater and live music venues, ice cream parlors and yoga studios.
Freestone Freestone is Sonomas rst historical district and it is easy to see why! Harkening back to days of western expansion and rural community, this small patch of old Sonoma County sits at the appropriately named intersections of Bohemian Highway and Bodega Highway. Drive along some of the most scenic stretches of pastoral California. Rustic bakeries, artisan wineries, creative day spas and roadside galleries and garden shops are among the relaxed stops to make in rural Freestone. DINING Wild Flour Bread Bakery 140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone (707) 874-2938 An over-the-top, sensory overload destination full to the brim with espresso, sticky buns, goat-cheese flat bread, seeded wheat breads all made by hand, all fresh and all delicious! Howards Station Cafe 3811 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental (707) 874-2838, www.howardstationcafe.com This was originally a railroad station in the 1870s. Now serves a healthy, organic breakfast and lunch stop. Voted Best Breakfast. POINTS OF INTEREST Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) 823-8231 Rejuvenate yourself in this one-of-a-kind Japaneseinfluenced cedar enzyme baths and massages. Enduring Comforts 142 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone, (707) 874-111 A sweet mix of hand picked delights from new hats, scarves, jewelry and cloths to antique furniture and an array of eclectic heirlooms. LODGING Green Apple Inn 520 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) 874-2526 A classic five-room B&B. Enjoy freshly baked breads every morning!
Vine Hill B&B
VINE HILL RD
Driving Time: 26 minutes From Dutton Estate to Balletto Vineyards 4 miles to Freestone Vineyards 11 miles Total 15 miles
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FREESTONE VINEYARDS
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Not to scale
The hills and wizened old oaks give way to majestic redwood groves as you head toward the Pacific. And then you come to the historic and serene town of Freestone. Here you will find a vibe that is decidedly tranquil, a place of peace and calm. But it was the arrival of the Freestone Vineyards Tasting Room that has now elevated the little village to a true destination. Located just minutes from the ocean, their vineyards enjoy cool Pacific breezes that nurture and coax along the delicate nature of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Planted in 2000, they are the realization of a dream for the Phelps family, who purchased the property and began planting vineyards that took advantage of the favorable growing conditions of the region. At an elevation of 500 feet, with rolling hills and views of the ocean, it is an ideal location to plant grapes. The tasting room is housed in the middle of town. The intimate space is perfect for enjoying the fine wines produced from the surrounding vineyards. Inside, youll be invited to take a seat while youre poured a selection of their award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays; an outside seating area is perfect for enjoying not only the fabulous wines, but also the ocean breeze that the grapevines like. Because this is a relaxed, seated wine tasting experience, explains Brad Schenider, tasting room manager. We usually take an hour or so to pour our wines. This allows us time to explain what it is we do and why. We really enjoy not just pouring wine, but educating guests about the process and the art of winemaking.
WHAT TO TASTE What else? Their memorable, delicious, hand-crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast vineyards. PLAN AHEAD Special events are held the second Sunday afternoon of the month and are the perfect opportunity to sample wonderful wines (including new releases) and talk with the winemakers and vineyard sta, as well as enjoy delectable food like crab cakes, local artisan cheese and listen to live music. LITTLE KNOWN FACT The name of this picturesque town of about 50 dates back to 1853 and refers to a public sandstone quarry. Starting in 1873, Freestone was a stop on the North Pacic Coast Railroad which eventually connected Cazadero to the Sausalito ferry.
Freestone Vineyards
Open Thursday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 12747 El Camino Bodega, Freestone (707) 874-1010 www.freestonevineyards.com For groups of six or more you are encouraged to call ahead. Facebook: freestonevineyards Twitter: @freestonewine
Join them each second Sunday of the month for special wine and food pairings, art and entertainment. Visit the website for the current schedule.
Sebastopol
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You know that you are in real farm country when you head to Balletto Vineyards. Sheep graze, veterinarian offices outnumber those of physicians, orchards border acres of vines, and Balletto Vineyards sits in the middle of it all. The estate wines you will find at Balletto grow in the distinct soils and climates of Sonoma Countys Russian River Valley, and they invite you to come and, as they say, Taste the bounty that is Balletto at their tasting room set in the middle of a 200-acre vineyard. In all, they have a dozen vineyards in this world-famous appellation. As the grape-growing business grew, they decided to make wine instead of just selling grapes. As growers first, they have strong feelings that with good grapes, good wine will follow. To experience Balletto you can visit their comfortable and friendly tasting room or relax outside with your picnic lunch where there is plenty of seating and the sound of trickling water from the fountain. One thing I want our visitors to know is that we offer a self-guided vineyard tour. While not many wineries allow you to walk thru their vineyards, we actually encourage it, said tasting room manager Nancy Woods. People who come to the winery both appreciate and enjoy this option. Just one more reason to make the trip to this true wine country destination, where nature still dominates the landscape and the wines will make you smile. By Charles Neave
WHAT TO TASTE The winery oers a wide selection of hand-picked varietals for tasting, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Gewrztraminer, Rose and Syrah LITTLE KNOWN FACT The Ballettos started out as vegetable growers and transitioned into grape growers. Today, they farm 500 acres of vines and sell o 90% of what they grow. John Balletto began farming in 1977 at the age of 17 and is a big inuence in this part of Sonoma County. FUN FACT Be sure to ask them about their own Field of Dreams. The answer will surprise you. PLAN AHEAD There are a number of delis and groceries nearby where you can pick up a picnic lunch. The winerys patio and its fountain is a great place for a lunch al fresco, with a bottle of their wine, of course.
Balletto Vineyards
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa (707) 568-2455 ext. 101 www.ballettovineyards.com Look for them on Twitter & Facebook!
34 Sebastopol
Bring in this story and receive complimentary wine tasting.

that provides grapevines the ideal combination of a nuWhat makes visiting wine country so much fun is trient-poor yet a well-draining base to thrive. Not long that, no matter how many times you visit, theres always after the Duttons first planted grapes, the Dutton Ranch a new winery to discover. For some visitors theres even name became synonymous with great Chardonnay. a whole new wine region to explore; all you have to do Fast forward to today, and the Dutton family farms is ignite your spirit of adventure, fire up the GPS or take more than 1,100 acres of grapes in the Green Valley as out a good map, and youll be richly rewarded. well as 250 acres of CCOF cerOut in southwest Sonoma Dutton Estate Winery tified organic apples. Warrens County is one such area just son, Joe, and his wife, Tracy waiting to be discovered the Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Dutton, first started producing scenic, rolling Green Valley 8757 GreenValley Road, Sebastopol wine in 1995 and opened their appellation. Green Valley is (707) 829-9463 www.sebastopolvineyards.com boutique winery called Dutton the foggiest and coolest wine Estate which showcases wines appellation along the North Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, made from their best grapes. Coast. While summer days in Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel The Duttons hang their Green Valley are warm like the tasting room shingle at a quaint and cozy bungalow in rest of wine country, the cool, foggy mornings and front of the winery at the corner of Highway 116 and evenings here create the perfect climate for Chardonnay Green Valley Road in Sebastopol. Dutton Estates wines and Pinot Noir grapes. are exclusively from the Dutton familys vineyard spread Theres no family more connected to the history of out through the Green Valley. Green Valley than the Duttons, who began farming in The tasting flight features a selection of singleSonoma County in 1881. Warren Dutton began his vineyard estate wines with eye-popping ratings in the 90s farming endeavors out of downtown Graton growing from a variety of wine publications. The flight is only $10 apples and recognized before anyone else the viticulture per person and is refunded with a purchase of wine. potential of the Green Valley area. In 1967, Warren Dutton Estate focuses its production on Chardonnay planted the first Chardonnay grapes in western Sonoma County and the Green Valley. Green Valley turned out to and Pinot Noir, but also offers Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah be a world-class spot for Chardonnay due to the cool cli- and an occasional surprise such as Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel. By Michelle J. Baker mate as well as the areas special soil type, Goldridge,
Present this story for a complimentary tasting for 2. Value $20.

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Eastside Bunch
The "Eastside Bunch" (as they call themselves) are eight topflight wineries located close together along the eastern stretch of the Russian River in Sonoma County. Specializing in Pinots, cool-climate Syrahs, and that famous Zinfandel, the Eastside Bunch represents some of the finest winemaking and culinary talents in all of Northern California. Dont miss the annual Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival in September!
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THINGS TO DO Powells Sweet Shoppe 322 Center St., Healdsburg (707) 431-2784, www.powelsss.com Remember yesterday, today! An old time, old fashioned candy, ice cream and sweets shop sure to delight your child within! This is the first shop for Powell's now beloved franchise. Riverfront Regional Park 7821 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg, (707) 565-2041 Once an old quarry, Riverfront Regional Park is now home to two sparkling lakes perfect for swimming and non-motorized boating...or hike a trail through serene redwood groves! Rodney Strong Vineyards 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg 1-800-678-4763, www.rodneystrong.com Join visitors and locals alike on the lawn outside Rodney Strong Vineyards for warm summer evenings, good food, great wine, and a variety of musical guests. Look for the summer 2011 online! Russian River Valley Produce 400 Grapevine Lane, Healdsburg, (707) 433-7933 A four-acre, family-owned ranch, Russian River Valley Produce farms top-notch vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers sure to brighten any palate and table. Excellent farm tours by appointment. The best of California farming! FOOD Giorgis Restaurant 25 Grant Street, Healdsburg, (707) 433-1106 Great family-style Italian restaurantpasta and hand-thrown pizzas. Has a full bar, open late and food available to go. Gilardi's Delicatessen 810 Den Beste, Windsor, (707) 838-9869 Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna and freshly baked sourdough garlic breads. LODGING Country Garden Lodging, Healdsburg (707) 431-8630, www.hcountrygardens.com Three fully-equipped, affordable vacation homes located on a 25-acre wine country estate boasting spectacular gardens. Located just 1 miles from charming downtown Healdsburg.
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Perhaps no other winery captures the casual luxury of Sonoma County better than Chalk Hill Estate. Founded nearly four decades ago, this spectacular property features 1,300 acres of wilderness areas interspersed with 300 acres of vineyards, winery, hospitality center, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds, and guest houses. From the top of the Estate visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Russian River Valley to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east. The property features 13 soil types ranging from ancient alluvial deposits to young volcanic soils strewn with rocks and boulders. A distinctive layer of volcanic ash lies under much of the topsoil inspiring the name Chalk Hill. The complex soils and climate allow Chalk Hill Estate to produce great wines from a wide range of grape varieties. The winerys vineyards are thoughtfully woven through the native foliage and contoured to fit the intricate terrain. The vines are farmed using low-input, sustainable viticultural practices to preserve the longterm viability of the ecosystem. There are a number of memorable activities available to visitors of Chalk Hill Estate. First and foremost, is the wine tasting. Chalk Hill is also famous for its tours. The Estate Tour explores the history, viticulture and winemaking practices at the property. The Culinary Tour examines the organic gardens and vineyards. The organically farmed produced is the inspiration for Chef Didier Ageorges culinary artistry. The tour includes a sit-down tasting of estate wines paired with Didiers menu of several small plates in the Pavilion an extraordinary conservatory overlooking the equestrian center. The newest tour addition is the guided Estate Vineyard Trail Rides on horseback. Guests begin their journey at the magnificent Equestrian Center located on the property and ride through the vineyards with respected polo professional, Rafael Hernandez.
SPECIAL TOURS AND TASTINGS Private tasting: $10 per person, daily Estate tour: $30 per person, Monday through Friday, includes tasting Cheese & Wine Tasting $40 per person, by appointment Culinary tour: $75 per person, call for dates; includes estate tour, culinary garden tour and private food & wine pairings by Chef Didier Ageorges Estate Trail Rides on Horseback: $100 PLAN AHEAD Aregularwine tasting takes 30-45 minutes, the estate tour takes about 1 hours and the culinary tour takes about 2 hours. LITTLE KNOWN FACT All wines produced by Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery are 100% estate grown.
Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery

Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10300 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg www.chalkhill.com For tours and reservation, call (707) 657-4837 or go to www.vinovisit.com. Friend them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter!
Mention this story for 2-for-1 tasting.

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Rodney Strong Vineyards is a Sonoma County histori- Geyserville with Rockaway then all the way north to the cal treasure, dating back to 1959. Over the years, the hottest spot in Sonoma County, Cloverdale, where Brothwinery has offered an array of consistent, high-quality ers Ridge vineyard is located. Each of these wines is distinct wines. Recently, though, the winery took on a bit of a dif- unto itself, but all are rich and opulent and definitely worth ferent persona, if you will. Winery owner Tom Klein upped visiting the tasting room. If you find that you like them, the ante, wanting to raise the level of awareness of his best to buy on the spot or sign up for the winerys new club, Symmetry Society, which teams attention to detail and will secure you a bottle of each quality poured into every bottle. Rodney Strong Vineyards (more if you choose) along with Since the early 2000s, the march Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily some reserves and the namesake has been set to the drum beat of 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg Symmetry, Rodney Strongs red small-lot winemaking with an 1-800-678-4763 www.rodneystrong.com Meritage. The single-vineyard emphasis on capturing the very best Sonoma County vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernets are allocated, they are not cheap ($75 each) and the and crafting grapes harvested Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port winery doesnt offer discounts from small blocks, sometimes on them, club member or othrows, within those estate vineFUN Look for the huge rebate check from PG&E for FACT $2,164,403.00 for the installation of the largest erwise. yards into highly acclaimed, solar electric system ever realized by a winery. As we move into harvest seasought after wines, the most noson, sneak through fall and into table of which are their three single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from Alexander Val- winter, Rodney Strongs big reds will pair nicely with all sorts of comfort food. Their tasting room staff is keen to ley. As a Sonoma County local or visitor, one of the best pour tastes of them all as well as lead you on tours of the things about Rodney Strongs new trio of single-vineyard facility twice daily, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. And, if youre the Cabernets is that you can taste all three of them at their type who prefers to avoid the shopping malls for your holHealdsburg tasting room. Its a unique experience to be iday shopping, Rodney Strongs team can help there, too, sure, taking you on a tasting journey from southern with lots of wine country gifts to choose from. There might Alexander Valley with their Alexanders Crown, which is even be someone on your list deserving of one of those located near the Jimtown Store, up to mid-valley near single-vineyard Cabernets.
quality of the grapes. The best Quietly charming and rustic. Christopher Creek Winery wines in the world are made in the Its a good phrase perhaps the vineyard. The main job of the wineperfect one to describe Christopher Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily maker is to take care of the grapes Creek Winery. 641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg and protect what Mother Nature has The winery is owned by the (707) 433-2001 given us in such abundance. That is Wasserman family who, in addition www.christophercreek.com the philosophy here, and youll find to their grape growing and wineBecome a Fan on Facebook! the proof is in the bottle, and in your making venture, have a long history glass. of farming in Californias Central To taste their superb wines, just head to the tasting Valley where they have farmed oranges for the past 38 room. Christopher Creeks is cozy, comfortable and inyears. They adamantly believe that that growing the disputably and proudly rustic. As a result, its highest quality grapes possible must be the main focus sometimes tough to tell where the tasting room ends if you want to produce truly great wines. and the serious business that constitutes a working They, and their winemaker, Texas native Todd Crowell understand and appreciate the fine balance be- winery begins, all of which happily adds to the charm. Join the Cellar Club to enjoy wines at special prices. tween the agricultural practices they employ and the
RECENT AWARDS
ZINFANDEL 2009 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011 Gold Medal New World Wine Competition, May 2011 PETITE SIRAH 2008 Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Reserve Petite Sirah SWEEPSTAKES WINNER Best Red in Show Riverside International Wine Competition, May 2010 Gold Medal North of the Gate Wine Competition SYRAH 2007 Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Syrah Silver Medal Riverside International Wine Competition, April 2009
CABERNET 2007 Finlay's Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Gold Medal Best of Class Pacic Rim International Wine Competition, April 2010 Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011 VIOGNIER 2009 Catie's Corner Russian River Valley Viognier Double Gold San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011 Gold Medal Sonoma County Harvest Fair, September 2010 PETITE SIRAH PORT 2008 Petite Sirah Port Gold Medal Sonoma County Harvest Fair, September 2010 Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011
For lovers of Petite Sirah, Cab, Viognier, Zin & Syrah...enjoy award-winning, estate-bottled and vineyard-designaged wines from the Russian River and Dry Creek valleys. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com
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Westside Road is, quite literally, one of the most recommended routes to take for wine tasting in this Russian River Valley AVA. Westside Road is slow and winding, filled with redwood trees, heritage oaks with moss beards and famous vineyards. Should you wish to slow down and experience wine country up-close-and-personal, Westside Road is your road.
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THINGS TO DO Shoffeitts off the Square 208 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 433-5556 www.shoffeittsoffthesqure.com This is a shopping mecca of antiques, collectibles, local arts and gifts, as well as fine & custom jewelry. Dont judge a book by its cover ... the building goes on forever! Dragonfly, 425 Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-3739, www.dragonflyfloral.com By appointment only, this is a unique botany and flowerlover's destination. They can custom pick and arrange flowers. Wohler Bridge, 9765 Wohler Road, Forestville A true Sonoma County landmark, Wohler Bridge is one of the few old-old-OLD bridges left in California. This steel truss bridge crosses the Russian River at quite a beautiful spot, too. DaVero, 766 Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) 431-8000 ,www.DaVero.com Guided tastings of wines, olive oils and jams as well as fresh produce. It's also a great spot for a picnic, or just to wander the field. Check the website for hands-on cooking clases. Mill Street Antiques 44 Mill Street, Healdsburg, (707) 433-8409 Take the time to seek out the treasures here theres sure to be something for everyone! LODGING Madrona Manor, 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg 1-800-258-4003, www.MadronaManor.com A world-class destination for guests seeking gracious service and luxurious accommodations in the heart of wine country. Oh yes... "Rated #1 in Napa & Sonoma" by Travel & Leisure... Need we say more? Farmhouse Inn, 7871 River Road, Forestville (707) 887-3300, www. FarmhouseInn.com Representing the finest level of Sonoma inns, restaurants and Spas, sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food, and seasonal body treatments come together for one unforgettable experience. DINING Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, 7871 River Road, Forestville (707) 887-3300, www.farmhouseinn.com Tucked into one of the smallest, lovely towns in wine country, the Farmhouse Inn boasts an exquisite restaurant. Each plate by Chef Litke tells the story of Sonoma's diverse agriculture and artisan producers.
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Chuck chose the vines in the bridge block area In the words of the very nice people at Hop Kiln planted alongside a meandering creek for their Six Winery, it is all about Honoring the past, and handBarrel Bridge Chardonnay, which exhibits lusciously crafting the future. When you start with a 250-acre concentrated aromas of apple, Asian pear and ripe, piece of prime property located within Sweetwater Springs Historic District, add a structure that dates back juicy apricot. This perfect example of Russian River Valley Chardonnay finishes with a creamy mouth feel to 1905 (California Historic Landmark # 893), and thanks to the finish of French oak barreling. then you have it positioned in Sonoma Countys fabled The tasting room has a wonderful array of awardRussian River Valley, well, you pretty much have it all. winning gourmet products Today, the majestic hop to purchase, from locally kilns are a definite attraction; Hop Kiln Winery made mustards to grapeseed however guests make Hop Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. oil, chocolate wine truffles, Kiln Winery a destination 6050Westside Road, Healdsburg pesto sauces and more because of the wines crafted every one of them first-rate. under the HKG label by (707) 433-6491 Hop Kiln Winery makes up-and-coming young winehopkilnwinery.com for a perfect way to spend a maker, Chuck Mansfield. HKG Estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio leisurely afternoon, and think HKG Russian River Valley Estate portfolio includes a FUN Hop Kilns Winemaker, 27-year-old Chuck Manseld, about how things have changed over the last century classic Pinot Noir, a complex FACT is one of Sonoma Countys youngest vintners. at this historic property. Chardonnay and a bright In addition to the Healdsburg winery, HKG Estate Pinot Grigio. wines are available at their Glen Ellen Tasting Room With a very limited production, most of the wines near the town of Sonoma. This quaint town is the perare sold at the winery or through their very popular wine clubs, including the HKG Collection with its long fect host to their newest endeavor, which pairs lists of benefits and access to some spectacular bottlings. sumptuous food by Chef Khambay Khamsayvoravong, The HKG Pinot Noir exemplifies the award-winning from their sister property, the Kenwood Inn and Spa, with their finest vintages. Guests are welcome to enjoy characteristics of the Russian River Valley with silky food and wine flights, alongside cheese and chocolate textures, soft tannins and perfect balance. Their vineyard designated Bridge Selection Pinot Noir was chosen pairings, sweet desserts and savory hand pies, or take their pick of decadent temptations to-go for an afterfrom un-racked barrels, with aromas and flavors of noon picnic or delicious after dinner delight. cherry, cocoa, dried herbs and fig.
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Located not far from Healdsburg on Westside Road, ArmidaWinery sits atop a vineyard-striped knoll. Wend your way up the driveway and you are in for a real treat! To start with, the views from the oak-shaded deck/picnic area and bocce court are unforgettable the Russian River Valley unfolds before your eyes in a glorious patchwork of vineyards, trees and hills, the Mayacama range a majestic backstop. The whole atmosphere at Armida Winery is one of delicious fun, with a bit of mischief thrown in. The wines are seriously good, but the folks at Armida Winery are serious about anti wine-snobbery The tasting room is light, bright and airy feeling, with an octagonal shaped wooden bar that is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable servers, all of whom have been at Armida for many years. PoiZin themed gifts are placed everywhere in the artfully merchandised tasting room. A full-sized wooden Indian gazes solemnly at visitors as they sip, swirl and shop. Against the back wall, a glass-fronted refrigerator is well stocked with cheeses, hummus and other picnic fare. Armida Winery is a popular stop along the wine road because the tasting room is unique, the views are stunning, these folks really know how to show visitors a good time, there is no tasting fee and the wines ROCK. About the wines I just had to taste the 2008 PoiZin. It is a classic Sonoma Zinfandel, loaded with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, caramel, vanilla and peppery spice, with a big, rich mouthfeel and long, juicy finish. Its a great deal at $25! I also tasted their 2008 Durrell Vineyard Pinot Noir ($45), which was another delicious, varietally correct wine. The nose drew me in, with mouthwatering hints of rose petal, violet, cherry and baking spices. These aromas continued as flavors in the oh-so-silky mouth and on through the finish. Be sure to visit this unforgettable place and tell them The Wine Wench sent you! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
PLAN AHEAD Bring a picnic, or purchase your cheese, crackers and other snacks here. Play a little bocce and relax a while. This is one of the best places in Sonoma County to have a picnic! WHAT TO TASTE Dont miss their single vineyard Zins and Pinots, including PoiZin,the wine to die for! FUN FACT Armida Winery is family owned and they make sure all of their guests feel like family, too! VARIETALS Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, PoiZinandAntidote
Armida Winery
Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg www.armida.com (707) 433-2222 For tours & reservations, e-mail: info@armida.com Follow Armida on Twitter and Facebook.
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Bring in this story for one complimentary reserve tasting. (No fee for regular tasting.)
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How does the idea of a picnic and a glass of Pinot, in a private peaceful setting outside of a beautiful little redwood barn located in one of the most idyllic spots in Dry Creek sound? If its a taste of fine wine and casual luxury that youre looking for, then search no further than the De La Montanya Tasting Room in its Felta Creek Vineyard, just a few minutes from central Healdsburg on secluded Foreman Lane. If youre looking to taste some of the most unique red wine in Sonoma County, youre in the right place, said Dennis De La Montanya, whose wines have yielded an impressive collection of gold medals. Were small, quaint, hard-to-find and well worth the effort, said De La Montanya, one of Dry Creek Valleys most celebrated hosts and champion of the art of understated winemaking. Their meticulously crafted wines are bottled from the best of the winerys premium, estate-grown, hand-selected grapes: 15 varieties from five distinctive appellations with ideal soils and microclimates. Visit the bucolic barn style tasting room in the vineyards and discover the secrets of their success. Its the unmistakable spirit, charm and attention to detail on three acres of Zinfandel and an acre of Primitivo surrounding a vintage apple orchard that provides a leafy, shaded canopy over inviting lawns and patios, rose arbors, a fire pit, outdoor pizza oven, pathways and a bocce court. There is even a private two-bedroom cottage on the property available for wine club members.
VARIETALS Gewrztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Tempranillo and unique blends PHILOSOPHY Fine winemaking may be serious business, not least when producing 4,500 cases that range from oerings of just 25 to 250 cases per year. Yet De La Montanya and his tightknit winery team take equal pride in their shared dedication to the art of a laugh and the craft of good living. FUN FACTS Severalrock starspecial signature bottlings for bands like Journey and Whitesnake have raised thousands of dollars for a variety of worthy charities. And their limited edition wines include a rather cheeky range ofpin-up wines for wine club members.
De La Montanya Estate Vineyards & Winery

Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, by appointment only 999 Foreman Lane, Healdsburg (707) 433-3711 www.dlmwine.com Look for them on Facebook and become a Fan!
Mention this article and receive a special taste of the De La Montanya Whitesnake Zinfandel.
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Downtown Healdsburg
Healdsburg is charming. Every brick, every flower box, every elegant shop and eclectic gallery, every five-star restaurant and cozy cafe on every single corner speak to this town's genuine individuality and down-to-earth-treasures. Downtown Healdsburg may be surrounded by bucolic rolling hills and picturesque vineyards, but around this age-old square, its hard to imagine being anywhere else more delightful. No matter what time of year, Healdsburg is a town for every season. Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar, 344 Center Street Reservations recommended, (707) 473-0946 Dinner served daily, lunch Monday-Fridays Zin features delicious seasonal cuisine with produce grown especially for them. Wine industry locals often gather here for a little nourishment and shop talk. THINGS TO DO Raven Theater 115 North Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-6335, www.raventheater.org Where would we be without performing arts? A big, dark nowhere, that's where. Its thanks to cultural theaters like the Raven, that publics can experience entertainment that is beyond a moment's blip of distraction. Enjoy wonderful performances and expand your world. Segway Tours (707) 953-3477, www.segwayofhealdsburg.com Take a fun tour of Healdsburg on a rented Segway. Getaway Adventures Santa Rosa, (707) 568-3040, www.getawayadventures.com Healdsburg Sip 'n Cycle: Visit the sites and learn local wine facts throughout downtown Healdsburg and into the vineyards on this innovative, healthy tour! Tours include a picnic and bocce. Sonoma County Wine Library 139 Piper Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-3772, www.sonomalibrary.org/wine A free visit with a wealth of information! The library has more than 5,000 books dealing with all aspects of making wine, some of them date even back to 1512! Knowledgeable librarians are on hand to help guide you. LODGING Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza 112 Matheson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-6991, www.healsburginn.com Built in 1901, this classic California inn is located right on the Healdsburg Plaza. From summer concerts to holiday tree lightings, the town's best events take place right here. Guests are also surrounded by shops, galleries, tasting rooms and restaurants. Hotel Healdsburg 25 Matheson Street, Healdsburg 1-800-889-7188, www.hotelhealdsburg.com Chic, beautifully appointed Hotel Healdsburg is located on the historic square and is one of the premier Wine Country luxury lodgings in all Sonoma County. FOOD Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen Hotel Healdsburg, 317 Healdsburg Avenue (707) 431-0330, www.charliepalmer.com Celebrating Sonoma's pioneering wines and spirits, celebrated Chef Charlie Palmer takes the best of our farm-fresh produce and culinary cradle and infuses it with his passion and trademark style.
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Cyrus Restaurant 29 North Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-3311, www.cyrusrestaurant.com Consistently reviewed as one of THE best restaurants in all of wine country by Wine Spectator, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast, and Wall Street Journal.
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Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley
to Alexander Valley
Healdsburg Ridge Hiking Trail Entry gate at Arabian Way and Bridle Path. (Sorry, no pets allowed). One of Sonomas favorite nature preserves, take the Ridge Hiking Trail to the Fox Pond Run and Fox Pond Overlook. A wonderful place to get some fresh air and exercise in wine country! FOOD Jimtown Store, 6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg (707) 433-1212, www.jimtown.com Literally tucked into the vineyards in the Jimtown store. For more than 100 years, Jimtown has provided Healdsburg with fresh baked goods, hot coffee, and local products. Linger over the eclectic American antiques and old-fashioned toys. Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria 21021 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 814-0111, www.diavolapizzeria.com Diavola is not only a great stop for picnic items such as house-cured salumi and olives but also features traditional Italian cooking including gourmet pizzas from brick ovens and delicicious pastas. Diavola uses the most locally available ingredients combined with centuries old recipes. Hoffman House Restaurant 21712 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville (707) 857-3264, www.hoffmanhousegeyserville.com Built more than 100 years ago by the Hoffman family, this cafe serves healthy breakfast and lunch with striking views of the majestic mountains nearby. Seasonal dinners, call first. LODGING Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, romantic environment. Belle de Jour Inn, 16276 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 431-9777, www.belledujourinn.com A single-story Italiante built in the 1870s, Belle du Jour nestles on six acres of hilltop overlooking rolling hilltops and valleys. Hope Merril & Hope Bosworth B&B 21253 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 857-3356, www.hope-inns.com Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly restored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with open arms. Truly where wine and romance intertwine! Geyserville Inn, 21714 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 857-4343, www.GeyservilleInn.com First class accomodations at more affordable prices in the heart of wine country!
VETERANS MEMORIAL BEACH WWW.HEALDSBURG.COM
Only an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Alexander Valley is leaps and bounds away from any hustle and bustle. Visitors looking for a more relaxed, authentic wine country experience, will be happy here. Brimming with hospitality, this stunning corner of the world is home to 40 wineries, each boasting distinctive, unassuming wines. THINGS TO DO Veterans Memorial Beach, 13839 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 433-1625 Truly one of Healdsburgs most favorite riverside beaches! Bring a picnic, kick off your shoes, or even borrow an inner tube. Nothing to do here but relax, breathe deeply and listen to the river roll on by.
Bosworth & Son General Store 21060 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 857-3463, www.bosworthandson.com Once a mortuary and even a buggy store the buggy paint still stains the floor Bosworth & Son General Store is an old-fashioned store meeting the Western-inspired needs of todays customer.
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The tasting room at Stephen & Walker Winery is home to Nancy Walkers celebrated, limited production wines, some of the most praised wines in Sonoma. The tasting room is just down the street from Healdsburgs plaza, midway between two world-class hotels. It offers a wonderful flight of wines showcasing her elegant, signature style. The charming tasting room, with its big windows, long bar, polished floors and high ceiling is a great complement to the wine being offered by a most hospitable staff. Were a small, artisanal, family-owned winery located in the heart of wine country, Nancy says. We started our label in 2004 and are proud and passionate to bring you wines made from the remarkable vineyards we tend with our growers in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Monterey counties. We craft our wines to showcase the grapes and their vineyard provenance that allows for the subtle nuances of the appellation to shine. And and with only a few hundred case of each wine produced, we can control the wines for the most optimum result. This philosophy allows us to create wines that are truly an expression of our style. Every bottle we produce has our commitment and unique perspective, to bring you the true flavors realized from the terroir. We believe each wine is a specific, individual expression of the fruit from our vineyards and of the winemakers craft. One thing you can be assured of is that you will long remember the quiet, unhurried experience, and, of course these very special, lovingly handcrafted wines.
VARIETALS Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, the new and award-winning Muscat Canelli, Late Harvest Chardonnay and a very special Port called, rather cleverly, Portentous A NICE TOUCH You can expect to sample a small bite with your ight. GOOD TO KNOW Unlike most tasting rooms, they stay open until 7 p.m., which means you can drop by for a guided tasting and then head out to dinner. PLAN AHEAD Since these are rare wines youll seldom nd elsewhere, leave some room in your suitcase (or buy a wine shipper and check them as luggage if you are ying - or have them shipped) and buy some bottles to take home and share this discovery with family and friends. Which, after all, is what savoring wine is all about.
Stephen & Walker Winery

Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily 243 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 431-8749 www.trustwine.com
46 Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley
Recent wins at the 2011 SF Chronicle Wine Competition: DOUBLE GOLD 2008 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, GOLD 2009 Green Valley of Russian River Sauvignon Blanc and GOLD 2004 Portentous
Founded by Jean-Charles Boisset, this ber-chic wine tasting salon is an unforgettable place where you may taste JCB, a personal collection of limited-edition wines that he has curated and selected from the best wines from his family collection of wineries. JCB embraces style and fashion in equal measure to exceptional wines, and the tasting room here perfectly embodies this union of luxury, fashion and wine, where the wines are defined by a number, rather than a vineyard or a particular terroir. Ask about the numbers Each has a fascinating story! Also while here, ask for one of the gems from the familys amazing collection of wineries in Burgundy or Sonoma. In addition to the JCB collection of wines, the staff always has a few wines open to enhance your experience from DeLoach Vineyards, Domaine de la Vougeraie or even Raymond Vineyards, Boissets Napa winery. The large white marble table that spans the middle of the room invites guests to enjoy a convivial tasting and communal atmosphere; sometimes the concierge-like staff even sits to guide and educate guests as they taste through the flights. There is a small tasting bar across the back of the room, which is painted black and decorated with the numbers and descriptors of the JCB wines. Displays of wine and Baccarat crystal are artfully set up around the room. Tres chic! JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar is simply an experience not to be missed!
VARIETALS Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and bubbles from Burgundy PLAN AHEAD Truly enjoying the variety of wines oered here takes time give yourself at least an hour to relax and enjoy a ight or two. FUN FACT The friendly, knowledgeable sta of JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar actually opens bottles of bubbly by slicing o the tops with a saber. LITTLE KNOWN FACT The tasting room showcases the wines of JCB, a collection that shuns the whole idea of terroir to instead embrace style! Rather than being named with a vineyard or a village (like they do in Burgundy, France), the wines are namedwith a number that corresponds to a moment, an emotion, or a particular time in life meaningful to the winerys founder, Jean-Charles Boisset.
JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar

Open Sunday-Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 320 Center Street, Healdsburg www.jcbwines.com For more information, call (707) 473-9707
Enjoy one complimentary glass of JCB bubbles when you mention this story.
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Kendall-Jackson wines are known to virtually every wine lover. And the historic Sonoma County town of Healdsburg is rapidly becoming a destination in itself. In every way this is a perfect place to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself to the portfolio of Kendall-Jackson wines. Near the northwest corner of the Healdsburg Plaza, the rich and varied world of Kendall-Jackson wines seems to shrink down to an intimate, unhurried scale that wraps each visitor in a unique welcome. Its not intimidating youre simply encouraged to enjoy the limited production wines and the incredible surroundings. Youll be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable staff and soon find yourself discovering unexpected dimensions of the winery. With hand-crafted wines and exceptional vineyards, this is one of the must-see attractions in Sonoma County. Many visitors admit that theyve never seen this side of Kendall-Jackson. The Eureka moment comes with the look on the faces of visitors becoming acquainted with the more exclusive Kendall-Jackson wines they will find only in the Tasting Rooms. Visitors can choose either the Classic tasting which features wines available only at the winery, or a Reserve tasting focusing on exclusive single-vineyard wines. No matter which route you choose, you can be assured that it will be both a memorable and enjoyable experience here in the heart of wine country.
VARIETALS Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. FUN FACT Taste small-production, vineyard-designated wines available only in the tasting room. WALK TO Healdsburgsbistros, bars (wine and otherwise) and grills, bed and breakfasts and small inns, some of the nations nest restaurants plus galleries, shops and some rst-class hotels. Or just stroll through the historic 19th-century plaza. DID YOU KNOW Jess Jackson, winery founder, also has some of the worlds most famous and successful racehorses in his stable.
Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 337 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 433-7102 www.kj.com Follow Kendall-Jackson on Facebook and Twitter.
It was more than 75 years ago when Isabelle Simi Haigh announced to her workers that she wanted them to convert a huge, unused wine vat into a tasting room. Since then, Simi Winery has built a reputation for offering visitors not just tastes of superb wine, but also a comfortable and unique setting where you can taste. When the days are warm tours often begin in the redwood grove by the tasting room. The grove also serves as the focal point for events and food and wine pairings. In the redwood grove nearly everyone involved with the winery loves to tell the story of this historic family and the teenage girl who kept the winery operating profitably when both her father and her uncle died unexpectedly within weeks of each other. Even the stones used in the waterfalls construction have a story to tell. For instance, all the materials that went into the creation of this idyllic spot were recycled from earlier structures, or they were natural stones found on the property as, over the years, more and more land was cleared for vineyards. Today, the long communal tables are where wine fanciers from everywhere sit down as perfect strangers and rise as friends, were crafted from staves of old fermentation tanks. If it is early recycling that you want to find, look no further than this innovative, eco-sensitive winery on the outskirts northeast of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, where fine wine is served along with a bit of wine country history.
VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon TOURS Tours of the historic stone cellar, built in 1850, are oered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. FUN FACT The Simi Winery tasting room was originally from a huge wine vat. Denitely a story you can take home to tell your friends over a glass of Simi wine, of course. SIMI IN THE KITCHEN Visit the website and nd Perfect SIMI Wine Pairings with recipes. Select a dish and watch as Executive Chef Eric Lee demonstrates how SIMI wines pair perfectly with his Sonoma twists on classic recipes. Look here before planning your holiday menu. Chef Eric Lee will show you how to make the perfect holiday prime rib roast paired with Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Simi Winery
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 16275 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 473-3232 www.simiwinery.com Follow Simi Winery on Facebook
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When I first noticed the shiny new Medlock Ames Tasting Room & Bar sitting proudly where the old Alexander Valley Store and Bar used to be, it made me a little melancholy. Change is inevitable, but the old store and bar was another local hangout that had gone by the wayside. Or so I thought Turns out that Medlock Ames has lovingly restored the bar (the best of old-meets-new) and the tasting room is gorgeous. This place is industrial chic done really, really well! At the Bar, Thursday is locals night and its a really cool place to hang out! Youll find this Wine Wench there! Lets start outside olive trees surround the perimeter of the grounds, which are neat and orderly, with raised herb and vegetable beds, there is a ptanque court for those who like to play and a copper pizza oven sits off to the side. A large shaded patio off the back of the tasting room is dotted with picnic tables. The tasting room is inviting, with lots of windows and light wood floors. The tasting bar is an island in the middle of the room, lit with stylish drop-down light fixtures and a galvanized pipe around the bottom of the bar serves as a foot rail. There is also a long table next to the bar and a few tables along the walls and windows where visitors may enjoy their tasting experienced while seated. The wines are great, the staff is friendly and the place is gorgeous! Dont miss Medlock Ames Winery! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, a Red Blend and Ros PLAN AHEAD This is a great place to have a picnic and play ptanque! Purchase your picnic supplies from nearby Jimtown Store or from Medlock Amesselection of cheeses. Occasionally, on warm Saturdays, the pizza oven cranks out a variety of delicious thin crust pizzas, topped with organic produce from the property. After 5 p.m., the full bar is open. May through October enjoy live music Saturdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. FUN FACT The original building was constructed during the 1860s. If only those walls could talk! LITTLE KNOWN FACT In the season, Medlock Ames sells organic veggies and olive oil, all grown on their property.
Medlock Ames Winery

Tasting Room is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bar is open Sunday-Thursday 5 to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 5 to 11+ p.m. 3487 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg www.medlockames.com (707) 431-8845 Become a Fan on Facebook!
Try out the old-fashioned photo booth in the bar it actually works!
Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek wine country is one of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas in the nation, only 16 miles long and two miles wide. With 9,300 acres of vineyard along this beautiful valleys floor, Dry Creek is a must see for first-time and veteran wine lovers. Dry Creek boasts 63 wineries producing a diverse range of wines from the famed Zinfandel to Bordeaux and even Mediterranean varietals. Dont let its small size fool you Dry Creek winemakers have been growing grapes and making great wines for more than 135 years! THINGS TO DO Lake Sonoma Hatchery 3333 Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville (707) 433-9483, www.parks.sonoma.net Located in the beautiful foothills of Northern Sonoma County, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by vineyards and land rich in history. Here, visitors can observe the operation of the hatchery and see displays which describe the life cycle of the coho salmon, steelhead and chinook. Dry Creek Olive Oil, 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) 431-7200, www.DryCreekOliveCompany.com Rooted in traditions as rich as the Dry Creek Soil, Dry Creek Olive Oil Company is your destination for artisan, very fine, extra-virgin olive oils. PICNIC FARE Oakville Grocery, 124 Matheson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-3200, www.OakvilleGrocery.com Little Country Store with overflowing shelves and a deli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items, the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST. Dry Creek General Store, (707) 433-4171 3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg So much more than just a corner store, established in 1881, this is also a full-service deli and beer garden with live music occassionally, spectacular views and a wealth of information on wine tasting, tours and even fishing! LODGING Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, romantic environment. Hope Merrill & Hope Bosworth B&B 21253 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 857-3356, www.hope-inns.com Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly restored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with open arms. Truly where wine and romance intertwine!
While youre here dont miss the beautiful gardens of Ferrari-Carano this time of year!
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Driving Time: 16 minutes From Dry Creek Vineyard to Peterson Family 1.5 miles to Kokomo 0 miles to Forchini >0.5 mile to Truett Hurst >0.5 mile to Dutcher Crossing 2.5 miles to Ferrari-Carano 2 miles to Sbragia Family 1 miles Total 8 miles
DRY CREEK VINEYARD
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Dave Stare, Don & Kim Wallace
Dave Stare, founder of Dry Creek Vineyard, can be characterized as a man of tenacity and vision, unafraid to experiment to create a new future. A lover of Loire Valley French wines, Daves vision was to make excellent Fum Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) and Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley style in California. His new winery, founded in 1972, was the first to be built in the Dry Creek Valley since the era of Prohibition. He had no one elses expertise or experience to draw on, and many predicted that he would fail, but failure was not in Dave Stares makeup. His young daughter Kim was with him to help turn over the first shovel of dirt for the winerys foundation, and she is still side-by-side with her father as she and husband Don Wallace have become the second generation of the family to carry on the tradition of fine wines made from Sonoma County grapes. Although the winerys flagship wines are still the outstanding Fum Blanc and Chenin Blanc (the only wine whose grapes come from outside Sonoma County), Dry Creek now makes many other varieties, including excellent Chardonnay, Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel as well as a few single-vineyard-designated wines. Many of these wines are available only at the tasting room, so treat yourself to a visit to the pioneer winery of Dry Creek Valley. After 39 years, the winerys stone walls are covered with soft ivy and clinging vines, stately and serene. Inside the tasting room, youll see many photos and illustrations of sailing boats. Sailing boats are the primary illustration on the winerys labels, reflecting a life-long passion for sailing shared now by three generations of Stares and Wallaces.
VARIETALS Chenin Blanc, Fum Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Zin Ros, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage GOOD TO KNOW Do-not-miss wines include the highly acclaimed 2007 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel and the delicious 2009 Fum Blanc. Chilled wines are available for your after-tasting picnic on the lawn. Also remember many of their wines are available only at the tasting room. CELEBRITY FACT You might notice glamorous photos in the tasting room of Kim Stare Wallace in the company of A-list movie stars. Thats because for eleven years (and counting), Dry Creek Vineyard has been the ocial wine poured at the annual red-carpet Screen ActorsGuild award ceremonies.
Dry Creek Vineyard

Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-1000 www.drycreekvineyard.com Follow Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook and Twitter!
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Mention Day Trips and receive one complimentary tasting, valued at $5.
Fred Peterson (grape grower and father) has been growing wine grapes and making wine in Dry Creek Valley for more than 20 years. Jamie Peterson (winemaker and son) has been around wine and the wine business his whole life. These guys work hard, yet they dont take themselves too seriously. The result of their labors is delicious, reasonably priced wines with a casual, comfortable environment to enjoy them in. The Petersons call their approach to grape growing and winemaking Zero Manipulation, meaning that they capture the essence of vintage and vineyard with a low-tech, yet high-touch methodology. Its all about the vineyards at Peterson Winery (which Fred farms in a sustainable manner). Simply put, they let the grapes do the talking. Lets talk about the wines. I tasted a handful of excellent wines during my visit. The following were my favorites: 2007 Zinfandel Tradizionale, Dry Creek Valley ($29): Mouthwatering aromas and flavors of blackberry and raspberry are enhanced by a touch of savory herbs. Balanced and juicy in the mouth. This is a big, rustic, friendly Zin. 2007 Syrah, Gravity Flow Block ($48): This wine is big, balanced and intense, with abundant aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, coffee and peppery spice, all wrapped up in a luscious mouthfeel. Dont miss Peterson Winery! Tell em The Wine Wench sent you! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
VARIETALS Zinfandels, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignons & blends PLAN AHEAD Open for tasting Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. 4 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday by appointment. When available, Jamie loves giving visitors tours of the winery and oering sips straight from the barrel. Give yourself at least an hour to visit this special place. LITTLE KNOWN FACT Peterson Winery releases as many as twelve dierent wines annually, and sometimes more. Currently they have four dierent Zinfandels, two Cabernet Sauvignons, a Bordeaux blend, plus several other current releases. FUN FACT Friendly winery cats, Red & Whitey are always nearby for a pet they love visitors!
Peterson Winery
Open Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday by appointment 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg www.petersonwinery.com For tasting appointments, call (707) 431-7568
Mention this story for a 10% discount on your wine purchase.

Dry Creek Valley
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A tip for the wise wine taster do NOT stroll into Kokomo Winerys tasting room singing that Beach Boys song. You know, the one that goes Aruba, Jamaica, oh I wanna take ya, to Bermuda, Bahama The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Kokomo Winery has heard that one before. Several times. And the winery is named after Kokomo, Indiana, where Owner/Winemaker, Erik Miller grew up, not some fictional beach town in Brian Wilsons head. Be cool. Restrain yourself, and you will be treated to one of the best tasting experiences in wine country. Kokomo Winerys tasting room is part of the winery, so the sights, sounds and smells of a working small winery are the backdrop to your visit. The overall vibe here is laid-back, casually hip and genuine. The floors are utilitarian concrete, the tasting bar is made of wooden planks laid across wine barrels and big stacks of wine barrels behind the bar create a warm, rustic atmosphere. T-shirts emblazoned with Peace, Love & Pinot and Inspiration Through Fermentation are casually displayed on the barrels behind the bar. Owner/ Winemaker, Erik Miller, and Assistant Winemaker, Josh Bartels, are making some fantastic wines! I tasted a few during my visit, loved them all, but I have room to review only one wine, so here goes The 2008 Timber Crest Vineyard Zinfandel rocked my world! Mouthwatering aromas of blackberry pie, cigar box and peppery spice continue as flavors in the richly textured mouth. The wine is spicy, rich and dangerously good. By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
PLAN AHEAD Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine and relax at one of the many outside picnic tables. There is a gourmet food truck on site that makes a wonderful variety of tasty foods to pair with the wines. LITTLE KNOWN FACT Owner/Winemaker Erik Millers business partner in the winery is Randy Peters, a fourth generation Sonoma County farmer. Randy farms world-class wine grapes in Alexander, Russian River and Dry Creek Valley. VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petite Sirah &Cuvee 4791, a red blend. KUDOS FOR KOKOMO! Best Red Wine of the Year! At the 2011 Indy International Wine Competition, Kokomo Winerys 2008 Cabernet Franc was awarded Best Red Wine & Best of Class.
Kokomo Winery
Open daily 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4791 Dry Creek Road at Timber Crest Farms, Healdsburg www.kokomowinery.com | 707-433-0200 facebook: www.facebook.com/kokomowinery twitter: @kokomowinery
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Mention this story for complimentary tasting for two adventurous souls. Tell em The Wine Wench sent you!
Set in the heart of Dry Creek Valley is a special estate called Truett Hurst. As you drive in, the sheep and goat pasture is the first indication that this is not in any way your average winery. Vineyards are flanked by habitat islands for birds and beneficial insects, and there are bluebird and owl boxes. Maintaining biodiversity and habitat are part of the farming philosophy here. Their commitment to responsible stewardship of this property is matched by the passion with which they handcraft award-winning Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir. The wines are made by fermenting grapes in small, opentop stain fermenters. The grapes are punched down during fermentation, rather than pumped over, allowing for gentle extraction of color and flavor components, while avoiding bitter tannins. Then wines are barrel aged in approximately 30% new French oak, until the flavors and structure of the wine perfectly balance. The result: big, bold, textured wines with lots of spice and jammy fruit. You can savor these wines in one of the most comfortable and relaxing wineries in the valley. You have a choice of Adirondack chairs down by the creek where you may see Steelhead or Coho salmon. Or hang out on the patio and listen to music while enjoying the sublime scenery of Dry Creek, or enjoy a picnic or a slow lunch in the olive grove. If this is not enough, youll always be served by the friendly wine pourers who will make you feel right at home in this inviting tasting room.
VARIETALS Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir PLAN AHEAD On most Saturdays they have live music from some ne local musicians who deliver everything from a jazzswing vibe to a third-world groove to Americana and some classic tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s. There may even be something from the grill to munch on while you take it all in. SPECIAL TASTING Tell them in the tasting room that Luci the black goat sent you and you can taste the special Zinfandel thats named after her. FUN FACT A 60-year-old olive grove, a four-acre chefs garden and the beautiful Dry Creek (which, by the way, is never dry) are all part of the estate.
Truett Hurst Winery

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-9545 www.truetthurst.com Follow Truett Hurst Winery on Facebook and Twitter.
Mention Day Trips and receive a complimentary tasting valued at $5.

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Just north of Healdsburg, a few miles out Dry Creek of the tasting room. Forchini Vineyards has been growing premium variRoad is a very special place, where youll feel like part of the family. Turn at the Bacchus sign, drive up the narrow, ety wine grapes since 1971. There are two properties winding, rosemary-edged driveway and youve arrived at the Dry Creek Bench (where the winery and tasting room Forchini Vineyards & Winery. Youll be greeted by at least are located) is comprised of 67 acres and is planted to two happy, tail-wagging dogs, which will escort you to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel with 13 the tasting room. acres of 100-year-old Zinfandel Forchini Vineyards & WinForchini Vineyards & Winery remaining. The Russian River ery is a family-run winery that Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Terrace is comprised of 24 acres produces only estate grown or by appointment and is planted to Chardonnay, and bottled wines. Owned by Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and Jim and Anita Forchini, Jim is 5141 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg Zinfandel with four acres of 90the winemaker, Andrew For(707) 431-8886 www.forchini.com year-old Zinfandel remaining. chini is the vineyard manager, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, The winery was built in 1996 Michael and Carla Forchini Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel and produces 3000 cases per lend a hand with marketing, Bring a lunch to compliment your tasting and be year. special events and in the tastsurrounded by the beautiful vineyards, rose gardens, Lets talk about the wines I ing room. You cant get more Italian fountains and exceptional views. tasted two wines during my visit family-operated than that! The building, surrounding picnic area and vineyards and they were both excellent! The 2007 Pinot Noir, Prolook as if they are right out of an Italian landscape prietors Reserve is a classic, with aromas and flavors of stucco walls, tile roofs, splashing fountains, flower gar- black cherry, strawberry, baking spices and vanilla, all dens and vineyard-striped hills delight the senses. Just wrapped up in a silky-smooth mouthfeel. The 2006 Old wait until you taste the wines then your senses will be Vine Zinfandel, Proprietors Reserve is also wonderful, with abundant blackberry, raspberry, bramble and pepdelighted even further! Once inside the main building, you feel as if you are pery spice aromas and flavors. It is big and bold in the in someones comfortable home. There is a large dining mouth and almost too easy to drink! You really should visit this beautiful, comfortable, room, with a table ready to serve eight, a fully appointed kitchen, an office and the tasting room which is deco- delicious winery! The tasting room is open 11 a.m. 4 p.m. rated in warm tones with faux-painted walls, wood Friday Sunday and by appointment. For more inforflooring and a granite-topped oak bar. Behind the bar, a mation, call (707) 431-8886 or visit their website at By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench portrait of Bacchus, the god of wine, is the central focus www.forchini.com.
Dry Creek Valley
Dutcher Crossing Winery has everything a wine-loving visitor could hope for delicious, reasonably priced wines, a beautiful tasting room staffed with friendly and knowledgeable employees, a gorgeous picnic area with stunning views of Dry Creek Valley and a winery dog to welcome you. Lets start outside you pull into the parking lot and notice the beautiful landscaping surrounding the brown, barn-like building that is the winery and tasting room. A flagstone path leads you through a riot of colorful flowers to a breezeway that separates the winery from the tasting room. Glass doors provide a view into the barrel room and winery. Most likely, youll be greeted by Dutchess, a sweet, tail-wagging yellow Labrador Retriever, owned by Dutcher Crossing Winerys Proprietor, Debra Mathy. The tasting room is large, bright and airy, with high ceilings, glossy wood floors and tasteful dcor. A vintage high-wheeled bicycle (used as the winerys logo) sits against a wall, beckoning to be ridden (well, I was tempted to try to ride it, but I restrained myself). A selection of non-wine items is available for browsing as you sip and stroll around the room. During the week, there is a $5 tasting fee (waived for wine club members) to sample a variety of six wines, and on weekends a $10 reserve tasting is available as well. Winemaker Kerry Damskey does a wonderful job crafting these wines! I tasted a few wines during my visit and they were all excellent! Taste some great wines, pet a friendly dog, relax and stay a while! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
PLAN AHEAD The picnic area is lovely and its views of the Dry Creek Valley are breathtaking. There are six picnic tables under a wisteria-covered arbor. The colorful, fragrant landscaping and manicured lawns will make you want to kick o your shoes and stay a while. VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port ANOTHER FUN FACT Winemaker, Kerry Damskey is known as the Indiana Jones of the wine world. LITTLE KNOWN FACT Dutcher Crossings self-appointed greeter and mascot Dutchess is a rescue dog. Owner, Debra Mathy transported her all the way back from Taiwan!
Dutcher Crossing Winery

Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8533 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg www.dutchercrossingwinery.com (707) 431-2700 Look for Dutcher Crossing on Facebook.
For a perfectly sweet pairing, enjoy the custom-made chocolates with the Port. Yum!
Dry Creek Valley
57
Inside Villa Fiore, the magnificent Italian-style villa that serves as Ferrari-Caranos hospitality center, guests will find a world of tasting opportunities. On the main floor wine shop and tasting room, guests may taste many brand new releases of Ferrari-Caranos Classic Wines in addition to the Villa Fiore wines, which are only available at the winery. Take your sample and browse the shops extensive selection of gifts and souvenirs, including many great wine and cookbooks, housewares and wine country home dcor. Downstairs in the cellar, the luxurious Enoteca offers guests Ferrari-Caranos Limited Release and Reserve Wines. Try a flight of lovely Russian River Valley Chardonnays, or compare the two delicious PreVail Cabernet Sauvignons that hail from the winerys two mountain ranches in Alexander Valley. Guests are welcome to stroll the enclosed garden, which has a meandering path and foot bridges along a rippling stream that empty into fish-filled ponds. The garden has more than 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, all marked with informative identification tags, including some of the few successfully growing Portuguese cork trees in the area. Art lovers will also find bronze sculptures from world-renowned artists such as Dennis Smith, Douglas Van Howd and Jane DeDecker throughout the gardens. By Michelle J. Baker
DID YOU KNOW... Ferrari-Carano has a tasting bar and boutique on the Healdsburg Plaza?Seasons of the Vineyardfeatures wines from FerrariCarano and Lazy Creek fantastic Anderson Valley Pinot Noir! SPECIAL TOURS AND PRIVATE TASTINGS Winery tours are by appointment, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m., based on availability. Seven dierent private tasting opportunities are available by appointment, seven days a week at 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m, also based on availability. WHAT TO TASTE For the classic tasting, Pinot Grigio, Fum Blanc, Chardonnay, Bella Luce (aromatic white blend), Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Siena (Tuscan-inspired red blend). In the Enoteca , Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, PreVail and dessert wines.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg www.ferrari-carano.com For tours and private tastings, call (707) 433-6700
Seasons of the Vineyard

Open Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. 113 Plaza Street, Healdsburg (707) 431-2222 Look for them on Facebook and Twitter!
58 Dry Creek Valley
Mention this story and receive one complimentary Classic Wine tasting when you purchase one at regular price. ($5 tasting fee refunded with purchase of any single bottle.)
Ed and Adam Sbragia
If you are planning a visit to Sonoma County and Healdsburg in particular, do not miss a visit to Sbragia Family Vineyards! Its less than 10 miles out on Dry Creek Road from downtown Healdsburg. This is a very special place; well worth the trip! The cellar is downstairs, with large windows providing a view into the inner workings of the winery. The tasting room is upstairs, with a large covered patio that wraps around the back, providing a breathtaking view of the Dry Creek Valleys vineyards and redwood studded hills. The tasting room is bright with windows looking out onto the valley. There is a vast assortment of tastefully displayed wine-related merchandise. Freshly cut flowers from the familys garden are artfully arranged around the tasting room. As well as growing beautiful flowers they also have a wonderful produce garden too! There is a $5 tasting fee to taste four wines and a $10 tasting fee to taste four of the reserve Cabernet Sauvignons. Tasting fees are refundable with your purchase. The wines are wonderful! Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. Sbragia Family Vineyards has a lovely private tasting room, The Ark, which is named after their historic family bar/restaurant on the Russian River in Healdsburg, where visitors can enjoy wine and food pairings, vertical flights and other memorable experiences. The saying here at Sbragia is, The only thing better than the view is the wine! Come see for yourself! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
PLAN AHEAD Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine by the glass (or by the bottle), pick out some snacks from the deli case and relax at one of the many outside picnic tables. LITTLE KNOWN FACT Owner/founder Ed Sbragia is the only winemaker to have won awards for crafting both the best red wine and the best white wine in the world! VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon PRIVATE EVENTS Sbragias event center can accommodate up to 350 guests. There is a state-of-the-art professional kitchen, which is a caterers dream, not to mention the stunning views and world-class wines which will make it an event no one will forget! PRIVATE TOURS Private tours and tastings are available by appointment.
Sbragia Family Vineyards

Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9990 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg www.sbragia.com (707) 473-2992
Mention this story for complimentary tasting. Tell em The Wine Wench sent you!
Dry Creek Valley
59
Chardo nnay
Pinot B lanc
Gewurz tra
Pinot G ri Pinot G s/ rigio
Sauvign on Blan c
miner
Find Your Favorite Varietals

Armida Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-433-2222 Arrowood Winery Glen Ellen, daily 10am-4:30pm B.R. Cohn Winery Glen Ellen, daily 10am-5pm, 707-938-4064 Balletto Vineyards Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 707-568-2455 x101 Chalk Hill Estate Healdsburg, daily 10am-4pm, 707-657-4837 Charles Creek Vineyard Sonoma, daily 11am-6pm, 707-935-3848 Chateau St. Jean Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 1-800-543-7572 Christopher Creek Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-433-2001 Cline Cellars Sonoma, daily 10am-6pm, 707-940-4030
De La Montanya Estate Healdsburg, open by appointment, 707-433-3711
P42 P18 P17 P34 P37 P14 P24 P39 P10 P43 P29 P52 P57 P35 P19 P58 P56
Riesling
Viognie r

DeLoach Vineyards Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 707-526-9111 Dry Creek Vineyard Healdsburg, daily 10:30am-4:30pm, 707-433-1000
Dutcher Crossing Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-431-2700 Dutton Estate Winery Sebastopol, daily 10am-5pm, 707-829-9463

Eric Ross Winery Glen Ellen, daily 11am-5pm, 707-939-8525 Ferrari-Carano Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-6700 Forchini Healdsburg, Fri-Sun 11am-4pm, 707-431-8886
Freestone Vineyards Freestone, daily 11am-5pm (Winter:Thu-Mon), 707-875-1010 P33 Haywood Winery Sonoma, open daily 11am-6pm, 707-933-3001 Hook & Ladder Santa Rosa, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-526-2255 Hop Kiln (HKG) Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-6491 JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar Healdsburg, daily (check hours), 707-473-9707 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Sonoma, daily 11am-5:30pm, 707-931-7575 Kendall-Jackson Tasting Room Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-7102 Kokomo Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-4:30pm, 707-433-0200 Ledson Winery & Vineyards Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-537-3810 Martin Ray Winery Santa Rosa, daily 11am-5pm, 707-823-2404
Matanzas Creek Winery Santa Rosa, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-528-6464
P13 P28 P41 P47 P9 P48 P54 P26 P30 P21 P11 P50 P20 P16 P53 P38 P25 P12 P59 P49 P31 P46 P55 P23 P8
HKG

Meadowcroft Wines Sonoma, daily 11am-6pm, 707-934-4090 Medlock Ames Winery Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-8845 Moondance Cellars Glen Ellen, daily 11am-5pm, 707-823-0880 Mountain Terraces Vineyard Glen Ellen, by appointment only, 707-481-7377 Peterson Winery Healdsburg, Fri-Mon 11am-4:30pm or by appt, 707-431-7568 Rodney Strong Vineyards Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-431-1533 St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 1-888-675-WINE Schug Carneros Estate Sonoma, daily 10am-5pm, 707-939-9363 Sbragia Family Vineyards Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-473-2992 Simi Winery Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-473-3232 Sonoma-Cutrer Windsor,Thu-Mon 10am-4pm, 707-237-3489 Stephen & Walker Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-7pm, 707-431-8749 Truett Hurst Winery Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-9545
60 Wine Varietals
VJB Vineyards & Cellars Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-833-2300 Viansa Winery Sonoma, daily 10am-5pm, 707-935-4700
Other
Cabern et Fran c
vignon
Tempra Primotinillo/ vo
Barbera
C ab S au
Zinfand
Other
Sparkli ng
Carigna
Grenach e
Malbec
Ros

HKG

Port

HKG

Wine Varietals
61
Dessert Wines
Petite S irah
ot
Petit Ve rd
Pinot N oir
Sangiov ese
ne
Merlot
Syrah
el
Pendeleton Estate Wattle Creek
N SIA RUS
Pastori
Fritz
DUTCHER CR EEK
Lake Sonoma
Silver Oak Vinwood Cellars
RIV
ER
Pastori Asti, Souverain, Cellar No. 8
TO THE MENDOCINO COAST
SBRAGIA FAMILY FERRARI-CARANO DUTCHER CROSSING
101
STEWARTS POINT
RD
Dry Creek
DRY CREEK RD.
Kachina Frick David Caaro J Rickards Gustafson Family Bella Vineyards Pedroncelli Vineyards Preston Vineyards Zichichi CANYON Geyser Peak RD Palmeri . Yoakim Bridge Talty FORCHINI Route 128 Winery Locals Raymond Burr Vineyards Amphora Meeker Papapietro Perry Gpfrich Mercury deLorimier Winery KOKOMO/ Terroirs TRUETT HURST Martorana Unti Family*PETERSON Trione Michel-Schlumberger Clos Quivira Rued Francis Du Bois Vintners Signatures Passalacqua Mounts Teldeschi Ford Coppola A Rafanelli DRY CREEK VNYD Trentadue Lambert Bridge Mauritson
Y W. DR
YC DR
Alexander Valley
K EE CR
Mazzocco
LYTTON SPGS
TO THE MENDOCINO COAST
128
SIMI
Vineyard of Pasterick Amista Deux Amis Duchamp Grove Street Wilson Montemaggiore
EK RD. RE
Nalle
Ridge
1
MacPhail Mill Creek Vineyards Acorn Mietz Lane
Flowers Vineyard & Winery
Northern Sonoma
Everett Ridge Michael Bernard DaVero Alderbrook
Garden Creek Ranch Robert Young Stryker Sonoma AL EX AN Hawkes D Jordan ER VALLEY Sausal Stuhlmuller MEDLOCK AMESStonestreet White Oak Soda Rock Johnsons Alexander Valley Vineyards Hanna Field Stone
JCB TASTING ROOM & WINE BAR FERRARI-CARANOS SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD KENDALL-JACKSON STEPHEN & WALKER
CHRISTOPHER Foppiano CREEK Christie Limerick
Caz adero
ARMIDA
Korbel
W
Lancaster Estate Vrit/ Archipel
Russian River
DE LA MONTANYA Matrix Twomey RODNEY STRONG John Tyler Wines J Wine by Bacigalupi Vineyard Merriam HOP DeNatale VML Chateau Felice KILN Bradford Mtn CHALK HILL
CH
AL K HILL
EA SA N
D WOO RED
RD
EA STS IDE
OLD
Rochioli Arista Gary Farrell Williams Selyem Vine Tastings UPTick WINDSOR RIVE R RD Porter Thomas Creek George Moshin Copain
WINDSOR
PL
Chalk Hill
HWY
Mueller
SLU
Russian River Vnyds Iron Horse
ER Russian Hill Estate RD.
SSE R
1
Emtu Estate
RIV
AR D. N
Hartford Family
SONOMA CUTRER
River Road Green Valley DUTTON ESTATE

LAG U
RD.
RD .
OCCIDENTAL D&L Peters Taft Street Winery Carinalli Family Freeman

GO LD
M GO NT
OCCID
ENTA
FU
L RD .
WAT ER
DArgenzio Cellars of Sonoma Krutz Sheldon

TRO UGH
BURNSIDE
Gourmet au Bay
RID GE
RD.
Hanna
LTO N
BODEGA HIG
FREESTONE VINEYARDS GUEST CENTER H

Y ER
WAY
Littorai
CALIST OGA
HIGHWAY
Kendall-Jackson Wine Center Woodenhead Joseph Swan Tara Bella Old World Winery Martinelli Pellegrini MARK W R EST MARTIN GS Harvest Moon SPRIN RAY Sunc Robert Rue Occidental Road/Atascadero Creek Benovia Eric Kent Dehlinger Graton Ridge Marimar Torres GRATON RD. Dutton-Goldeld HOOK & LADDER Carol Shelton Inspiration INDUS DeLOACHU Inman Red Car Novy TRIAL Battaglini PINER G Lynmar ER Emeritus NE Siduri Merry Edwards VIL LE Paradise Ridge
O LIV E T
BALLETTO
FOUNTAIN
D.
PET RIFIE D
FOR ES T
116
ES TS ID
ER
D.
Knights Valley
E BOH
MIAN
GR OVE
MONTE CITO
29 128
MO
Downtown Wine Edmeades Front Street Wineries: Camellia Cellars Davis Family Sapphire Hills Starlite Holdredge Vineyards Hauck Cellars Hawley Tasting Room & Gallery . Hudson Street Wineries Bluenose Wines Grove Street Owl Ridge Sadler-Wells Rocking Z Vineyard Teira Gustavo La Crema Thrace Lake Sonoma Longboard Vineyards Manzanita Creek Murphy-Goode Optima Pezzi King St. Helena Road Winery Portalupi Roadhouse Winery Russian River Wine Co. Seghesio Selby Thirty Four North Wine Merchant Thumbprint Toad Hollow Topel Waterfront Tasting Room J. Keverson Christie Harts Desire Williamson
Wines
VA LL EY
FO RD
CU TO FF FF
12
D. RD. IAN R HIAN PYTH PYT
116
LEDSON ST. FRANCIS
Kaz Kaz
GRA GRANGE NGE
101
Landmark Landmark
Sonoma Valley
Sable Sable Ridge Ridge Pavo Wines Pavo Wines
BE BENNE NN TT ET VA T V LL AL EY LE RD YR . D.
Sonoma Coast
MATANZAS MATANZAS CREEK CREEK
Paradise Ridge Paradise Ridge Muscardini & Ty Caton Cellars Muscardini & Ty Caton Cellars Enkidu Enkidu
Bevan Bevan Cellars Cellars Mayo Reserve Room Kenwood Winery Mayo Reserve Room Kenwood Winery Family Wineries Family Wineries Deereld Ranch Kunde Deereld Ranch Kunde Loxton Loxton Wellington Wellington Mayo Family Mayo Family Benziger Family Benziger Family Audelssa Estate Audelssa Estate HKG ESTATE Imagery HKG ESTATE Imagery ERIC ROSS BR COHN
Sugar Loaf Sugar Loaf Ridge Ridge State Park State Park
128
1 1
RD RD FO FO Y Y
RO B RO LAR BL RD AR . RD . PETALUMA V A PETALUMA V LLE AL LE
PE E P TA A T LU U L MMA A HH ILILL L RR OOA ADD
VJB CELLARS VJB CELLARS CHATEAU ST. JEAN CHATEAU ST. JEAN
TO TO LAKE BERRYESSA LAKE BERRYESSA AND AND SACRAMENTO SACRAMENTO
ERIC ROSS MOONDANCE CELLARS BR COHN ARROWOOD MOONDANCE Old Hill Ranch Little Vineyards Bucklin CELLARS ARROWOOD
RD . D.
BOD EGA BOD EGA
HWY
HWY
Clary Ranch Clary Ranch Westwood/Haywood Westwood/Haywood Clarbec

FRATE S FRAT ES
WASHINGT ON WASHINGTON
of the Old Hill Ranch ValleyBucklin Moon Winery Little Vineyards Vineyards Petroni Valley of the Moon Winery Petroni VineyardsTERRACES VINEYARD MOUNTAIN Robert Hunter MOUNTAIN TERRACES VINEYARD Robert Horse Hunter /AKOMA ZOUME Paint Hanzell /AKOMA ZOUME Paint Horse Hanzell
12 12
ORANGE RD. RD. ORANGE
Corda Corda Adobe Road Adobe Winery Road Winery

ST AG EG UL ST CH AG EG UL CH
Sonoma Valley Port Works Sonoma Valley Port Works
Hawkes Roche Roessler Adobe Hawkes Road
Ravenswood
Sebastiani Roche Clarbec Adobe Road CHARLES CREEK RoesslerJames Ravenswood Eric K Sebastiani Bartholomew Park Winery HAYWOOD HwyK12James CHARLES CREEK Spann/Sojourn Eric Parmelee Hill Hwy 12 VA Cellar HAYWOOD R2 Sonoma Winery LOBartholomew Park Vista LL Buena Robledo Spann/Sojourn VA Enoteca
7T H E.
8T H E. E.
Tomales Tomales Bay Bay

BONNESSNESS RD BON RD
7T
116 116
Estate Keller Estate
LA
116 116 Keller
Parmelee Hill Family Robledo Family Anaba
LL LO EY VA EN LL Buena Vista AP VA LL A EY ST EN AP NA A PA MacRostieT S RD
RD
Door Cellar R2 Sonoma N EnotecaAP Door A
E.
Favero
Favero
8T
. . RD RD LE ILLE VIL V KE AKE L
Kastania Vineyards Kastania Vineyards
RA AL MAL
CLINE CLINE
Foyt Family Wines 121 Keating Wines 121 JACUZZI
JACUZZI Rams Gate
RA M
Travelling around Sonoma County

TO SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN FRANCISCO
37 37
Rams Gate
VIANSA VIANSA
Homewood Winery
Los Carneros LosRegion Carneros Homewood Nicholson Region Winery Ranch

Gundlach Bundschu
BU RN
BU R DA NDA LE LE
101 101
SCHUG Anaba Larson Family 12 Bonneau 121 MacRostie Kamen 12 SCHUG Tin Barn Larson Family BonneauCORNERSTONE SONOMA Kamen 121 Gloria Ferrer MEADOWCROFT WINES Tin Barn Gofessel CORNERSTONE SONOMA Foyt Family Wines Gloria Ferrer Gofessel Keating Wines MEADOWCROFT WINES
Gundlach Bundschu
Nicholson Ranch T
TO N
ON
APA
APA
MILES
TRAVEL TIME Average) (Peak)
Golden Gate Bridge to Sebastopol Sebastopol to Santa Rosa Downtown Santa Rosa to Healdsburg Healdsburg to Geyserville
49 7 16 8
60 12 20 15
80 20 30 15
San Pablo Bay San Pablo Bay
TO VAL L EJ O TO VAL L EJ O

Sonoma County Day Trips Fall/Winter 2011

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Sonoma County Day Trips Fall/Winter 2011

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DAY TRIPS

Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country

from Sonoma to Geyserville

FORTY THREE 1 TASTING ROOM REVIEWS

NINE WINE TASTING

Rockpile Lake Sonoma

FERRARI-CARANO DUTCHER CROSSING

Dry Creek Valley

FORCHINI PETERSON FAMILY KOKOMO WINERY

116 Westside Road Russian

Pages 40-43 River

DRY CREEK RD.

DRY CREEK VNYD

Downtown Healdsburg & Alexander Valley

RD. EEK EEK RD . CR

Green Valley DUTTON ESTATE

HOOK & LADDER

Russian River /Olivet

Pages 32-35 Sonoma

LEDSON ST. FRANCIS

VJB VINEYARDS & CELLARS

CHATEAU ST. JEAN

9 Wine Tasting Trips

ERIC ROSS ARROWOOD MOONDANCE B.R. COHN

MOUNTAIN TERRACES VINEYARDS

JACUZZI FAMILY VIANSA

Los Carneros Region

San Pablo Bay

Sonoma Country Preferred Wine Country

Index Varietals Poured Sonoma County Wineries Map

60-61 60-61 62-63

43 TASTING ROOM REVIEWS

707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674

Notes on Wine Tasting

Wine Bar Tasting

Sit Down Tasting

Table Service Tasting

Walk Around Tasting

Why make an appointment?

Heading to the Tasting Room

Destiny Wine Tours

Girl & The Fig Sonoma Hotel El Dorado Kitchen

Depot Museum Swiss Hotel LOVE LL California Mission

Lodge at Carneros Cellar Door

MacArthur Place Traintown

SCHUG CARNEROS ESTATE

Experience Italy in Sonoma Valley!

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

Complimentary 2-for-1 wine tasting with this story.

Schug Carneros Estate Winery

Bring in this story for 2-for-1 tasting.

Check their website for special oers, www.haywoodwinery.com.

Charles Creek Vineyard

Jack London State Park

ERIC ROSS Yeti MOONDANCE CELLARS

ESTATE ARROWOOD BR COHN

The Red Barn Store at Oak Hill Farm

MOUNTAIN TERRACES VINEYARDS

Mountain Terraces Vineyard

B.R. Cohn Winery

2-for-1 wine tasting when you mention this article.

Eric Ross Winery

Matanzas Creek Winery