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DAY TRIPS

Fall/Winter 2012

Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country

A publication of

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from Sonoma to Cloverdale

EiGHT WiNE TAsTiNG

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Tomales707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674 Bay PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco


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669 Broadway, Suite B Sonoma, CA 95476 P.O. Box 92 El Verano, CA 95433

Glen Ellen
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WASHINGTON

AUDELSSA ESTATE ERIC ROSS MOONDANCE VALLEY OF THE MOON

B.R. COHN LITTLE VINEYARDS

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SALES REPRESENTATIVE MANAGING EDITOR

OFFICE MANAGER

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Direct (707) 938-3734 mike@winecountrythisweek.com Jet Howell, 707-495-9385 winecountryjet1@att.net Chandra Grant Phone 707-938-1783 Fax 707-938-3674 chandra@winecountrythisweek.com Cathy Gore Phone 707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674 Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com Karin Argoud, Rebecca Arnn Michelle J. Baker, Brendan Conroy TO Monica L. Dashwood, Ronda Giangreco SAN FRANCISCO Mike Hyland, Charles Neave Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Abigail Zimmerman

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Cover Photo: Vineyard Tour at Lancaster Estate Winery. Photo by Lester Ng, www.LesterNgPictures.com.

DAY TRIPS
8 DAY Trips
Los Carneros Sonoma Glen Ellen Kenwood Russian River Downtown Healdsburg/Alexander Valley South of Healdsburg Dry Creek Valley 8 15 22 29 37 44 52 58

Sonoma Country Preferred Wine Country

Fall/Winter 2012

HELpFUL iNFOrMATiON
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Heading to the Tasting Room Notes on Wine Tasting Della Santinas Destiny Wine Tours Wine Country Cyclery Dining Recommendations Varietals Chart Sonoma County Wineries Map

54 TAsTiNG rOOM rEViEWs


Alderbrook Winery Alexander Valley Vineyards Armida Winery Audelssa Estate Winery B.R. Cohn Winery BRYTER Estates Buena Vista Winery Cellars of Sonoma Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery Charles Creek Vineyard Chateau Diana Winery Chateau St. Jean Cline Cellars DeLoach Vineyards Dry Creek Vineyards Dutcher Crossing Eric Ross Winery Family Wineries of Dry Creek Valley Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery Forchini Vineyards & Winery Fritz Underground Winery Haywood Estate Hook & Ladder Winery & Vineyards JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar Jacuzzi Winery Kenwood Vineyards Kokomo Winery www.WineCountryThisWeek.com 54 50 53 28 23 19 16 38 57 18 71 34 11 40 64 62 27 65 61 69 59 20 39 48 10 31 66 Korbel Champagne Cellars Kunde Family Estate Winery Lancaster Estate Winery Larson Family Wines Ledson Winery & Vineyards Little Vineyards Family Winery Martin Ray Winery Meadowcroft Wines Moondance Cellars Mutt Lynch Winery Nicholson Ranch Paradise Ridge Tasting Room Peterson Winery Quivira Vineyards Roche Winery & Vineyards RodneyStrong Vineyards St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Sapphire Hill Winery Sbragia Family Vineyards Simi Winery Sonoma Cutrer Stephen & Walker Winery Trattore Estate Wines Truett Hurst Winery VJB Vineyards & Cellars Valley of the Moon Winery Viansa Winery 43 30 51 13 36 24 41 12 26 55 14 33 67 63 17 56 35 46 60 49 42 47 68 70 32 25 9

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

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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. winery 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

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

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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 says after 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.
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If you truly want to experience all of the beauty that a visit to the Sonoma Valley can provide, a bicycle tour by Wine Country Cyclery is definitely the way to go. Many visitors to the Valley make Wine Country Cyclery their first stop. The shop is conveniently located just off of the plaza in downtown Sonoma. They provide everything from bike rentals and tours to bicycle and accessory sales, bike fittings and servicing. If you are having trouble deciding which wineries to visit, let Wine Country Cyclery conduct your tour. They have full-day, half-day and self-guided tours available for you to choose from. They will even customize your tour to fit your cycling skill-level. Cycle along quiet country roads and learn about viticulture from their knowledgeable guides. Visit boutique wineries and sample wines in distinctive tasting rooms. A delicious lunch will await you at a winery picnic area where you can relax and soak-up all the valley has to offer. Should you find a wine you cant live without, place your order and they will pick it up and have it waiting for you upon your return to the shop. If you choose to be your own tour guide, dont worry, you can just rent a bike from Wine Country Cyclery. They have several options available at different price ranges and for different skill-sets. Their tour guide extraordinaire, John, keeps a supply of complimentary maps to the local wineries at the front counter and is happy to provide recommendations. The shop owners, Jeff and his son Jeffrey, are available to help with any last minute equipment needs. Their mechanics are available seven days a week to take care of needed repairs and adjustments so customers can be on their way in no time at all. By rebecca Arnn

FUN FACTs: Wine Country Cyclery boasts the youngest rental eet on the road, replacing them yearly. Their high-end road bikes are continuously maintained for top performance. Already a cycling pro? Bring your own pedals, shoes, even your saddle a certied tter will personally size you to your rental bike. Dont own your own equipment? They have a selection of helmets, locks and pedals such as Shimano, Look and SpeedPlay. Tour the Roche Family Winerys Historic Ranch and Vineyards on a bicycle: This guided tour is geared for riders of all abilities from 12 years of age. Riders will enjoy a beautiful ride through 130 acres of vineyards on the Roche familys ranch in southern Sonoma in the renowned Carneros wine growing region. Your two-hour tour will conclude with a private food and wine pairing.

Wine Country Cyclery


Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 262 West Napa Street Sonoma (707) 996-6800 winecountrycyclery.com

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On the south end of Sonoma 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 sonoma Country Antiques 23999 Arnold Drive (Hwy 121) Sonoma (707) 938-8315, www.sonomaantiques.com Buyers have been traveling to Europe for over three decades, hand selecting one-of-a-kind antiques and accessories. Explore and be inspired in our 10,000 square feet of elegantly designed showrooms. 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. Vintage Aircraft Co. 3982 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 938-2444, www.vintageaircraft.com Get a birds eye view of the rolling hills carpeted in vineyards all the way to San Francisco and beyond! Offering safe, exciting flying experiences since 1975. FOOD Fremont Diner 2698 Fremont Drive, Sonoma (707) 938-7370 www.thefremontdiner.com Like em on Facebook 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! sonomas Best 1190 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 996-7600, www.sonomas-best.com The old-fashioned landmark store offers food products for which the County of Sonoma is famous artisanal cheeses, salads and soups, tamales, charcuterie, pastries and ice cream along with exquisite Blue Bottle Coffee. schellville Grill 22900 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 996-5151, www.schellvillegrill.com BBQ fare, sandwiches and burgers. Dynamite food, according to Guy Fieri, with better than any store-bought barbecue sauce.

Los Carneros

Viansa Tasting room & Marketplace 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, 95476 (707) 935-4726, www.viansa.com Viansa is the perfect place to have a relaxing lunch they offer fresh made sandwiches, salads, antipasti, soups, and fruit salads to enjoy with Viansa wines and phenomenal views. Weahter permitting, you can also enjoy a game of bocce ball! 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 wine-country 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. 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.

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Discover Little italy in sonoma Wine Country!


Viansa Winery & Marketplace, located just off highway 121, magically transports you to Tuscany, Italy. When you arrive, you are welcomed by a St. Francis of Assisi statue, petting his dog. Drive up the road and set your eyes on rows of grapevines, tall Cypress trees, elegant rose gardens and Italian fountains. Nestled at the top of the hill stands Viansas Tuscan Villa with breathtaking views of Sonoma Valley. Viansa is a rich mixture of traditions with its family history, Tuscan architecture, fine winemaking and culinary offerings. Sonomas Italian winemakers, the Sebastianis, created Viansa in order to share their love of good wine, good food and Italian heritage. Current owner, Lloyd Davis continues their commitment to Italian-inspired wines and foods, going to great lengths to pair homemade Italian recipes with selected wines. As the premier producer of Cal-Ital wines, Viansa draws wine lovers from all over the world to explore a unique array of wine varietals. Two of Viansas award-winning wines are the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2009 Zinfandel, both receiving multiple gold medals among other awards. The winerys marketplace offers specialty foods, including artisan cheeses and desserts. The marketplace also sells unique merchandise ranging from imported artwork and ceramics, to wine accessories, tapenades and dipping oils. Viansa wines are only available at the winery, through Viansas Tuscan Club or at www.viansa.com. Viansa also hosts special events, and reserve tastings. With Viansas choices of things to see, and do, your day at Viansa will be one to remember! By Monica Dashwood

FUN FACTs Viansas Tuscan Villa is a replica of a monastery in Italy. There are over 500 species of birds sighted on the winerys 113 acre wetlands. Viansa oers a weekend pizza and wine experience overlooking the Sonoma Valley. Enjoy wine perfectly paired with pizza made from Viansas very own wood-red oven. Viansa also oers unique Italian inspired wine and food pairings every Saturday and Sunday. VAriETALs prODUCED Viansa produces 18 popular and distinct varietals, like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Vernaccia, Primitivo and Sangiovese. WiNEs TO TAsTE ON YOUr VisiT 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Clean and crisp with aromas and avors of pink grapefruit, lime zest, and tropical fruit. Delicious on its own, also pairs with oysters or seared tuna. 2009 Zinfandel Shows blackberry and plum, bright berry-cherry avors and a long, full nish. This wine pairs well with barbecued meats and Margherita pizza.

Viansa Winery
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma 1-800-995-4740 | www.viansa.com www.facebook.com/ViansaWineryVineyards

BRING A FRIEND FOR A FREE TASTING! Purchase one weekend Wine & Food or Wine & Pizza 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.
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Los Carneros

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 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in Sonoma. The Jacuzzi family first emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s to work on the railroad. Eventually, 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 historic, hard-to-find varietals such as Lagrein and Vernaccia. 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. By ronda Giangreco

FUN Tip Enjoy wine and pizza in the piazza the last Sunday of every month. See website for details. WiNE TOUrs While the tasting room is open daily for complimentary tastings, wine tours are available only by appointment. Visit jacuzziwines.com/tastings to view options or call (707) 931-7576 and they will gladly help you arrange a guided tour, food and wine pairings and more. 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, visit jacuzziwines.com/tastings Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/jacuzziwines and Twitter: @JacuzziWines

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Los Carneros
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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 5,000 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

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 scale models of all of the California missions. The models rst debuted at the 1939 Worlds Fair at Treasure Island and 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. Private tastings can be arranged by appointment. Visit clinecellars.com/tastings to plan your visit. WHATs COMiNG Up This weekend, swirl, sip and savor on top of Clines Syrah Hill. See website for details about this unique experience.

Cline Cellars
Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 940-4030 | www.clinecellars.com For tours & reservations visit clinecellars.com/tastings

Follow them at facebook.com/clinewine and on Twitter @clinecellars

Join the Wine Club and receive special oers and discounts on wines.
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Los Carneros

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Meadowcroft Family of Wines including the Meadowcroft, Thomas Henry and Foyt Family labels is truly a distinctive wine tasting destination. Sitting amid exclusive, one-of-a-kind shops, a sculpture gallery, a cafe, 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 9th Anniversary Party, October 6 Holiday in Carneros, November 17-18 VAriETALs Meritage, 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, CA 95476 (707) 934-4090 www.meadowcroftwines.com www.facebook.com/drinkmeadowcroftwines twitter.com/#!/catchthebuzzz

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Vineyard Tours Saturdays and Sundays at 11am & 2pm $15pp includes full tasting!

With so many wineries to visit in the beautiful wine country, its easy to miss the hidden gems. There is one off the beaten path that is worth finding: The Larson Family Winery, located at the intersection of Hwy 121 and Broadway, across from the Shellville Fire Station. Driving through, you will pass rows of Chardonnay vines taking in the warm California sun. Nearby, a redwood barn draws you in to experience Larsons down to earth, fun-loving, hard-working, dog-loving, country lifestyle. The Larson Family Winery has been in the family since 1899. As you walk into their rustic barnyard tasting room, over the wine bar, hangs a hand painted mural, chronicling the history of the family and the heritage of the property. This colorful painting takes you back to the days of the Wild West from steamboats, rodeos, racehorses and polo ponies to the current winery surrounded by lush green vineyards. With roots in the western region of the Carneros appellation, and 70 acres of vineyard to work with, the Larson Family Winery produces over 10 delicious varietals. Larsons award-winning wines are the 2009 Millerick Road meritage blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. The 2009 Larson Family Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex and well-balanced wine revealing aromas of cedars, clove, vanilla, coffee and spice. The 2009 3 Lab Cab is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec. These magnificent wines and more are available only at the winery, on-line or through their wine club. Dont miss the best of the best! Bring the whole family for some fun in the sun. Pack a picnic, taste the finest wines in Sonoma Valley, play bocce ball, or take a beautiful walk with your dog along Sonoma Creek, you are in for a picture By Monica L. Dashwood perfect day!

OVErALL pHiLOsOpHY Hurry down because, We drink what we can, and sell the rest! FUN FACTs The Larson Family Winery named their 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Three Lab Cab after their wonderful labs, Sunny, Bubby and Pete, the inspiration for this full-bodied wine. A barrel of wine contains 25 cases or 300 bottles of wine. One vine produces three-to-six bottles of wine. The Larson Family Winery four-bedroom Civil War-era farm house is now available for over-night stays! VAriETALs prODUCED Pinot Grigio, Gewrztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Larson Family Winery


Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily Intersection of Hwy 121 & Broadway, across from the Shellville Fire Station 23355 Millerick Rd, Sonoma 1-800-938-WINE (9463) www.larsonfamilywinery.com www.facebook.com/larsonfamilywinery www.twitter.com/larsonfamilywinery

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Los Carneros

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A Rare Legacy in Family and in Exceptional Wine


Nicholson Ranch Winery started as a family-owned farm in what the wine-world now worships as Sonoma Valley AVA. Nicholson Ranch has been, and still is, at the forefront of carefully growing and hand crafting some of Northern Californias finest wines, specifically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as Merlot and Syrah. The Ranch benefits greatly from a trifecta of soil types, cool but sunny microclimate and sloping hillsides. Ramona Nicholson is the backbone and exciting owner of this winery. Born and raised on the soil she now literally tills and farms herself, Ramona has grown up to take her familys property into the next generation of California grape-growing and winemaking history. Ramona is responsible for all aspects of their family-owned and operated vineyards and winery. She is highly regarded in the industry and, dare I say, serves as inspiration for leagues of aspiring winemakers and wine lovers. Nicholson Ranch is a must visit! Perched squarely on the cusp of Napa and Sonoma counties, it is a convenient drive from either valley. With too many gold medals and best in class awards to list, the Ranch is sure to please every visitor to wine country. Call ahead for a winery tour! Plunge deep underground into the labyrinth of caves and wine barrels on a private winery tour. Call (707) 938-8822, ext. 15. By Abigail p. Zimmerman

GirL pOWEr! Ramona Nicholson was inducted into the Women for Winesense Hall of Fame in 2012 and was named 2010 Woman of the Year by the State of Californias 6th Assembly District. FAMOUs FOr piNOT! Be sure to try the 2008 Sonoma Valley Estate Pinot Noir. Winner of the famed San Francisco Chronicle competition, this dry-farmed Pinot is a perfect blend of California and Burgundy with notes of minerals, dark fruit, wet hay and forest oor. And, the 2007 estate grown Pinot Noir is the winner of three gold medals, a double gold and best in show. DONT Miss MY pErsONAL FAVOriTE 2008 Cuve Natalie Reserve Chardonnay. Named for Ramonas daughter, Cuve Natalie may be one of the nest Chardonnays being poured in all of California. GOOD TO KNOW Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch or sunset lakeside or in the fountain courtyard sipping Nicholson Ranch wines!

Nicholson ranch
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 4200 Napa Road, Sonoma (707) 938-8822, Ext. 15 nicholsonranch.com

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Sonoma
THiNGs TO DO sonoma plaza Picturesque city plaza boasts unique shops, fine art galleries, award-winning restaurants and fine wines available for tasting. Historic points include: Mission San Francisco de Solano, Barracks, Toscano Hotel, Bear Flag statue. 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.

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. sebastiani Theatre 476 First St. East, on the Plaza, Sonoma (707) 996-2020, www.sebastianitheatre.com Enjoy an eclectic blend of cinema and live entertainment that includes critically acclaimed art, foreign, and classic films, contemporary and vintage music, magic, ballet, opera and musical theatre built in 1933. ramekins Culinary school 450 West Spain St, Sonoma (707) 933-0450, www.ramekins.com Experience the essence of Sonoma Wine Country with cooking classes, events even four-day culinary retreats! Home of General Vallejo "Lachryma Montis" West of the plaza on W. Spain St., $3 1850s Victorian house furnished with Vallejo's personal effects - as though the General and his wife had just stepped out. FOOD Della santinas 133 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 935-0576, www.dellasantinas.com Traditional Italian fare is based upon Quirico Della Santina's family recipes growing up in Lucca, Italy and his sheer talent as a chef; cozy dining room, marble fireplace, patio and Enoteca Wine Bar. 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. 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 wine-country 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.
Fremont Diner

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ROCHE &Girl Depot Museum The Home of General Vallejo Fig Swiss Hotel California LOVE Ramekins LL VA LLEY Mission SPAIN ST. ROAD El Dorado Kitchen Sebastiani Theatre THE
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Driving Time: 10 minutes From Buena Vista Winery to Roche 2.5 miles to Charles Creek >1 mile to BRYTER Estate >1 mile to Haywood >1 mile to Della Santina >1 mile Total 4 miles

BURNDALE

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ORANGE

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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.

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One of Californias first wineries remains one of its finest. Founded in 1857 by a man as colorful in character as he was wine savvy, Buena Vista Winery is a treasure for wine lovers and history buffs visiting wine country. Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy (1812-1869) came to America in 1840 as a penniless aristocrat with a restless spirit and a profound interest in successfully reproducing the fine wines from his home continent. He made his dreams a reality after discovering Sonoma Valley. Haraszthy brought dreams of winemaking to Buena Vista and the know-how, as well as thousands of cuttings from European wine varieties the very first vitis vinifera grapes ever planted in California. At the time, wines were produced from hearty Mission grapes, but Haraszthy planted the tender vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. And the rest, they say, is history. Count Haraszthy altered the destiny of the California wine industry by introducing both the varieties and winemaking processes largely still used today and created a winery that, even today, is renowned for excellent wine. Specializing in artisan wines that reflect the legacy of the Count, Buena Vista wines display an amazing array of fruit flavors and textures. Buena Vistas Carneros-grown fruit benefits greatly from vineyards straddling the southernmost tip of Sonoma and Napa counties. Coastal fog and breezes cool the vines and extend the growing season. All of these influences create wines that are more balanced and fruit forward.

Visit Buena Vistas tasting room and taste wine in Californias first Press House.
VAriETALs Chardonnay, French Colombard, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel and Tawny Port. rUN-iNs WiTH THE LAW Just before coming to Sonoma, Count Haraszthy accepted a position as an Assayer of Gold in San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. He was quickly accused of and tried for embezzlement. It seems his estimates consistently ran short of actual gold weight. But he was acquitted. The very next day, the Count purchased the Buena Vista properties. All cash. DONT Miss Buena Vistas new release and homage to their founder, The Count Founders Red wine, a special blend from only the best fruit from Sonomas prestigious vineyards. Also, immerse yourself in history during the historic Champagne Cellars Cave Tour that honors the winery's pioneering spirit and contribution to California winemaking.

Buena Vista Winery


Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma 1-800-926-1266 | www.buenavistawinery.com Find Buena Vista Winery on Facebook

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Few wineries begin as an attempt by a young couple seeking a better place to raise their kids. But Drs. Joseph and Genevieve Roche, having both been raised on Irish-American family farms, had hoped to impart a similar childhood for their own growing brood. So, 35 years ago, the Roches and their four kids left San Francisco for a bucolic old cattle ranch in south Sonoma Valley. For years, Joseph and Genevieve Roche continued to practice medicine while farming cattle, having understood by conventional wisdom at the time that the Carneros region was too cold to grow grapes. Then in 1982, a casual conversation with an established vineyard grower led the Roches to believe their cattle ranch could indeed be a great place to grow grapes. The fall of that year, the family planted five acres of Pinot Noir and five acres of Chardonnay. The odd-man out, the Roche vineyard was miles away from the established grape-growing regions of Sonoma and Napa. But with their very first harvest, the exceedingly exceptional quality of their grapes was obvious. From the start, Roche vineyards signaled a new era as well as an entirely new region for grape growing and wine production. In 1989, Joseph and Genevieve opened Roche Carneros Estate Winery. Today, the Roche winery is still a family owned and operated business with the second generation now in charge (a third generation born!). Their original 10 acres of vineyards has now grown to more than 130 acres of producing vineyards located both in Carneros and Sonoma Coast AVAs, and their wines continue to receive local and national acclaim. Visit their popular and bustling, highly enjoyable tasting room located just off Sonoma Plaza on Spain Street (next to Girl & the Fig restaurant.) Stop in and enjoy food and wine pairings on the shaded patio or in one of the indoor or outdoor bars. By appointment, taste in the familys VIP Tasting Room. Or, simply kick back with friends and family to enjoy some of the finest wines Sonoma Valley has to offer. By Abigail p. Zimmerman

UNiQUE WiNE COUNTrY EXpEriENCE Book a guided Vineyard Bike Tour on the familys 500-acre ranch and estate. (Advanced bookings are required. Open to all skill levels.) GOOD TO KNOW Located just o historic Sonoma Square, Roche Winery Tasting Room is a must stop! The Roche family makes only a few hundred cases of any single wine. WiNEs AVAiLABLE FOr TAsTiNG DAiLY Hand-made lots of locally grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, proprietary blends and even dessert wines! BArrEL TAsTiNGs DAiLY! Also, dont miss samples of the Roche estate and virgin olive oils. Delicious! A TrUE AMEriCAN-irisH WiNErY Did you know one of their wine club trips included a trip to Ireland to visit their familys farm?

roche Winery & Vineyards


Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 122 West Spain Street, Sonoma www.rochewinery.com (707) 935-7115

Free Tasting (with purchase): $5 tasting fee refunded with purchase of one bottle of wine.
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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 for owl and 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
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Take a stroll through the quaint Sonoma Court Shops, off the plaza, and discover BRYTER Estates, a boutique family winery, offering premier, small-lot wines that are sure to delight the senses. Winemaker and proprietor, Terin Ignozzi, handcrafts award-winning wines by applying old world winemaking techniques with the finest selection of fruit from the Napa, Sonoma and Santa Barbara Regions, resulting in perfectly balanced, elegant wines. The BRYTER Estates Tasting Salon symbolizes their passion for exceptional wines, delicious food and fine art. The rustically chic styled room is warm and welcoming with its bright window seating, soft lighting and earth-tone tiled floors. The front counter faade is made of reclaimed redwood from the Ignozzis 100-year-old barn, and the counter top is made of a cool feeling zinc. Showcased on the walls, are original art pieces by masters Dali, Chagall and Vlaminck, as well as featured local artists. BRYTER Estates delivers on their promise of California treasured wines, producing nine varietals such as, the Double Gold award winning 2010 Affine, a lightly oaked crisp Chardonnay, with notes of apple, pear and zesty lemon, the Best of California (2012 Cal State Fair) 2009 Napa Valley Inspired Cabernet Sauvignon with rich velvety tannins, balanced oak and fruit, as well as the 2009 Napa Valley Maritus Cabernet Sauvignon blend, and 2010 Lux Chardonnay. BRYTER Estates wines are available in very limited quantities and sold only in their tasting salon, select restaurants and wine club. The BRYTER Estates Tasting Salon is a comfortable, relaxed and fun wine sampling experience you wont want to miss! By Monica L. Dashwood

OVErALL pHiLOsOpHY Let nature take its course, bringing the beauty of old world style winemaking to every perfectly balanced bottle of BRYTER Estates wine. WHAT TO TAsTE Le Stelle North Coast Brut is a sparkling wine you must try. Le Stelle delivers bright avors of citrus and pear with beautiful oral aromas and a crisp nish. Best of Class, 2012 California State Fair. VAriETALs prODUCED Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Marsanne FUN FACTs Each month a large studio easel will hold a blank canvas, inviting visitors to paint their own artistic vision, producing a communal eort, a collective work of art for everyone to see! Winemaker, Terin Ignozzi, rst learned how to make wine from her Italian grandparents.

BrYTEr Estates
Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 25 East Napa Street, Suite E, Sonoma www.bryter.com | (707) 501-8757 www.facebook.com/BryterEstates

BRYTER Estates Inspired Cabernet Sauvignon... Best of California (2012 Cal State Fair).
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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 Malbec 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 daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 25 East Napa Street, Suite C, Sonoma (707) 933-3001 www.haywoodwinery.com Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

20 Sonoma

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


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Located off the historic square, Della Santinas is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has stood the test of time to become a Sonoma institution. The Della Santina family name shares a long lineage and history in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy. My father Quirico Salvatore Giovanni Della Santina migrated from Lucca in 1960. Residing in the North Beach area of San Francisco, Quirico became a baker by trade. Later, he was lured to Marin County by his uncle Adolph to work in the family restaurant: Marin Joes. After 25 years of successful ownership in a thriving business, he decided to go out on his own in beautiful Sonoma Valley. Since 1990, we have continued to bring Tuscan country cooking to the wine country using recipes passed down from my grandmothers Pia Fontana Della Santina and Clary Gambogi Barsotti. In 2008, we opened Enoteca Della Santina, a wine bar and retail wine shop specializing in wines from all over the world. Enoteca, translated literally in Italian, means wine library a place for people to enjoy a glass in an Old World ambiance. Along with my partner and fellow wine enthusiast Ron Kantor, we created a showcase for international as well as local, small producers. Our wine club has circumvented the globe looking for value selections that expand our members palates and knowledge. Day to day, the bar is a gathering spot for locals and tourists looking to experience a taste of Sonoma Wine Country living. By robert Della santina

ENOTECA DELLA sANTiNA NEXT DOOr sONOMAs BEsT WiNE BAr More than 300 selections of domestic and international wines at competitive prices 30 wines by the glass, customized ights and specialty beers Assorted cheeses and panini served daily Winemaker dinners and educational seminars Bimonthly wine club featuring wines of the world Both locations are available for private events.

Della santinas
The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; reservations are recommended. 133 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 935-0576 www.dellasantinas.com

Enoteca Della santina


The Enoteca is closed Mondays 127 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 938-4200 www.enotecadellasantina.com

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Sonoma

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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. Glen Ellen star 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 343-1384, glenellenstar.com The menu features rustic California Wine Country cuisine with local and international influences including delicious offerings from the wood-burning brick oven. 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: 6 minutes From B.R. Cohn Winery to Little Vineyards >1 mile to Valley of the Moon >1 mile to Moondance Cellars and Eric Ross 1.8 miles to Audelssa Estate >1 mile Total 3+ miles

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The Red Barn Store at Oak Hill Farm

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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, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc. 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 26th 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.

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
Twitter: twitter.com/BRCohn Facebook: www.facebook.com/brcohnwinery YouTube: www.youtube.com/brcohnwinery Flickr: www.flickr.com/brcohn

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


New food products in the Gourmet Shop: Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar.
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Are you looking for a boutique, family-owned winery experience where you can enjoy estate-grown red wines? The Little Family invites you to their 23-acre property nestled in the historical Valley of the Moon region of the Sonoma Valley to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mayacamus and Sonoma Mountains while sampling award-winning wines from the vineyards that surround you. Rich and Joan Little, together with Joans brother and winemaker, Ted Coleman, founded the winery in 2002, releasing their first two vintages, one of which received a gold medal at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Their wines continue to receive numerous awards, including a 98 points at the California State Fair for their Cabernet Sauvignon. When visiting the tasting room, step up to the historic Glen Ellen bar previously enjoyed by writer Jack London, who remains a legendary figure in the Sonoma Valley. The Little Family, also gifted musicians, love to bring their passion for music into the tasting room on occasion to entertain their guests, an experience you won't want to miss. Additionally, Rich Little gets together with his Sonoma Valley music buddies once a month for Jammin In The Vineyards, a series that was inaugurated in June of this year. Even with the mountain vistas, the beautiful vineyards and the music, it is the wine that takes center stage at Little Vineyards. The red varietals that are all estate grown are some of the finest in the county. Producing less than 2,500 cases each year, winemaker Ted Coleman creates small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Syrah as well as a series of Band Blend wines, beautiful red blends that come from estate grown grapes. And, new this year, is the first ever Band Blend Ros, a gold medal winner from the San Francisco International Wine competition.

HiGHLY rECOMMENDED Guests are always welcome to picnic on the patio or with advance notice, can order a gourmet picnic box lunch for $30 person. Enjoy lunch, wine and the views among the vineyards. VAriETALs Little Vineyards Family Winery produces small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah as well as beautiful red blends, all from grapes grown on their estate vineyards. FUN FACT A recording studio and rehearsal space on property has brought many well known musicians to the winery, and guests are able to enjoy the abundance of music played by Rich on his Chapman Stick, a guitar-like instrument. Rich Little's hobby of restoring old trucks is something for all visitors to enjoy, especially his 1948 Ford trucks.

Little Vineyards Family Winery


Open Thursday-Monday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 15188 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen CA 95442 (707) 996-2750 | www.littlevineyards.com

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Mention this story for a 10% discount on the purchase of two or more bottles of wine.
Glen Ellen
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The Sonoma Valley was originally called the Valley of the Moon by the Mayacamas Indians that inhabited the valley long before General Mariano Vallejo laid claim to the land in the name of Mexico. Because of the mountains that surround both sides of the valley floor, the Indians thought there were many moons in the night sky. Today, we know Valley of the Moon as one of the top premium wineries in the Sonoma Valley. The history of the Valley of the Moon is as rich and deep as the soil in which its grapes are grown. The winery, the oldest in Glen Ellen, was founded by George Whitman in 1863. Over the years, it was owned by Eli T. Sheppard, a former Consul to China and George Hearst, a United States Senator and father of William Randolph Hearst. Following the prohibition years, the winery was revitalized in 1941 by Parducci and Domenici, two pioneer winegrowers and vintners, until 1956 when the Parducci family took sole control and renamed the winery Valley of the Moon. The family sold the winery to its current owner, F Korbel & Bros. Inc. in 1997. . The tasting room and the grounds of the facility are home to some of the most beautiful vistas in the Sonoma Valley. Plan to spend some time on the grounds and if you are hungry, a variety of charcuterie and cheeses are available in the tasting room for a picnic paired with some of the delicious wines. Winemaker Greg Winter creates a unique flavor of California with his ultra-premium award winning Sonoma wines, embracing both time-honored winemaking tradition and state-of-the-art production. By Mike Hyland

VAriETALs Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Port, Pinot Blanc, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Rosato di Sangiovese, Syrah, Cuve de la Luna (red blend), Barbera, Petite Sirah, Sparkling Wine, Brandy TOUrs Free tours of the winemaking facilities are available daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Group Tours of 10-50 people are available by advance reservation $15/pp. Please call (707) 939-4520. TAsTiNGs Tasting fees are $5 per person or a reserve tasting is $10 per person. The tasting fee is waived with a three bottle purchase. Hungry while tasting? A deli platter or cheese plate can complement your wines for $10.

Valley of the Moon Winery


777 Madrone Road Glen Ellen, CA 95442 (707) 939-4510 www.valleyofthemoonwinery.com Look for them on Facebook & Twitter
Valley of the Moon Winery reminds you that even great wines should be enjoyed in moderation.

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Glen Ellen

25

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 By ronda Giangreco craft and take his place alongside the best.

FUN FACTs Sonoma Valley Portworks, the only winery in Sonoma County specializing exclusively in after-dinner wines and Ports, shares a spot in the tasting room, where guests can taste up to six Ports and dessert wines. A secret door leads to neighboring Wine Country Chocolates, where tasting dessert after the dessert wines completes the ultimate sweet tooth tasting experience. Winemaker/Hot Rod-Nut, Davids pride and joy is his 1965 blown candy brandy-wine Corvette, soon to share the garage with his latest project, a fuelinjected 1966 Chevy Nova. Priscilla likes to spend as many days o as possible astride her quarter horse gelding, Ima Revin Lena, aka: Teddy, exploring the back country of Sonoma County and its state park treasures.

Moondance Cellars
Open Thursday-Monday 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.

26 Glen Ellen

Complimentary tasting with mention of this magazine. 100% Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back LOL! x
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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 wine and the wine country lifestyle, Luse began taking pictures of vineyard workers as they worked diligently in the vineyards. Each one of his photographs has a story to be told. Viewers can observe 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, stop at Eric Ross, pick up some fabulous wine and open one tonight it is sure to make your dinner exceptional. By Brendan Conroy Become a Fan of Eric ross Winery on Facebook!

WiNEs NOT TO Miss 2010 Marsanne~Roussanne The two varietals produce a rich nutty oral characteristics of apricot, ripe melon and pear followed by bright acidity and lovely honeyed textures. 2011 Pinot Noir Classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir aromatic spices with black cherry, ripe plum, cola with bright layers of ripe raspberry. 2010 Tempranillo Lodi sustainable farming produces this rich exotic Spanish varietal showing layers of blackberry, espresso and dark chocolate, followed by hints of dry-cured black Moroccan olives. VAriETALs Marsanne-Roussanne, Albarino, Russian River Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Old Vine Zin Port are available by the case or the bottle during regular tasting room hours with 20% discounts available for club members. LEArN MOrE Each of Luses photos has a vivid story behind it. Feel free to ask about 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

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Spend a sunny day in Glen Ellen and enjoy Audelssas unique tasting room, located in the historical Charles J. Poppe building, near Jack London State Park. Audelssa Estate Winery is the home of Extreme Viticulture, where Erich Bradley, winemaker, selects top-notch grapes from their hillside vineyards on the Mayacamas Mountains. The fruit comes from steep, rocky terrain, where the elements are harsh, the heat intense, the winds and drought severe. The vines struggle with purpose, producing intense, concentrated wines. Only the best French oak barrels and organic, natural processes, including native yeast fermentations are allowed. Audelssas intimate tasting room offers two types of tastings. No appointment is needed to stop by and sample some of their well-known varietals, including the 2009 Chardonnay, a well-balanced wine with aromas of pineapple, baking spice and stone fruits, and the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, which shows notes of dark cherries, mocha and creamy oak amidst silky, refined tannins.For a more intimate and elegant experience, seated comparative tastings of limited wines are offered with advance reservations for $40. Pourings include their flagship Bordeaux blend, 2008 Summit, and the acclaimed 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve paired with artisanal cheeses. The annual case production of Audelssa Estate Winery is just 4,000 cases, which is available only from their tasting room, website or through membership in their wine club. By Monica L. Dashwood

LiTTLE KNOWN FACTs The historical Charles J. Poppe building, where Audelssa is today, was once a general merchandise and grocery store dating back to 1893. All wines produced by Audelssa are from their estate on the Mayacamas Mountains. Audelssa produces just 200 barrels a year o of 65 acres of organic vineyards. VAriETALs prODUCED Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, and a classic Bordeaux Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc JOiN THE CLUB! Audelssa oers a wine club experience like no other. You can customize your shipments each quarter to meet your personal taste. Join their wine club to get Member Only wines like Malbec, Grenache and other Rhne varietals.

Audelssa Estate
Open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 13750 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 933-8514 | www.audelssa.com www.facebook.com/Audelssa

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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. 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.

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 Vineyards, Kunde Estate, 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. 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) 833-2300, www.vineyardsinn.com Creative, organic, authentic flavors of Spain VJB Cellars 60 Shaw Avenue, corner of Hwy. 12, Kenwood (707) 833-4500, www.vjbcellars.com Enjoying lunch of fresh panini or antipasti or a pizza from the wood-fired oven. Theres also an onsite chocolate and gelato shop! 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.
Photo courtesy of Kenwood Depot

TO SANTA ROSA
AMO LOS

S RD

LEDSON
PY TH R IAN D

ST. FRANCIS

Driving Time: 9 minutes From Kunde Estate Family Winery to Kenwood Winery >1 mile to VJB Cellars >1 mile to Paradise Ridge >1 mile to Chateau St. Jean >1 mile to St. Francis Winery 1.6 miles to Ledson Winery >1 mile Total >4 miles
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

TO SANTA ROSA
W LA

AL ND

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Vineyards Inn

ANYON RD. BE C DO

PARADISE RIDGE Cafe Citti VJB CELLARS

U ST. JEAN RD TEA CHA

CHATEAU ST. JEAN KENWOOD WINERY

Swedes Feeds Mayo Family Reserve Room Pets, Gardens & Gifts Kenwood Farmhouse RD INGS SPR Park WARM Depot KUNDE VINEYARDS Church Kenwood Restaurant Kenwood Inn and Spa

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Kenwood/Highway 12

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30 Kenwood/Highway 12

With thousands and thousands of bonded wineries now in California, it gives you some idea how long Kunde Family Estate has been around when you learn their bond number is 202. Another indication is that the fourth and fifth generation of the family continues to own and run this sustainably farmed, 1,850 acre estate in Sonomas famous Valley of the Moon. It is a beautiful, rural property where all of their award-winning wines are crafted from 100-percent, estate-grown grapes evidence that you cannot miss as you drive up to the winery tasting room. Housed in a replica of the original barn that used to occupy that very spot, Kundes contemporary tasting room incorporates a lot of glass. With that, one never loses sight of those hundreds of acres of vines, and the hills in the distance. Besides the main tasting bar, another option is the Kinneybrook Room, for a semi-private, seated tasting. Here you will enjoy wines from both the Destination tier (available only at the winery or on kunde.com) and their Reserve wines. The private VIP Wildwood Room focuses on those wines, as well as library flights, proprietary blends and wines in large formats. The experience is specially designed to fulfill the preferences of each visitor. If you want the ultimate view to enjoy with your wine, then a Mountain Top Tasting is an absolute must. At 1400 feet above the valley floor, with nature all around you and the Sonoma Valley spread out far below, it is a unique and unforgettable experience. As is every visit to Kunde Family Estate. By Charles Neave

VAriETALs Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewrztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, a variety of proprietary red blends and a Dessert Cuve FAMiLY Winegrowers Je Kunde and Marcia Kunde Mickelson are fourth-generation Kunde family. CELEBrATE The Estate oers a variety of venues for weddings, receptions, parties and events. HiKEs Hike and Taste in the Vineyard is conducted monthly by Sonoma Valley docent Bill Myers. Je Kundes ever popular Dog Hikes, oered 3-4 times per year, sell out quickly. For all hike information and reservations, visit kunde.com. WiNE AGiNG CAVEs Tucked into the hillside behind the winery and beneath a Syrah vineyard, are more than 32,000 square feet of wine aging caves. Free tours are oered daily.

Kunde Family Estate


Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452 (707) 833-5501 kunde.com Follow them on Facebook and Twitter www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

With so many wine tasting options in the Sonoma Valley it really is a no-brainer to choose to taste at Kenwood Vineyards. Winemaker Pat Henderson has been amassing a plethora of awards including Best of Show, Sweepstakes Winner and several Best of Class medals just at the 2011 Sonoma County Harvest Fair alone. Whether you sip the Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, the Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, you will taste an award winner! Nestled in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, the Kenwood Vineyards tasting room is housed in a converted barn that dates back to 1906. The winery is committed to producing premium varietal wines that reflect Sonoma Countys finest vineyards in their character and style. More than 125 stainless steel fermenting and upright oak tanks are used in combination with 14,000 French and American oak barrels. Kenwood has earned the reputation of producing consistent, quality wines for more than 35 years. Make a reservation for the popular Art, Food & Wine Experience at Kenwood Vineyards every weekend. Long known for the original artwork on their wine labels, the winery hosts the Experience every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. where guests can taste the Cabernet Sauvignon while learning and viewing the renowned Artist Series collection. On display are original art pieces from the collection that began with the controversial 1975 Naked Lady by David Lance Goines. Savory appetizers are paired with the wines to provide a weekend by Mike Hyland experience like no other in the Valley.

ArT, FOOD & WiNE Reservations are required at least 72 hours in advance for the Art, Food & Wine Experience. For reservations, call (707) 282-4228 or go to www.kenwoodvineyards.com. The cost is $30 per person and $25 per person for wine club members. FUN FACT Since 1976, Kenwood Vineyards has the sole rights to all the grapes from the historic Jack London Vineyards. VAriETALs Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewrztraminer, White Zinfandel, Moscato, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Vintage White (blend), Vintage Red (blend), Sparkling Wine

Kenwood Vineyards
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 9592 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452 (707) 833-5891 www.kenwoodvineyards.com Look for Kenwood Vineyards on Facebook & Twitter
Enjoy responsibly.

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With the opening of a new tasting room and marketplace this past summer, VJB Vineyards and Cellars has become a top wine and food destination by offering visitors an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. From the wines to the architecture, the food and the hospitality, everything here is a testament to the Belmonte familys Italian heritage. Guests will undoubtedly leave here feeling like theyve experienced that unique culture. The stunning two-story Italian villa along the Sonoma Highway in Kenwood looks like it was plucked off a Tuscan hillside and is surrounded by nearly two acres of newly planted Montepulciano and Aglianico vines, both Italian varietals that are rarely grown in California. In the tasting room, guests may sample those wines as well as other Italian varietals such as the award-winning Barbera, Primitivo and VJBs flagship wine called Dante a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese made in the tradition of a Super Tuscan wine. No matter what is on the tasting menu each day, guests can be assured that every wine at VJB is produced with an eye toward New World innovation and Old World sensibility. VJB produces less than 5,000 cases annually and a large portion of the grapes are grown on the 20-acre estate vineyard nearby. The wines are available exclusively in the tasting room or through membership in their popular wine club, Club Enoteca.

sTANDOUT WiNEs Sangiovese is one of the best known Italian wines and once you taste VJBs 2009 Estate Sangiovese, youll know why. This Sonoma Valley grown wine is lush with strawberry & blueberry notes up front with hints of tobacco to nish it o. VJB also produces less well-known, but equally delicious varietals like the Sicilian grape Nero dAvola as well as Montepulciano. The 2009 Estate Montepulciano is a new fall release. This medium-bodied red wine has a baked cherry nose and mellow tannins. Once you taste it, youll know why its a favorite of Club Enoteca members and sells out in a matter of a few short months. sTAY AWHiLE In addition to wine tasting, guests will want to linger on VJBs central piazza while enjoying lunch of fresh panini or antipasti from La Cucina or a pizza from the wood-red oven. For dessert, theres also an onsite chocolate and gelato shop. Afterwards, visitors can browse the upstairs art gallery or the marketplace for estate-grown olive oil, owner and Executive Chef Maria Belmontes homemade tomato sauces and pestos, plus a wide range of the very best imported Italian pantry items to enjoy at home. On Saturdays and Sundays, the 2 p.m. performance by the Sonoma Tenors is not to be missed. There truly is no better place to soak up a little bit of Italy in the Sonoma Valley.

VJB Vineyards & Cellars


Tasting Available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Espresso Bar & Deli at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 60 Shaw Avenue, Kenwood
(Corner of Sonoma Highway 12 & Shaw Avenue)

(707) 833-2300 www.vjbcellars.com

32 Kenwood/Highway 12

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Paradise Ridge Winery was founded in 1991 by Dr. Walter Byck and Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars. The tasting room has a cozy wine bar where you can sample vineyard designated wines. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, taking pride in their viticulture education. Original artwork is showcased on the walls displaying the winerys love for family, community, nature and history. Wine and art are the perfect pairing at the Paradise Ridge tasting room. At the entrance, large-scale sculptures created by local artists grace this boutique tasting room with stunning views of lush vineyards and Sugarloaf Ridge. Wine lovers can enjoy a picnic and bask in the warm Sonoma sun while tasting some of the finest wines from the Russian River Valley and the exclusive Rockpile Viticultural area. While you are here, indulge in a sense-ational wine country experience. Paradise Ridges Wine Herb Garden is a passionate collaboration between Tasting Room Manager Annette McDonnell and Swedes Feeds Nursery. It showcases the amazing flavors you can find in wine, as well as their Culinary Wine Pairings (CWP) to help you create your own delicious wine country inspired cuisine. This year, the spotlight is on the 2007 Elevation Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon, a divine blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which has won several gold medals at various wine competitions. Hands down, this delectable wine delivers on their promise of excellence! Wines are available through the tasting room, The Estate winery in Santa Rosa, their wine club or online at www.prwinery.com. Group and private tastings are available by appointment.

FUN FACTs You can catch the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley to Paradise Ridge Tasting Room every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Enjoy Wines & Sunsets in Paradise and bring a picnic to the Estate Tasting Room, located in Santa Rosa on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. The Rockpile region with its high elevation, full sun exposure, mild daytime temperatures and little water, keeps the vines in a constant state of tension, an unparalleled environment for wine grapes. The current indoor art exhibit features works by young artists from the Hanna Boys Center. The art pieces are for sale and a portion of wines sales are donated to the Center. VAriETALs prODUCED Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Blush Ros, Cabernet Sauvignon, sparkling wine and proprietary blends

paradise ridge Byck Family Winery


Kenwood Tasting room & Art Gallery Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 8860 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, (707) 282-9020 Estate Tasting room
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, (707) 528-9463

www.prwinery.com www.facebook.com/paradiseridge www.twitter.com/paradiseridge

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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, Reserve Merlot, Reserve Chardonnay, Benoist Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Fum Blanc and for the sweet wine drinker, the Gewrztraminer ONE sTOp sHOppiNG Chateau St. Jean has an exquisite merchandise section with assorted sandwiches, 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!

34 Kenwood/Highway 12

2 for 1 wine tasting and 15% o wine purchases with this story.
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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 nearly 150 acres of estate vineyards as well as the grandeur of Hood Mountain. With a number of tasting options, there is a selection of wines for every palate. 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 for one of the Winerys daily wine and food experiences. The winerys seated multicourse wine and food pairing is unsurpassed in wine country, offering what one popular food writer described as small plates that rival the kitchen of any Michelin-starred restaurant. This not-to-missed experience costs $38 and pairs five premium wines with exceptional gourmet foods from the winerys talented onsite Executive Chef David Bush. For a more informal wine and food pairing, St. Francis also offers the option of relaxing on the outside patio with a glass of wine or a flight of wines paired with a selection of charcuterie, featuring local cheeses, housemade pats and rillettes. Availability varies by season. Call for information or reservations: 1-888-675-WINE.

pLANNiNG A spECiAL EVENT? The St. Francis Visitors Center is a gorgeous setting, ideal for all types of gatherings and celebrations. WiNEs TO ENJOY Zinfandel lovers will delight in St. Francis selection of award-winning Zins. The 2009 Tres 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 2009 Amann Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel is a classic Dry Creek Valley Zin; spicy and brambly, with a velvety mouthfeel and avors of licorice, kirsch and white pepper leading to a long, persistent nish. 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. 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 Winery & Vineyards on Facebook and Twitter!

Present this story to receive two-for-one wine tasting.


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If you want to be treated like royalty, visit Ledson Winery and Vineyards in Kenwood. The 16,000 square foot winery, known as The Castle, sits majestically behind an estate vineyard. Steve Ledson, a fifth-generation grape grower and winemaker, opened the winery in 1999, creating one of the most unique and dynamic wineries anywhere. When you arrive, a concierge will guide you over elegant parquet floors and through seemingly endless corridors to one of four classy tasting bars. Ledson Winery produces about 80 wines from more than 20 varietals. All the wines are handcrafted in small production lots and many sell out before the next vintage goes to market. The wines are sold exclusively at the winery, the Ledson Hotel and online. Fortunately, Ledson offers four wine clubs to ensure members have access to wine before it disappears. The grand staircase will take you upstairs, where exquisite private tasting suites are available by reservation. Call ahead to check on availability. You will also be delighted by the Gourmet Marketplace, which features a mouthwatering array of fine cheeses, sandwiches, pastas, salads and decadent desserts. On warm days, you can picnic beneath century-old oak trees and take in the magnificent vineyard views while enjoying your favorite Ledson wine. On every level, Ledson Winery succeeds in creating an exclusive experience. If you want to sample the incredible wine and be transported to the perfect wine country experience, you must visit The Castle. Check out the website at www.ledson.com, or call (707) 537-3823 to make a private tasting reservation.

When I first started making wine for the family in 1993, my goal was to produce a portfolio of wines with the diversity to satisfy every palate and everyones pocketbook. Steve Ledson

WiNEMAKEr pHiLOsOpHY

WHAT NOT TO Miss The Castle experience is unlike any other. From intricately detailed architecture, to the breathtaking grounds, its truly a magical place. Add to that a most amazing array of impeccable wines! TAsTiNG MENU Ledson Winery produces about 80 outstanding wines, with too many great scores and awards to mention here! Public tastings are available at several beautifully appointed tasting bars. Private sit-down tastings (cheese plates optional) are held in one of six luxurious private suites. YOU MAY NOW Kiss THE BriDE There is no place more romantic than The Castle. The dramatic circular driveway, arched carriage entryway, water fountains and the grand staircase create the perfect setting for a storybook wedding.

Ledson Winery & Vineyards


Open eaily 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!

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Upgraded Tasting: Purchase a tasting of 6 wines and receive an upgrade to 9 wines.


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Russian River
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.

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! 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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Freestone Vineyards Guest Center

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TO SONOMA VALLEY TO SAN FRANCISCO

Not to scale

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Situated in the heart of Santa Rosas bustling Railroad Square, Cellars of Sonoma Tasting Room & Wine Bar has become one of the towns biggest draws as the new place in town to discover handcrafted, award-winning wines from some of Northern Californias rising star wineries and both new and established winemakers. Vintners represented include Amorosa Bella, Bonneau Wines, DuNah Vineyards, Gann Family Cellars, James Family Cellars, La Sirena, Joseph Jewell, Ousterhout Wine and Vineyard and TR Elliott. All are small-production local wineries. Adding to the appeal of this trendy spot which does, indeed feel as much like a restaurant and bar as it does a traditional wine country tasting room is that they sell their wines by the glass, and you can order food from one of the nearby restaurants and theyll deliver. As one recent visitor wrote, The atmosphere is friendly, comfortable, casual, and fun. Cellars of Sonoma provides regularly scheduled educational and special events geared toward Sonoma County residents and visitors alike, said owner and founder Scott Jordan. The experience that we offer isnt like a traditional tasting room and wine bar, but rather its akin to being in the tasting room of an upscale, family-owned winery. The ambiance is meant to give our visitors a more authentic and memorable Sonoma Wine Country experience, while providing small lot wines to consumers, and it offers a valuable distribution channel to the wineries. It is, as they say in the business world, a classic win-win situation, and more than merits repeat visits, since each day at this downtown Santa Rosa establishment is always a new and welcome adventure. by sue straight, The Wine Wench

VAriETALs You name it. There are reds, whites, dessert wines, sparklers like the NV Mendocino Sparkling Brut Ros, large format bottles and library wines that in some cases are available only to members. CHECK THE DATE The full and ever-changing calendar of events at Cellars of Sonoma includes live music, winemaker visits, special sales, wine recipe potlucks, live broadcasts, annual parties like those held for the Oscars, and more. Check their website for whats coming up. CLUBBiNG iT Their popular Wine Club oers both wines that youll be hardpressed to nd anywhere else, special events, as well as discounts. FUN FACT Santa Rosas Railroad Square, right o Highway 101 at exit 489, is not only lled with historic buildings, it also has its own boutique shopping, antique stores and salons.

Cellars of sonoma
Sunday - Monday 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday - Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (live music) 133 4th Street, Santa Rosa (707) 578-1826 www.cellarsofsonoma.com Become a Fan on Facebook

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2 for 1 Food and Wine Pairing ($25pp value). Reservations required 1 to 5 p.m.
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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 with Merlot, Zinfandel, Third Alarm Reserve Pinot Noir and Chardonnay each receiving gold. 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 Facts Look for the shiny red Willys vintage re truck near the driveway. With a new bocce ball court and picnic grounds, Hook & Ladder is an ideal mid-day stop. 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!

Complimentary wine tasting...and public service (re/police, etc.) get a 20% discount.
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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. Our informative vineyard tour offers 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 paired with their sumptuous wines. Or, explore the many expressions of the Pinot Noir grape in a private tasting called the Pinot Noir Experience. With a wine educator as your guide, taste a flight of five exclusive Vineyard Designate Pinot Noirs which often includes rare library wines. In the elegant 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 the 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. Gorgeous picnic grounds in front of the winery invite guests to relax and enjoy the wine country. The landscaped garden overlooking the vineyards is the perfect spot for a picnic, and DeLoach can 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 daily at 11 a.m.

VAriETALs Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel plus late harvest Gewrztraminer and a Tawny port-style wine LiTTLE KNOWN FACTs DeLoach Vineyards became a certied Biodynamic estate in 2009, which is a method of beyond-organic farming. They treat the vineyard as a self-contained ecosystem to foster a natural balance among the earth, the vines, the people and animals that contribute to its vitality. At DeLoach Vineyards, there are sheep that keep the weeds under control in the vineyards and a half-acre organic flower and vegetable garden that provides produce and owers for special events. Getting married or want to host an event surrounded by vineyards? DeLoach oers a great event space. DeLoach also has a very unique Barrel to Barrel program where you can have your very own French oak barrel in your home, complete with an eco-bag inside that holds three liters of wine, or equivalent to four bottles of wine. The keeps the wine fresh while showcasing a very elegant, unique way to serve it. 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

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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. Founder/Proprietor Courtney Benham is a third-generation San Joaquin Valley winemaker who knew he wanted to some day 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; now home to the Martin Ray line of wines. One common thread between Courtney and Martin Ray is the firm belief that vineyard location is crucial to character and quality of the wine. There is a special emphasis on mountain-grown wines, a conviction that mountain-side elevation provides cooler nights during the growing season which result in 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, Martin Ray wines that have elegant structure and vineyard character, the vineyard designated reserve wines and Courtney Benham wines that are limited-production offerings from some of Californias most interesting wine regions. At the winery, picnic tables and chairs outside the tasting room overlook verdant hills and vineyards. Lush, colorful landscape and flowers surround the tasting room. The friendly and knowledgeable tasting room staff can suggest interesting wines to taste side-by-side, so visitors 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, Pinot Gris, Dry Ros, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah. ON THE ViNE The longer hang time (the time a grape cluster remains on the vine) that the mountainside vineyards allow means riper, richer fruit. You can nd the result right there in your glass of Martin Ray, Angeline and Courtney Benham wine. FUN FACT Martin Ray Winery is one of the oldest historical winery sites in the Golden State (California), so take your time and wander through the historic property. pLAN AHEAD Allow extra time for a tour (by appointment only) of the historic production facilities, as well as extensive tasting. The scenic drive to Martin Ray Winery 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.

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!

15% discount on your rst purchase when you mention this story in the Tasting Room!
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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 pattern. They listen to you, and tailor information to match your interests as they pour those outstanding wines. By Charles Neave

WHAT TO TAsTE The Founders Reserve Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are 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 the Number One Most Requested wine in restaurants for 20 of the past 22 years. sONOMA-CUTrEr FOr CHArDONNAY & CrOQUET The winery has two gorgeous croquet courts and hosts tournaments throughout the summer. The day begins with a friendly croquet tournament while enjoying some special Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay. After the games conclude the players will retire to the terrace for a gourmet boxed lunch. You dont have to know how to play croquet or wear white to have a fabulous time. Cost is only $35 per person. Check the website for dates. 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

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Mention this story for one complimentary tasting.


Russian River
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Just the drive to this winery, not far from the Sonoma Coast, brings back the history of the early days of winemaking in Northern California. It fluctuates from wild to cultivated as the topography changes along with the climate and, if you could dig down and see it, the soils. Korbel, an iconic name in wine country, has been making California mthode champenoise champagnes for almost 130 years. One of the oldest wineries in California, it is set along the Russian River in Sonoma County, where they pride themselves by producing award-winning sparkling wines using only the finest premium California-grown varietals. In the mid-1800s, this country offered possibilities to three brothers seeking to escape political unrest in their European homeland. Francis, Anton and Joseph Korbel found success in exchange for enduring hard work and innovation. F Korbel & Bros. began as a manufacturing business in San . Francisco, producing materials for the building industry. As that business expanded, the brothers eventually acquired a sawmill and began a full-scale lumber operation near the town of Guerneville in Sonoma County. This all grew into what is now a premier sparkling wine enterprise, where French methods were used to make the premium California sparkling wines they became famous for. A visit to this historic winery is a trip back in time, and also a visit to the future. The grounds are beautiful, the tasting room lively yet harkens one back to the hallowed past. The people are well-versed in it all, and a visit is not just about today, it also recognizes a very special history that should not be forgotten. By Charles Neave

VAriETALs Sparkling Wine (15 varieties), Chardonnay, Edelzwicker (white blend), Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sherry, Port, Brandy (3 varieties) TOUrs Tasting and tours oered daily, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call ahead for group tours, (707) 824-7708 GArDEN TOUr HOUrs The Garden Tour is oered daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, from the middle of April through the rst part of October. DELi HOUrs Enjoy this popular option daily, at the same time as the tasting room is open. It is like one-stop-shopping with great wine in a historic setting. FUN FACT More than 250 varieties of roses are planted in front of the circa-1882 Korbel family house. Many antique rose varietals have been re-established in the garden and are budding up for a spectacular display. pLAN AHEAD The winery has many special events so check their website often for more information.

Korbel Champagne Cellars


Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 13250 River Road, Guerneville (707) 824-7000 | www.korbel.com Follow Korbel on Facebook & Twitter
Celebrate responsibly.

20% o all California Champagne and Wine (excludes Brandy and merchandise).
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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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Healdsburg ridge Hiking Trail Entry gate at Arabian Way and Bridle Path. 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! (No pets.) 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. 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. 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!

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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! 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. 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 A great stop for picnic items such as house-cured salumi and olives plus traditional Italian cooking including gourmet pizzas and delicicious pastas. Diavola uses the most locally available ingredients combined with centuries old recipes.

Campo Fina 330 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 395-4640, www.campo-fina.com New hot spot in Healdsburg wine, beer, wood-fired pizza and outdoor bocce! Hoffman House restaurant 21712 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville (707) 857-3264, www.hoffmanhousegeyserville.com Built more than 100 years ago, this cafe serves healthy breakfast and lunch with striking views of the majestic mountains. Seasonal dinners, call first.

scopa 109 A Plaza St. (on Healdsburg Plaza), Healdsburg (707) 433-5282, www.scopahealdsburg.com Rustic Italian fare, a local favorite Zin restaurant & Wine Bar 344 Center Street, Healdsburg 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 nourishment and shop talk.

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Sapphire Hill Winery is located in an historic building on the south side of Healdsburg, amid a cluster of other small, artisan wineries. The atmosphere at Sapphire Hill is funky-chic boutique, with cream tile floors, terracotta colored walls, an L-shaped bar and a white back bar with diamond shaped wine racks. Blue accents (to match the wine labels) are scattered about the room. There is a comfy leather couch to sink into as you sit and sip. A private tasting room sits just off the main tasting room, complete with a long table that was constructed from old redwood tanks. Wine barrels are stacked in one corner of the room, lending an air of authenticity. The Old Roma building that Sapphire Hill and its neighboring wineries share is one of the most historic wine sites in California. Georges LaTour made wine here in the 1800s and the building dates back to 1875. Sapphire Hill is part of the Healdsburg Museum Walking Tour, with artifacts, pictures and stories of their long winemaking history in the Old Roma Station complex. The wines at Sapphire Hill are really good I enjoyed every wine I tasted! The following wines were my absolute favorites 2009 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $28. What a gorgeous Chardonnay! Aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, buttered toast and citrus abound, all wrapped up in a big, creamy mouthfeel; long, juicy, delicious finish. 2009 Cinque Gemma Red Cuvee, $40. Black fruit and spice, and everything nice thats what this delicious blend is! Blackberry, plum and peppery spice play nicely together, from the first sip, through the rich mouthfeel and on through the finish. Yum! By sue straight, The Wine Wench

VAriETALs prODUCED Sparkling Wine, Gewrztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cinque Gemma Italian Red Blend, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN FACTs Sapphire Hill oers a delicious and educational six course food and wine pairing by appointment. The tasting room features a gorgeous, 12-foot tasting table made from a 102-year-old redwood fermentation tank!

sapphire Hill Winery


Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 55 Front Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448 707-431-1888 www.sapphirehill.com Follow Sapphire Hill on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sapphirehillwinery and Twitter: @sapphire_hill

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Theres nothing quite as exalting as making a wine discovery limited-production, terroir-driven wines, each with a provenance worthy of the 90+ scores achieved by their wonderfully personable winemaker. These are the wines shared with the best of friends and gracing their dinner party tables! In the six years since Stephen & Walker opened their doors just off Healdsburg Square, they have been heartily embraced by both the locals and wine country visitors, and most definitely by the wine aficionados. Nancy Walker, the winemaker and co-proprietor with her husband Tony Stephen, crafts some of the loveliest wines from appellations she holds close to her heart. With a portfolio of lauded wines, whats next for Nancy and Tony? They are currently celebrating the new Home Ranch Winery at 1500 Groove Street in Healdsburg. Also, join them for a privately guided barrel tasting with their winemaker, Nancy Walker. Dont miss upcoming special events such as March weekend barrel tastings and the Dry Creek Passport in April where they will serve pizza and small bites from the onsite wood-fired oven. The Home Ranch Winery will offer wedding facilities, beautiful gardens and culinary and educational seminars that bring in some of the best names in wine country cuisine. Blending seminars and artisan cheese pairings provide for an interesting offsite meeting or wedding shower or the perfect gift! Being a winemaker and gardener, Im naturally excited about developing our new vineyard, olive orchard, lavender and herb gardens, and as were growing everything sustainably, our chicken tractor also adds a fun element! Our pizzas have always been such a hit at our prior events, so were installing our outdoor pizza oven, and onsite catering will provide the fresh, local and seasonal wine country cuisine, says Nancy. Bookings now being accepted for events. Contact Nancy at nancy@trustwine.com.

VAriETALs Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Carignane, Sauvignon Blanc, 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 have them shipped).

stephen & Walker Tasting room


Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily 243 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, (707) 431-8749

stephen & Walker Home ranch Winery


Open by appointment 1500 Grove St, Healdsburg, (707) 331-8480 www.trustwine.com www.facebook.com/stephenandwalker Twitter: @stephandwalker

recent wins: DOUBLE GOLD 2006 Howell Mountain Cabernet sauvignon, DOUBLE GOLD 2010 Late Harvest Chardonnay and GOLD 2010 sonoma Coast pinot Noir.
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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. Trs chic! JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar is simply a luxury experience not to be missed!

VAriETALs Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wines from Burgundy, France COOL prOps In addition to a full line up of elegant scarves, candles and Baccarat Crystal, JCB also sells a super hip skateboard emblazoned with the cool JCB logo. 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 JCB tasting room becomes a luxurious wine bar in the late evening From Thursday to Saturday the wine bar remains open until 7 p.m. for guests to enjoy wines by the glass. Stop in before going to dinner on the Healdsburg square for a glass of bubbles as an aperitif!

JCB Tasting room & Wine Bar


Open Sunday-Monday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 320 Center Street, Healdsburg www.jcbwines.com For more information, call (707) 473-9707

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On this visit to wine country dont miss out on a chance to grab some of Simi Winerys new winery-exclusive, single-varietal red wines. With the recent release of the Block No. 9 Merlot, the winery has started to roll out this series of hand-crafted wines made in micro-lots of just five barrels, or 125 cases. Youll need to hurry in to try the Block No. 9 Merlot, which is expected to sell out quickly. After the Merlot, the winery will release the other wines in the series, including a Cabernet Franc, followed by a Tannat. These winemaker select wines come from Simis prestigious Landslide Vineyard, a 172-acre parcel located on Chalk Hill Road in Alexander Valley that has long been the primary source of the winerys critically acclaimed single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is so diverse in its microclimates and soil types that it is subdivided into 44 distinct blocks. Lest you think you can get Simis other wines at home, currently more than half of the dozen wines on the tasting menu at the visitor center are available only at the winery. Also available only at the winery is a new red table wine on-tap, the Maiale Cieco (Blind Pig). Get a two-liter refillable growler for just $36 (plus $10 for the jug), and keep coming back for more! Simi offers one of the most interesting winery tours in wine country. The tour takes visitors through the historic stone cellar where Simi has been making its wines since 1890. The tour also winds through the redwood grove and gardens, followed by a sit-down tasting of four wines. Simi offers tours daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for just $10 per person. By Michelle J. Baker

VAriETALs Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Roseto, Sauvignon Blanc, White Blend, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Riesling FUN FACT Giuseppe and Pietro Simi founded Simi Winery in 1876. The brothers had traveled from Italy to California for the Gold Rush in 1849. Tour the historic stone cellar where wine has been made since 1890! Tours are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $10 per person. Taste ve Simi wines for $10. Here, two are welcome to share a tasting.

simi Winery Visitor Center


Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 16275 Healdsburg Avenue Healdsburg, CA 95448 1-800-746-4880 www.simiwinery.com Follow Simi Winery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/simiwinery

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Historic, casual, friendly and delicious are all words that come to mind when thinking about Alexander Valley Vineyards. Historic: Alexander Valley Vineyards is located on the homestead that was originally settled and built by Cyrus Alexander in 1846. The Wetzel Family purchased the property (600 acres) in 1962 and produced the first of many great wines in 1975. The family lovingly restored the original home and made it the center of their family life. Casual: The tasting room is bright and airy, with multiple windows and skylights to let in the warm Sonoma County sunshine. On cool and/or rainy days, a fire blazes cheerfully in the brick fireplace. Two long wooden tasting bars span the back of the room. Gift items, such as wine-related books, coasters, clothing, estate olive oil and more are artfully displayed around the room. Friendly: The tasting room staff is friendly, fun and informative youll want to stay and visit a while. Delicious: I tasted a handful of wines during my visit to Alexander Valley Vineyards the following wines were my favorites: Sin Zin ($20): This is one spicy Zinfandel! Alluring aromas of gingerbread, ripe blackberry, plum and pepper lure the taster into a juicy mouthful of consistent flavors. Yum! Estate Chardonnay ($18): It is easy to see why this Chardonnay wins so many awards! There are bright, crisp flavors of green apple and just the right body from a little French oak aging. By sue straight, The Wine Wench

COMpLiMENTArY WiNErY & CAVE TOUrs AT 11AM & 2pM DAiLY Explore the 25,000-square-foot wine cave, where more than 6800 barrels of wine are gently aging. Private tours & tastings are available by appointment for only $10 per person. WiNE AND CHEEsE pAiriNG Sample ve artisan cheeses paired with estate and reserve wines. Only $25 per person. Served from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Call for reservations, 24 hour advance notice. GrOWiNG GrEEN Alexander Valley Vineyards is one of only 14 wineries recognized as a certied Sonoma Green Business by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. VAriETALs Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and CYRUS The First Growth of Sonoma

Alexander Valley Vineyards


Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 433-7205 | 800-888-7209 | www.avvwine.com www.facebook.com/alexandervalleyvineyards twitter: @avvwinery

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Show this story for a complimentary reserve tasting and 10% discount on wine purchases (maximum 6 people) or $5.00 o Wine & Cheese pairings.
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You can read the statistics: Lancaster Estate has 53-acres of hillside vineyards in the coveted volcanic soil of the Alexander Valley and that the diversity of soils and the climate, with sunny days and cool evenings, are perfect for nurturing the Bordeaux varieties they are famous for. But, to be honest, none of this really prepares you for a visit to this amazing property. The seasonal changes in the vineyards are spectacular but theres so much more to see when you schedule an appointment with this winery. As you wend your way up the private winery drive from Chalk Hill Road, past vineyards, red roses and the original winery buildings, suddenly you see a modern structure that is their state-of-the art winery. Following a vineyard and winery tour you will be guided through a pair of tall wooden doors to a seated tasting in one of three exceptional tasting areas in the extensive wine caves. These caves are carved deeply into the adjacent hills where French oak barrels, filled with wine made from the vines you just touched, rest and age in perfect temperature and humidity. You will ultimately taste four wines during your visit including Sophias Hillside Cuve and the flagship Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a complex Sauvignon Blanc that has bright hints of citrus and beautiful floral aromas. Tastings are unhurried, friendly and educational with a staff that obviously enjoys what they do and where they work. When you leave, you will remember the wines, the place and a very special wine country experience. By Charles Neave

VAriETALs
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, all ve of the noble red Bordeaux varieties are grown on the Estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

TOUrs
All visits include a tour of the estate vineyards and production facilities culminating in the wine caves for a special, seated tasting.

spECiAL TiMEs
Release parties, harvest lunches and member-only dinners are oered several times each year. Should your plans include any sort of special event or luxury lodging needs, the amazing 6,000-square-foot Proprietors Home, with 360 views of the estate, the surrounding Alexander Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains is a unique option for Lancaster Estate Wine Guild Members.

pLAN AHEAD
Tastings here require a reservation. Call or book online at their website ($20 per person includes vineyard and winery tour followed by seated tasting in the wine caves). With advance notice you can upgrade to a Local Artisan Cheese-Paired Tour & Tasting Experience ($35 per person).

spECiAL OFFErs
For access to special events and library vintages, discounts on wine purchases, complimentary tours and tastings and other special privileges, consider joining one of their Wine Guild Membership programs.

Lancaster Estate
Open daily by appointment, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 15001 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-8178 x209 | hospitality@lancaster-estate.com www.lancaster-estate.com Lancaster Estate is on Facebook & Twitter.

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Wine tasting just south of downtown Healdsburg, on the east or west side of Highway 101, youll instantly feel miles away. Westside Road is slow and winding, filled with redwood trees, heritage oaks with moss beards and famous vineyards. Wineries on the east side of Highway 101 specialize in Pinots, cool-climate Syrahs and that famous Zinfandel. Here, some of the finest winemaking and culinary talents in all of Northern California are represented. Should you wish to slow down and experience wine country up-close-and-personal, just south of Healdsburg is the place to go. THiNGs TO DO Dragonfly, 425 Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-3739, www.dragonflyfloral.com By appointment only, this is a unique botany and flower-lover's destination. They can custom pick and arrange flowers. 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.
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South of Healdsburg Including Westside Road


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! Wohler Bridge, 9765 Wohler Rd, 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. 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! 35 Dealers in 10,000 sq. ft.
Driving Time: 30 minutes From Armida Winery to Alderbrook Winery 2 miles to Mutt Lynch Winery 3 miles to Rodney Strong 1.7 miles to Chalk Hill 7 miles Total 14 miles

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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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Located not far from Healdsburg on Westside Road, Armida Winery 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 dont take themselves too seriously. Theres not an ounce of pretension here, folks! The tasting room is light, bright and airy feeling, with an octagonal shaped wooden bar that is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable servers. 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. There are some exciting new things to check out at Armida, including a new kitchen to support Wine Club events and private parties, the new Winemakers Table and Outdoor Lounge, the new Vintners Patio and the newly remodeled Guest Cottage on the hill. 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 and the wines ROCK! Dont miss the 2010 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel. This wine has already garnered three gold medals this summer CA State Fair, Orange County Fair and the L.A. International Wine & Spirits Competition. Be sure to visit this unforgettable place and tell them The Wine Wench sent you! By sue straight, The Wine Wench

VAriETALs Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewrztraminer, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and a traditional estate blend called Il Campo. FUN FACT Armida Winery is family owned and they make sure all their guests feel like family, too! pLAN AHEAD Bring a picnic, or purchase your cheese, crackers and other snacks here. Play a little bocce and relax a while. iF YOUrE VisiTiNG CApiTOLA Dont miss Armidas cozy, intimate tasting room in Capitola Village! Located just a stones throw from the ocean, it is surrounded by award-winning restaurants, artisan shops and art galleries. spECiAL EVENTs Armida has events at the winery throughout the year, including participating in Sonomas Passport Weekend, Wine Road events, release parties and more. Check their website for dates.

Armida Winery
Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-2222 | www.armida.com Facebook & Twitter

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When you visit this pretty winery in the rural area not far from the town of Healdsburg, you can remember the sincere words of their tasting room manager: Were laid back, so come on in, try our wines and feel free to stay a while. Since 1981, when the winery was founded, Alderbrook has been offering a variety of wines that now have a legion of faithful followers. The setting is tranquil, with white fences, a 60-acre estate vineyard and a farmhouse-like tasting room with white bleached-wood walls, wood floors, a high ceiling and a fireplace at one end of the casual, comfortable room. Though the property is just minutes from Highway 101 (which makes it about an hour from the Golden Gate), it is a world apart. Theres a spacious porch in the front, and a long deck in the back facing a large lawn. If you care to picnic, feel free, enjoying you meal or snack with a glass or a bottle from their collection of wines. They will even loan you glassware as you pair one of their Zinfandels, the Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir or a Syrah with your picnic. Inside, at the two L-shaped tasting bars, with their polished wood tops, youll learn about what it means to have a winery and grapes sourced from two of the most famous regions in all of Sonoma: Dry Creek and the Russian River Valleys. And, to learn this, you will be able to taste the difference and the triumphs in your glass. Can you imagine of a better way to learn? By Charles Neave

VAriETALs Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Carignane, Zinfandel and Zinfandel Port DATEs While the winery was founded in 1981, it was in 2001 that the famous Terlato Family Vineyards took over the property and led it to the prominence it now enjoys. In fact, some of the wines, such as the Block 9 Syrah and the Chardonnay, have the Terlato name on the label. FUN FACTs Complimentary Pedicab service to and from the winery to the Healdsburg Plaza, just call the tasting room to arrange for pickup. Live music every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Dogs are very welcome at Alderbrook. Come in for a button that says, We n Dogs @ Alderbrook. OTHEr TAsTiNGs There is a self-serve bar by the replace where you can sample mustards, oils, vinegars , chocolate and caramel sauces. priVATE EVENTs Contact the winery for information on hosting your own event at this scenic winery.

Alderbrook Winery
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2306 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg (707) 433-5987 or 1-800-405-5987 www.alderbrook.com Look for Alderbrook Winery on Facebook & Twitter.

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Located just south of Healdsburg on lovely Limerick Lane is a very special place a place of delicious, world-class wines, rustic, totally unpretentious surroundings, friendly folks and wagging tails. If you are an animal lover like me, you simply must visit Mutt Lynch. The whole atmosphere at Mutt Lynch is one of delicious fun, with a bit of mischief thrown in. The wines are seriously good, but the folks at Mutt Lynch dont take themselves too seriously. Theres not an ounce of pretension here, folks! The building that houses the winery and its tasting room is an old, ivy-covered barn, complete with huge sliding doors in front. Once inside, theres no doubt that youre inside a winery stacks of barrels and t-bins, along with shiny stainless steel fermentation tanks line one long wall. The Mutt Lynch tasting room, so to speak, is located in a corner of the winery. The tasting bar is a couple of wooden planks set atop two upended wine barrels. Cute, dog-themed t-shirts are displayed on the wall and more than likely, there will be a cute, tail-wagging dog or three to supervise your tasting experience with Mutt Lynchs friendly, knowledgeable staff. At Mutt Lynch they measure success in two ways: by the number of charities they help and the number of awards they garner for their winemaking. In the past 12 months, Mutt Lynch has assisted over 80 animal rescue organizations and won over 30 awards for their current vintages. Be sure to visit this unforgettable place and tell them By sue straight, The Wine Wench The Wine Wench sent you!

VAriETALs prODUCED Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnnay and Sauvignon Blanc FUN FACT Mutt Lynch donates a portion of annual revenues to support local animal rescue organizations, including Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, Sonoma Humane Society, Green Dog Rescue Project and PAWS/Petchitecture.

Mutt Lynch Winery


Open daily by appointment Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 602 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg www.muttlynchwinery.com 707-942-6180 Follow Mutt Lynch Winery Facebook: www.facebook.com/MuttLynchWinery Twitter: @muttlynchwinery Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/ mutt-lynch-winery-healdsburg

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South of Healdsburg

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A Great Time to Visit, Fall

Rodney Strong just finished an update to their tasting room self-guided tour. Its an illustrated story of their family ownership and the team that puts delicious Sonoma County wine in the bottle for your enjoyment and its another great reason to visit the winery. Here is an excerpt from the tour that accompanies the above picture by local photographer, Alan Campbell, who captured the winerys famous vineyard, Alexander Crown, in all four seasons. This part of the tour is told by Ryan Decker, who works in Winegrowing. Fall is all about harvest. The berries are getting sweet, and the vines are starting to get tired. Growers and winemakers are constantly in the field testing sugars and tasting grapes. The sugar content is normally measured in Brix (grams of sucrose in 100 grams of solution), and every block of grapes is tested multiple times throughout the ripening process. Our sugar samplers head out on their ATVs and grab buckets of grapes from our vineyards to bring back to the winemaking team for a battery of tests. After a visual assessment and some tasting, the juice is sent to our lab for chemical analysis. Ripeness is fairly subjective, but each variety has a target Brix that needs to be reached before harvest. Generally 24Bx is considered ripe for red varieties, but some lots of grapes are allowed to reach 27Bx before they are considered ready for picking. Once the decision is made to pick a particular block, we decide how to pick it. Hand harvesting and machine harvesting are the two methods used to get the job done. Hand harvesting is still the preferred method for hillsides and reserve wines, but machine harvesters have come a long way in the last decade. There are now machines that not only harvest the crop, but also remove the stems and sort out the bad fruit. Regardless of the method used, the goal is to get the fruit to the winery in a timely fashion, as cold as possible, to preserve the quality from the vineyard to the fermentation tank. Once harvest is completed, the vineyards are given a deep irrigation and a small shot of fertilizer to help recover from the stresses of the season.

VAriETALs Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel Cabernet Sauvignon and Port FUN FACT A taste of Rodney Strongs Alexanders Crown Cabernet is not only superb with layers of dark red fruits and brown spices, its a taste of history. The winerys 1974 vintage, from this same vineyard, was Sonoma Countys rst single-vineyard designated Cabernet Sauvignon.

rodney strong Vineyards


Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 11455 Old Redwood Highway Healdsburg 1-800-678-4763 www.rodneystrong.com Look for Rodney Strong Vineyards on Facebook /Rodney.Strong.Vineyards and Twitter @RSVineyards

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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 long-term 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 Lunch Tour examines the organic gardens and vineyards. The organically farmed produce 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. For equestrians, there are the Estate Vineyard Trail Rides on horseback. Guests begin their journey at the magnificent Equestiran Center and ride through the vineyards with respected polo professional, Rafael Hernandez.

spECiAL TOUrs AND TAsTiNGs Private tasting: $15 per person, daily Estate tour: $30 per person, Monday through Friday, includes tasting Culinary Lunch Tour: $85 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 A regular wine 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!

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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!

Celebrate the colors of fall in the beautiful gardens at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery.
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Driving Time: 30 minutes From Fritz Winery to Sbragia Family 3 miles to Ferrari-Carano 1 mile to Dutcher Crossing >1 mile to Quivira 5+ miles to Dry Creek Vineyard 1 mile to Kokomo and Peterson Family and Trattore Wines and Family Wineries 1.5 miles to Forchini >0.25 mile to Truett Hurst >1.5 mile to Chateau Diana >1 mile Total 14 miles

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Fritz Underground Winery is a wonderful place with fantastic wines, friendly, informative staff and unusual (think hobbit house-meets spaceship) architecture. Oh, and the views from the patio are stunning, too! Built in the late 1970s by namesake, Mr. Jay Arthur Fritz, the winery was way ahead of its time. It was built with sustainability in mind the three-level winery was built into the side of a hill, which naturally controls the interior temperatures. This three level construction also allows the winemaker to craft great wines with gravity flow, thus eliminating the need for using pumps to move the wines. Not using pumps equals using less electricity and results in wines without harsh tannins. Now run by Jays son, Clayton, the winery is still dedicated to sustainability and producing excellent wines. The tasting room staff is happy to discuss the history of the winery, the methods of sustainable winemaking used at Fritz and a myriad of other topics. The tasting room is bright and airy, with big glass doors and windows to let in the sunshine. A mirror spans one wall, enhancing the airy feel. A woodstove sits against one wall, creating a cozy, warm ambience on cool, rainy days. Lets talk about the wines I tasted a handful of wines during my visit and I loved every single one of them! Don't miss the dry Estate Ros and the Estate Reserve Zin theyre knockouts! This place is really worth visiting! The wines are great, the building is unique, the picnic area is picturesque and the staff is fabulous! Tell em the Wine Wench sent me.

spECiAL TOUrs & TAsTiNGs Underground cave tours are available Saturdays and Sundays by appointment. WiNEs prODUCED Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel. FUN FACTs Wildlife abounds around the winery sharp-eyed visitors may catch sight of wild turkeys, quail, deer and other local denizens of the woods. pLAN AHEAD Bring a picnic to enjoy on the patio with your delicious Fritz wine.

Fritz Underground Winery


Open 10:30-4:30 daily 24691 Dutcher Creek Road, Cloverdale, CA 95425 www.fritzwinery.com 1-800-418-9463 info@fritzwinery.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/fritzwinery Twitter: @fritzwinery

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Ed and Adam Sbragia

When visiting the Healdsburg area of Sonoma County, be sure to visit Sbragia Family Vineyards. Less than ten miles up on Dry Creek Road from downtown Healdsburg, family owned and operated Sbragia Family Vineyards offers fabulous wines produced by one of Californias preeminent and well known winemakers, Ed Sbragia. The tasting room is above the barrel rooms and is surrounded by large windows providing what has been called the best view of Dry Creek Valley. On two sides of the tasting room is an expansive, partially covered patio, from which you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Dry Creek Valleys vineyards and hills. Ed, and his son Adam, handcraft superb wines from their own Dry Creek Valley vineyards including Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. What really separates Sbragia from other Sonoma wineries is that Ed also produces small quantities of iconic mountain grown Napa Cabernet Sauvignons including Wall Vineyards (Mt. Veeder), Cimarossa Vineyards and Rancho Del Oso Vineyard (Howell Mountain). All of Eds and Adams wines can be sampled in the tasting room. Two tastings are now available the $10 Dry Creek tasting and the $20 Reserve Cabernet tasting. Dont miss the Reserve tasting its a unique opportunity for intrepid tasters to experience some spectacular, world-class Napa mountain-grown wines, plus the Monte Rosso Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon for only $20 ($10 when you mention this article). Be sure to look for one of the Sbragias you are very likely to see Ed, Adam or Adams wife, Kathy, working away.

pLAN AHEAD Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine by the glass (or by the bottle), choose some snacks from the deli case and relax outside at one of the picnic tables. LiTTLE KNOWN FACT Owner / founder Ed Sbragia is the only winemaker in the world to have won the Wine Spectators Wine of the Year for both a red (Cabernet Sauvignon) and a white (Chardonnay)! OTHEr WiNEs TO TrY Gamble Ranch Chardonnay, Ginos (Eds dad) Zinfandel, La Promessa Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon and Andolsen Cabernet Sauvignon priVATE EVENTs Sbragia is one of the few Sonoma County wineries that can be reserved for weddings, including large ones. Sbragias event center can accommodate up to 350 guests and is supported with a state-of-the-art professional kitchen. For events large and small, the stunning views and world-class wines will make your event unforgettable! priVATE TOUrs & TAsTiNGs Fully customizable 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

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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 select wines, which are only available at the winery. Take your wine 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 in Healdsburg? Seasons of the Vineyard features wines from Ferrari-Carano and Lazy Creek Vineyards 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, call (707) 433-6700 or email tourinformation@ferrari-carano.com. WHAT TO TAsTE For the Classic Wines 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 , Limited Release and Reserve Wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trsor, PreVail West Face and Back Forty, 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!

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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, 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. 15% off Visa Signature cardholders + complimentary tasting

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As you head into Quivira Vineyards & Winery in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley, it becomes instantly apparent this is one unique place. From the vineyards farmed Biodynamically to the meticulously tended garden beds (surrounded by some of the tallest sunflowers youll ever see) to the colorful flock of heirloom breed chickens known as the Quivira Girls, there is a little something here for everyone. Step into Quiviras tasting room and learn about how Quiviras winegrowing philosophy, which essentially amounts to taking organic farming to the highest levels, yields wines that are pure reflections of the winerys terroir in the Dry Creek Valley. Take a tour and find out about Quiviras partnership with Trout Unlimited to restore Wine Creek (which splits the property), creating optimal conditions for native Steelhead trout and Coho salmon to spawn and thrive. Or bring a picnic, grab a bottle of Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc or Quest Zinfandel from the tasting room and enjoy a picnic under the wisteria-covered arbor or in the cool shade of the redwood grove. There is certainly chicness to this winery and farm. The tasting room offers an artfully curved cement topped tasting bar and the ceiling of the room is decorated with wood slats, reminiscent of a wine barrel. Five wines are generally offered for tasting and there is also a tasteful selection of apparel and gifts available for the discerning shopper.

VAriETALs prODUCED Sauvignon Blanc, Ros, Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and GSM Red Rhne Blend FUN FACT Quivira is the rst Biodynamic winery in the Dry Creek Valley. Most of the produce grown in their one-acre garden is used in their Farm-to-Table program and the remainder is sold to local restaurants. A portion of the proceeds is donated to health care costs for local vineyard workers. CELLAr EXpEriENCE (Oered November - March) This private tour and tasting experience oers visitors an inside look at Quiviras winemaking facilities and estate wines followed by a private, sit-down tasting, $20pp. Call Tom Scott at (707) 431-8354 x212 or email tscott@quivirawine.com.

Quivira Vineyards & Winery


Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours by appointment 4900 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 431-8354 www.quivirawine.com Follow Quivira on Facebook: www.facebook.com/quivirawinery and Twitter: @quivirawinery

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A visit to the Dry Creek Valley would not be complete without a visit to Dry Creek Vineyard, where a pioneering young entrepreneur named Dave Stare helped put the Dry Creek Valley on the world wine map nearly 40 years ago. When Dave arrived in Dry Creek Valley, the land surrounding him was planted primarily to hops and prunes. But Dave saw the great potential in planting the same grape varietals that made world class wines in the Loire Valley of France, where Dave had traveled extensively and found much inspiration. And so he planted Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, a variety he was told would never grow in the Dry Creek Valley. Today, Dry Creek Vineyard still produces Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, plus a whole lot more. Whats great about their lineup is that youll find both great value wines for everyday drinking, and some amazing treasures to stash away in the cellar or open on weekends, holidays and other special occasions. In the tasting room youre likely to find wide selection of wines available to sample, including the kind of old vine and single-vineyard Zinfandels Dry Creek Valley is best known for. For those who love a big red wine, Dry Creek Vineyard makes a pair of phenomenal red blends. The Meritage is a deep, dark and concentrated Bordeaux-style blend that is a steal at $28 retail; and The Mariner ($40), which is even more powerful and particularly ageworthy. by Michelle J. Baker

FUN FACT Did you know that Dry Creek Vineyard was the rst winery in California to put the term meritage (meaning merit of the vineyard combined with heritage of the vine) on a wine label? Dave and his winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, have established many firsts on the way to becoming one of Dry Creek Valleys shining stars. In fact, Dry Creek Vineyard was the rst new winery in the Dry Creek Valley after prohibition. They were also the rst to produce a Fum Blanc in Sonoma County; the rst to use the Dry Creek Valley appellation on a wine label; and the rst to champion Zinfandel as a world-class varietal. Dont forget to pack a picnic lunch or grab a sandwich to-go on the way, as Dry Creek Vineyard has a sprawling and shady picnic area for guests where you can enjoy a bottle of wine with your lunch and free WiFi, too! WHAT TO TAsTE Chenin Blanc, Fume Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, dessert wines and more...

Dry Creek Vineyard


Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg www.drycreekvineyard.com 1-800-864-9463 Follow on Facebook and Twitter

64 Dry Creek Valley

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Interested in visiting with some winemakers in person? Stop by at Family Wineries in Dry Creek Valley, where most weekends youll find one or two of the winemaker/owners behind the bar, ready to pour wine and answer all of your wine questions. In fact, Family Wineries is the only local cooperative tasting room fully owned by its member wineries. A visit to Family Wineries of Dry Creek Valley is just like making six stops at six different boutique, award-winning wineries without all the extra driving, map untangling and time. Its the perfect place to stop to satisfy the wine preferences of everyone in your group - the red wine person, the white wine person, and even the sweet wine person! Thats right, Family Wineries has a separate sweet wine tasting menu featuring treats ranging from Moscato to Chocolate Port. On the regular list, theres always at least 20 wines available for tasting, including interesting and hard-to-find wines like Sangiovese, Ros, Grenache, Viognier, Tempranillo and much more. Family Wineries is also a great place to stock up on gifts and souvenirs to bring back home. The tasting room is loaded with fun, unique wine-related accessories, housewares, books, puzzles and food products ranging from barbecue sauces to mustards and marinades (many of which are available to sample). And dont forget to bring along a few sandwiches so you can take advantage of the picnic grounds just a few paces from the tasting room. The picnic area is neatly landscaped and offers a magnificent view across the floor of Dry Creek Valley. Adjacent to the picnic area is a Bocce court available for use by customers of Family Wineries (call ahead to reserve the court on weekends). By Michelle Baker

siX FAMiLY WiNEriEs iN ONE TAsTiNG rOOM Collier Falls Vineyards Dashe Cellars Forth Vineyards Lago di Merlo Vineyards and Winery Mietz Cellars Philip Staley Vineyards VAriETALs Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chocolate Port, Dessert Wines, Grenache, Moscato, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Red Blends, Rose, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Viognier, White Blends, White Port and Zinfandel FUN FACT Family Wineries is the only true small winery cooperative tasting room in Sonoma County owned by its member wineries.

Family Wineries of Dry Creek Valley


Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg 1-888-433-6555 ext. 1 www.familywines.com www.facebook.com/FamilyWineriesDryCreek

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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 and loved every wine I tasted. By sue straight, The Wine Wench

pLAN AHEAD Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine and relax at one of the many outside picnic tables or, grab a set of balls and play a little bocce. During harvest time (September and October), Winemaker, Eric Miller will personally take you on a guided tour during the height of harvest. Cost is $25 per person (complimentary for wine club members). Tours are limited to 20 people. Reservations are required. 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 and Petite Sirah KUDOs FOr KOKOMO! 2012 SF Chronicle Wine Competition: Best of Class 2009 Russian River Valley, Chardonnay Best of Class 2009 Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel Double Gold 2009 Sonoma Coast, Reserve, Pinot Noir Gold 2009 Dry Creek Valley, Merlot

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

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Fred Peterson (grape grower and father) has been growing wine grapes and making wine in Dry Creek Valley for more than 25 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 hightouch 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: 2009 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. 2008 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, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignons & blends pLAN AHEAD 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; open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 cat Whitey is always nearby for a pet she loves visitors!

peterson Winery
Open daily 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg www.petersonwinery.com For tasting appointments, call (707) 431-7568

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Trattore Estate Wines/Dry Creek Olive Oil Company


Even as a young boy, Tim Bucher, owner of Trattore Estate Wines and the Dry Creek Olive Oil Company, was awed by the beauty of the Dry Creek Valley. Bucher, who was born and raised on his familys dairy farm in the neighboring Russian River Valley, would accompany his father to help manage the cattle they grazed in Dry Creek and tell his father that one day, he would live in Dry Creek Valley. At the same time, young Bucher was discovering his fascination for tractors and all things mechanical. From the time he was eight years old, he would repair the tractors on the family dairy farm. His entrepreneurial spirit was born early, too - Bucher bought his first two acres of land in Dry Creek Valley when he was just 16 years old, and began making wine when he was 17. Buchers mechanical aptitude and entrepreneurial spirit led him first to a graduate degree from Stanford University, then to a successful career in the Silicon Valley. But Dry Creek Valley was always calling to him. The Bucher family eventually returned to Dry Creek Valley and in 2006 started the Dry Creek Olive Oil Company, which quickly became a hit with locals and foodies for its estate, blended and flavored olive oils. In 2011, they launched Trattore Estate Wines, featuring wines produced from the familys 40-acre Dry Creek Valley estate just up the road from the tasting room. By Michelle J. Baker

VAriETALs Zinfandel, Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne FUN FACTs Trattore (tractor in Italian) and Dry Creek Olive Oil have a combined tasting room in Dry Creek Valley. Visitors can taste through a variety of award-winning olive oils (including blood orange, lemon and lime) and vinegars (including pomegranate and barrel-aged balsamic), in addition to the critically-acclaimed wines from Trattore. Mill tours at Dry Creek Olive Company and estate tours of Trattore Estate Wines are available by appointment!

Trattore Estate Wines Dry Creek Olive Company


Open daily from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 4791 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 431-7200 www.trattorewines.com drycreekolivecompany.com

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Just north of Healdsburg, a few miles out Dry Creek Road is a very special place, where youll feel like part of the family. Turn at the Bacchus sign, drive up the narrow, winding, rosemary-edged driveway and youve arrived at Forchini Vineyards & Winery. Forchini Vineyards & Winery is a family-run winery that produces only estate grown and bottled wines. Jim and Anita Forchini are the owners and Andrew Forchini is the vineyard manager. The building, surrounding picnic area and vineyards look as if they are right out of an Italian landscape stucco walls, tile roofs, splashing fountains, flower gardens and vineyard-striped hills delight the senses. Just wait until you taste the wines then your senses will be delighted even further! Once inside the main building, you feel as if you are in someones comfortable home. There is a large dining room, with a table ready to serve eight, a fully appointed kitchen, an office and the tasting room, which is decorated in warm tones, with faux-painted walls, wood flooring and a granite-topped oak bar. Behind the bar, a portrait of Bacchus, the God of wine, is the central focus of the tasting room. The wines at Forchini are very, very good they are continually garnering medals and accolades. For example, their 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir recently scored 94 points/Highly Recommended/Chairmans Award Finalist at the 2012 Ultimate Wine Challenge in New York. You really should visit this beautiful, comfortable, delicious winery! By sue straight, The Wine Wench

FUN FACTs Forchini Vineyards has been growing premium varietal wine grapes since 1971. There are two properties the 67-acre Dry Creek Bench and the 24-acre Russian River Terrace. Some of their Zinfandel vines are more than 100 years old! VAriETALs prODUCED Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Bordeaux and Tuscan Style Red Blends

Forchini Vineyards & Winery


Open for Tasting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Sunday and by appointment 5141 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 431-8886 www.forchini.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/forchiniwinery

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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 Relax and drink your wine in one of Adirondack chairs down by the creek! 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.

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Looking for a winery where a party awaits you? Look no further than Dry Creek Valleys Chateau Diana, where revelry may break out at any moment. In fact, youll need to drop by to know exactly what kind of fun is in store at Chateau Diana, where recent festivities have included an 80s-themed party and a Hot August Nights Car Show. The party just got started in January 2012, when Chateau Diana finally opened to the public. Long a popular stop for its semi-annual sale, now the winery is showing its favorite wines from Black Oak, LeBaron Ranch and 1221 seven days a week, year-round. The 707 wines are a crowd pleaser and can only be purchased at the winery. Theres something for everyone in the wine portfolio, with prices ranging from the value-minded $7 per bottle to the collector-worthy $40 per bottle. Even those with a taste for the sweet stuff will be happy to find Pink Moscato and Riesling on the list. Perched on the eastern bench of the valley, Chateau Dianas tasting room offers visitors a fantastic view. Soak in the scenery on the front deck, where you can enjoy dappled sunlight or full shade while savoring a bottle of wine. Inside the country chic tasting room, the winery features a rotation of work from different local artists and a wide selection of wine accessories and clothing. The spacious tasting bar is made of reclaimed redwood from an old barn on the property. By Michelle J. Baker

VAriETALs Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Riesling, Pink Moscato, White Blend, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel FUN FACT See if you can resist the call of the hula hoops the folks at Chateau Diana have left out for visitors! Chateau Diana is dog-friendly so feel free to bring along your furry friends to enjoy the fun as well! Behind the tasting room is one of Dry Creeks best kept secret picnic areas, shaded by a magnicent old r tree with plenty of seating, a pergola and a water fountain.

Chateau Diana Winery


Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6195 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 433-6992 terim@chateaud.com www.chateaud.com Find them at www.facebook.com/ChateauDianaWinery twitter.com/ChateauDiana chateaudiana.blogspot.com

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71

fine dining
sEBAsTOpOL GTOs seafood House 234 South Main Street, Sebastopol; 707 824-9922 Hopmonk Tavern 230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol; 707 829-7300 Seafood Traditional American

sONOMA VALLEY Caf Citti 9049 Highway 12, Kenwood; 704 833-2690 Cafe La Haye 140 E Napa Street, Sonoma; 707-935-5994 Centre Du Vin 480 First Street East, Sonoma; 707 996-9779 Della santinas Trattoria 133 East Napa Street, Sonoma; 707 935-0576 El Dorado Kitchen 405 1st Street West, Sonoma; 707 996-3220 Fig Cafe & Wine Bar 13690 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707 938-2130 Girl & The Fig 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma; 707 938-3634 Glen Ellen inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar & secret Cottages 13670 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707 996-6409 Glen Ellen star 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707 343-1384 Hopmonk sonoma 691 Broadway, Sonoma; 707 935-9100 Kenwood restaurant 9900 Hwy 12, Kenwood; 707 833-6326 Italian Contemporary American French Italian

Contemporary American Contemporary American French Contemporary American Traditional American Traditional American Contemporary American/French Portuguese Mexican Thai Steakhouse and Seafood French Italian

Lasalette restaurant 452 First St East, Ste H, Sonoma; 707 938-1927 Maya restaurant 101 East Napa Street, Sonoma; 707 935-3500 rin's Thai restaurant 139 East Napa Street, Sonoma; 707 938-1462 saddles steakhouse 29 East MacArthur St, Sonoma; 707 938-3191 sante 100 Boyes Boulevard, Boyes Hot Springs; 707 938-9000 swiss Hotel Bar & restaurant 18 West Spain St, Sonoma; 707 938-2884 Taste of the Himalayas 464 First St East, Sonoma; 707 996-1161 Yeti restaurant 14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707 996-9930

Himalayan and Nepali Indian and Nepali

pETALUMA Central Market 42 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma; 707 778-9900 Cucina paradiso 114 Petaluma Blvd. N, Petaluma; 707 782-1130 Contemporary American Italian Italian Italian

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Grazianos ristorante 170 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma; 707 762-5997 risibisi restaurant & Wine Bar 154 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma; 707 766-7600

bre akf ast bru nch lun ch din ner win e/b eer full bar out doo r se atin ent g ert ain me nt org ani c/lo cal pet goo frie ds ndl y cas ual ups cal e res erv atio ns

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Located off the historic square, Della Santinas is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has stood the test of time to become a Sonoma institution. The Della Santina family name shares a long lineage and history in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy. My father Quirico Salvatore Giovanni Della Santina migrated from Lucca in 1960. Residing in the North Beach area of San Francisco, Quirico became a baker by trade. Later, he was lured to Marin County by his uncle Adolph to work in the family restaurant: Marin Joes. After 25 years of successful ownership in a thriving business, he decided to go out on his own in beautiful Sonoma Valley. Since 1990, we have continued to bring Tuscan country cooking to the wine country using recipes passed down from my grandmothers Pia Fontana Della Santina and Clary Gambogi Barsotti. In 2008, we opened Enoteca Della Santina, a wine bar and retail wine shop specializing in wines from all over the world. Enoteca, translated literally in Italian, means wine library a place for people to enjoy a glass in an Old World ambiance. Along with my partner and fellow wine enthusiast Ron Kantor, we created a showcase for international as well as local, small producers. Our wine club has circumvented the globe looking for value selections that expand our members palates and knowledge. Day to day, the bar is a gathering spot for locals and tourists looking to experience a taste of Sonoma Wine Country living. By robert Della santina

ENOTECA DELLA sANTiNA NEXT DOOr sONOMAs BEsT WiNE BAr More than 300 selections of domestic and international wines at competitive prices 30 wines by the glass, customized ights and specialty beers Assorted cheeses and panini served daily Winemaker dinners and educational seminars Bimonthly wine club featuring wines of the world Both locations are available for private events.

Della santinas
The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; reservations are recommended. 133 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 935-0576 www.dellasantinas.com

Enoteca Della santina


The Enoteca is closed Mondays 127 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 938-4200 www.enotecadellasantina.com

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fine dining
GEYsErViLLE Catellis 21047 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville; 707 857-3471 Contemporary American and Italian Diavola pizzeria & salumeria 21021 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville; 707 814-0111 Italian Francis Ford Coppolas rustic 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville; 707 857-1462 Italian Homan House 21712 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville; 707 857-3624 Homemade American

HEALDsBUrG Aronti 235 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 431-1113 Mediterranean

Bear republic Brewing Co. 345 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 433-2337 Traditional American Bistro ralph 109 Plaza Street, Healdsburg; 707 433-1380 Campo Fina 330 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 395-4640 Contemporary American and French Italian

Charlie palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen 317 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 431-0330 Contemporary American Charcuturie 335 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 431-7213 Healdsburg Bar & Grill 245 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 433-3333 Madrona Manor 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 707 433-1542 ravenous 420 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707 431-1302 spoonbar 219 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 433-7222 Willis seafood & raw Bar 403 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 433-9191 French Grill

Contemporary American Californina Mediterranean Seafood

Zin restaurant & Wine Bar 344 Center St, Healdsburg; 707 473-0946 Contemporary American

GUErNEViLLE/FOrEsTViLLE Applewood inn 13555 Hwy 116, Guerneville; 707 869-9093 Farmhouse 7871 River Road, Forestville; 707 887-3300 Contemporary American

sANTA rOsA Cae portono 535 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa; 707 578-3096 Equus restaurant 101 Fountrain Grove Parkway, Santa Rosa; 707 578-0149 Jack and Tonys 115 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa; 707 526-4347 Contemporary American Californian French Contemporary American and French Italian

John Ash & Co. restaurant 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa; 707 527-7687 La Gare 208 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa; 707 528-4355 syrah Bistro 205 5th Street, Santa Rosa; 707 568-4002

Zazu restaurant & Farm 3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa; 707 523-4814 Traditional American

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WiNDsOr Ume 8710 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor; 707 838-6700 Japanese

bre akf ast bru nch lun ch din ner win e/b eer full bar out doo r se atin ent g ert ain me nt org ani c/lo cal pet goo frie ds ndl y cas ual ups cal e res erv atio ns

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Do the Math
One of the questions most asked when it comes to wine is how much of this does it take to make that, and so on. We wont pretend that its simple, but here are some industry statistics that will give a pretty good answer to that query. As with anything agricultural, of course, they are all based on countless variables when it comes to acre yields, but this is a good starting point. The rest of the information varies little if at all.

A case of wine includes:


a dozen 750 ml bottles (or 24 half bottles) or 307.2 ounces total, which comes from 30 pounds of grapes.

A single bottle contains:


750 ml of wine which is 25.6 ounces made from about 2.4 pounds of grapes (39 oz.) and is enough for four or maybe five glasses.

An acre of vineyard land can give the grower:


five tons of grapes (though it is also less, depending on a variety of farming and winemaking practices, and on the varietal and the vineyard One standard oak barrel of wine holds: location) which will give you 797 gallons of juice 295 bottles of wine (or 59 gallons) made from 740 pounds of grapes (or thirteen-and-a-half barrels) which is pretty close which works out to almost but not precisely 30 cases of wine. to four thousand bottles of wine.

What does all that information on a wine label mean?

XYZ Winery
RESERVE
Dry Creek Sonoma County

The U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms regulates wine labels and requires that information be given in a straightforward way. Basically, you will want to look for the types of grapes grown, where the grapes are grown and when the grapes were picked. Brand name Designation for a special wine Vineyard or appellation known for its grapes might be designated Location where the grapes used were grown Grape Variety used Vintage year in which the grapes were picked Location where the wine was made and/or bottled (Not to be confused with the area the grapes are grown.) Alcohol content may be stated or the the label may simply say "Table Wine

ZINFANDEL
2002
Produced and Bottled by XYZ winery, Healdsburg, California
ALCOHOL 14.6% BY VOLUME

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Find Your Favorite Varietals


Alderbrook Winery Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-5987 Alexander Valley Vineyards Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-7205 Armida Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-433-2222 Audelssa Winery Glen Ellen, daily, 11am-5pm, 707- 933-8514 B.R. Cohn Winery Glen Ellen, daily 10am-5pm, 707-938-4064 BRYTER Estates Sonoma, Tue-Sun 11am-6pm, 707-501-8272 Buena Vista Winery Sonoma, daily, 10am-5pm, 1-800-926-1266 Cellars of Sonoma Santa Rosa, daily (check hours), 707-578-1826 Chalk Hill Estate Healdsburg, daily 10am-4pm, 707-657-4837 Charles Creek Vineyard Sonoma, daily 11am-6pm, 707-935-3848 Chateau Diana Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-433-6992 Chateau St. Jean Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 1-800-543-7572 Cline Cellars Sonoma, daily 10am-6pm, 707-940-4030 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 Eric Ross Winery Glen Ellen, daily 11am-5pm, 707-939-8525 Family Wineries of Dry Creek Valley Healdsburg, daily 10:30am-4:30pm, 888-433-6555 Ferrari-Carano Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-6700 Forchini Healdsburg, Fri-Sun 11am-4pm, 707-431-8886 Fritz Cloverdale, daily 10:30am-4:30pm, 1-800-418-9463 Haywood Winery Sonoma, open daily 11am-6pm, 707-933-3001 Hook & Ladder Santa Rosa, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-526-2255 JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar Healdsburg, daily (check hours), 707-473-9707 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Sonoma, daily 11am-5:30pm, 707-931-7575 Kenwood Vineyards Kenwood, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-833-5891 Kokomo Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-4:30pm, 707-433-0200 Korbel Champagne Cellars Guerneville, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-824-7000 Kunde Estate Family Kenwood, daily 10:30am-5pm, 707-833-5501 Lancaster Estate Healdsburg, Mon-Sat 10am-4pm by appt, 707-433-8178 Larson Family Sonoma, daily 10am-5pm, 1-800-938-WINE Ledson Winery & Vineyards Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-537-3810 Little Vineyards Glen Ellen, Thu-Mon 11am-4:30pm, 707-996-2750 Martin Ray Winery Santa Rosa, daily 11am-5pm, 707-823-2404 Meadowcroft Wines Sonoma, daily 11am-6pm, 707-934-4090 Moondance Cellars Glen Ellen, Thu-Mon 11am-5pm, 707-823-0880 Mutt Lynch Healdsburg, open by appointment, 707-942-6180 Nicholson Ranch Winery Sonoma, daily 10am-6pm, 707-938-8822 Paradise Ridge Winery Kenwood, daily 11am-6pm, 707-282-9020 Peterson Winery Healdsburg, Fri-Mon 11am-4:30pm or by appt, 707-431-7568 Quivira Vineyards & Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-431-8354 Roche Winery Sonoma, Mon-Sat 11am-6:30pm, Sun 11am-5:30pm, 707-935-7115 Rodney Strong Vineyards Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-431-1533 Sapphire Hill Healdsburg, daily 11am-4:30pm, 707-431-1888 St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 1-888-675-WINE Sbragia Family Vineyards Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-473-2992 Simi Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 1-800-746-4880 Sonoma-Cutrer Windsor, Thu-Mon 10am-4pm, 707-237-3489 Stephen & Walker Winery Healdsburg, daily 11am-7pm, 707-431-8749 Trattore Estate Wines Healdsburg, daily 11am-4:30pm, 707-431-7200 Truett Hurst Winery Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-9545 VJB Vineyards & Cellars Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-833-2300 Valley of the Moon Winery Glen Ellen, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-939-4510 Viansa Winery Sonoma, daily 10am-5pm, 707-935-4700
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101
FERRARI CARANOS SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD JCB TASTING ROOM & WINE BAR SAPPHIRE HILL STEPHEN & WALKER

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Dry Creek
DRY CREEK RD.

Kachina Frick David Ca aro J Rickards Gustafson Family Bella Vineyards Yoakim Pedroncelli Vineyards Preston Vineyards Zichichi TaltyBridgeYON Geyser Peak CAN RD Palmeri . CHATEAU DIANA FORCHINI Route 128 Winery TRUETT HURST FAMILY WINERIES Locals Meeker Raymond Burr Vineyards KOKOMO Mercury Gpfrich PETERSON Pech Merle TRATTORE ESTATE Terroirs Martorana Unti Amphora & Papapietro Perry Trione Michel-Schlumberger Clos QUIVIRA Francis Du Bois Passalacqua Del Carlo deLorimier Mounts Rued Ford Teldeschi Coppola Trentadue A Rafanelli

DRY CREEK VNYD

TO THE MENDOCINO COAST


Lambert Bridge Pasterick Vineyards Simoncini Mauritson Mazzocco Garden Creek Ranch Robert Young Munselle Draxton AL EX Stryker Sonoma AN Nalle Ridge DE Hawkes SIMI Jordan R VALLEY Duchamp Sausal Medlock Stonestreet Stuhlmuller Wilson Ames Montemaggiore White Oak
EK RD. RE

Amista Deux Amis

Y W. DR

128

YC DR

K EE CR

LYTTON SPGS

1
ALDERBROOK

Flowers Vineyard & Winery

Northern Sonoma
Everett Ridge Michael Bernard DaVero Soda Rock Johnsons

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS

Cazadero
D.
OLD RE

Knights Valley
Starlite Vineyards
.

D HWY DWOO

KORBEL
W

116
RD

ES TS ID

Russian River
ER

EA STS IDE

WINDSOR

Porter Bass Winery La Czar Hartford Family


RIV

Hanna Field Stone Christopher MacPhail LANCASTER ESTATE Foppiano Creek Christie Limerick Mill Creek Vineyards LIMERICK Lane De La Acorn Mietz Vrit/ ARMIDA Montanya MUTT LYNCH Archipel RODNEY STRONG Matrix Twomey John Tyler Wines J Wine by Bacigalupi Vineyard Merriam VML Hop Kiln Notables Bradford Mtn Rochioli Arista CHALK HILL Gary Farrell Williams Selyem Vine Tastings UPTick Gracianna WINDSOR RIVER RD Albini Family Porter Thomas Moshin Creek George PL EA SA Copain NT
D WOO RED

Mueller

HWY

SLU SS

Russian River Vnyds

Emtu Estate

ER Russian Hill Estate RD.

ER

1
AR D.

SONOMA CUTRER

CH

AL K HILL

D.

PET RIFIE D FO RE ST
OLD

Chalk Hill

IVE T

LAG U

FU

TAL RD.

LTO N

Kendall-Jackson Wine Center Woodenhead Old World Winery Joseph Swan Tara Bella Martinelli Pellegrini MARK W R EST MARTIN GS Harvest Moon SPRIN RAY Sunc Robert Rue Graton Ridge HOOK & Benovia Eric Kent Dehlinger LADDER Marimar Torres GRATON RD. Dutton-Gold eld INDUS DELOACH Inman Carol Shelton Inspiration GU Red Car Novy TRIAL ER Battaglini PINER Lynmar NE VIL Siduri Merry Edwards LE Paradise Ridge
OL
RD .

Small Vines
GO NT

Balletto Hanna O
CCID E NTAL
WAT ER

Gourmet au Bay

OCCIDEN D&L Peters Taft Street Winery Carinalli Family & Freeman Occidental Road Cellars
GO LD

RD.

BODEGA HIG

HWA Y

RID GE

Littorai Wines
BURNSIDE

Claypool Cellars
TRO UG

T RAILROAD CELLARS OF SQUARE SONOMA

CALIST OGA

Joseph Phelps

DArgenzio Sheldon/Krutz Lost Canyon WineYard Station 1870 Trecini 3rd 4th
S

RD.

E BOH
MO RY ME

MIAN

Green Iron Horse River Road Cahill Winery Dutton Valley SebastopolEstate Vnyd

St. Helena Road Winery


Kings Hill Cellars Fisher Vineyards

Chateau Felice Downtown Wine Edmeades Front Street Wineries: Camellia Cellars Davis Family Holdredge Skewis Wines Hauck Cellars Hawley Tasting Room & Gallery Hudson Street Wineries Bluenose Wines Grove Street Owl Ridge Sadler-Wells Rocking Z Vineyard Teira J Keverson Kendall-Jackson La Crema Longboard Vineyards Manzanita Creek Murphy-Goode Optima Pezzi King Portalupi Ramey Wine Cellars Roadhouse Winery Russian River Wine Co. Seghesio Selby Stark at Garagiste Healdsburg Thirty Four North Wine Merchant Thumbprint Toad Hollow Topel Waterfront Tasting Room J. Keverson Christie Harts Desire Williamson

HIGHWAY

FOUNTAIN

GR OVE

MONTE CITO

29 128

G GH

VA LL EY FO OR RD D C C

12
RD. N RD. HIAN PYTHIA PYT ST. FRANCIS

116
GRA GRANGE NGE

101
St. Annes Crossing St. Annes Crossing
Matanzas Matanzas Creek Sable Creek Sable Ridge Ridge Pavo Wines Pavo Wines
BE BENNE NN TT ET VA T V LL AL EY LE RD YR . D.

Sonoma Valley
LEDSON ST. FRANCIS Landmark Landmark Kaz Kaz PARADISE RIDGE RIDGE PARADISE CHATEAU ST. JEAN CHATEAU ST. JEAN Muscardini & Ty Caton Cellars & Ty Caton Cellars Muscardini Enkidu Enkidu En Garde En B Wise Garde B Wise VJB CELLARS VJB CELLARS Mayo Reserve Room KENWOOD WINERY Mayo Reserve Room KENWOOD WINERY

RO B RO LAR R BL AR D. RD . PETALUMA V AL PETALUMA V LE AL LE


Y
RD RD FO FO Y

RD . D.

HWY

PEP TETA AL L UM M U AAH HILIL LLR RO O AD D A

ST AG EG UL CH ST AG EG UL CH

7T

Adobe Road Winery Adobe Road Winery


FRAT ES

7T

BU

RN

BU RN DA DA LE LE

101 101
Kastania Vineyards Kastania Vineyards

8T

Keller Estate Keller Estate


LA . . RD RD LE LE VIL EVIL KE K LA

E.

AL

Travelling around sonoma County


TO SAN FRANCISCO

1 1

AdobeJames Eric K. Road Envolve GlenLyon Eric K. James Hawkes GlenLyon12 Winery Highway Clarbec Hawkes Sojourn Sonoma 12 Winery HighwayEnoteca Parmelee Hill Cellar R2 Spann Sojourn Two Amigos Door Sonoma Enoteca LL BUENA VISTA Robledo VA Parmelee Hill Cellar R2 Walt LL Spann L EY Family E N OVA Westwood Two Amigos Door LL BUENA VISTA AP NA Robledo VA A PA Walt LL ST Favero EY Family RD E Anaba Westwood NA NA PA MacRostie PA ST Schug Anaba Favero 12 RD LARSON Bonneau Gundlach Bundschu FAMILY 121 MacRostie Kamen Schug Tin Barn LARSON 12 Bonneau MEADOWCROFT WINES KamenGofessel Gundlach Bundschu Gloria Ferrer FAMILY 121 CORNERSTONE SONOMA Tin Barn Foyt Family Wines WINES MEADOWCROFT Gloria Ferrer Keating Wines Gofessel Scribe CORNERSTONE SONOMA Foyt Family Wines NICHOLSON Keating Wines Homewood Scribe RANCH CLINE Winery JACUZZI NICHOLSON Homewood RANCH CLINE VIANSA Winery TO JACUZZI Rams Gate
Clarbec
FRATE S

RA M

Rams Gate

VIANSA

RA M

AL

BONNESS RD S RD BONNES

8T

116 116

E.

116 116

Tomales Tomales Bay Bay


Corda

E.

E.

FF OFF O UTT U

Sonoma Coast
TO TO LAKE BERRYESSA LAKE BERRYESSA AND AND SACRAMENTO SACRAMENTO

128 128

BOD EGA BOD EGA

HWY

WASHINGT ON

Family Wineries Family Wineries Deer eld Ranch KUNDE Deer eld Ranch KUNDE Loxton Loxton Coturri Winery Wellington Coturri Winery Lasseter Family Wellington Mayo Family Lasseter Benziger FamilyFamily HKG Mayo Family Estate Benziger ESTATE HKG Estate AUDELSSAFamily AUDELSSA ESTATE Imagery ERIC ROSS Imagery Arrowood ERIC ROSS MOONDANCE CELLARS B.R. COHN Arrowood Laurel MOONDANCEOldGlen CELLARS LITTLE VINEYARDS B.R. COHN Bucklin GlenRanch Laurel Hill LITTLE VINEYARDS Bucklin Old Hill Ranch VALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY Petroni Vineyards VALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY Robert Hunter Akoma Zoume/Mountain Terraces Petroni Vineyards Robert Horse Paint Hunter Akoma Zoume/Mountain Terraces Hanzell Paint Horse Hanzell

Clary Ranch

WASHINGTON

12 12
ORANGE RD. RD. ORANGE

Clary Ranch
Sonoma Valley Port Works Sonoma Valley Port Works

SONOMA PLAZA SONOMA PLAZA CHARLES CREEK CHARLES CREEK ROCHE BRYTER ROCHE ESTATES HAYWOOD BRYTER ESTATES Adobe Road HAYWOOD Envolve

Corda

Ravenswood Sebastiani Ravenswood Bartholomew Park Sebastiani LOBartholomew Park VA

121 121

Los Carneros LosRegion Carneros Region


TO N
NAP A

MILES

TRAVEL TIME Average) (Peak)

37 37
TO SAN FRANCISCO

APA

Golden Gate Bridge to Sebastopol Sebastopol to Santa Rosa Downtown Santa Rosa to Healdsburg Healdsburg to Geyserville
TO SAN FRANCISCO

49 7 16 8

60 12 20 15

80 20 30 15

TO SAN FRANCISCO

San Pablo Bay San Pablo Bay

TO VAL L

TO VAL L

EJO

EJO

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