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Spotlight's Wine Country Guide September 2011
Spotlight's Wine Country Guide September 2011
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winecountryguide.com
S a mpl e new vintag e s of ou r v i n e ya r d -d e s i g n a te d w in es paired w it h a d el ectabl e array of ta s ty f ood s a mp l e s . N o r e s er vat io n s requ ired.
707.571.8100 Daily 10am - 5pm Garden tours offered 11am, 1pm and 3pm (weather permitting) From Hwy. 101 North, take the Rive Road Exit, left on to River Road, right on to Fulton Road.
For information about our Healdsburg Plaza, Tasting Room or more detailed directions, go to KJ.com/visit 2010
San Francisco/Wine Country Ferry Excursion $129 per person 5 Hour Wine Country Tour in Napa or Sonoma - $99 Per Person
800-294-6386
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californiawinetours.com
TCP #9679A
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SANTA ROSA ROSA SANTA 5761 Mountain Hawk Way 5761 Mountain Hawk Way 707-537-0555 the Skyhawk Off Hwy 12 in
(707) 537-0555
PETALUMASONOMA 247 N. McDowell 452 First Street East 707-763-6274 Historic Plaza On the
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COTATI SONOMA NAPA 640 E. CotatiAvailable | MassageEnvy.com | Convenient Hours 3365 Solano Ave Franchises Ave 452 First Street East 707-795-7700 M-F 9AM-9PM, SAT 9AM-9PM, SUN 9AM-9PM 707-938-7404 707-255-8000 Open 7 days.
*Session includes massage or facial and time for consultation and dressing. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by location. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. 2011 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC.
Present this ad to receive our special rate of $108 (a savings of $42 off our regular rates) for a couples mud bath, hot mineral jacuzzi and blanket wrap, valid every day except Saturdays and holiday periods. This ad is also valid for a 10% discount on any of our hotel rooms Monday - Thursday, except holiday periods.
Whats Inside
BEYOND WINE TASTING Spas Limousine Touring Retail Therapy Concerts and Theaters NAPA VALLEY Chelsea Premium Outlets Whitehall Lane Winery Beringer Vineyards Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley In One Great Day Black Stallion Estate Winery Pope Valley Winery Cleavage Creek Winery Calistoga Map St. Helena Map Rutherford / Oakville Map Town of Napa Map Yountville Map SONOMA COUNTY Korbel Champagne Cellars Discover Russian River Fritz Winery Chateau St. Jean Alexander & Dry Creek Map Healdsburg Map Santa Rosa Map Southern Russian River Map Sonoma Valley Map Sonoma Plaza Map Petaluma Map LAKE AND MENDOCINO Steele Wines Tulip Hill Winery Six Sigma Ranch Twin Pine Casino Crazy Creek Air Adventures Clear Lake Map DIRECTORIES Restaurants Lodging Activities COUNTY MAPS Sonoma County Napa County Wine Country Overview Map 14
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id you know that Rodney Strong Vineyards produces three single vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernets that prove this region belongs on the table with the finest Cabs in the world? The much acclaimed histor y of Cabernet Sauvignon at Rodney Strong Vineyards began in 1971, when then-owner Rodney Strong first planted this most noble of grape varietals at the apex of his newly purchased
vineyard in Alexander Valley. The 15-acre patch of red soil atop the vineyard, dubbed Alexanders Crown, yielded exquisite fruit, and in 1974 Rodney Strong became the first winery in Sonoma County to produce a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. A l e x a n d e r s C r o w n Cabernet Sauvignon was, for almost three decades, literally the crown jewel the winerys lineup. Eventually, though, the vineyard was hit by disease had to be ripped out. When
it was replanted in 2003, the winery utilized modern viticulture knowledge and disease free rootstock and plant material to ensure that Alexanders Crown would come back even better than before. In the meantime, current winery owner Tom Klein had completed a stateof-the-art small lot wine cellar, a winery within the winery, intended for small lot winemaking then focused on the winerys two other
ABOVE: Alexanders Crown Vineyard is was one of Californias first vineyard- designated wines when it debuted following the 1974 harvest.
estate Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Alexander Valley, Rockaway and Brothers Ridge. Now Rodn ey Strong features these three incredible Cabernets daily in their tasting room. The only way to be assured access to these
Countys few self-guided winery tours, where you can learn all about the local and winery history, sustainable farming practices, and much more. Rodney Strong Vineyards is now one of Sonoma Countys greenest wineries, using
Rodney Strong features three incredible Cabernets daily in their tasting room.
wines is through the Rodney Strongs Symmetry Society Club, where members also get first dibs on the winerys limited production Reserve wines and Symmetry red wine. Drop by Rodney Strong to taste the featured single vineyard Cabernets, along with the full range of other Rodney Strong favorites - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and more. And while youre there, dont miss out on one of Sonoma solar power that currently provides 30% of the winerys energy needs. The winery is also devoted to sustainable farming practices, and recently became the first Sonoma County winery named carbon neutral. If your looking for a guided tour, Rodney Strong offers two daily at 11am and 3pm. No reservation is required, but call ahead to confirm the winery plans to hold tours that day.
TASTING SUGGESTIONS 08 Alexanders Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Wine Spectator, 93 points, Very ripe, but also quite polished, fleshy and creamy, with tiers of spicy berry, vanilla black licorice and plum flavors. Full bodied, finishing with a berry burst and fine-grained tannins. $75 07 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley A bold, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy red and black fruit character, and an elegantly round and seductive mid-palate. $75 07 Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Wine Enthusiast, 93 points, Intense flavors of blackberries, black cherries, cassis, cola and herbs mark this fine, ageable wine. $75 RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS 11455 Old Redwood Highway Healdsburg, CA 95448 (800) 678-4763 www.rodneystrong.com Open 10 AM until 5 PM daily Guided tours daily at 11 AM and 3 PM DIRECTIONS Exit Highway 101 North at Healdsburg Ave. Take a left from off-ramp onto Healdsburg Ave./Old Redwood Highway to the winery 1.6 miles on the right.
Napa Wine Train and Grgich Hills Estate Make A Perfect Pairing
How to combine two of Napas favorite activities into a cant-miss memorable experience
h e Napa Valley Win e Train has been rated as one of the 20 best rail experiences in the world by the Society of International Railway Travelers. Heres how you can pack a train ride with a private tour and tasting at the famed Grgich Hills Estate winery in the heart of the Napa Valley. Gourmet Express guests disembark after completing their first two courses in the Dining Car during the one-hour northbound journey. Accompanied by Wine Train Staff, they receive a private tour and tasting with Grgich Hills Hospitality Staff. The tour and tasting of Grgich Hills award-winning premium wines, with time for shopping in their tasting room, lasts approximately one hour. On the Wine Trains southbound return, guests are boarded into a Parlor Car to enjoy the final hour southbound with their dessert course. This package is available Monday Friday, year round. Grgich Hills Estate, located in the heart of Napa Valley, was founded in 1977 by Miljenko Mike Grgich and Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. coffee family after Mikes 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the now-famous Paris Tasting, beating the best of France. Today, Grgich Hills remains
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family owned and operated, practicing the art of winemaking by crafting foodfriendly wines known for their consistency, quality, and longevity. Great wines start in the vineyard, which is why they organically and biodynamically farm their grapes. All of their wines are made from estate-grown grapes, creating wines with great balance and finesse. For more information or reservations, call the Napa Valley Wine Train at 800-427-4124 or visit their website: www.winetrain.com. How To Reserve The Napa Valley Wine Train station is located in downtown Napa at 1275 McKinstry Street. Plan on arriving a few minutes early for check in. Departure is 10:30 AM and you will return to the station at 2:30 PM The Grgich Hills tour lasts 1 hour and includes a tour and private tasting The Gourmet Express lunch includes 3 courses including a dessert course that is served after the wine tour The package cost is $124 per person. Call 800-427-4124 to reserve
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Wine Tasting
Wine tasting can be as simple as visiting a tasting room but many wineries add additional activities including food pairings, tours, art galleries, and outdoor venues with stunning views and gardens.
Turnbull Wine Cellars Enjoy free tasting for up to two people while strolling through their fine art gallery. Just bring a copy of this magazine; 8210 St. Helena Highway, Oakville Sterling Vineyards Amazing views of the Napa Valley start with a one-of-a-kind tram ride to the winery. Download discount coupons at sterlingvineyards.com; 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga Rodney Strong Pairs music with wine by offering free music downloads on Music Mondays and live concerts in the vineyard June - August. Details at rodneystrong.com; 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg Kendell-Jackson Wine Center Three different wine and food pairings are offered daily at the wine center. Many ingredients are harvested from the on-site 2.5 acre culinary gardens. Call 707.576.3810 for reservations; 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton Cline Cellars View replicas of Californias missions and enjoy picnicking among the 5,000 rose bushes that inhabit Clines enormous gardens; 4737 Arnold Drive/Highway 121, Sonoma Moshin Vineyards What else do you do with a crush pad when you arent crushing grapes? How about watch a movie. The popular Moshin Pictures returns in July. Visit moshinvineyards. com for show times; 10295 Westside Road, Healdsburg Chateau St. Jean Assemble a sumptuous
Peek A Wine C
perfect wine and cheese pairings. The seminar includes five Sebastiani wines paired with five artisan cheeses from local cheese companies, Vella Cheese and Sonoma Cheese Factory. Reserve at sebastiani.com; 389 Fourth Street East Sonoma
picnic from the on-site charcuterie which offers local cheeses, pate, and fresh baguettes. Stroll the gardens while tasting before settling into one of the picnic tables; 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood Sebastiani Vineyards Learn the secrets of
At Country Offers
a champagne brunch in downtown Calistoga at the Hydro Cafe. Web specials available at calistogaballoons.com; 888.995.7700 Crazy Creek Air Adventures Just North of Calistoga in Lake County the air gets cleaner and the thermal currents provide outstanding lift for a one-of-a-kind air adventure. Reservations are recommended 707.987.9293; 18896 Grange Rd, Middletown Napa Valley Bike Tours If you are looking for a full-service bike tour company in the heart of the Napa Valley youve found it. Single-day guided winery tours by bike, self-guided winery tours by bike and bike rentals, as well as custom Napa Valley vacation packages are all on the menu; 707.251.TOUR Since 1880, the Opera House has survived two great depressions, six wars, 26 U.S. presidents and countless floods of the Napa River and Creek. Comedy, music, and theater all take their turn on the Opera House stage; 1030 Main St., Napa or call for tickets and schedule 707.226.7372 Old Faithful Geyser of California A wonderful place for the whole family to spend a day. Featuring a large picnic area, snack bar and a full-featured gift shop. Dont miss the famous Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacobs Four Horn Sheep, and Guard Llamas; Additional offers at oldfaithfulgeyser.com, 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, 707.942.6463 Hike and Taste In The Vineyard Join Docent Bill Myers on a fun, casual and up-close hike through the 1,850 acre volcanic and vertical Kunde Family Estate. This is a great opportunity to see sustainable winegrowing practices at work while taking in some of wine countrys most spectacular scenery. Taste wines along the way in the very vineyards where the grapes are grown. This moderately strenuous hike lasts approximately four hours; 9825 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, reservations at kunde.com
Online Updates
Stay up-to-date on activities and offers on our website at www.winecountryguide.com.
selected as the favorite mud bath experience of all the Napa Valley spas. Calistogas Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa also features soothing massages, luxurious herbal facials, and detoxifying European Body Wraps. Couples spa packages combine the Calistoga mud bath experience along with a massage and/or facial at savings over individual treatment prices. Couples spa treatments make Golden Haven an excellent romantic spa getaway, and special spa packages offer some excellent values. Go for the day or stay for the night in one of Golden
he Wine Country is best known for what else?wine tasting. But visitors quickly learn that the regions incredible climate and geography are also conducive to many other leisure activities. These range from athletic endeavors like bicycling and hiking to shopping and culinary adventures. Here are a few activities to consider for before and after wine tasting, and for those days when your exhausted taste buds say a change of pace is in order. Visit winecountryguide. com for frequent updates.
Exquisite Spa Treatments Enhance Your Wine Country Experience in Napa and Sonoma
For visitors to the Napa Valley, its easy to forget that this worldfamous wine growing region was famous for its hot springs before it was famous for wine. For nearly 150 years, the tiny town of Calistoga at the northern end of the Valley has been a magnet for visitors seeking relief and relaxation in its volcanic muds warmed by geothermal waters. Today mud baths remain a popular option on a broad menu of modern treatments offered by Calistoga spas like Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort. At Golden Haven, couples enjoy Calistoga mud baths in private treatment rooms. This one-hour detoxifying and rejuvenating spa treatment includes the mud bath, hot springs Jacuzzi, and blanket wrap. Golden Havens mud bath was recently
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Havens recently remodeled rooms. On the Sonoma side of the Mayacamus Mountains that separate the Napa and Sonoma wine countries, the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is one of the more unusual of the many spa options available. Osmosis is home to the only cedar enzyme bath in North America. Cozy wooden tubs are filled with a fragrant blend of finely ground cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes imported from Japan. These ingredients heat naturally, by fermentation, a fragrant blend of cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes creating biologically generated warmth that mimics the bodys natural metabolic process.
you can take the benefits you gain from your Wine Country spa treatments home with you and renew them over time through the customized spa treatments program thats available to you as a member of Massage Envy Spa. Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort, 1713 Lake Street, Calistoga; (707) 942-8000; goldenhaven.com. Massage Envy Spa; locations in Cotati, Napa, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Sonoma; visit massageenvy.com for details. Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone; (707) 823-8231; osmosis.com.
Once a place for your body is dug into the warm mixture, you step into the tub, settle into the place that has been shaped to support you, and are gently covered up to the chin. The amount of time spent in the bath varies based upon personal preference. After the bath, the excess cedar fiber is brushed off your body outside of the tub before you shower. At your leisure, you then have your choice of optional treatments, such as a 75-minute massage or aromatherapy facial. Or you can simply check out and spend as much time as you like in the Meditation Garden that accounts for much of Osmosis five-acre sanctuary. Massage Envy Spa offers five different Wine Country locations in Napa and Sonoma. Massage Envys goal is to make therapeutic massage services and skin nourishing facials available to everyone through affordable memberships, flexible hours and convenient locations. While it prefers to work with you on a membership basis, Massage Envy does offer introductory treatment sessions at some locations. But if you do become a member, youll have access to Massage Envy services at over 800 locations in 43 states. So chances are
passengers, plus a pilot, for excursions of up to 40 minutes. Pilots for all three of these aerial excursion companies are FAA certified. C a l i s t o g a B a l l o o n s , Calistoga; 707-942-5758; CalistogaBalloons. course was originally created for the exclusive Bohemian Club. Named one of the top 3 ninecom hole golf courses in the country by Golf Digest, Napa Valley Balloons, Yountville; 707-944Northwood remains one of the most scenic and 0228; NapaValleyBalloons.com. challenging courses open to the public. Crazy Creek Air Adventures, Middletown; 707- Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park, 2295 987-9293; CrazyCreekAirAdventures.com. Streblow Drive, Napa; 707-255-4333. Play A Round of Golf On A Wine Northwood Golf Club, 19400 Hwy 116, Monte Rio; 707-865-1116.
Country Course
In the Wine Country, wine and golf pair like nowhere else on earth. Here vineyards share Touring Napa A Breeze the undulating landscape, invigorating Medi- Ever look at the cyclists cruising along Napa terranean climate, and spectacular vistas of Valley byways and think it looks like fun, but the region with well-kept fairways and mani- you just arent sure about all that pedaling? cured greens. Check out these winners. The Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park, or simply Kennedy Park as it is known to local golfers, is the golf course for you if youre tired of playing look-a-like golf courses. Locals also enjoy playing Napa Golf Course. They return often, frequently with friends from out-of-town, to experience the beauty of the Napa River and river estuarynot to mention the wildlife and, of course, the golf. Northwood Golf Club was designed in 1928 by architect Alister MacKenzie, famous for Augusta National and Cypress Point, in collaboration with Robert Hunter. This enticing par 36, nine-hole
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ing 60 to 100 feet in the air. There are only two other old faithful geysers in the world that have earned the title due to their regular eruptions. This geyser has also proven itself to be a good predictor of earthquakes. When the geysers show is delayed or diminished, an earthquake is likely within the next couple of weeks in the 500 miles surrounding the geyser. The grounds surrounding the geyser feature a large picnic area where visitors are encouraged to bring their own lunches. There are also a snack bar and a gift shop on the property. Old Faithful Geyser makes for a wonderful family outing and features a petting zoo that includes the famous Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacobs Four-Horn Sheep, and Guard Llamas. Old Faithful Geyser of California is open every day including holidays. Hours are 9 AM - 6 PM (til 5 PM in winter). 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga; 707-942-6463; www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com.
savings of 25% to 65% off regular retail, with major outlet centers in the town of Napa and in Petaluma, Sonoma County. Heres where to find them: Napa Premium Outlets, 629 Factory Stores Drive, Napa; 707-2269876. Petaluma Village constructed in 1879. NVOH restored its Premium Outlets, 2200 Petaluma Blvd. North, intimate second-floor, 500-seat Margrit Petaluma; 707-778-9300. Biever Mondavi Theatre in 2002 after 30 years Get Your Cultural Fix At Historic of planning. Patrons experience an eclectic Venues in Napa Valley array of performing arts including theatre, The Uptown Theatre Napa is downtowns dance, comedy, jazz, blues, world music, and ultimate destination for live entertainment. family programming in a world-class setting. Nestled in the famed West End district, this stunningly restored art deco masterpiece The Uptown Theater Napa, 1350 3rd Street, showcases only the finest acts, featuring mu- Napa; (707) 259-0123; www.uptowntheatrenasic, comedy and more. An historic landmark, pa.com. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main the Uptown offers a phenomenal, intimate St. , Napa; (707) 226-7372; www.nvoh.org. live show experience, with excellent site lines and world class sound and lighting. Every seat is a great seat! The Uptown has played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Boz Scaggs, Merle Haggard, Cyndi Lauper, BB King, Lewis Black, George Thorogood, Lyle Lovett, Ron White and many more. This is a must-see hot spot for anyone visiting the Napa Valley! The Napa Valley Opera House is a non-profit performing arts organization located in the heart of downtown Napa and is a national historic landmark originally
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he Napa Valley is generally regarded as Americas most famous and most prestigious wine producing region. Except during peak traffic times, it is an easy hours drive to the northeast from San Francisco or to the southwest from Sacramento. The Valley runs approximately north-south for some 30 miles. Its width ranges from about a mile at its northern end to about five miles at its widest point near its southern end. It is framed by the Mayacamas Mountains on its western and northern sides, by the Vaca Mountains to the east, and by San Pablo Bay to the south. From north to south, the principal towns of the Napa Valley are Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, and the town of Napa. Between St. Helena and Yountville, the hamlets of
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Rutherford and Oakville are important grape growing and winemaking centers. South of the town of Napa, American Canyon is significant as a commercial center and as the second largest town in Napa County (after the town of Napa). The Napa Valley is home to over 400 wineries, some of the best restaurants in the United States, world-class spas, and many other amenities. Thanks in part to an abundance of natural beauty, and in part to stringent efforts to preserve both the beauty and the agricultural heritage of the region, the Napa Valley remains largely unspoiled by its success and notoriety as a wine tourism destination. It is worthy of as much time on your itinerary as you can devote. Count
on two days just to get a sense of the Valley and longer to fully appreciate it. If you have a week to spend here, you will not run out of places to go, things to see and do, and great wine and food. And you certainly will not be bored. Napa Valleys reputation is built on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These are the varietals that won blind tastings against the French in the legendary Tasting of Paris in 1976, putting California and America on the world wine map. But just about every wine consumed in America is to be found somewhere in the Valley, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel among many others. In particular, fans of sparkling wines will find a lot to like at venues like Mumm in Rutherford and Domaine Carneros. Part of the fun of visiting the Napa Valley, and a good reason to schedule several days here, is exploring the new wine varietals and new interpretations of established varietals that are constantly emerging and evolving here and throughout the California Wine Country. Travel-Wise Tip: The main arteries in the Napa Valley are Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. These run roughly north-south and in parallel through the length of the Valley, with Highway 29 to the west and Silverado Trail to the east. Silverado Trail is by far the less traveled and least congested of the two thoroughfares, especially during peak seasons and hours. The two roads are not far apart, so switching between them to avoid congestion can add to your enjoyment of the Valley. Traversing between the two is tricky, however, because not all eastwest roads connect the two arteries. It will behoove you to know which east-west roads are connectors, or cross roads, and which ones are not. The cross roads are easily identified on the Napa Valley map in the back of Wine Country Guide magazine and also on our standalone Napa Valley Map.
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Hwy, Rutherford; 707-965-2784. Vintner Hall of Fame inductee and Tasting of Paris winner Mike Grgich, now well into his eighties, continues to nurture his six different wine varietals as if they were his children. Chardonnay is the fair-haired child. Mumm Napa, 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 800-686-6272. There are at least two reasons to visit Mumm. One is their world-class sparkling wines, which you can enjoy on a terrace with beautiful views. The other is a gallery of photographic art that is among the best in the Bay Area (or anywhere). Pope Valley Winery, 6613 Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley; 707-965-1246. Its worth the trip up winding country roads to visit this rustic winery and see what Napa Valley was like in its early days. Nothing pretentious about the down-home tasting experience here. The wines are excellent and approachable. St. Clement Vineyards, 2867 St. Helena Hwy North, St. Helena; 707-963-7221. Housed in a meticulously preserved and restored Gothic Victorian home dating to 1878, St. Clement is famous for a Bordeauxstyle blend called Oroppas. Eight wines here are available only at the winery. Stags Leap Winery, 6150 Silverado Trail, Napa; 800-395-2441. Call ahead to reserve one of two fixed tasting appointments at 10:00 and 2:30 daily. Youll tour the historic Manor House with castlelike stone tower and enjoy a flight of five excellent wines. Sterling Vineyards, 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga; 800-726-6136. At this iconic winery guests take an aerial tram some 300 feet up the mountainside to the winery, where they are greeted with a glass of wine. Make a reservation for the Reserve Tour & Tasting, 11:00 daily. Turnbull Wine Cellars, 8210 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; 800-887-6285. Focusing
Spotlight on . . .
Discover incredible savings of 25% to 65% every day at Premium Outlets with four Wine Country locations in Gilroy, Napa, Petaluma and Vacaville. These four outlet centers offer unparalleled collections of designer and name-brand outlets including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Coach, Cole Haan, DKNY, Gap Outlet, Gucci, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Sony, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion and many more. The selection of stores varies by center. For complete information, including center hours, a list of stores and to join the free VIP Shopper Club, visit us online at www.premiumoutlets.com. The four centers are conveniently located throughout the region. Napa Premium Outlets has 50 stores and is ideally situated at the southern entrance to the Napa Valley, just off Hwy 29 at the First Street exit; call (707) 226-9876. Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, with 60 stores, is located 35 miles north of San Francisco in one of Sonoma Countys most charming towns. Call (707) 778-9300. Those traveling into the Wine Country from east or south of San Francisco can plan shopping stops along the way. Vacaville Premium Outlets, home to 120 stores, is located between Sacramento and San Francisco on Interstate 80; call (707) 447-5755. Gilroy Premium Outlets, with 145 stores, is located on Hwy 101 south of San Jose; call (408) 842-3729.
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HATS OFF in historic downtown 1030 Main Street 2008 GALA CELEBRATION Napa
707.226.7372 l NVOH.ORG
FRI., SEPT. 16, 8PM NV UKULELE FESTIVAL $30 $50 KICK-OFF FRI., SEPT. 9, 8PM, $25 $50
on fine art as well as fine wine, Turnbull Wine Cellars boasts one of the largest permanent photography exhibitions on the West Coast. Through June 2011, show this magazine at the tasting room and receive complimentary tasting for up to four people. Whitehall Lane, 1563 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 800-963-9454. This winery is a perennial award winnerincluding recognition three times in five years for producing wines ranked among the top five worldwide, and winery of the year distinctions from two respected wine authorities.
Other Things To Do
Attractions and Tours Beau Win e Tours, 800-387-2328; beauwinetours.com. The perfect solution for a great wine tasting day in the Napa Valley or Sonoma County. Beau also offers complete luxury transportation services throughout Northern California. California Wine Tours, 707-253-1300; californiawinetours.com. Offers a choice of personalized or prearranged wine tours throughout the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Prearranged itineraries begin at $69/person; ferry-to-limo excursions from San Francisco begin at $72/person. Calistoga Balloons, 888-995-7700; calistogaballoons.com. Float over the magnificent north end of Napa Valley and let the breeze usher you along scenic grapevine corridors and the most majestic mountain vistas in the world. Napa Valley Balloons, 800-253-2224, 707-944-0228; napavalleyballoons.com. Ultimate sightseeing experience over the southern Napa Valley. Sparkling wine landing celebration. Morning launch 7 days per week, weather permitting. Napa Valley Bike Tours, 6795 Washington Street, Bldg. B, Yountville; 707-531-7708. Complete cycling vacations, guided tours, self-guided tours, bicycle rentals. Wine
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purchase pickup service. Old Faithful Geyser of California, 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga; 707-942-6463. One of only three old faithful geysers in the world, and home of the famous fainting goats. Shopping RASgalleries, 6540 Washington Street, Yountville; 707-944- 9211. Specializes in American Art Glass and represents over 200 artists. Napa Premium Outlets, 629 Factory Stores Drive, Napa; 707-226-9876. Over 50 designer and name brand stores in an upscale shopping mall. Napa Valley Wine Hardware, 659 Main Street, St. Helena; 866-611-9463. Unique wine accessories, wine racks and cabinets, wine books, corkscrews, etc. St. Helena Wine Merchants, 699 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 800-729-9463. Specialty wine shop offering the best wines of Napa Valley, including many older vintages. Nationwide service. Spas Golden Haven Hot Springs, 1713 Lake Street, Calistoga; 707-942-8000. Calistoga hot springs mineral water and rejuvenating spa treatments, including mud baths for couples. Massage Envy Spa, 3365 Solano Avenue, Napa; 707-255-8000. Therapeutic massage and skin nourishing facial treatments. Visit massageenvy.com for four other Wine Country locations. Mountview Spa, 1457 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga; 800-816-6877. A perfect place to relax during your Wine Country adventure. An extensive lineup of spa treatments includes hydrotherapy baths.
Where To Dine
Ad Hoc, 6476 Washington St., Yountville; 707-944-2487. This Thomas Keller restaurant serves a prix fixe, 4-course chalkboard menum that changes daily. Meals are served family style. Brunch on Sundays.
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(415) 308-2028 FAX (650) 345-6111 www.aalimo.org
TCP 10581P
Angle, 540 Main St., Napa; 707-252-8115. This intimate restaurant realizes the Rouas familys dream to create a refuge of delicious French country foods, wines, and occasions for celebration with friends and family. Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Bistro Don Giovanni, 4110 Howard Lane, Napa; 707-224-3300. Napa Valley cuisine with an Italian and Country French flavor; memorable ambiance featuring traditional fireplace and romantic outdoor terraces. Lunch, dinner. Bistro Jeanty, 6510 Washington St., Yountville; 707-944-0103. Claiming to be the only French owned and operated restaurant in the Napa Valley, this bistro features classic dishes such as mussels au vin rouge, cassoulet, and Chef Philippe Jeantys special tomato soup. Bottega, 6525 Washington St., Yountville; 707-945-1050. Chef Michael Chiarello serves seasonal farm-to-table Italian cuisine using the locally/sustainably produced food. The menu is divided into Stuzzichini (bites to share), Antipasti, Pasta, Secondi (main course) and Contorni (vegetable side dishes). Dessert and Cheese, Specialty Cocktail and Lounge menus are also available. Bouchon, 6534 Washington St. at Yount St., Yountville; 707-944-8037. Chef Jeffrey Cerciello serves award-winning French cuisine at this relative of the impossible-tobook French Laundry. Lunch, dinner. Celadon, 500 Main St., Napa; 707-2549690. Award winning, seasonally influenced global comfort food served in the beautiful dining room or lovely garden courtyard. Lunch, dinner. Cindys Backstreet Kitchen, 1327 Railroad Ave, St. Helena, 707-963-1200. This upscale eatery has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. It features a menu of delicious, cookedfrom-scratch cuisine created from quality ingredients.
Go Fish, 641 Main St., St. Helena, 707-963- the worlds most famous wine valleys to 0700. Renowned Wine Country restaurateur the quaint village of St. Helena and back to Cindy Pawlcyn has created a classic West Napa; classic continental style cuisine with Coast fish restaurant complete with a San California overtones. Lunch, dinner, Sat/ Francisco-style raw bar and a full sushi and sake bar. Reservations are suggested, Sun brunch. but ample seating makes walk-in dining Redd Restaurant, 6480 Washington St., feasible. Yountville; 707-944-2222. The menu here Gotts Roadside Tray Gourmet, 933 Main St. between Charter Oak & Pope, St. showcases regionally inspired seasonal Helena, 707-963-3486; also at 644 First Street selections with ethnic influences. Brunch on (at Oxbow Public Market), Napa, 707-224Sundays. 1 Star, Michelin Guide, 2011. 6900. Informal, gourmet roadside diner Rutherford Grill, 1180 Rutherford Rd. with memorable Ahi sandwiches and low at Hwy. 29, Rutherford; 707-963-1792. corkage fee. Lunch, dinner. La Toque, 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa; Great steaks, ribs and chicken; low corkage 707-257-5157. Chef Ken Franks new La fee; outdoor bar and fireplace. Lunch, hunter@targetedesign.com Toque, now located in the Westin Verasa dinner. Napa hotel and residences adjacent to the Wine Spectator Greystone, Culinary Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, Institute of America, 2555 Main St. at Deer features prix fixe and ala carte menus that showcase seasonal local ingredients. Dinner. Park Rd., St. Helena; 707-967-1010. Terraced Mustards Grill, 7399 St. Helena Hwy., gardens provide the perfect introduction Yountville, 707-944-2424. Cindy Pawlcyns to: email to the cuisine, which features Californias Guide restaurant, this cozy vineyardfirst editor@winecountryguide.com surrounded country grill features produce bounty from the land and sea. Lunch, grown onsite, warmth, and character. dinner. 251.8000 dinner. Lunch, ZinsValley, 1106 First Street. Napa; Napa Valley Wine Train, 1275 McKinstry 707-224-0695. Enjoy Chef Greg Johnsons net St. between 1st St. & Soscol Ave., Napa; In sp i re d Am e r i c a n C u i si n e i n a n 800-427-4124; winetrain.com. Enjoy the freshest and finest ingredients available atmosphere that is casually refined at the prepared on board this rail excursion from new downtown location for this long-time the historic town of Napa through one of locals favorite. Open Daily.
10 guests each day. Another popular attraction at Artesa is the terrace off the tasting room where guests can sit to enjoy the sunshine and superb views with a sampling of their favorite Artesa wines. Artesa Vineyards & Winery is located to the southwest of the Town of Napa, near the T intersection of Carneros Highway with Highway 29 North. Enter the winery by taking a comfortable climb up the tiered double stairway and crossing the broad plaza to the main entrance, pausing to appreciate the views, sculpture and fountains.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
LIMITED TO 8 TO 12 GUESTS RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 707-254-2156
FOOD & WINE PAIRING Limited Release wines with fresh local tastes. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:30 PM, $75 pp CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE Chocolate and Wine Pairing Daily at 1:30 PM, $45 pp
Those not inclined to take the stairs can enter through a door on the parking lot level, take a short
walk through the barrel room, and ride an elevator up to the level of the main entrance and tasting room.
VINO CON QUESO An Intimate Wine & Cheese Pairing Daily at 11:30 AM, $45 pp ULTIMATE TASTING Candelight Barrel Room Tasting Saturday and Sunday 2:30 PM, $55 pp ARTESA VINEYARDS & WINERY 1345 Henry Road Napa , CA 94559 (888) 679-9463 www.artesawinery.com Open Daily 10-5 (last pour at 4:30) DIRECTIONS Go north on Old Sonoma Road from Carneros Highway (Highway 12). Turn left on Dealy Lane, which becomes Henry Road. Turn left again at Artesa.
et aside time on your Wine Country visit to tour Beringer Vineyards, o n e of Na p a Va l l e y s oldest continuously operating wineries and proud owner of a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you are a wine novice or a connoisseur, you are sure to learn something new at Beringer. Plus youll have the opportunity to taste some of Beringers fabulous
reserve wines, and wines available only at the winery. Beringer offers tours throughout the day every d ay. O n th e Ta st e of Beringer tour, your guide will first take you to the demonstration vineyard, where youll learn about vineyard practices and trellising. Then its on to the Old Stone Winer y, where youll be greeted by life-sized cutouts of winer y founders Jacob
and Frederick Beringer, entrepreneurial brothers who hailed from Germany. Frederick, enthralled by opportunities in the United States, first made his way to New York in 1863. Five years later his brother Jacob came to New York, but soon found himself longing for his old life working in his familys successful winery in Germany. Jacob had heard of the budding wine industry in California, so he
TASTING SUGGESTIONS ABOVE: Popular features of tours at Beringer Vineyards include the founding familys personal wine cellar and over 40 original stained glass panels. 08 Private Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley A sweet oak note weaves together the many layers of aroma and flavor, carrying through to the finish. Richness is wonderfully balanced by bright citrus. $37 05 Bancroft Ranch Merlot, Howell Mountain Sexy, chocolaty, black cherry and berry fruit intermix with loamy soil and coffee bean nuancesin this full-bodied, attractive, elegant Merlot. 90 points, Robert Parker. $50 07 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Aromas of currant, nutmeg and a hint of licorice. Flavors of cassis, raspberry and cocoa are surrounded by refined tannins. Remarkably elegant and supple on the finish. $115 BERINGER VINEYARDS 2000 Main Street (Hwy 29) St. Helena, California 94574 (707) 963-8989 www.beringer.com Open Daily 10-5 DIRECTIONS Take Hwy 29 north 1/8 mile from downtown St. Helena. or south 8 miles from Calistoga. Beringer is on the west side of Main Street / Hwy 29.
made his way west to Napa Valley. This time Frederick followed Jacob, and the intrepid brothers started Beringer Brothers Winery. Th e to ur t ake s y o u through the original winery, built in 1876 and still used today to barrel age some of
The house, originally built in 1883 as Fredericks home, has been carefully preserved with all of its intricate carved woodwork, stonework and Belgian art nouveau glass. The house was designed by renowned architect Albert Schroepfer,
At Beringer Vineyards, visitors tour Napa Valleys colorful past to appreciate some of todays best wines.
Beringers wines. Youll get to walk through a portion of the winerys caves, in all 1,200 feet of tunnels that were hand-chiseled by immigrant workers in the 1870s. While in the caves, youll learn about winemaking and get to see some really cool artifacts including a massive 250 year-old fruit press. After the tour, plan to stop in the Rhine House, the most recognizable building on the Beringer property. who also designed the Gothic Victorian just up the road that is now St. Clement Vineyards. The Rhine House is open to browsers and tasters alike during Beringers regular business hours. Tasters can sit out on the lovely wrap-around porch and sip through a flight of reserve wines, including perennial standouts Private Reserve Chardonnay and Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sterling Vineyards
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he iconic Sterling Vineyardsperched on its stunning, Napa Valley hillside locationoffers one of the most idyllic experiences in the Wine Country. Guests glide 300 feet via aerial tram to reach the winery reminiscent of a Greek monastery. Founded i n 1 9 6 9 , S t e rli n g h a s long been recognized for innovative winemaking. In fact, it was the first winery in the U.S. to produce a v int a ge-d at ed vari et al Merlot. Guests are greeted with a glass of wine and are immediately made welcome. A tour of the winery also offers visitors a g re a t d e a l of w i n e education. Unlike some wineries, there is no canned spielyou are your own guide. Elevated corridors above th e w ork areas give visitors unrestricted views of the winemaking three separate DVD videos displayed on large f lat screen TVs, visitors join Sterlings winemakers for a visit through the various seasons of the winemaking year. Throughout the visitor center is one of the largest collections of wine-related art. Another feature that sets Sterling Vineyards apart is its tasting rooms. Guests are comfortably seated as a very gracious and knowledgeable staff presents the wines at your table. They offer wine and food pairing suggestions and are eager to answer any qu estions visitors might have after their Winemaking 101 tour. Veteran visitors to Napa Valley have learned to
process. Photographs and educational panels are scattered throughout the winery, including a fascinating wine barrel stave display explaining the influence of various toasting levels and its effect on wine. Another unique innovation at Sterling is a Win emakers Video Tour. Through the use of
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Visitors reach Sterling via an aerial tram. begin their explorations in Calistoga. Its unhurried pace, renowned restaurants, and over a dozen great wineries can easily fill a day. But as the folks at Sterling are often heard to say, Start at the top!
Sterling Vineyards offers one of the most idyllic experiences in the Wine Country.
The History Of Sterlings Stunning Architecture
Perched 300 feet above the town of Calistoga, Sterling Vineyards offers panoramic views of Napa Valley. An aerial tram carries visitors up the hill to the winery, whose architecture was modeled after that of the Greek island of Mykonos, where Sterling founder Peter Newton once lived. The brilliant white stucco stands out dramatically against the rugged Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges that flank each side of Napa Valley. Mount Saint Helena makes a lovely distant backdrop. The winerys towers house eight bells from Londons Church of St. Dunstans-inthe-East, originally founded in the 10th century. The church was destroyed by fire in 1666, rebuilt, then destroyed again during the bombing of WWII. Each time, new bells were recast from the old metal to give them superior tonal quality.
he Land Trust of Napa Va l l e y s p u r c h a s e of Wildlake Ranch, encompassing four miles of ridgeline just east of Sterling, was historic. It culminated six months of intense fundraising and financing to secure the $20 million required to save this land from developers. Acquisition of the property, adjoining Robert Louis Stevenson and Mount St. Helena State Parks, means the last unspoiled ridgeline in Napa Valley will forever remain wild. You may join Sterling Vineyards in supporting the Land Trust of Napa Valley by purchasing a bottle of Wildlake Ranch Merlot. For every bottle sold, Sterling donates $10 to the Wildlake Ranch fund.
STERLING VINEYARDS
1111 DUNAWEAL LANE CALISTOGA, CA 94515 (800) 726-6136
www.sterlingvineyards.com
Peak Season: Mon- Fri: 10:30-5:00 Sat and Sun: 10:00-5:00 Off Peak Season: Monday-Friday 10:30-4:30 Sat and Sun: 10:00 5:00
TASTING SUGGESTIONS 06 Stags Leap The Leap Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Aromas of rich ripe pear, honeydew melon and yellow apples, with subtle hazelnut and vanilla notes, lead to a rich palate with flavors of nectarine, peach, apricot, and citrus. $22 07 St. Clement Oroppas, Napa Valley Rich and concentrated, with aromas of black plum, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon. On the palate, flavors of black currant, roasted coffee and bittersweet chocolate are wrapped in velvety tannins. $55 07 Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir, Carneros Intriguing and expressive, with aromas of raspberry, violet, black tea and spice. Generous fruit flavors and vibrant acidity create a broad palate. $90 WINERY INFORMATION Stags Leap Winery 6150 Silverado Trail Napa, (near Yountville) California 94558 (800) 395-2441 www.stagsleap.com Open by appointment only, with daily set appointments at 10 AM and 2:30 PM St. Clement Vineyards 2867 Saint Helena Hwy N St. Helena, California 94574 (707) 963-7221 www.stclement.com Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM Etude Wines 1250 Cuttings Wharf Road Napa, California 94559 (707) 257-5300 www.etudewines.com Open daily 10 AM to 4:30 PM, with seated reserve tastings by appointment at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM
this remarkable building, which has been meticulously restored to the finest detail. Eight of the 13 wines produced by St. Clement are only available at the w i n e r y. T h e s e i n c l u d e single-vineyard Cabernets from Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain, M o u n t Ve e d e r a n d Rutherford. The wineryonly wines are featured in the Reserve Room behind the main house, where you can taste indoors or enjoy table-side service on the terrace. Wrap up your day at Etude, the distinguished producer of estategrown Pinot Noir in Carneros. Etude (which means study in French)
was founded in 1982 by legendary winemaker Tony Soter as a study in the craft of making Pinot Noir, considered by many winemakers the most difficult grape. Etude now makes several superb Pinot Noirs from an estate vineyard located at the foot of Sonoma Mountain. E t u d e s b e a u t i f u l , contemporar y tasting room is now open to the public daily. Guests can enjoy a f light at t h e t a st i n g b a r o r o n th e p ati o . Th e w in e r y al s o of fers for t a stin g exceptional Pinot Gri s, Chardonnay, and Ros plus three simply magnificent Cabernet Sauvignons.
WINE SUGGESTIONS 09 Monterey Pinot Grigio Elegant aromas of peach, grapefruit, marzipan and honey suckle followed by a balanced palate with delicate pear and citrus flavors ending with a refreshing crisp finish.
Complex aromas of toasted coconut, pear, mango and lemon grass and a hint of smoke and honey carry through to a rich palate and an extraordinarily long finish of lemon cream pie.
08 Carneros Chardonnay
ooking for the most captivating winery in Napa Valley? Youll find it here at Black Stallion Winery on the lower Silverado Trail, a few miles north of Napa. Black Stallion, which opened in June 2007, has it all: beautiful grounds, a historic building, elegant wines, and a doting staff. Black Stallion is a true architectural showpiece, recalling an era in early California when the Napa Valley was all ranchland. Paying homage to that history, youll be greeted by a dramatic 10-foot bucking black stallion sculpture set atop a softly flowing fountain as you approach the impressive stonefaced winery. The Black Stallion property was originally home to a 32-acre equestrian center, a theme the owners have carried on with the winerys name. The winerys main building is 20,000 square feet, and behind it is another 22,000 square foot
stone building that was once the original riding track for the equestrian center and is now home to the winerys main production facility. Inside, its both the impeccable detailing and the total experience that draw you in. All the touches are first class, from the stone fireplace to the mahogany woodwork and the long center tasting bar framed above by Douglas Fir trellising. Its a bar all the way around, with ample space for small or large groups to enjoy front and center hospitality. Black Stallion has set aside plenty of space for its wine club, including a club lounge with beautiful leather furnishings where wine club members can taste wines in Riedel stemware. Theres also a VIP tasting room and a gorgeous private dining room, with a ceiling designed like the inside of a barrel, rustic alderwood furniture and a view of the barrel room. Black Stallion also has a
06 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Displays lush, ripe fruit with integrated flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum and cassis accented with spices of cardamom, vanilla and dark chocolate. BLACK STALLION WINERY 4089 Silverado Trail Napa, California 94558 (707) 227-3250 www.blackstallionwinery.com Open Daily 10-5 Taste 4 Wines for $10 DIRECTIONS Driving North on Hwy 29, take Trancas Street exit to the Silverado Trail and turn LEFT Black Stallion Winery is 2.5 miles North of Trancas St. on the LEFT side of the road.
lovely outdoor tasting terrace, with a permanent tasting bar and seating for 30, all under umbrellas. Skirting the tasting terrace is the winerys educational vineyard, where you can explore the vines. Black Stallions production is currently 3,800 cases, and is sold only to its wine club and at the winery another great reason to stop for a taste of these stylish wines. The tasting fee is $10 for 4 wines. Go early. You may end up staying all day.
Turnbull Wine Cellars Offers Wine, Pairings And Fine Art Photography Fit For A King
TASTING SUGGESTIONS 09 Sauvignon Blanc Aromas of grapefruit, guava and melon, exhibiting bright fruit flavors balanced by a slight minerality. $15
he Turnbull name dates back to the early 1300s, when a close friend of Robert the Bruce saved the kings life by turning away a ferocious bull that had threatened to gore the king. The grateful king knighted him Turnbull and awarded him a crest featuring a bulls head. That crest has adorned the wines crafted by this classic Napa Valley winery since its founding in 1979 by famed American architect William Turnbull. Taste current releases of Turnbulls acclaimed estategrown Oakville wines in the Main Tasting and Retail Room ($10). Or visit their Reserve Tasting Room and Gallery to sample their reserve wines, often paired with cheese and chocolate ($20). Focusing on fine art as well as fine wine, Turnbull Wine Cellars boasts one of the largest permanent photography exhibitions on the West Coast. The
collection consists of vintage works that rotate every six 08 Cabernet Sauvignon months, elegantly displayed Aromas of cassis, black cherry in th e Reser ve Tasting and currants, with balanced Room. Each show features oak nuances. A round, 60 to 90 original, privately- aromatic, powerful wine. $40 owned works by master 07 Black Label Reserve photographers including Cabernet Sauvignon Sold Out A n s e l A d a m s , E d w a rd 94 Points from Robert Parker! Intense and full-bodied Weston, Berenice Abbott, with flavors of blueberry, Eugene Atget, Andre Kertesz, blackberry, cassis, licorice, Edward Steichen and Yousuf camphor, and graphite. $100 Karsh. There is no charge to TURNBULL WINE CELLARS tour the gallery. 8210 St. Helena Highway The Turnbull hospitality Oakville, California 94562 staff hosts Wine & Food (800) 887-6285 Pairin g Cl asse s in th e www.turnbullwines.com exclusive VIP room. Open Daily 10-4:30 Turnbulls wine educator (no appointment necessary) will guide you through the DIRECTIONS intricacies of food and wine East side of Hwy 29 (St. Helena pairing as you sip their Hwy), one-half mile north of the limited release wines. The Oakville Crossroad. Wine & Food Pairing is $40 for the general public and Special Offer For Our Readers $20 for Turnbull wine club Present this page at members. Reservations with Turnbull Wine Cellars and 72 hours advance notice receive a complimentary are required; please contact wine tasting for up to two Laura Brasfield (LBrasfield@ people. turnbullwines.com) for more information.
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Whitehall Lane
f y o ure l o o k i n g f o r consistently great wines and lots of selections you cant f ind b a ck h om e, Whitehall Lane on Highway 29 near St. Helena is a must stop. W h it e h al l L a n e f i r st opened in 1979, but its when the Leonardini family purchased the winery in 1993 that the awards and accolades began rolling in, including three wines in Wine Spectators Top 100. Now unquestionably a w o r l d - c l a s s w i n e r y, Whitehall Lane keeps its sights on consistent quality and great value. Th e t a stin g ro om i s housed in a modern looking, angular building. The knowledgeable, friendly staff will take you through the wines, many of which come from the winerys own 125 acres in Napa Valley. Whitehall Lane makes all of the best varietals from Napa Valley, and for fans of dessert wine, theres also terrific
Orange Muscat. Whitehall Lane is one of the first Napa Valley wineries to step boldly into the use of alternative closures on their wines since natural cork does not always form the perfect seal. On their white wines the winery is using screw caps, while on a few of the red wines, including the perennial award-winning Reser ve Cabernet Sauvignon, they are using a stylish, easy-toopen glass-on-glass closure that might just revolutionize the way wine bottles are sealed. Whitehall Lane has added two new wine clubs to ensure members can get their favorites available only at the winery. Members re c e iv e c ompli m ent a r y tours and tastings, discounted pricing, access to limited production wines, invitations to parties and e vents and access to the estate for private celebrations.
TASTING SUGGESTIONS 08 Chardonnay, Carneros This well-balanced Chardonnay has aromas and flavors of pear, honey, tropical fruit and toasty oak. It has a very long, flavorful finish that lingers. $28 07 Merlot, Napa Valley The aromas are somewhat exotic, melding spicy aromas with dark cherry and blackberry notes. The wine is ready to enjoy now and will evolve with cellaring to 2014. $28 07 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley This stylish wine is captivating and delicious from the enticing aromas to the long, smooth finish. Its a blend of lush fruit with aromas of deep blackberry, currant and toasted oak. $40 WHITEHALL LANE WINERY 1563 St. Helena Highway St. Helena, CA 94574 (800) 963-9454 www.whitehalllane.com Open daily 10-5:45 DIRECTIONS Whitehall Lane Winery is located at 1563 St. Helena Highway (Highway 29) in St. Helena, just south of Zinfandel Lane.
Valley. All of their wines are from estategrown fruit, with some from vines that are nearly seventy years old. Pope Valley Winery isnt just a pretty place; its a place where some truly amazing wine is made. So bring a friend and maybe a picnic, as Pope Valley Winery offers picnic grounds and a bocce ball court for their guests enjoyment. Open for complimentary tastings and tours Monday-Sunday, 11am-5pm; 6613 Pope Valley Road; 707-965-1246; PopeValleyWinery.com.
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s the Russian River twists and turns her way out to the Pacific, valleys and gentle hillsides fan out on both sides. Her banks are strewn with sandy beaches, redwood forests, and vineyards of every description. The river has carved three valleys of major winemaking significance: Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River. Through these valleys dozens of wineries rise out of the sea of vines, presenting visitors with a baffling array of places to explore and tastes to savor. We suggest you explore the three valleys starting from Healdsburgwinery central
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for northern Sonoma County and the hub of the three-valley area. Framed by the Alexander Valley to the northeast, the Dry Creek Valley to the northwest, and Chalk Hill and Knights Valley to the southeast, its no wonder the grapes and wine make the towns wheels go round. The heart of Healdsburg is a shady park, known as the Plaza, surrounded by inns, restaurants, and shops. There are gourmet delis, too, if you choose to picnic right there or want to provision a vineyard outing.
From the dam, you get a birds eye view of the valley that rolls out in front of you. The dam was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1980s primarily to form a state recreation area. It also protects the fertile vineyard-covered valley below from flooding. The combination of welldrained soils, morning fog, and temperature variations from the valley floor up the steep hillsides has proved beneficial to certain varieties of red and white wine grapes. Growers and vintners have taken advantage of these favorable circumstances for more than 100 years. Today, Dry Creek Valley is one of the premium wine producing areas of the county. Two parallel roadwaysDry Creek and West Dry Creek roadsrun north and south along the edges of the valley. Two smaller roadsLambert Bridge and Yoakim Bridgerun east and west across the valley (and the creek, hence the bridges), connecting the larger north-south thoroughfares. Together, these four roads provide access to several dozen wineries of the Dry Creek Valley appellation.
Windsor to the south and Healdsburg farther north. If you decide to continue on into the southern Russian River Valley, at Wohler Road you can either stay on Westside Road toward Guerneville or make the turn onto Wohler and continue past Eastside Road to River Road. Consult the Sonoma County Central pages for information on the southern Russian River Valley.
Alexander Valley
From Healdsburg you have two options for touring the Alexander Valley. You can go north on Highway 101 about eight miles to Geyserville and turn right on state Highway 128. Or you can head north on Healdsburg Avenue, taking a right on Alexander Valley Road just outside of town. Alexander Valley Road merges into Highway 128 at a three-way stop near Jimtown. From this intersection, if you continue east (straight) on Highway 128, youll pass several wineries before traveling through Knights Valley and then winding through a series of hills to end up in Calistoga, the northernmost reach of the Napa Valley. If you turn left (north) onto Highway 128, to traverse the valley towards Geyserville, youll be driving on one of the most picturesque roads in Sonoma County.
across the old bridge spanning the river, and then going left again on Westside. Be especially careful on this southern stretch of Westside; it is narrow and winding and, while scenic and serviceable, it is not a particularly good road. If you follow Westside all the way to its end, you will find yourself at River Road about three miles west of Wohler. The character of the Russian River Valley is a bit different north to south. The northern reach has much more of a Dry Creek Valley feel. Up north the wineries are generally larger, newer, and perhaps a little flashier than in the south, which has a more rustic feel. On the map, the southern Russian River Valley is a large area with irregular shape that is somewhat wider than it is tall. It is bounded on the north by River Road, which becomes Old River Road near Guerneville; and on the south by state Highway 12, which becomes Sebastopol Road and then the Bodega Highway as it runs east to west. On the west, the Bohemian Highway shapes the area, running from near Guerneville southeast to Freestone. Highway 101 forms the eastern boundary. State Highway 116 runs diagonally through th e south ern valley, from Guerneville in the northwest to Sebastopol in the southeast. Other important roads are Mirabel Road, which connects River Road and Highway 116; Guerneville Road connecting Highway 101 and Highway 116; and Olivet Road connecting River Road and Guerneville Road. All along this skeleton of roadways and many smaller roads branching from it are a myriad of wineries where you can taste Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and other wines produced in the Russian River Valley appellation. The major towns youll want to consider visiting in the southern Russian River Valley are Sebastopol, Graton, Guerneville, and Occidental. Forestville is also important
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because it is home to some good wineries and is located at the junction of Mirabel Road and Highway 116. In Sebastopol, you can enjoy an easy stroll along Main Street to take in antique, art, and book shops among other homegrown stores and restaurants that somehow are only found in small towns. Youll find the Sebastopol natives to be friendly and welcoming if a bit quirky. Nonconformity is the norm among many locals in this unabashedly authentic and American small town. The hamlet of Graton is essentially a wide spot in Graton Road just west of Highway 116 near its intersection with Guerneville Road and about four miles northwest of Sebastopol. Take a few minutes to walk the downtown area, occupying just a couple of blocks along Graton Road. Youll find surprising touches of sophistication including good restaurants and interesting shops. If youve stopped in Graton, you might as well continue on along Graton Road about six miles to the southwest to Occidental. Yet another micro-town, Occidental seems impossibly cute, but is remarkably authentic. Here again you will find good restaurants and many interesting shops to browse. From Occidental, you can head north along the Bohemian Highway to Guerneville or go south to Freestone where you can pick up the Sebastopol Highway (Highway 12) back toward Sebastopol. Or, you can just go back to Highway 116 the way you came. Guerneville is about 12 miles to the northwest of Graton along Highway 116, and about 15 miles to the north of Occidental along the Bohemian Highway route. During the warmer months, which can be seven or eight months in the Wine Country, it is the focal point of much activity for visitors to the many rustic resorts along the Russian River.
in e dr inker s kn ow Rodney Strong Vineyards for its wonderful, approachable line of Sonoma County wines. But starting five years ago the winery significantly upped the ante when it started the Winery within a Winery, a cutting edge project to create small lots of distinctive ultrapremium wines. Now Rodney Strong of f e r s o n e of t h e f e w c o m p re h e n s i v e w i n e r y tours in Sonoma County where you can see the Winery within a Winery project in action. Tour participants start out in the estate vineyard with an introduction to vineyard practices. Then its into the winery for a firsthand look at the this innovative pro je ct. In th e c el l ar youll learn about how the winemaking team carefully selects, sorts, and processes the best individual vineyard blocks to make Rodney Strongs Reserve and Single
Vineyard wines. After the tour, stop in the tasting room for the Reserve tasting, where the 07 Reserve Cabernet winery shows off the great Sauvignon, Alexander Valley work done in the Winery within a Winery. This list Full bodied and richly textured, with intense aromas and flavors of superbly crafted wines of black currant, sandalwood, includes two single vineyard white pepper and cocoa. Alexander Valley Cabernet Smooth, lingering finish. $45 Sauvignons that highlight the difference place makes 09 Russian River Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard even within a single Aged entirely in small French appellation. Youll also get oak barrels, which adds a to try Reserve Chardonnay, subtle, toasty vanilla character Reserve Pinot Noir, and and a hint of spice. $16 Rodney Strongs flagship RODNEY STRONG B o r d e a u x- s t y l e b l e n d , 11455 Old Redwood Highway Symmetry. Healdsburg, CA 95448 R o d n e y S t r o n g s (800) 678-4763 hospitality center offers www.rodneystrong.com a large selection of unique Open 10 AM - 5 PM Daily gifts for friends and family Guided winery tours daily at back home. This fun and 11 AM and 3 PM eclectic gift shop features DIRECTIONS local, handmade and high Exit Highway 101 North quality tabletop accessories, at Healdsburg Ave. Take wine accessories, and logo a left from off-ramp onto attire. Its the perfect place Healdsburg Ave./Old Redwood to do all of your holiday and Highway to the winery 1.6 special occasion shopping. miles on the right.
www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 45
TASTING SUGGESTIONS 07 Symmetry Red Meritage, Alexander Valley Layers of blackberry, cassis, dark plums and sweet spices with a hint of smoky dark chocolate and spice. Silky in texture and long on the finish. $55
Where To Eat
Costeaux French Bakery, 417 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707-433-1913. Just a block and a half walk from the downtown Healdsburg Plaza, Costeaux is renowned for its world-class artisan and sourdough breads, made-to-order bistro cuisine (serving full breakfast and lunch daily), and legendary desserts. The caf has indoor seating and a delightful open air patio. Downtown Bakery & Creamery, 308A Center Street, Healdsburg; 707-431-2719. This bakery with informal caf is a great place for morning coffee and pastries, a sandwich or focaccia pizza at lunchtime, or dessert until late afternoon closing. Flying Goat Coffee, 324 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707-4333599. Locals congregate here in the mornings. Some are on their way to work, others will linger through the morning. A classic Healdsburg coffee-and-pasty venue. Korbel Market & Delicatessen 13250 River Road Guerneville; 707-824-7000. The award winning deli carries local artisan cheeses, breads, sweets, unique soft drinks and epicurean gifts that can be enjoyed on the beautiful patios or packed to go. Ravenous Caf, 420 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707431-1302. Serves California Eclectic cuisine in a 1930s Craftsman style house or on the patio. Excellent long list of wines by the glass. Also good for dinner. Willis Seafood & Raw Bar, 403 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707-433-9191. The small plates menu is designed for sharing and features items ranging from New England Style Rolls to Latin inspired skewers. Also good for dinner. Barndiva, 231 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707-431-0100. This upscale-casual, indoor-outdoor restaurant bills itself as a celebration of all things local. A trendy locals favorite. Cyrus, 29 North Street, Healdsburg; 707-433-3311. Cyrus serves full course meals in the dining room. Or you can eat
ala carte at the bar. Reservations definitely required for the dining room. Among the very best restaurants in the Wine Country. Dry Creek Kitchen, 317 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707-431-0330. Not as pricey as Cyrus, this Charlie Palmer restaurant draws upon regional ingredients to create specialties by Chef de Cuisine Dustin Valette. Madrona Manor, 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 707433-4231. One mile from downtown Healdsburg, this Michelin one star restaurant is on a Victorian estate at the heart of Sonomas wine country. Spoonbar, 219 Healdsburg Avenue (H2 Hotel), Healdsburg; 707-433-7222. This happening spot is all the rage with locals. Chef Rudy Mihal applies a modern Mediterranean flavor palate to ingredients grown and produced locally.
What To Do
Relish Culinary Adventures, 14 Matheson Street, Healdsburg; 707-431-9999. Culinary education in the heart of wine country. Relish combines talented chefs, fabulous cuisine, and captivating Sonoma County locations, including the Relish Culinary Center, to create one-of-a-kind wine country cooking classes. Wine Country Bikes, 61 Front Street, Healdsburg; 707-4730610. Bicycle touring center with 2500 square feet of great rental bikes, maps, local information, showers & changing rooms, cycling clothing and accessories. Beau Wine Tours, 800-387-2328 California Wine Tours, 707-253-1300 Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, 209 Bohemian Highway Freestone; 707-823-8231 The Spa Hotel Healdsburg, 327 Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-433-4747 1713
Split
Bottle 750 ml
Napa Valley
STERLING VINEYARDS
Take Sterlings famous aerial tram to the top of the hill for a special reserve tasting (p. 32)
Fun
soar above it all (p. 16)
ARTESA
PREMIUM OUTLETS
times for wines rated in the top five worldwide (p. 38) Shop at over 50 designer and name brand stores at Napa Premium Outlets (p. 23)
OLD FAITHFUL
Visit one of only three Old Faithful geysers in the world (p. 18)
NAPA IN ONE-DAY
See the Napa Valley in one great day with stops at three notable wineries (p. 34)
CALISTOGA BALLOONS
Take in the amazing views from high above the valley at Calistoga Balloons (p. 16)
BERINGER VINEYARDS
Tour and taste Napa at its best, past and present, at Beringer Vineyards (p. 30)
MUMM NAPA
Discover the sparkling wines, art and spectacular terrace views of Mumm Napa (p. 96)
RASGALLERIES
See extraordinary art collections at RASgalleries in Yountville (p. 3)
WINE TRAIN
Dine on the Wine Train as the Napa Valley glides slowly by (p. 27)
WHITEHALL LANE
Visit the winery, honored three
things to do today
TURNBULL WINE CELLARS
Pair food, wine, and art at Turnbull Wine Cellars (p. 37)
Visit the Fritz Underground Winery its really cool! (p. 57)
MOSHIN
Reserve a tour of Moshin Winerys unusual gravity-flow Pinot facility (p. 50)
SEBASTIANI
Taste the difference 100 years experience makes at historic Sebastiani (p. 62)
Sonoma
LEDSON
Visit Ledson Winerys incredible European style castle (p. 66)
CLINE
View scale models of Californias historic missions before tasting the wines at Cline Cellars (p. 69)
JACUZZI WINERY
Sample wines and olive oils at Jacuzzi Winerys ornate Italian villa (p. 65)
PREMIUM OUTLETS
Go to Petaluma Premium Outlets and shop at 60 brand name stores (p. 23)
Lake County
SIX SIGMA
Reserve a tasting at Six Sigma, where mathematical principles inspire winemaking (p. 74)
KENDALL-JACKSON
Enjoy the beautiful culinary gardens at Kendall-Jacksons Wine Center in Fulton (p. 2)
RODNEY STRONG
Taste great wines and enjoy summer concerts at Rodney Strong Vineyards (p. 45)
FRITZ WINERY
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Why go: Twisting roads, redwood forests, and some of Californias most famous vineyards all blend together to make the Russian River a must-see destination for wine and nature lovers. Wineries: Russian River is home to some of the best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine producers in California. Stalwart brands like Rochioli, Joseph Swan, and Williams Selyem have paved the way and made the Russian River Appellation one of the bestknown growing regions in
California. These pioneers are joined by newer wineries that are adding to the reputation for the area. The Deloach familys latest effort is Hook & Ladder. Former math professor, Rick Moshin and family can be found at Moshin Vineyards, and Russian River Vineyards combines dining with winemaking in Forestville. Activities: The Russian River offers a variety of activities including golfing, kayaking, bicycling, and redwood hiking. Finally, the HealdsburgForestville-Sebastapol triangle is home to some of the best cuisine in all of the Wine Country.
Wineries
Hook & Ladder A new winery rooted in 30 years of family winemaking tradition, Hook & Ladder was recently recognized for producing one of the top 10 Pinot Noirs in Russian River Valley. Rising star winemaker Jason De Loach also crafts excellent Chardonnays, Zinfandels, Cabernets and Merlots, among other wines; 707-546-5712. Korbel Steeped in history, Korbel has become a popular tourist destination. Tours are offered daily and in less than an hour, you will be exposed to over 125 years of champagne-making tradition. The gardens are magnificent and the onsite deli is a wonderful stop for lunches or snacks ; 707824-7000. Moshin Vineyards Owner and winemaker Rick Moshin creates wines that express a truthful view into the heart of the vine. Farming methods are sustainable, winemaking philosophy is minimally invasive, and energy-saving
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high marks from critics and visitors alike. Check out special library tastings offered on Fridays and Saturdays; 707-836-8822. Russian Hill Estate Russian Hill is dedicated to the production of Pinot Noir and Syrah. The philosophy of the winery is to allow wines to fully express the various vineyards that are their source. Enjoy wonderful views off the back deck area; 707-575-9428. Woodenhead The winemaking at Woodenhead is pure and simple, Burgundian done California style. Wines are handcrafted small and unique lots based on traditional winemaking methods; 707-887-2703. Wine Country Bikes Located in Healdsburg, Wine Country Bikes offers bike rentals ranging from day use to tours. Everything is included from helmets to maps.; 707-473-0610. Armstrong Redwoods The reserve includes a visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. Park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in for free.; 707-865-2394. Haydon Street Inn An intimate Wine Country bed and breakfast inn, the Haydon Street Inn is located in the friendly, picturesque Sonoma County town of Healdsburg on secluded tree-shaded grounds in a quiet residential neighborhood.; 707-433-6637. Moms Apple Pie On the edge of an eight-acre Apple Orchard on Gravenstein Hwy in Sebastopol sits Moms Apple Pie. Since 1983, Betty Carr Mom has been selling apple pies. Mom uses natural ingredients and prepares each pie by hand; 707-823-8330.
practices are used throughout the innovative gravity-flow winery; 707433-5499. Russian River Vineyards Russian River Vineyards is a premier destination location in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Select from handmade wines ranging from Champagne and Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noirs and Merlots. Dine at the on-site restaurant Corks. ; 707-887-3344. Merriam Vineyards The architecture of this new eco-friendly winery recalls the beauty, comfort and warmth of a New England-style home. Owners Peter and Diana Merriam, who hail from suburban Boston and coastal Maine, have spared no expense to bring elegant Bordeaux-style wines to this warm edge of Russian River; 707-433-4032. Copain The new Copain Winery on Eastside Road offers some of the best vistas of Russian River in the area. The winery produces French inspired wines that are winning
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Corks @ Russian River Vineyards Corks @ Russian River Vineyards is the only winery-based restaurant in the Russian River Valley; offering an unparalleled Wine Country dining experience in an historic 1890s farmhouse. Open for lunch and dinner; 707-887-3344.
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www.osmosis.com
707-823-8231
A. Rafanelli Winery Open By Appointment 4685 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1385. Alderbrook Winery Open 10:00- 6:00 Daily. 2306 Magnolia Drive Healdsburg; 707-433-5987. Arista Winery 7015 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 Amista Open 11:00- 4:30 Thur-Sun. 3320 Dry Creek Rd. Healdsburg; 707-431-9200. Armida Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 2201 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-2222. Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves Open 11:30- 4:30 Daily. 9711 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 866-572-3552. C.Donatiello Winery Call 4035 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-431-4442. Camellia Cellars Open 11:00- 6:00 Daily. 57 Front St Healdsburg; 707433-1290. Chalk Hill Winery Open By Appointment 10300 Chalk Hill Road Healdsburg; 707-838-4306. Christopher Creek Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 641 Limerick Lane Healdsburg; 707-433-2001. Christie Estate Winery Open By Appointment 851 Limerick Lane Healdsburg; 707-431-0662.
Clos du Bois Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 19410 Geyserville Ave Geyserville; 707-857-3100. David Coffaro Winery Open 11:00- 4:00 Daily. 7485 Dry Creek Road Geyserville; 707-433-9715. Davis Family Vineyards Open 10:00- 5:00 Thurs-Sun. 52 Front St Healdsburg; 707433-3858. De La Montanya Estate Vineyards & Winery Open 11:00- 4:30 Weekends. 999 Forman Lane Healdsburg; 707-484-8090. DeLoach Vineyards Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 1791 Olivet Road Santa Rosa; 707-526-9111. deLorimier / Mosaic Winery Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 2001 Hwy. 128 Geyserville; 707-857-2000. Deux Amis Winery Open By Appointment 1960 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-431-7945. Dry Creek Vineyard Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily. 3770 Lambert Bridge Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1000. Dutcher Crossing Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 8533 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-431-2700. Dutton Estate Winery / Sebastopol Vineyards Open 11:00- 5:00 Thurs-Mon. 8757 Green Valley Road Sebastopol; 707-829-9463. Everett Ridge Vineyards & Winery
Open 11:00- 4:30 Daily. 435 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1637, ext. 17. F. Teldeschi Winery Open 12:00- 5:00 Daily. 3555 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6626. Family Wineries Dry Creek Valley Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily. 4791 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-0100. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 8761 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6700. Field Stone Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 10075 Hwy. 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-7266. Foppiano Vineyards Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 12707 Old Redwood Hwy Healdsburg; 707-433-7272. Francis Coppola Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 300 Via Archimedes Road Geyserville; 707-968-1100. Frick Winery Open 12:00- 4:30 Weekends. 23072 Walling Road Geyserville; 707-857-1980.
22281 Chianti Road Geyserville; 707-891-5400. Hanna Winery (Alex. Valley) Open 10:00- 4:00 Daily. 9280 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-431-4310. Hanna Winery Open 10:00- 4:00 Daily. 5353 Occidental Road Santa Rosa; 707-575-3371. Hartford Family Winery Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 8075 Martinelli Road Forestville; 707-887-1756. Harvest Moon Winery Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily. 2192 Olivet Road Santa Rosa; 707-573-8711. Hauck Cellars Open 11:30-5:00 Exc Wed 223 Center Street Healdsburg; 707-473-9065 Hawkes Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 6734 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-HAWK. Holdredge Wines Open 11:00- 4:30 Sat-Sun and By Appointment. 51 Front St Healdsburg; 707431-1424.
Fritz Winery
Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily. 24691 Dutcher Creek Road Cloverdale; 707-894-3389.
Gary Farrell Winery Open 10:00- 4:00 Daily. 10701 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-473-2900. Geyser Peak Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily.
Hop Kiln Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 6050 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6491. Hudson Street Wineries 428 Hudson Street, Healdsburg; 707-433-2364. Open 11:00- 5:00 Sat-Sun
and by appointment 428 Hudson St Healdsburg; 707-433-2364. In Vino Veritas Open 11:00- 9:00 Tue,Fri,Sat; 11:00-6:00 Wed, Thu, Sun 118 North St Healdsburg; 707-395-0307. Iron Horse Vineyards Open 10:00- 3:30 Daily. 9786 Ross Station Road Sebastopol; 707-887-1507. J Vineyards & Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 11447 Old Redwood Hwy Healdsburg; 707-431-3646. J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery Open 11:00- 4:00 Daily. 6192 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-2305. Jordan Vineyard & Winery Open 11:00- 1:00 By Appointment. 1474 Alexander Valley Road Healdsburg; 707-431-5250. Joseph Swan Vineyards Open 11:00- 4:30 Weekends. 2916 Laguna Road Forestville; 707-573-3747.
4085 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-431-9600. Lancaster Estate Open By Appointment 15001 Chalk Hill Road Healdsburg; 707-433-8178. Limerick Lane Cellars Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 1023 Limerick Lane Healdsburg; 707-433-9211. Locals Open 11:00- 6:00 Wed-Mon. 21023 Geyserville Ave Geyserville; 707-857-4900. Longboard Vineyards Open 11:00-8:00 Thur - Sun 5 Fitch St Healdsburg; 707433-3473 Lynmar Winery Open 11:00- 4:00 Fri-Mon. 3909 Frei Road Sebastopol; 707-829-3374. Manzanita Creek Call 1441 A&B Grove Street Healdsburg; 707-433-4052. Mauritson Family Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 2859 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-431-0804. Marimar Torres estate Open 11:00- 4:00 Daily. 11400 Graton Road Sebastopol; 707-823-4365. Martin Ray Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 2191 Laguna Road Santa Rosa; 707-823-2404. Martinelli Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 3360 River Road Windsor; 707-525-0570. Matanzas Creek Winery Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 6097 Bennett Valley Road Santa Rosa; 707-528-6464. Mazzocco Vineyards Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 1400 Lytton Springs Road Healdsburg; 707-433-9035.
Matrix Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily 3291 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1911 Meeker Vineyard Open 10:30- 5:00 Daily. 21035 Geyserville Ave Geyserville; 707-431-2148. Michel-Schlumberger Open By Appointment 4155 Wine Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-7427. Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 1401 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-431-2121. deLorimier Winery Open 10:30- 5:00 Daily. 2001 Hwy. 128 Geyserville; 707-857-2000. Medlock-Ames Open 10:00 AM Daily. 3487 Alexander Vly. Rd., Healdsburg; 707-431-8845.
Geyserville; 707-857-3531. Pellegrini Family Vineyards Open By Appointment 4055 W. Olivet Road Santa Rosa; 707-575-8463. Peterson Winery 4791 Dry Creek Rd Bldg 7 Healdsburg; 707-431-7568 Porter Creek Vineyards Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily. 8735 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6321. Pride Mountain Open By Appointment 9155 St. Helena Road Santa Rosa; 707-963-4949. Preston Vineyards Open 11:00- 4:30 Daily. 9282 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-3372. Raymond Burr Vineyards Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 8339 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-8559. Ridge at Lytton Springs Open 11:00- 4:00 Daily. 650 Lytton Springs Road Healdsburg; 707-433-7721. Robert Young Estate Winery Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 4960 Red Winery Road Geyserville; 707-431-4811.
Moshin Vineyards
Murphy-Goode Winery Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily. 20 Matheson St. Healdsburg; 707-431-7644. Paul Hobbs Winery Open By Appointment 3355 Gravenstein Hwy N. Sebastopol; 707-824-9879. Papapietro Perry 4791 Dry Creek Rd Healdsburg; 707-433-0422. Passalacqua Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 3805 Lambert B ridge Road Healdsburg; 707-433-5550. Paradise Ridge Winery Open Call for Hours 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr. Santa Rosa; 707-528-9463. Pedroncelli Winery Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 1220 Canyon Road
Rodney Strong
Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 11455 Old Redood Hwy Healdsburg; 707-431-1533. Rosenblum Cellars Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 250 Center St Healdsburg; 707-431-1169. Russian Hill Winery Open 10:00-4:00 Daily. 4525 Slusser Road Windsor; 707-575-9428.
Kendall-Jackson -Healdsburg
La Crema Open 10:30- 5:30 Daily. 235 Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-431-9400. Lambert Bridge Winery Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily.
6320 Jamison Road Santa Rosa; 707-542-3138. Sapphire Hill Vineyards & Winery Open 11:00- 4:30 Fri-Sun. 51 Front St Healdsburg; 707431-1888. Sausal Winery Open 10:00- 4:00 Daily. 7370 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-2285. Seghesio Family Vineyards Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 14730 Grove St Healdsburg; 707-433-3579. Selby Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 215 Center St Healdsburg; 707-431-1288. Siduri Wines Open By Appointment 980 Airway Court, Suite C Santa Rosa; 707-578-3882. Silver Oak Cellars Open 9-5 Daily (11-5 Sun) 24625 Chianti Road Geyserville; 707-857-3562. Simi Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 16275 Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-473-3231. Stonestreet Winery Open 10:00- 4:00 Daily. 7111 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 800-355-8008. Stryker Sonoma Open 10:30- 5:00 Daily. 5110 Hwy 128 Geyserville; 707-433-1944. Sunce Winery Open 10:30- 5:00 Daily. 1839 Olivet road Santa Rosa; 707-526-9463. Taft Street Winery Open 11:00- 4:00 Daily. 2030 Barlow Lane Sebastopol; 707-823-2049. Taste of Terroir Open 10:30 AM Daily. 320 Center St., Healdsburg; 707-473-9707.
Thumbprint Cellars Open Daily 102 Matheson St., Healdsburg; 707-433-2393. Toad Hollow Vineyards Open 10:30- 5:30 Daily. 409-A Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-431-8667. Topel Winery Open 11:00-6:00 Wed-Mon. 125 Matheson St. Healdsburg; 707-433-4116. Trentadue Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 19170 Geyserville Ave Geyserville; 707-433-3104. Twomey Cellars Open 9:00- 4:00 Mon-Sat. 3000 Westside Road Healdsburg; 800-505-4850. Unti Vineyards Open By Appointment 4202 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-5590. Vintners Signatures Open 10:30-5:00 Daily 4001 Hwy 128, Geyserville; 707-857-3300. White Oak Vineyards & Winery Open 10:00-5:00 Daily. 7505 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-8429. Williamson Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 134 Matheson St. Healdsburg; 707-433-1500. Wilson Winery Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 1960 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-4355.
Winery appears as a lonely dot Fritzthe map (a star, actually; see page on 90). The northernmost winery in Dry Creek Valley seems far from everything. But Fritz actually offers the best of two worlds: easy access via beautiful fiveminute drives off either Highway 101 (Dutcher Creek Road exit) or Dry Creek Road, yet seclusion from the hustle and bustleand crowdsof the big wineries in the area. Fritz is an underground winery, built into a hillside on the ridge that separates Dry Creek Valley from Alexander Valley. The tasting room overlooks the bucolic, rolling hills of the winerys 140-acre estate. Visitors can take advantage of this quiet, peaceful setting by bringing along a picnic to enjoy on the charming patio outside the tasting room. Inside, the wine list is loaded with highly-rated wines. Fritz is probably best known for its Zinfandel and Chardonnay, but also makes outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. (Tip: Take home a bottle or two of the late harvest Zinfandel. It can stand alone for dessert, but is even better paired with chocolate). So ask yourself: whats a five-minute drive in your quest to find some of the best wines in Sonoma County? Visit Fritz at 24691 Dutcher Creek Road or online at www.fritzwinery.com; 800-418-9463.
SONOMA NORTH DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 57
with vineyards dating to the early 1800s. The regions winemaking reputation is built on robust red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Meritage blends, among others. But Sonoma Valley vintners produce over 25 varieties of wine in all, so no matter what your palates preference you are likely to find wines that please here. Travel-Wise Tip: Sonoma Valley and the Healdsburg area (including Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys) are the main wine regions of Sonoma County. From the town of Sonoma to Healdsburg is about 40 miles and, in usual driving conditions, driving time is about an hour. While it is certainly possible to tour the Healdsburg area through day trips from a base in Sonoma Valley, it is not advisable. It is far better to devote two or three days to each area and to reserve accommodations close to where youll be touring. Visiting
the Wine Country is all about relaxing and enjoying the wine and lifestyle amenities of the different regions you visit. That becomes difficult if a significant portion of your day is spent driving. Top Picks For Wine Tasting
To Santa Rosa
Matanzas Creek Winery
There are many more wineries in Sonoma Valley than most people have time to visit. Researching the wineries you could visit to choose the ones you will visit can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.
Adler Fels Winery
Loxton Oakville Grade 12 Kunde Wellington Benziger (steep) Family Audelssa Mayo Family Winery Winery Winery Imagery Estate Winery Jack London Glen Arrowood Winery Ellen State B.R.Cohn Winery Historical Valley of the Moon Winery Park Madrone Glen Ellen Olive Oil Agua Press Caliente
Rd. Boyes Blvd.
to Napa Valley
SONOMA VALLEY
4th St.
yR d.
Sonoma Mission Ravenswood Winery Inn & Spa Bartholomew Park Verano General Vallejo's Ave. Home 12 Sonoma Buena Vista Plaza Ledson Hotel Winery 12 Napa St. & Harmony Club Sonoma Gundlach-Bundschu Wine Hardware Winery
El Pueblo Inn
12
12
Denmark St.
Carneros Hwy.
12
121
Napa Rd.
Ol
in
er
Burndale Rd.
Petaluma
Arn
old
Sebastiani
Dr.
101
Larson Homewood E. Bonness Rd. Family Winery Winery Anaba Wines Schug Winery Bonneau Rd. Schellville Aerobatic Plane Rides Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Valley Visitors Center
Cline Cellars Jacuzzi Winery
Ar
Infineon Raceway
no
116
ld
To Stone Tree Golf Course
. Dr
121
Napa
Viansa Winery
Vallejo
37
Novato 37
To San Francisco
Here are our recommendations for wineries that deserve a spot on your itinerary. To be sure, there are plenty of other good wineries in Sonoma Valley, but you cannot go wrong choosing from this list:
SONOMA PLAZA
Sonoma Hotel
West Spain
La Casa Restaurant
Fourth St. East
Sonoma Spa
Sebastiani Vineyards
The Plaza
12
vineyards and rose borders to where the winery building is tucked into a hillside containing underground barrel caves. Behind the German style post-and-beam building, there is a vista point with a 360 view of the surrounding area and the opportunity to see as far as Mount Diablo on a clear day. Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, 389 Fourth Street East, Sonoma; 800-888-5532. This legendary winery has been making fine wines at the current location for well over 100 years. Get a first-hand sense of history while tasting outstanding wines, many available only at the winery. Valley of the Moon, 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen; 707-939-4500. This landmark winery marries a rich history dating to 1860 with state-of-the-art wine production and Italian artisan packaging. The etched bottles are gift-worthy, but you ll be tempted to keep the wine for yourself.
Where To Dine
Basque Boulangerie Caf, 460 First Street East, Sonoma; 707-935-7687. A great place to find locals early in the morning talking to neighbors, reading the paper and grabbing a cup of coffee with a pastry. Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, 1325 Broadway (in The Lodge at Sonoma), Sonoma; 707-931-2042. For heartier fare,
TASTING SUGGESTIONS
2010 Sonoma County Rosato Di Sangiovese A dry rose with vibrant red cherry and cranberry fruit character and aromas of watermelon and kiwi. The perfect summer time wine that pairs wonderfully with fruit, cheeses and even strawberry shortcake.
alley of the Moon Winery has enjoyed a rich and illustrious past dating back to 1860. Since its purchase by Kenwood Vineyards in early March of 1997, the winery has experienced a renaissance, which combines elements of the propertys colorful and significant past with its glorious new future as a producer of ultra-premium Sonoma wines. Valley of the Moon Winerys standard of quality control begins in the vineyard with the hand-selection of the highest-quality fruit available. Whole cluster pressing, careful separations of press fractions, barrel fermentation, aging in small French and American oak barrels and utilizing the cuve method (every lot is kept separate until the end of aging) allow the winery to bring out the full potential of each wine. At the end of this aging period, lots are blended extensively so that each contributes to, yet doesnt overshadow, the final wine. The end result is a superior quality wine that is complex and well balanced. Designed in Bergamo, Italy, the packaging of Valley of the Moon wines is extremely
unique and progressive. The etched bottle design illustrates the moon in all of its lunar 2008 Cuvee de la Luna Cabernet Aromas of black cherry and plum phases. The initial inspiration for the design originated from mingle with notes of bay leaf, anise an eighteenth-century East and sweet tobacco. Supple tannins and balanced acidity provide Indian drawing, showing the excellent structure to this elegant and moon as the measurement complex blend of Cabernet, Merlot of the worlds time. As and Malbec. the moon and the sun are complementary in nature, VALLEY OF THE MOON so are their portrayals on the WINERY bottles of Valley of the Moon 777 Madrone Road wines. Glen Ellen, CA 95442 The rebirth of Valley of (707) 939-4500 the Moon Winery evokes valleyofthemoonwinery.com the original character of the Open daily 10-4:30 110 year old stone building: PRIVATE TOURS AND the barrel cellar incorporates TASTINGS AVAILABLE ancient stone walls with Offering a $5 standard or a $10 modern trusses creating a Reserve Tasting. Groups of 10 or harmonious collaboration of more may reserve a private tour stone and wood, old and new. and tasting at $15 per person. Sit With Tuscan red overtones, and relax with the addition of a the newly structured tasting savory plate of local cheeses to room, finished with handaccompany your tasting experience. troweled plaster and stone, Complimentary tours at 10:30 AM features a 60 foot long and 2:00 PM daily. Picnic areas sculptural concrete and metal available for winery guests. tasting bar. DIRECTIONS Celebrating the marriage of From Santa Rosa, drive east on its rich history with a stateHighway 12, through Glen Ellen. of-the-art wine production facility, Valley of the Moon Make a right turn on Madrone Road. Proceed 0.1 mile to the entrance of Winery is a familiar landmark Valley of the Moon Winery. on Madrone Road in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
PETALUMA
101
Dollar Inn
Pe
Kentucky St.
Pe talu ma Pe talu Blv ma d. Riv er
nn
gr
ov
Cattlemen's Restaurant
Howard St.
To Bodega Bay
Bodega Ave.
Baker St.
Washington St.
Petaluma Visitor's Center
evil
le H
wy
116
Western St.
Dempsey's
To Sonoma
Museum
101
BS
t.
CS t.
D St .
this venue prides itself on a creative menu with ingredients from Sonoma County farms, ranches and dairies. Caf Citti, 9049 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707-833-2690. This wonderful, casual neighborhood restaurant offers consistently good Italian food including a good variety of pastas. The Girl & The Fig, 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma; 707-938-3634. Seasonal, Provencalinspired cuisine features garden vegetables, herbs, and an abundance of creativity. Caf La Haye, 140 East Napa St, Sonoma; 707-935-5994. Restaurant critic Michael Bauer calls this small and intimate eatery one of those rare restaurants in which you know the moment you walk in the door, youre going to have a good time ... Simple food prepared to perfection ... excellent service. Harvest Moon Caf, 487 First St West (West Napa Street), Sonoma; 707-933-8160.
w Do Mc
ell
Award-winning Sonoma County Wines ~ Free Historical Tours ~ Picnic Grounds Located four blocks from the Sonoma Plaza ~ Open Daily 11am-5pm. Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery~389 Fourth Street East, Sonoma CA 95476 www.sebastiani.com ~ 707-933-3200 ~ Established in 1904
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t. t s t. 1s dS 2n
. . St St 4th 6th
This is another smallish venue, so avail yourself of the outdoor seating when the weather and your mood are conducive. Regarded by many locals as one of the best restaurants in Sonoma. CaliforniaMediterranean cuisine. The Fig Caf, 13690 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707-938-2130. Part of The Girl and The Fig family of boutique restaurants, this bustling off-the-path bistro toward the north end of the valley features excellent country French cuisine.
Spotlight on...
Bicycle Touring
Other Things To Do
Attractions and Tours Beau Win e Tours, 800-387-2328; beauwinetours.com. The perfect solution for a great wine tasting day in the Napa Valley or Sonoma County. Beau also offers complete luxury transportation services throughout Northern California. California Wine Tours, 707-253-1300; californiawinetours.com. Offers a choice of personalized or prearranged wine tours throughout the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Prearranged itineraries begin at $69/person; ferry-to-limo excursions from San Francisco begin at $72/person. Sonoma Valley Bike Tours, 520 Broadway, Sonoma; 707-996-2453. Complete cycling vacations, guided tours, self-guided tours, bicycle rentals. Spas Massage Envy Spa, 452 First St. E. S onoma , S onoma ; 707-938-7404. Therapeutic massage and skin nourishing facial treatments. Visit massageenvy.com for four other Wine Country locations. Kenwood Inn and Spa, 10400 Sonoma Hi g hw ay, Ke nw o o d ; 8 0 0 - 3 5 3 - 6 9 6 6 . Employing the power of the grape using topical treatments based on oils extracted from grape seeds.
Why We Love It
Imagine pedaling through the Wine Country on a bicycling adventure that includes wine tasting, gourmet food, and expertly trained support staff. This is exactly the experience that makes the Napa Valley and Sonoma world-famous bicycle touring destinations. A fullservice bicycle touring company can arrange your entire trip so all you need to do is pedal. A guide will lead you on an itinerary carefully planned to introduce you to the best wines and sights. A van will pick up your wine purchases and give you a hand if you need roadside assistance. Or, if you prefer to be your own guide, bicycle and equipment rentals are generally available by the day and half-day.
Who To Contact
Napa Valley Bike Tours, 6795 Washington Street, Bldg. B, Yountville; 707-5317708; www.napavalleybiketours.com. Sonoma Valley Bike Tours, 520 Broadway, Sonoma; 707-996-2453; www.sonomavalleybiketours.com.
Photo credit: Napa Valley Bike Tours
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TASTING SUGGESTIONS 08 Pinot Blanc, Alexander Valley, Robert Young Vineyard Aromas of rich ripe pear, honeydew melon and yellow apples, with subtle hazelnut and vanilla notes, lead to a rich palate with flavors of nectarine, peach, apricot, and citrus. $22
ake an afternoon to e nj o y t h e g o o d li f e at Chateau St. Jean, the only Sonoma winery ever to win the coveted Wine S p ectator int ernational W i n e o f t h e Ye a r distinction. This historic winery offers a complete Wine Country experience: a historic building in a storybook setting, beautiful grounds featuring gorgeous Mediterranean gardens, and a first-rate tasting experience. When you pass through the gates at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood, youll feel like youre waking in the midst of a pleasant dream. Pass slowly up the driveway to take in the view of the stately 1920 chteau, now fully restored and listed on the National Register of Historic Preservation. The chteau is nestled at the foot of the picturesque Sugarloaf Ridge and framed by the rolling 270-acre St. Jean Estate Vineyard. You l l p ass from th e
parking lot through an arch 08 Pinot Noir, Durell and into the spectacular Vineyard, Sonoma Valley gardens at Chateau St. Jean . The main garden Aromas of dried cranberries, i s o f d e t a i l e d f o r m a l raspberries, and bing cherries with notes of smoky oak, rose designa true parterrewith petals, cola, and bacon. Imhydrangeas, two fountains, peccably balanced, exotic, silky a rose garden, and a large and supple. $50 patio for dining and sipping 07 Cinq Cepages, at the visitor center. A more Sonoma County intimate and less formal Intense aromas of chocolatec o u r t y a rd g a r d e n s i t s between the chteau and the covered cherries with loads of ripe cassis, black plums, blackvisitor center. Near the main berry fruit and lovely notes of garden is a demonstration cocoa, espresso, mocha, sage vineyard where guests can and mint. $75 learn about growing the CHATEAU ST. JEAN perfect wine grape. 8555 Sonoma Highway In the visitor center, opt (Highway 12) for the Reserve Tasting, Kenwood, CA 95452 showcasing the best and Phone: (707) 833-4134 most exclusive Chateau St. (800) 543-7572 x5258 Jean wines. The winery, a www.chateaustjean.com pioneer of single vineyard Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily designated wines, selects o n ly su p e r i o r S o n o m a DIRECTIONS County vineyards for its Take Sonoma Highway (CA-12) Reserve lineup. Guests are 12 miles north from the town of Sonoma, or 11 miles east welcome to grab a table on from Santa Rosa, to Kenwood the patio, where Chateau St. in Sonoma Valley. Jeans enthusiastic staff will provide table-side service.
he name Jacuzzi evokes an expectation of luxury, and luxury is exactly what visitors find at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards was first launched in 1994 by Fred Cline, proprietor of Cline Cellars and grandson of Jacuzzi whirlpool inventor Valeriano Jacuzzi. The brand made its home at Cline until 2007, when the winery opened in its new 18,000 square foot home directly across the highway from Cline in Carneros. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards c e l e brat e s t h e Ja c u zz i familys Italian heritage. To that end, the main visitor center at Jacuzzi is a Tuscanstyle stone villa modeled after the Jacuzzi homestead in Udine, Italy. And, the tasting room features mostly Italian varietals, including Moscato, Dolcetto, Barbera, and even lesser known ones like Arneis, Lagrein, and Aleatico. The visitor center has
incredible detail work both inside and out, from the dramatic Murano chandelier in the main foyer to the tasting bar handcrafted using 10 different kinds of wood. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the winerys stone piazza (courtyard), whose centerpiece is an 85-year old fig tree transplanted from grandpa Valerianos home in Oakley. Or, the more adventurous can walk up the steps of the winerys bell tower for spectacular, panoramic views of the Carneros hills. Visitors to Jacuzzi can also sample olive oils from the Olive Press, a boutique olive oil producer. The Olive Press has its own tasting room with full view of the olive oil production area, and visitors can watch oil being made during harvest season. Both Olive Press and Jacuzzi tasting rooms have a wide selection of imported and local food products that make great gifts.
TASTING SUGGESTIONS 06 Pinot Grigio, Sonoma Coast Bright, crisp and well-balanced, with delicious tropical pear and peach flavors. $21 06 Pinot Noir, Carneros Ripe red cherries, raspberries, strawberries and spearmint. $24 05 Sangiovese, Sonoma County Bright raspberry, cherry and spicy flavors with balanced acidity and moderate tannins. $24 JACUZZI FAMILY VINEYARDS 24724 Arnold Drive Sonoma, California 95476 Phone: (866) 522-8693 www.jacuzziwines.com Open daily 10-5:30 DIRECTIONS Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is on Arnold Drive/Highway 121 directly across from sibling winery Cline, 1.8 miles south of the Highway 12/121 intersection and 4.9 miles north of Highway 37.
S P O P L I G H G H O N O .N. . . . S T OT L I T T .
Ledson
Extraordinary Hospitality Exquisite Atmosphere Impeccable Wines
hen wine tourists visit Ledson Winery All the wines are handcrafted in small and Vineyards in Kenwood, they production lots and many such as Cepage almost feel they are entering a magic land and La Montagna sell out before the next where their every wish will be granted. The vintage is ready to go to market. Probably first thrill is the view across a lush, mature the best way to avoid disappointment is Merlot vineyard of the Castle, as locals by enrolling in one of the five Ledson wine call the 16,000 sq. ft. French-Normandy clubs. As a club member you sign up to architectural beauty silhouetted against the receive two bottles or a case of wine with distant hills. As guests park and walk to each shipment and pick and choose the the winery building, the wines you prefer: all white, All the wines are feeling of having stepped all red, dry wines only, sweet from the everyday world wines only, or a mix of each. handcrafted in small into a fairytale increases. production lots and many Club members also are Then, when they walk treated to private parties such as Cepage and La through the doors into the throughout the year and foyer, they find they are Montagna sell out before enjoy preferred pricing at the next vintage is ready other winery events. being treated like royalty. A pleasant concierge To r o u n d o u t t h e to go to market. suggests the path they complete wine experience should follow over the elegant parquet there is the luxurious Ledson Hotel and floors to one of four comfortable tasting Harmony Lounge on the historic Sonoma salons. On warm spring and summer days plaza. The hotel features six individually the doors stand open temptingly, inviting decorated guest rooms, furnished in antique a stroll through the gardens or, with a grandeur blended with the finest modern selection of cold meats, fine cheeses from conveniences and comforts. The lounge, around the world, pastas, salads and open from 11:00 AM, serves fine wines, sinfully decadent desserts a picnic may be sparklers, beer, and cocktails with tempting assembled on the spot to be enjoyed, with small plates made with local ingredients. a glass of your favorite Ledson wine, under the century-old oak trees. For hotel reservations log onto www. More than 100 jars and bottles of ledsonhotel.com or call 707-996-9779. condiments and sauces displayed on racks The concierge will be happy to assist with and shelves make tasty gifts to carry home your plans for a pleasant stay in the area. or, perhaps for ease in packing, something Ledson Winery is open daily from 10:00 soft from the boutique shop might be wiser. AM 5 PM, at 7335 Highway 12, Kenwood. The wines are only available at the Castle, For information call 707-537-3810 or visit the Ledson Hotel & Harmony Lounge, or in their website at www.ledsonwinery.com. the online store at www.ledsonwinery.com.
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e Boston Globe
Where wine country elegance meets old-world charm ... Where ambiance exceeds all expectations ... Where you can step back in time to a grander era ...
Open Daily 10 5 7335 Sonoma Hwy Kenwood CA 95409 (707) 537-3810 www.ledsonwinery.com
Open Daily 11 480 1st Street East Sonoma CA 95476 (707) 996-9779 www.ledsonhotel.com
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served in a sprawling 18,000 square-foot villa modeled after the Jacuzzi family home in Italy. Just up Highway 121 at its junction with Highway 116 (Arno l d D rive) i s Schug Carneros Estate. Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and lifelong dream of on e of Californias most celebrated winemakers, Walter Schug who built his reputation at Joseph Phelps Winery. Traveling eastward and deeper into the region along the Carneros Highway(Highway 12,
Where to stay: If you decide to stay overnight: Ledson Hotel, 480 First Street East, Sonoma; www.ledsonhotel.com, 707996-9779 The Carneros Inn, 4048 Highway 121, Napa; www.thecarnerosinn.com, 888400-9000 Where to eat: Boon Fly Cafe at The Carneros Inn, 4048 Carneros Hwy (Hwy 121/12), Napa; 707-299-4900 Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, 1325 Broadway (at The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa), Sonoma; 707-931-2042 Directions: From San Francisco, take Hwy101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge; to Hwy 37 East; to Highway 121 North (Napa/ Sonoma) for 4.5 miles to your first stop, Cline Cellars. From your last stop, Etude Wines, take Carneros Hwy east to Hwy 29 South, to Hwy 37 East, to I-80 South to San Francisco.
running concurrent with Highway 112) takes you to two more great stops on the Napa side of Carneros. Just after you pass the iconic Domaine Carneros estate (pictured) on the right, go left on Old Sonoma Road, then left again on Henry Road to A r t e s a Vi n e y a rd s a n d Winery. Artesa is widely recognized as the crown jewel of Carneros. It is a modern architectural wonder with sculptures, fountains, and a worldclass art collection. Enjoy a classic or reserve tasting of Artesas elegant
wines while enjoying this memorable stop. From Artesa, your last stop is just south of the Carneros Highway at Etude Wines. In French etude means study. Etude Wines was founded as a study in the art of making Pinot Noir, considered by winemakers to be among the most challenging of wines to make. Fo r l u n c h t r y t h e Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar in the town of Sonoma not far from Schug, or Boon Fly Cafe in Napa near Artesa and Etude. See sidebar for details.
Split
707-935-7115. Schug Carneros Estate Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 602 Bonneau Road Sonoma; 707-939-9363.
Loxton Cellars Open 11:00- 5:00 Daily. 11466 Dunbar Road Glen Ellen; 707-935-7221. Madrone Ridge See Sonoma-Enoteca Manzanita Creek See Sonoma-Enoteca Matanzas Creek Winery Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 6097 Bennett Valley Road Santa Rosa; 707-528-6464. Mayo Family Reserve Tasting Room Open 10:30- 6:30 Thurs-Mon. 9200 Sonoma Hwy Kenwood; 707-833-5504. Mayo Family Winery Open 10:30- 6:30 Daily. 13101 Arnold Drive Glen Ellen; 707-938-9401. Moon Mountain Vineyard Open By Appointment 1700 Moon Mountain Drive Sonoma; 707-996-5870. Muscardini Open 11:00-6:00 Daily 8910 Sonoma Highway Kenwood; 707-833-0526. Nicholson Ranch Winery Open 10:00- 6:00 Daily. 4200 Napa Road Sonoma; 707-938-8822. Ravenswood Winery Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 18701 Gehricke Road Sonoma; 707-933-2332. Robledo Family Winery Open 11:00- 4:00 Daily. 21901 Bonness Road Sonoma; 707-939-6903. Roche Winery Open 11:00- 6:00 Daily. 122 W. Spain St. Sonoma;
Kenwood Vineyards
Kunde Estate Winery Open 10:30- 4:30 Daily. 10155 Sonoma Hwy Kenwood; 707-833-5501. Landmark Vineyards Open 10:00- 4:30 Daily. 101 Adobe Canyon Road Kenwood; 707-833-0053. Larson Family Winery Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 23355 Millerick Road Sonoma; 707-938-3031. Laurel Hill Estate Open 11:00-6:00 (ThursMon)- 4:00-6:00 Tues-Wed. 1395 Broadway, Suite E Sonoma; 707-938-4466.
Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 8555 Sonoma Hwy Kenwood; 707-833-4134. Open 10:00- 6:00 Daily. 24737 Arnold Drive Sonoma; 707-940-4000.
Cline Cellars
Lake County
ust a half hour north of the Napa section to plan your itinerary and stops. Valley and Mendocino County wineries Highway 175, five miles north of Kelseyville are the wine regions of Lake County. The will take you to Highway 101 if your evening relaxed, rural atmosphere and clean air destination is in Mendocino or Sonoma contribute to the refreshing character of counties. these unspoiled regions. Well-known as a The communities of Lake County vacation and weekend getaway destination, are alive with special events such as the Lake County is re-establishing its reputation Heron Festival at Clear Lake State Park for producing fine wines. (April); Wild West Day in Upper Lake and With an important exception, Lake Middletown Days in Middletown ( June); Countys wine regions are around Clear the Lake County Wine Adventure (July); the Lake, the large body of water that is the Kelseyville Pear Festival (September); Steele main focus of tourism within the county. Wines Harvest Festival (October); Memorial The exception is Guenoc Valley, situated Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day activities; along Butts Canyon Road just north of the as well as concerts and entertainment Napa County line. The Clear Lake district year-round at Robinson Rancheria Resort literally surrounds the lake; carved within & Casino. Call the Lake County Visitor it are two sub-regions. The Red Hills district Information Center for information is just to the southwest of the lake along on these and other events. The center is Highway 29 as it runs northwest toward located at 6110 East Hwy 20 in Lucerne. The Kelseyville. The High Valley district lies number is 800-525-3743 or 707-274-5652. along the eastern shore of the lake, just to the north of Highway 20 between the junction with state Highway 53 and the town Willits of Lucerne. Redwood Valley Cellars Clear Lake, with its Lake Upper Lake 100 miles of shoreline, Mendocino Discovery Inn Tulip Hill is Californias largest Lucerne Ukiah 29 natural freshwater lake. 101 Lakeport To Colusa The parks, beaches and Lake County Visitor Clear Lake Information Center resorts around the lake are 53 Steele Days 20 Wines. 175 Inn Clearlake popular spots for rest and Rosa DOro Lower Lake Kelseyville Hopland 29 relaxation, family picnics, fishing, skiing, boating and Six Sigma 29 175 swimming. Cloverdale A one-day taste of Lake Crazy Creek Air Adventures County is best achieved by Lake Calpine Geothermal Middletown Sonoma Visitor Center simply driving around the Geyserville 128 Twin Pine lake, a distance of some 60 Casino miles on highways 29, 20, 101 128 29 Healdsburg and 53. Consult the map Calistoga and directories in this
CLEAR LAKE
Mendocino County
COASTAL MENDOCINO
1
Noyo
20
Elk
Gualala
LOWER MENDOCINO
Redwood Valley
101 Parducci Winery
Lake Mendocino
128
Navarro
Philo
1
Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery
Ukiah
Jaxon Keys
Boonville 253
Hopland 175
Yorkville
128
101
Cloverdale
Lake Sonoma
major towns along Highway 101 as it makes its way north through the winelands are Hopland and Ukiah. Located only 35 miles north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, and less than 15 miles from Booneville in Anderson Valley, Hopland is a pleasant overnight or mid-day destination for traveling wine enthusiasts. Much larger Ukiah is the seat of Mendocino County government and a business center for agricultural activity in the region. Those who enjoy sampling local beers will be interested to know that Mendocino County is well known for its local brews as as well as for its wines. The town of Hopland owes its name to the hops industry, which dates to 1866 in the region. Handcrafted beers and ales are made and enjoyed throughout the Mendocino County wine country.
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endocino County has ten officially recognized wine regions. The vast majority of wineries with tasting rooms is located in one large region known as the Mendocino AVA (American Viticultural Area). The Mendocino AVA encompasses several smaller AVAs with well established and growing reputations in their own right. These include Anderson Valley, Yorkville Highlands, and Redwood Valley. Anderson Valley and Yorkville Highlands lie along Highway 128, which connects Highway 101 with Highway 1 (the coastal highway). The major towns along Highway 128 as it runs through these wine regions are Yorkville, Boonville, Philo, and Navarro. Redwood Valley and the rest of the Mendocino AVA lie along Highway 101 north of its junction with Highway 128. The
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Ukiah
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Californias largest natural lake is the dramatic centerpiece for the rustic beauty of Lake Countys wine country, about an hours drive from Healdsburg or Calistoga and home to some 20 wineries.
ake County is a paradox in paradise. It is among the newest destinations for fanciers of fine wines, yet it is one of Californias oldest wine regions. It has the beauty and down-to-earth feel of the frontier, yet luxury resorts have thrived here for over a century. If you are looking for a scenic and largely undiscovered wine touring destination, Lake County is for you. But hurry: Lake Countys star is rising fast. Here are four stellar wineries to visit.
Six Sigma Ranch & Vineyards The name Six Sigma refers to a methodology for measuring quality and process improvement to achieve near-perfection. A mathematician by training, owner Kaj Ahlmann applies data-driven principles of this methodology to every wine he produces. His Tempranillo is regarded by some critics as the best produced in California. Open for tasting and tours by appointment. 13372 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake; 707-994-2086. Tulip Hill Winery After 50 years of farming experience, including planting of over 30,000 tulips imported from Holland in the Napa Valley, the Budge Brown family founded Tulip Hill in a former water bottling plant. The grounds are lavishly landscaped with tulips, a symbol of of the quality and rarity of their wines. Open daily 10-6. Bartlett Springs Road at Hwy 20, Nice; 707-274-9373.
74 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com
Where To Eat
Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main Street Upper Lake; (707) 275-2233. Saw Shop Gallery Bistro Restaurant & Bar, 3825 Main Street, Kelseyville; (707) 278-0129. Studebakers Coffee House, 3990 Main Street, Kelseyville; (707) 279-8809.
ven if winemaking has developed immensely since the Roman Empire ruled the world, one thing still stands 2,000 years later: it is beneficial for wine to be stored underground. In a time when artificial cooling was not an option, the Romans knew that their caves or catacombs as they called them protected
the wine from the harsh environment and provided a stable temperature and a natural humidity that allowed the wine to age gently. Recently, the ancient technique has been taken up by several wineries in Lake County, and in the near future, the oldworld aromatic winery-atmosphere may be a natural part of a modern wine adventure.
Mendocino
Breggo Cellars 11001 Hwy 128, Boonville; 707-895-9589 Brutocao Cellars - Anderson Valley 7000 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2152 Brutocao Cellars - Hopland 13500 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1664 Claudia Springs Winery 1810 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-3993 Goldeneye Winery 9200 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-3202 Graziano Family of Wines 13251 S. Hwy 101, Suite 3, Hopland; 707-744-8466 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards 5501 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2002 Handley Cellars 3151 Hwy 128, Philo; 800-733-3151 Husch Vineyards 4400 Highway 128 Philo; 707-895-3216 Jaxon Keys Winery & Distillery 10400 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 877-462-0666 Jeriko Estate Winery 12141 Hewlitt and Sturtevant Rd, Hopland; 707-744-1140 Maple Creek Winery 20799 Hwy 128 Yorkville; 707-895-3001 McDowell Valley Vineyards 13380 S. Hwy 101 Hopland; 707-744-8911 McFadden Farm & Vineyards 13275 S Hwy 101 Ste. 5 Hopland; 707-743-1122
McNab Ridge Winery 13441 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1986 Milano Winery 14594 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1396 Navarro Vineyards 5601 Hwy 128 Philo; 707895-3686 Nelson Family Vineyards 550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah; 707-462-3755 Pacific Star Winery 33000 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg (12 miles north of town); 707-964-1155 Pacific Star Winery 401 Main St., Fort Bragg (in town); 707-962-9463 Parducci Wine Cellars 501 Parducci Road, Ukiah; 707-462-9463 Paul Dolan Vineyards 501 Parducci Rd, Ukiah; 707-463-5357 Phillips Hill Estates 8627 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2209 Roederer Estate 4501 Hwy 128 Philo; 707895-2288 Saracina Vineyards 11684 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1671 Scharffenberger Cellars 8501 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2957 Silversmith Vineyards 3700 A Road J, Redwood Valley; 707-485-1196 Standish Wine Company 5101 Hwy 101, Philo; 707-895-9213 Yorkville Cellars 25701 Hwy 128, Yorkville; 707-894-9177
RESTAURANTS
Lake County
Brassfield Estate Open By Appointment 10915 High Valley Road, Clearlake Oaks; 707-998-1895 Ceago Del Lago 5115 E. Hwy 20 Nice; 707-274-1462 Cougars Leap Winery 9300 Seigler Springs Road N., Kelseyville; 707-279-0651 Langtry Estate Vineyards & Winery 21000 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown; 707-987-2385 Moore Family Winery 11990 Bottlerock Road Kelseyville ; 707-279-9279 Ployez Winery 11171 S. Hwy 29 Lower Lake; 707-994-2106 Rosa dOro Vineyards 3915 Main St. Kelseyville; 707-279-0483 Shannon Ridge Winery 12599 E. Hwy 20, Clearlake Oaks; 707-998-9656
Mendocino
Boonville Hotel Spontaneous menus of simple, fresh, local fare featuring organic meats and locallygrown produce. Dinner. 14050 Hwy. 128, Boonville; 707895-2210.
Lake County
Blue Wing Saloon California comfort food, microbrews and local wines. Menu offers homestyle recipes pairing the best of the regions orchards, farms and vineyards. 9520 Main St. Upper Lake; 707-275-2233.
ACTIVITIES
Mendocino
Grace Hudson Museum History and anthropology museum featuring Western American art, California Indian cultures, North Coast history, and contemporary regional artists. 431 South Main Street, Ukiah; 707-467-2836.
Lake County
Crazy Creek Air Adventures Amazing views soaring above Lake County just minutes from the Napa Valley. 18897 Grange Rd, Middleetown; 707-987-9293; www. crazycreekairadventures.com
INSIDE: Wine Country dining is a mixture of locally farmed produce, world-class chefs, and stunning settings >>
CHEF CENTRAL
The Wine Country is home to some of the worlds most talented and innovative chefs. They come here for the spectacular climate, produce, artisanal foods, and wines. No wonder the Wine Country is home to so many fabulous restaurants.
Napa Valley
Cindys Backstreet Kitchen This upscale eatery has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. It features a menu of delicious, cookedfrom-scratch cuisine created from quality ingredients. 1327 Railroad Ave, St. Helena, 707-963-1200. Go Fish Renowned Wine Country restaurateur Cindy Pawlcyn has created a classic West Coast fish restaurant complete with a San Francisco-style raw bar and a full sushi and sake bar. Reservations are suggested, but ample seating makes walk-in dining feasible. 641 Main St., St. Helena, 707963-0700. Martini House Pat Kuleto and Todd Humphries collaborate on cuisine that showcases Napa Valleys Native American and winemaking history. Lunch, dinner. 1245 Spring St. between Main & Oak, St. Helena; 707-963-2233. Rutherford Grill Great steaks, ribs and chicken; low corkage fee; outdoor bar and fireplace. Lunch,
dinner. 1180 Rutherford Rd. at Hwy. 29, Rutherford; 707-963-1792. Gotts Roadside Tray Gourmet Informal, gourmet roadside diner with memorable Ahi sandwiches and low corkage fee. Lunch, dinner. 933 Main St. between Charter Oak & Pope, St. Helena, 707-963-3486; also at 644 First Street (at Oxbow Public Market), Napa, 707224-6900. Wine Spectator Greystone Terraced gardens provide the perfect introduction to the cuisine, which features Californias bounty from the land and sea. Lunch, dinner. Culinary Institute of America, 2555 Main St. at Deer Park Rd., St. Helena; 707-967-1010. Bistro Don Giovanni Napa Valley cuisine with an Italian and Country French flavor; memorable ambiance featuring traditional fireplace and romantic outdoor terraces. Lunch, dinner. 4110 Howard Lane, Napa; 707224-3300. Bottega Chef Michael Chiarello serves seasonal
ZinsValley
Enjoy Chef Greg Johnsons Inspired American Cuisine in an atmosphere that is casually refined at the new downtown location for this long-time locals favorite. Cozy up to the beautiful fireplace in the lounge during the winter season and enjoy the relaxing outdoor courtyard in warm weather months. Open Daily. 1106 First Street. 707-224-0695; zinsvalley.com.
Willis Seafood & Raw Bar Cuban inspired East Coast cuisine, a fresh raw bar, and an eclectic drink menu. Lunch, dinner; no reservations. 403 Healdsburg Ave. at North St., Healdsburg; 707-433-9191. Zin Restaurant Casual fine dining with ingredient-driven menus featuring fresh farm produce, at moderate prices. 344 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-473-0946.
LAST-MINUTE CHOICES In the Wine Country with no restaurant reservations? Dont panic. There is hope for you. >> Inquire about early and late reservation times. Sometimes even busy restaurants can accommodate you if you are willing to eat a little earlier or later than most people prefer. >> Ask you top choices among nearby restaurants if they have wait lists. Cancellations do happenespecially after a day of wine tasting and a table may become available at the last minute. >> Ask your concierge or innkeeper if they can help you with a hardto-get reservation. They may have special relationships that can score you a table when there is officially no availability. >> Ask the restaurant host or maitre d if you can be seated in the bar, either to dine or to wait for a table if any reserved guests are noshows.
Sonoma County
North
Bistro Ralph Chef and owner Ralph Tingle serves up contemporary California cuisine at this comfortable spot on the Healdsburg Plaza. Lunch, dinner. 109 Plaza St. at Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, CA 95448; 707-433-1380.
Central
John Ash & Co Chef Jeffrey Madura utilizes the freshest of locally grown products to create inspired wine country cuisine. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. Vintners Inn, 4330 Barnes Rd. at River Rd., Santa Rosa; 707-5277687.
South
Cafe La Haye Food critic Michael Bauer says it best: Cafe La Haye is one of those rare restaurants in which you know the moment you walk in the door youre going to have a good time...Simple food prepared to perfection... excellent service. 140 E. Napa St. between 1st & 2nd, Sonoma; 707-935-5994.
(707) 944-2424 (707) 944-2222 (707) 252-8115 (707) 224-8319 (707) 255-5552 (707) 224-3300 (707) 299-4872 (707) 255-0622 (707) 254-9690 (707) 224-6328 (707) 224-2330 (707) 258-2337 (707) 299-4880 (707) 257-5400 (800) 427-4124 (707) 257-5157 (707) 547-0747 (707) 252-9250 (707) 251-5656 (707) 963-7812 (707) 224-0695 (707) 224-8555
Redd - Yountville
6480 Washington St;
Angle - Napa
540 Main St;
Annalien - Napa
1142 Main St;
Celadon - Napa
500 Main St;
Cuve - Napa
1650 Soscol Ave;
Farm - Napa
4048 Sonoma Hwy;
Ad Hoc - Yountville
6476 Washington St;
La Toque - Napa
1314 Mckinstry St;
Bottega - Yountville
6252 Washington St;
Bouchon - Yountville
6534 Washington St;
Brix - Yountville
7377 St. Helena Hwy;
Ubuntu - Napa
1140 Main St;
ZinsValley - Napa
1106 First St;
Hurleys - Yountville
6518 Washington St;
Zuzu - Napa
829 Main St;
(707) 528-4355 (707) 575-1113 (707) 525-1690 (707) 545-2337 (707) 528-1549 (707) 636-7388 (707) 546-5100 (707) 568-4002 (707) 526-3096 (707) 523-4814 (707) 938-2130 (707) 996-6409 (707) 938-4844 (707) 996-4401 (707) 833-2690 (707) 833-6326 (707) 935-5994 (707) 996-3030 (707) 933-3663 (707) 938-3634 (707) 939-2477 (707) 938-2884
Barndiva - Healdsburg
231 Center St;
Cyrus - Healdsburg
29 North St;
Scopa - Healdsburg
109A Plaza St;
Mirepoix - Windsor
275 Windsor River Rd;
Estate - Sonoma
400 West Spain St;
Sante - Sonoma
100 Boyles Blvd;
707-257-4470. Mount St. Helena Golf Course 9 holes; public; 5300-5518 yards; par 68. 2025 Grant Street, Calistoga; 707942-9966. Silverado Country Club 36 holes; semi-private; 5857-6900 yards; par 72. Pro shop; tennis courts; resort; restaurant. 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa; 707-257-5460. Adobe Creek 18-holes; public; 5085-6886 yards; par 72. Pro shop; restaurant. 1901 Frates Road, Petaluma. 707-765-3000. The Oakmont Golf Club 18 holes; semi-private; 5584-6379 yards; par 67-72. Practice range; pro shop; restaurant. 7025 Oakmont Drive, Santa Rosa; 707-539-0415.
SPAS
Golden Haven Hot Springs
Calistoga hot springs mineral water and rejuvenating spa treatments, including mud baths for couples. 1713 Lake Street, Calistoga; 707-9426793. Lincoln Avenue Spa Offers several alternatives to the traditional Calistoga mud bath using herbal formulas specifically developed for your health and beauty. 1339 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga; 707942-5296.
Bicycle Rentals
Napa Valley Bike Tours Sonoma Valley Bike Tours
Bike and kayak rentals, one-day guided tours, and all-inclusive vacation packages since 1987. Tour the Wine Country in a way you simply cant experience by car. Special connections let you visit wineries and sample wines youd otherwise miss. Bicycle inside the vineyards or on country roads. New, high-end bicycles every year ensure a great experience. 707-531-7708; www.napavalleybiketours.com, www. sonomavalleybiketours.com. Wine Country Bikes Will deliver the whole rental kit right to your door. 61 Front Street Healdsburg; 707-473-0610.
Golf
Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park
18 holes; public; 5690-6704 yards; par 72-73. Practice range; pro shop; restaurant. 2295 Streblow Drive, Napa; 707-255-4333.
Limousine Services
AA Limousine Service
Provides Napa and Sonoma wine touring services from all Bay Area cities; weekday rates start at $180 for four hours. Transportation options include sedans, SUVs, Hummers, and
Eagle Vines Golf Club 18 holes; public; 5652-7283 yards; par 72. Practice range; food & beverage service. 580 South Kelly Road, Napa;
Special $19* - Mon. to Fri. $31 - Weekend Lessons Available Driving Range Carts Available Restaurant on Premises
*with this coupon after 10am
19400 Hwy 116 Monte Rio, CA Includes 9 holes Ranked #3 of 9 with Cart Hole Golf Courses *must present this ad to receive wine country special Nationally TEE TIMES: (707) 865-1116 www.northwoodgolf.com
www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 83
Sonoma North
Sonoma South
Grape Leaf Inn
13 rooms, most w/king beds, many w/ fireplaces. Afternoon wine tasting in hidden Secret Speakeasy room. 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg; 707-433-8140; 866.433.8140; www. grapeleafinn.com. Beltane Ranch 6 rooms in an 1892 ranch house and cottage overlooking the vineyards of Sonoma Valley, surrounded by gardens and shaded by ancient oak trees. 11775 Sonoma Highway (Hwy 12), Glen Ellen; 707-996-6501; www.beltaneranch.com. The Cooperage Inn Located one block from the Sonoma Plaza and its shops, restaurants, wineries, events and historic culture. Built by Italian stone masons as an icehouse and brewery in 1911, it is one of the most historic, and quaintest of buildings in town. In 1924 it became a cooperage until Prohibition. As part of General Vallejos original land grant, the inn resides on the edge of the Vallejo State Park. 301 First Street West Sonoma; 707-996-7054. Calabasas Creek Bed and Breakfast Spacious hideaway nestled in a creekside country setting among ancient oak trees. The light-filled suite includes cathedral ceilings, fireplace, and an elegantly carved queen-size bed with down comforter and pillows. The bathroom area is fully-tiled with a large glassed-in shower and an indoor Jacuzzi tub for two. 12775 Henno Road Glen Ellen; 707-939-8132 Gaige House Inn & Spa 20 rooms in a luxury Wine Country B&B providing a stylish getaway for those visiting the Sonoma and Napa valleys. Reviewed by Frommers in 2005 as the finest B&B in the wine country. 13540
Madrona Manor 21 rooms in a stately Victorian mansion nestled into the hills above Dry Creek Valley and surrounded by eight acres of wooded, landscaped grounds. Full-service gourmet restaurant, heated pool. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 800-2584003; www.madronamanor.com. Villa Messina 5 rooms overlooking more than 400,000 acres of the picturesque Sonoma County Wine Country. Lush vineyards reach off to the horizon in one direction, rolling hills and the geysers in another. 316 Burgundy Rd, Healdsburg; 707-433-6655; www. villamessina.com. Applewood Inn 19 rooms in a historic and casually luxurious B&B inn featuring an acclaimed wine country restaurant and cooking school. 13555 Highway 116, Guerneville; 707-869-9093; 800-555-8509; www. applewoodinn.com. Fern Grove Cottages Charming country inn with lush gardens, redwoods. Fireplaces, spas. Close to river, dining, shops, wineries, activities.
Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707-935-0237; 800-935-0237; www.gaige com. Brick House Bungalows 5 bungalows located one-half block of sonoma Plaza. This inn is near the best restaurants, shops, and historical sites. Built in 1907, the style is lItalian farmhouse. 313 1st St, Sonoma; 707996-7301. Ramekins Bed and Breakfast Beautifully decorated, over-sized guest rooms, all with private bathrooms above Sonomas brand new culinary school for home cooks. 450 W. Spain Street Sonoma; 707-933-0450 Trojan Horse Inn Victorian Bed & Breakfast near Historic Sonoma Plaza. Full breakfast, bicycles, hot tub, spa treatments. Rooms with king or queen beds, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, patios. 19455 Sonoma Highway Sonoma; 707-996-2430
10 rooms in a quaint farmhouse and guest cottages set on two acres of beautiful coastal gardens with spectacular ocean views. 11201 North Lansing Street, Mendocino; 707-937-0551, 800-527-3111; www.agatecove.com. Anderson Creek Inn 5 rooms on 16 acres near the town of Boonville with views of rolling hills peppered by majestic old oaks and lined with tall redwoods. 12050 Anderson Valley Way, Boonville; 707-895-3091; 800.552.6202; www.andersoncreekinn. com. Philo Pottery Inn 5 rooms with authentic European hospitality and comfortable accommodations on grounds featuring flower and herb gardens. 8550 Highway 128, Philo; 707.895.3069; www. philopotteryinn.com.
spa surrounded by an English cottage garden. 150 Clear Lake Ave., Lakeport; 707-263-6444; www.arborhousebnb.com. Open 10:00- 5:00 Daily. 5115 E. Hwy 20 Nice; 707-274-1462. Spirit Lake B&B 4 rooms situated on a secluded 17 acre estate, with a 4 acre private lake. 11865 Candy Lane, Middletown; 707-995-9090. Gingerbread Cottages B&B 10 romantic lakefront cottages located on a two acre estate overlooking Clear Lake. Shaded by old oak trees, the cottages afford soothing water views and scenic Mt. Konoti and the gardens. Accommodations are decorated with antiques and art and include private baths, queen beds, answering machines, TV, VCR and kitchenettes. 4057 E Hwy 20 P. O. Box 4004, Nice; 888- 880-LAKE.
Lake County
Arbor House Inn 5 rooms located one block from Californias largest and oldest natural lake. Outdoor
Mendocino County
Agate Cove Inn
winecountryguide.com
Lodging Wineries Restaurants Tours & Activities Events
13 rooms, with king beds & private baths, 10 with 2-person whirlpool tubs/showers & 5 with fireplaces. Afternoon wine tasting in the hidden Secret Speakeasy room. The Inn is 3 blocks from the quaint plaza where youll find renown restaurants and shops. A gourmet country breakfast is included along with wines and cheeses in the evenings.
Air Conditioning Gourmet country breakfast Award-winning wines & cheeses Walk to historic downtown Healdsburg Over 65 wineries w/in 15 minutes drive
Sonoma
Ledson Hotel
A luxury, old-world style, six-room boutique hotel and gourmet restaurant located on the historical Sonoma Plaza. Appointed with antique grandeur, and paired with modern amenities, each room reflects a different personality. 480 First
Sandman Inn
Three-star motel with well appointed rooms located close to over 100 wineries and less than an hour from the Pacific Ocean and magnificent redwood forests. Also near shopping and restaurants. Amenities include a large outdoor heated pool, deluxe breakfast bar, guest exercise room and guest laundry facilities. 3421 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa; 707-544-8570.
Lake County
Tallman Hotel 17 rooms and suites are each uniquely designed to capture the authentic look and feel of this historic Victorian hotel while pampering guests with modern conveniences and luxurious amenities. Geo-exchange heating and cooling systems and solar technology help to produce a comfortable, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly environment. 9550 Main Street, Upper Lake; 707-275-2244 or 866708-5253; www.TallmanHotel.com.
Mendocino County
Discovery Inn 177 large and well appointed rooms, some with private balcony. Ukiahs most complete one-stop motel, located in the heart of the Redwoods close to wineries. Amenities include swimming pool and spa, internet access, and conference facilities. 1340 N. State Street, Ukiah; 707462-8873.
FEATURED B&B
For Reservations phone: 707-4338140 Toll-free: 1-866-433-8140 or Email: info@grapeleafinn.com, Located at 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg.
mud bath was recently selected as the favorite mud bath experience of all the Napa Valley spas. Located at 1713 Lake Street, Calistoga; 707-942-8000.
BED & BREAKFAST DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 87
Bistro Ralph - 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg ..............................................................................................707-433-1380 Corks - 5700 Gravenstein Highway North, Forestville.............................................................................707-887-3344 Cyrus - 29 North St., Healdsburg ............................................................................................................707-433-3311 Dry Creek Kitchen - 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg .........................................................................707-431-0330 Francis Ford Coppola - 300 Via Archimedes (Hwy 101 to Independence Lane), Geyserville .................707-431-0330 Ravenous Cafe - 420 Center St., Healdsburg .........................................................................................707-431-1302 Willis Seafood & Raw Bar - 403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg ...........................................................707-433-9191 Zin - 344 Center St., Healdsburg .............................................................................................................707-473-0946 Equus Restaurant - (Fountaingrove Hotel) 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa ...........................707-578-6101 John Ash & Co - (Vintners Inn) 4330 Barnes Rd. at River Rd., Santa Rosa ..............................................707-527-7687 La Gare French Restaurant - 208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa..................................................................707-528-4355 Underwood Bar & Bistro - 9113 Graton Rd., Graton............................................................................707-823-7023 ZaZu - 3535 Guerneville Rd., Santa Rosa ................................................................................................707-523-4814 Cucina Paradiso - 56 E. Washington St., Petaluma ...............................................................................707-782-1130 Cafe La Haye - 140 E. Napa St., Sonoma................................................................................................707-935-5994 Duece - 691 Broadway, Sonoma ............................................................................................................707-933-3823 El Dorado Kitchen - (El Dorado Hotel) 405 First St. West at West Spain St., Sonoma ............................707-996-3030 Saddles Steakhouse - 29 East MacArthur St., Sonoma ........................................................................707-933-3191 Kenwood - 9900 Sonoma Hwy./Hwy. 12, Kenwood ..............................................................................707-833-6326 Cindys Backstreet Kitchen - 1327 Railroad Ave., St. Helena...............................................................707-963-1200 Go Fish - 641 Main St., St. Helena ..........................................................................................................707-963-0700 Market - 1347 Main St., St. Helena ........................................................................................................707-963-3799 Martini House - 1245 Spring St., St. Helena .........................................................................................707-963-2233 Mustards Grill - 7399 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena ................................................................................707-944-2424 Rutherford Grill - 1180 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford .............................................................................707-963-1792 Silverado Brewing Co. - 3020 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena ...................................................................707-967-9876 Stomp - (Mount View Hotel) 1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga .....................................................................707-942-8272 Terra - 1345 Railroad Ave., St. Helena ...................................................................................................707-963-8931 Wine Spectator Greystone - 2555 Main St., St. Helena .......................................................................707-967-1010 Bistro Don Giovanni - 4110 Howard Lane, Napa ..................................................................................707-224-3300 Bistro Jeanty - 6510 Washington St., Yountville ...................................................................................707-944-0103 Bouchon - 6534 Washington St., Yountville ...........................................................................................707-944-8037 Domaine Chandon - 1 California Dr. at Hwy. 29, Yountville ..................................................................707-944-2892 Downtown Joes Brewery and Restaurant - 902 Main St., Napa ......................................................707-258-2337 French Laundry - 6640 Washington Street, Yountville..........................................................................707-944-2380 La Toque - 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa ................................................................................................707-257-5157 Napa Valley Culinary Center - 388 Devlin Road, Napa........................................................................707-603-3260 Napa Valley Wine Train - 1275 McKinstry St., Napa ..........................................................................707-253-2111 ZinsValley - 1106 First Street.,Napa ......................................................................................................707-224-0695
Sonoma Central
Sonoma South
Napa North
Napa South
Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe - 9520 Main Street Upper Lake ...................................................................707-275-2233 Boars Breath Restaurant & Bar - 21148 Calistoga St., Middletown ..................................................707-987-9491
AA Limousine Service ....................................................................................................................415-308-2028 Beau Wine Tours ............................................................................................................................800-387-2328 Butler Wine Tours ..........................................................................................................................866-789-0340 California Wine Tours ...................................................................................................................707-253-1300 Napa Valley Bike Tours..................................................................................................................707-531-7708 Golden Haven Spa & Resort - 1713 Lake St., Calistoga ....................................................................707-942-6793
Mount View Spa - 1457 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga ..................................................................................... 800-816-6877 Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary - 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone .........................................................707-823-8231 Massage Envy Spa - 5 Napa and Sonoma Locations; visit massageenvy.com .....................................707-255-8000
SPAS
AERIAL EXCURSIONS
Calistoga Balloons - Calistoga ........................................................................................................... 888-995-7700 Crazy Creek Air Adventures - Middletown..........................................................................................707-987-9293 Napa Valley Balloons - Yountville ..................................................................................................... 707-944-0228
Private Tours with experienced guides Mon. - Thurs. 10 % Off Good Prices & Service Guaranteed Call AA Limousine Service
(415) 308-2028 FAX (650) 345-6111 www.aalimo.org
TCP 10581P
Fritz
Sbragia Silver Oak Dutcher Ferrari-Carano Crossing Bella David Preston Coffaro Yoakim Bridge Pedroncelli Raymond Burr Talty Gpfrich Truett Hurst Meeker Forchini deLorimier Amphora Family Wineries Quivira Papapietro Perry Peterson River Rock Casino Coppola Rued Michel-Schlumberger Clos du Bois Passalacqua Rafanelli Teldeschi Trentadue Lambert Bridge Vintners Mauritson Ridge Robert Amista Signatures Young Dry Creek Stryker Mazzocco Medlock Starlite Wilson Ames Hawkes Jordan Stonestreet Sausal White Oak Alexander Valley Hanna
Geyser Peak
Everett Ridge Michael Bernard Alderbrook Mill Creek Armida De La Montanya Foppiano Twomey Matrix VML Winery
Rodney Strong
J Winery
Korbel
Gary Farrell Porter Creek Arista Thomas George
Christopher Creek
Lancaster
Verit
Moshin
Hartford Family
Marimar
Joseph Kendall-Jackson Swan Wine Center Harvest Martinelli Moon Martin Pellegrini Ray Inman Sunce Robert Dutton Dutton DeLoach Hook & Rue Goldfield Estate Ladder Lynmar
Osmosis Spa
Sandman Inn
Paradise Ridge
Sandman Inn
Cellars of Sonoma
Pride Mountain
Ledson
Matanzas Creek St Francis
Blackstone VJB Mayo Family Reserve Family Wineries The Wine Room
Landmark Kaz
Kunde
Eric Ross
Ravenswood
Sebastiani
SV Bike Tours
Buena Vista Gundlach Bundschu
Bartholomew Park
Robledo
Keller Estate
Larson Family
Cline
Viansa
Nicholson
Roche
to
Peter Michael
Graeser Vermeil
Zahtila
Calistoga Balloons
Reverie
Sterling
Dutch Henry
Benessere Rombauer Chateau Boswell Ehlers Burgess Schweiger Freemark Abbey Trinchero A Dozen Vintners Casa Nuestra
Duckhorn
St Clement
Spring Mountain
Beringer
Art on Main
Charles Krug
Merryvale Louis Martini Heitz V Sattui Joseph Conn Phelps Valley William Harrison Rutherford Hill Rutherford Ranch
Wine Merchants
Whitehall Lane
Catacula Lake
Grgich Hills
Rubicon Estate
Beaulieu
Conn Creek
Mumm Napa
ZD Groth Plumpjack Silver Oak Miner Family to Nichelini
Robert Mondavi
Turnbull
Opus One
Plumpjack
Chateau Potelle
Far Niente Napa Wine Co. Silver Oak Diamond Oaks Folie Deux Cosentino Cardinale Paraduxx Goosecross Cliff Lede Baldacci Robert Sinskey Shafer
Hess Collection
Stags Leap Wine Cellars Regusci Chimney Rock Clos Du Val Silenus Trefethen Signorello Monticello Andretti
Black Stallion
Darioush Hagafen
Artesa
Folio Winemakers Studio Domaine Carneros Cuvaison
Acacia
Saintsbury McKenzieMueller
Etude
Ceja Patz & Hall
Bouchaine
alifornia is the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, behind France, Italy, and Spain. Fully 90 percent of all wine produced in the United States comes from here. Almost anywhere you go in California, from Mexico to Oregon and from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, you will find vineyards and wineries. Only the desert seems to be an exception, and even there examples probably exist to prove this assertion wrong. While there is much wine country in California, the areas of the state distinguished as the Wine Country are in the north. Less than 60 miles upstate from San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa counties are the Wine Country heartland. Including all four counties, the Wine Country occupies an area of over 7,000 square miles. It is home to literally hundreds of wineries that are open for tasting, scores of lodging accommodations, dozens of fine dining restaurants, and a myriad of one-ofa-kind shops. Spotlights Wine Country Guide is the definitive guide to Wine Country touring, complete with overviews, maps, directories, features, and touring suggestions. Each monthly issue breaks the Wine Country down into sensible, manageable regions that can be explored at a leisurely pace. Sonoma North is centered around Healdsburg and includes the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. Sonoma South includes the town of Sonoma together with the Sonoma Valley (also known as Valley of the Moon) and the Sonoma side of the Carneros district. Napa North covers the top half of the Napa Valley including the Calistoga, St.
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Helena, and Rutherford areas. Napa South covers the bottom half of the valley including the Oakville and Yountville areas, the town of Napa, and the Napa side of Carneros. Mendocino County and Lake County are each comprised of four wine districts. In Mendocino County, the districts are Hopland and Redwood Valley along Highway 101, Anderson Valley along Highway 128, and Mendocino Coast along Highway 1 (the Coastal Highway). In Lake County, they are Guenoc Valley and Red Hills along Highway 29, High Valley along Highway 20, and Clear Lake surrounding the large lake of the same name.
Getting Here
BY AIR: The closest major airports are San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), and Sacramento International (SMF). SFO and SMF are both about 60 miles from the town of Napa at the southern end of the Napa Valley; OAK is somewhat closer, about 50 miles. Santa Rosa now offers direct flights from Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. If you plan ahead, you can see the Wine Country by limousine. See our Phone Directory of Wine Tours and Limo Services at the back of this magazine. BY CAR: The Wine Country is served by two major highways. U.S. Highway 101 runs north-south, connecting San Francisco with Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Interstate 80 runs northeast-southwest between San Francisco and Sacramento, connecting to California highway 12 running into southern Napa and Sonoma counties. Important branches off I-80 are I-880, running along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, and I-580, connecting Oakland with San Rafael on the western side of the Bay.
Ukiah
Lakeport Hopland Kelseyville Cloverdale Geyserville Healdsburg Guerneville Jenner Bodega Bay Windsor
Middletown
Santa Rosa
Sebastopol Kenwood Rohnert Park Petaluma Glen Ellen
Pt Reyes Station
Sonoma
Napa
Vacaville Fairfield
Novato
Vallejo
San Rafael Richmond
Berkeley Concord
San Francisco
Oakland
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Please join us on our terrace for a flute of the best sparkling wine in the napa valley. Then stroll through our photography gallery, one of the finest in the whole bay area.
St. Helena
29
Silverado Trail
Oakville Rd.
Open Daily 10am5pm TOURS VAILABLE TOURS AVAILABLE Complimentary Tours 10am3pm 800 686-6272 | www.mummnapa.com
MUMM NAPA Sparkling Wine. 2008 Mumm Napa Valley, Rutherford, CA
Napa
8445 Silverado Trail Rutherford, CA 94573