Sonoma County Fall/Winter 2010

DAY TRIPS
Fall/Winter 2010
PREFERRED
Sonoma Wine Country
off Highway 101
7 Wine Tasting Trips plus

37 Tasting Room Reviews
A publication of
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Eastside Bunch

Alexander
Lake Valley
RUS
Sonoma
SI AN
DUTCHER CR
R IVE
R
SILVER
EEK
SBRAGIA FAMILY OAK
FERRARI-CARANO 101
DUTCHER CROSSING
STEWART’S POINT
RD Dry Creek CANYON
RD.
Pages 7-13 FORCHINI MEEKER
Dry
DRY CREEK RD.

TRUETT HURST Gateway to
Creek
VINTNERS
SIGNATURES
Alexander
DRY CREEK VNYD Valley
128 Pages 26-32
W. D
RY
LYTTON SPGS SIMIA
Northern
CREEK RD
Knights
LEX
AN
DE
Sonoma
FERRARI-CARANO’S R
VALLEY SAUSAL
Valley
.
SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD Downtown
KENDALL-JACKSON
PROHIBITION
STEPHEN & WALKER
Healdsburg
TOPEL Pages 14-19
FIELD STONE
MILL CREEK FOPPIANO CHRISTOPHER
DE LA MONTANYA ACORN CREEK
ARMIDA
Westside RODNEY STRONG
Eastside
D.
ER
RD.
MERRIAM
Road TWOMEY
ID
ER
RIV
Bunch
TS
ES
Russian
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Pages 20-25 JOHN TYLER

116 by Bacigalupi Vineyard Pages 33-38
River Chalk
WESTSI
DE
Hill
RD.
Green
RUSSIAN
HILL ESTATE
Valley DUTTON ESTATE

1
R
RIV
SONOMA KENDALL-JACKSON
SSE
BOH
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RD.
CUTRER
SLU
WINE CENTER
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D.
MARTIN MARK W R
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GS
RD
EST
HIGHWAY
S PRIN
IVE
RAY
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SUNCÉ
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HOOK & LADDER

LAG
GU
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GRATON RD. NE
VIL
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DUTTON-GOLDFIELD DE LOACH Russian River
PIN
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/Olivet
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RD
L RD.
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Pages 39-46
FU
CID
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TA
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BALLETTO .
BODEGA HIG
HWA
Y FREESTONE
VINEYARDS Sebastopol/
VA Freestone
Sonoma
L LE
Y
FO
RD Pages 47-51
Coast
CU
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101
116 GRA
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AD
Travelling around Sonoma County

RO
ILL
Travel Time
AH
miles (average) (Peak)

M
LU
BE
Golden Gate Bridge to sebastopol 49 60 80
TA
NN
ET
PE
TV
AL
sebastopol to santa rosa 7 12 20
Sonoma
LE
YR
D.
Downtown santa rosa to Healdsburg 16 20 30
Valley
Healdsburg to Geyserville 8 15 15
RO
BLA
RR
D.
DAY TRIPS
PREFERRED
Sonoma Wine Country
off Highway 101

7 Wine Tasting Trips 37 Tasting Room Reviews
Dry Creek 7-13 Acorn Winery 34
Downtown Healdsburg 14-19 Armida Winery 21
Balletto Vineyard 48
Westside Road 20-25 Christopher Creek Winery 35
Alexander Valley 26-32 De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery 24
Eastside Bunch 33-38 DeLoach Vineyards 45
Russian River/Olivet 39-46 Dry Creek Vineyards 8
Sebastopol/Freestone 47-51 Dutcher Crossing Winery 11
Dutton Estate Winery 49
Index & Contact Information 52-53 Dutton-Goldfield Winery 50
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 9
On the cover: Armida Winery, Healdsburg Field Stone Winery & Vineyard 32
Foppiano Vineyards 36
A Publication of
Forchini Vineyards & Winery 12
Freestone Vineyards 51
Hook & Ladder Winery 43
John Tyler by Bacigalupi Vineyard 22
Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg 16
Kendall-Jackson Wine Center 40
Martin Ray Winery 46
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Meeker 29
669 Broadway, Suite B • Sonoma, CA 95476 Merriam Vineyards 37
P.O. Box 92 • El Verano, CA 95433
Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery 23
707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674
Prohibition – The Speakeasy Wine Club 17
PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco
Direct (707) 938-3734
Rodney Strong Vineyards 38
mike@winecountrythisweek.com Russian Hill Estate 41
SALES REPRESENTATIVE Margaret Villarreal, 707-338-2894 Sausal Winery 31
winecountrytw@comcast.net Sbragia Family Vineyards 10
MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant Silver Oak 28
Phone 707-938-1783 • Fax 707-938-3674
chandra@winecountrythisweek.com Simi Winery 27
OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Gore
Sonoma-Cutrer 42
Phone 707-938-3494 • Fax 707-938-3674 Stephen & Walker Trust Winery 19
Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com
Suncé Winery 44
EDITORIAL Introductions by Abigail Zimmerman Topel Tasting Room 18
CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Baker
Charles Neave Truett Hurst Winery 13
3
Nan Reiley Twomey Cellars 25
Sue Straight, Wine Wench
Vintners Signatures 30
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com
Notes on Wine Tasting
It’s a good idea to plan to visit several wineries as every
wine-tasting experience offered is different. With so many
distinctive viticultural areas, one can easily taste many of
the world’s best varietials and winemaking styles without
learning the region. Listed below are five basic types of
tasting experiences. The experience will vary in style from
winery to winery.
Wine Bar Tasting
The most common tasting experience is a Wine Bar
Tasting. You step up to the bar where typically a list of
wines being poured is displayed. Expect to pay a tasting
fee between $10-$40. Some tasting bars will offer you the
option to taste a library or reserve wine. Exercising this
option increases the fee, but will allow you to taste very
unique, old or rare wines.
Sit Down Tasting
A Sit Down Tasting usually requires an appointment
and there may be a slightly higher fee than a wine bar fee.
Seated in an elegant room, you are poured several wines
by your winery host. Expect your host to describe the
unique characteristics of each wine and how it was made.
Table Service Tasting
A Table Service Tasting, popular at sparkling wine fa-
cilities, is a tasting experience where you are seated at a ery to pour the first round. Then you move to another
table and the tastings are brought to you. place within the winery to sample the next wine. This ex-
perience continues until all the wines are tasted.
Walk Around Tasting
A Walk Around Tasting is a combination of a tour and Barrel Tasting
a tasting. Your host brings along several bottles of wine on Another popular tasting experience that can be part
your tour, and may take you to a garden area of the win- of a tour or a Walk Around is a Barrel Tasting. Your guide
takes a “wine thief,” a special siphon placed into a hole in
the top of a barrel to extract tasting samples of a matur-
ing wine. The sample allows you to taste what the wine
is like in the middle of developing its full potential.
Why make an appointment?
Some wineries are so small that they need to know
when you are coming so someone will be there to greet
you. Other wineries have permit restrictions that limit
the number of guests that can visit each day. Others have
sit-down tastings that start and end at specific times. It’s
always a good idea to schedule your appointments well in
advance of your visit because some of the more popular
wineries fill up their appointments weeks in advance.
4
WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM
Do the Math
One of the questions most asked when it comes to wine is how much of this does it take to make that, and so on. We won’t
pretend that it’s simple, but here are some industry statistics that will give a pretty good answer to that query. as with any-
thing agricultural, of course, they are all based on countless variables when it comes to acre yields, but this is a good starting
point. The rest of the information varies little if at all.
=
A case of wine includes:
…a dozen 750 ml bottles
(or 24 half bottles)
or 307.2 ounces total,
which comes from
30 pounds of grapes.
A single bottle contains:
…750 ml of wine which is 25.6 ounces made
from about 2.4 pounds of grapes (39 oz.) and is
enough for four or maybe five glasses.
An acre of vineyard land can give the grower:

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

The U.s. Department of alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms regulates wine
XYZ Winery labels and requires that information be given in a straightforward
way. Basically, you will want to look for the types of grapes grown,
where the grapes are grown and when the grapes were picked.
RESERVE
• Brand name
Dry Creek • Designation for a special wine
Sonoma County • Vineyard or appellation known for its grapes might be designated
• Location where the grapes used were grown
ZINFANDEL • Grape Variety used
2002 • Vintage year in which the grapes were picked
• Location where the wine was made and/or bottled
Produced and Bottled by
(Not to be confused with the area the grapes are grown.)
XYZ winery, Healdsburg, California
• Alcohol content may be stated or the the label may simply say
"Table Wine”
ALCOHOL 14.6% BY VOLUME
5
WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM
Heading to the Tasting Room
Do not be intimidated for any car or on a plane, buy a card-
reason. That is rule number one board box with Styrofoam wine
(and there are very few real rules inserts. Fill it during the day and
after that). For the most part, this keeps wine from rolling
going wine tasting is about the around in the trunk.
easiest thing in the world, espe- Check out the smaller winer-
cially here in Northern California ies. It is a revelation.
where wineries and tasting Take notes on the wines you
rooms abound. You can find most enjoyed.
wineries specializing in red Take advantage of tours
wines of all types, those that are Twomey Cellars when the winery offers them, but
famous for their white wines and keep in mind that they take any-
others who pour sparkling wine. It is a matter of doing a where from 20 minutes to well over an hour, so one a day
little research and planning your day. is plenty.
Most tasting rooms open around 10 a.m. and close be- Buy wines that you can only find at the winery. These
tween 4:30 and 6 p.m. As a rule sparkling wine houses are often include smaller (375 ml) bottles of limited produc-
opened the latest. Before you start off pack a few essen- tion Ports or dessert wines. Don’t buy a wine you can get
tials: Water (plenty of water) and something to snack on at a supermarket back home. You’ll pay more, and besides,
– crackers or a baguette. Many wineries have picnic areas what’s the point?
and there are plenty of delis and bakeries that can make up Look for tasting rooms in towns. Many of these are co-
a lunch for you, or make your own. Which brings us to operative tasting rooms, where in one place you might find
eating and drinking, the kind that doesn’t directly involve wines from a dozen or more small-to-medium premium
wine. producers. They are scattered throughout the area and
Be sure to nibble during the day and make sure you more are opening all the time.
make time for lunch. Two tips: drink at least twice as much Don’t give too much thought to ratings and vintages.
water as you do wine, and remember that you don’t have It’s like art: if you like it, it’s a good wine. It is as simple as
to drink everything poured into your glass. There is a rea- that.
son tasting bars have dump buckets and a pitcher of water Remember that you don’t have to do the driving. It
to wash out your glass. takes no more than a phone call to rent anything from a
That said, here are some tips that have proven to be Town Car or restored Packard convertible to stretch limos
helpful and are designed to help make the sensory adven- and a 20-passenger bus. All have drivers that will stow
ture of wine tasting all the more enjoyable. your wine for you and the local companies know the area.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Time and time again As to taking that wine home, ten people sharing one of
I have heard knowledgeable winery workers say that there those impossibly long limousines is fine and fun, but if you
is no such thing as a stupid question, and they mean that. all plan to buy a couple of cases the trunk – which is no
You can drink what you want, in the order you want. bigger than a normal luxury cars – is going to fill up fast
If you only like reds, say so; if you don’t like sweet wines, and you’re going to find yourself filling the interior floor
speak up. But the idea of starting with whites, then going with boxes and using cases of Cabernet as footrest.
on to reds and then sweet wines is a good guide. Tell the transportation company what you have in
Zinfandel is red. I am sure you know that but it never mind and listen to their advice. They know the territory
hurts to remind everyone. and the people and personalities.
If there is a particular wine you want to try and it is Know your limits. If you get close to it let others taste
not on the list, ask. There might be a bottle around that and you can listen. It beats ending the day in a blur, and if
was opened for a trade tasting or by the winemaker. Most need be calling a taxi is cheaper than the alternative.
tasting rooms are happy to pour a little if you show en- And if at a seated tasting, don’t be afraid to leave a gra-
tuity. It’s more than worth the five or ten dollars to get
6
thusiasm.
If you plan to take wine home with you, either in the wisdom – and wine – and a great time. BY CHARLES NEAVE
Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek wine country is one of the smallest enclosed Amer-
ican Viticultural Areas in the nation, only 16 miles long and TO
MENDOCINO TO
two miles wide. With 9,300 acres of vineyard along this COAST EUREKA
beautiful valley’s floor, Dry Creek is a “must see” for first-time
Cloverdale
and veteran wine lovers. Dry Creek boasts 63 wineries pro-
ducing a diverse range of wines from the famed Zinfandel to
Bordeaux and even Mediterranean varietals. Don’t let its
small size fool you…
RUSS
AS
R CREEK RD
Dry Creek winemakers have been growing grapes and mak-
TI
D.
IAN R
R
ing great wines for more than 135 years!
IVER
SBRAGIA 101
TCHE
FAMILY
DU
THINGS TO DO
Lake Sonoma Hatchery
Lake VINEYARDS Hope Merrill/
CH
Sonoma
IAN
Hope Bosworth
3333 skaggs springs road, Geyserville
TI R
House
D
(707) 433-9483, www.parks.sonoma.net 128
Located in the beautiful coastal foothills of Northern Cali- FERRARI-CARANO
I-CARAN
CARA WA
LL
IN RD
G ON
fornia, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by vineyards and
CANY
land rich in history. Here, visitors can observe the operation Lake
TO Sonoma DUTCHER CROSSING FORCHINI
of the hatchery and see displays which describe the life COAST Hatchery
GE
cycle of the coho salmon, steelhead and chinook. Open year
BRID
STEWART’S POINT
Dry Creek
round.
KIM
TRUETTT
YOA
Olive Oil
HURST
RUSSI
AIN
G EY
VER
Dry Creek Olive Oil, 4791 Dry Creek road, Healdsburg SOU
SERV
DRY C
NRA
(707) 431-7200, www.DryCreekOliveCompany.com
IVER
ILLE AVE.
REE
W. D
Rooted in traditions as rich as the Dry Creek Soil, Dry
KR
R YC
Creek Olive Oil Company is your destination for artisan,
D.
Dry Creek
RE
D
E General TON L. R
EK
ER VA
very fine, extra-virgin olive oils. SPRINGS
G
R
RID T XAND
Store
D.
BERT B ALE
LY
Driving Time: 16 minutes AM
L
From sbragia Family

to Ferrari-Carano 1 mile DRY CREEK
PICNIC FARE VINEYARD
to Dutcher Crossing 2 miles
Oakville Grocery, 124 matheson street, Healdsburg to Truett Hurst 2.5 miles
(707) 433-3200, www.OakvilleGrocery.com to Forchini >0.5 mile
to Dry Creek 2 miles
“Little Country Store” with overflowing shelves and a Total 8 miles
deli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items,
the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST.
Dry Creek General Store, (707) 433-4171 Not to scale

3495 Dry Creek road, Healdsburg
So much more than just a corner store, established in 1881,
this is also a full-service deli and beer garden with live
music occassionally, spectacular views and a wealth of in-
formation on wine tasting, tours and even fishing!
LODGING
Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson street, Healdsburg
(707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com
A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast,
the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with
timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospital-
ity in this relaxing, romantic environment.
Hope Merrill & Hope Bosworth B&B

21253 Geyserville avenue, Geyserville
(707) 857-3356, www.hope-inns.com
7
Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly
restored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with
m www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley

Dave Stare, Don & Kim Wallace
Dry Creek Vineyard

When you drive through beautiful Dry Creek Valley in standing Fumé Blanc and Chenin Blanc (the only wine whose
northern Sonoma County, you will see that the entire valley grapes come from outside Sonoma County), Dry Creek now
floor is covered with vineyards. It’s quite obvious what the makes many other varieties, including excellent Chardonnay,
economy here is all about! But if you were passing through in Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel as well as a few
1972, you’d have found a few prune orchards and not much single-vineyard-designated wines. Many of these wines are
else in the way of agriculture. One man changed all that – available only at the tasting room, so treat yourself to a visit
well, at least he started the wave of to the pioneer winery of Dry
change in the valley to wine-grape Dry Creek Vineyard Creek Valley.
growing. Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily The path to the winery’s tast-
Dave Stare, founder of Dry 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg ing room meanders through
Creek Vineyard, can be character- (707) 433-1000 • www.drycreekvineyard.com shady lawns dotted with picnic
ized as a man of tenacity and tables. After 35 years, the winery’s
vision, unafraid to experiment to Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, stone walls are covered with soft
create a new future. A lover of Chardonnay, Petite Zin Rosé, Zinfandel, moss and clinging vines, stately
Loire Valley French wines, Dave’s Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and serene. Inside the tasting
vision was to make excellent Fumé FUN Mention “Day Trips off the 101” and receive room, you’ll see many photos and
Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) and FACT one complimentary bar tasting. (value: $5) illustrations of sailing boats, and
Chenin Blanc in Loire Valley style sailing boats are the primary
in California. His new winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, was the illustration on the winery’s labels, reflecting a life-long passion
first to be built in the valley since the era of Prohibition. He for sailing shared now by three generations of Stares and Wal-
had no one else’s expertise or experience to draw on, and laces. You might also notice glamorous photos of Kim Wallace
many predicted that he would fail, but failure was not in Dave in the company of blockbuster movie stars, because for the
Stare’s makeup. His young daughter Kim was with him to past 10 years, Dry Creek Vineyard has been the official wine
help turn over the first shovel of dirt for the winery’s foun- poured at the annual red-carpet Screen Actors’ Guild award
dation, and she is still side-by-side with her father as she and ceremonies.
husband Don Wallace have become the second generation of Do-not-miss wines include the highly acclaimed 2008
the family to carry on the tradition of fine wines made from Fumé Blanc and the delicious 2006 Somers Ranch Zinfan-
Sonoma County grapes. del. Chilled wines are available for your after-tasting picnic on
8 Dry Creek Valley

Although the winery’s flagship wines are still the out- the lawn. BY NAN REILEY
Vineyards
Ferrari-Carano & Winery
Now you have two choices when tasting Ferrari-Carano Hospitality Department at (707) 433-6700.
wines – visit Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Dry Private wine tastings in the PreVail Room are also avail-
Creek Valley, or taste the wines in Healdsburg at Ferrari- able by appointment. Each tasting is designed to highlight
Carano’s new Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique! the many nuances of wine in a fun and informative style,
Visit the beautiful home of Ferrari-Carano wines, the spec- and include The Matchmaker wine and food pairing,
tacular Italianate hospitality wine center, Villa Fiore, set in Chardonnay Lovers, The King of Reds, The PreVail Tasting
the midst of the 70-acre Dry Creek and Scentiments, to name a few.
Valley estate vineyard. Here you Private tastings are $20 to $35.
may taste the critically-acclaimed
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery To schedule a private tasting,
Classic Wines at the Tasting Bar in Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily call (707) 433-6700 or email
the Villa Fiore Wine Shop, or head 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, (707) 433-6700 privatetasting@ferrari-carano.com.
downstairs to sample Limited Re- Ferrari-Carano’s Seasons of
lease and Reserve Wines in the Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Bou-
Enoteca located in the under- Tuesday-sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed mondays tique, located on the Healdsburg
ground cellar. Stroll five acres of 113 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, (707) 431-2222 Plaza, offers visitors hand-picked
beautiful gardens at your leisure, www.ferrari-carano.com wine flights from the Ferrari-
and be sure to browse the Wine Carano and Lazy Creek Vineyards
Shop where you’ll find wine coun- FUN Plan extra time for this stop … there’s too portfolio of wines. Here, cus-
try’s most distinctive gift selections, FACT much to see, taste and explore to be rushed! tomers may enjoy the easy,
gourmet gift and wine packs, and relaxed atmosphere of tasting
of course, the entire portfolio of Ferrari-Carano wines. wines as well as shopping for unique home décor gifts from
If you’d like an in-depth look at Ferrari-Carano, reserve California’s wine country. Featuring exclusive collections in-
your spot for the free winery tour. You will stroll through cluding Sandra Jordan Soft Peruvian Prima Alpaca™ and
renowned gardens, see vineyards up close, perhaps catch one whimsical ceramics by Carlo Marchiori, as well as classic Ital-
of the winemaking team or cellar crew hard at work, view ian ceramics from Vietri, Fortunata and Modigliani,
Don and Rhonda Carano’s personal wine cellar, and visit the decorative table runners and pillows, and other home ac-
Enoteca Lounge and Villa Fiore tasting rooms. After the tour, cessories, visitors will certainly find something to remind
you are invited to taste Ferrari-Carano wines at the Tasting them of their time spent in wine country. If you’re looking
Bar or in the Enoteca Lounge. Winery tours are by appoint- for a venue for a private group tasting, the beautiful Back
ment, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. To schedule your Room is perfect for up to 30 people. Your tasting may be
9
tour, email tourinformation@ferrari-carano.com, or call the customized to include chocolates, cheeses or small bites.
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley

Ed and Adam Sbragia
Sbragia Family Vineyards

If you are planning a visit to Sonoma County and (or by the bottle), pick out some snacks from the deli
Healdsburg in particular, do not miss a visit to Sbragia case and relax at one of the many outside picnic tables.
Family Vineyards! It’s less than 10 miles out on Dry There is a $5 tasting fee to taste four wines and a
Creek Road from downtown Healdsburg. This is a very $10 tasting fee to taste four of the reserve Cabernet
special place; well worth the Sauvignons. Tasting fees are re-
trip! fundable with your purchase.
The wines are wonderful! In
Sbragia Family Vineyards Private tours and tastings
Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
fact, Owner/Founder Ed Sbra- are available by appointment.
gia is the only winemaker in the 9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville Sbragia Family Vineyards
world to have won awards for (707) 473-2992 has a lovely private tasting
crafting both the best red wine www.sbragia.com room, “The Ark,” which is
and the best white wine! Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, named after their historic fam-
The cellar is downstairs, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon ily bar/restaurant on the
with large windows providing FUN Mention this story for complimentary tasting. Russian River in Healdsburg,
a view into the inner workings FACT Tell ‘em the Wine Wench sent you! where visitors can enjoy wine
of the winery. The tasting room and food pairings, vertical
is upstairs, with a large covered patio that wraps flights and other memorable experiences.
around the back, providing a breathtaking view of the If you or someone you know is planning a wedding
Dry Creek Valley’s vineyards and redwood studded or special event, this is a great place to consider – they
hills. can accommodate 150 seated guests or 350 standing
The tasting room is bright with windows looking out (cocktail style). There is a full commercial kitchen that
onto the valley. There is a vast assortment of tastefully is a caterer’s dream, not to mention the fabulous views
displayed wine-related merchandise. Freshly cut flow- and world-class wines which will make it an event no
ers from the family’s garden are artfully arranged around one will forget!
the tasting room. As well as growing beautiful flowers The saying here at Sbragia is, “The only thing better
they also have a wonderful produce garden, too! than the view is the wine!” Come see for yourself!
10 Dry Creek Valley

Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine by the glass BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH
Debra Mathy
and Dutchess
Dutcher Crossing Winery

Dutcher Crossing Winery has everything a wine-loving ings, glossy wood floors and tasteful décor. A vintage high-
visitor could hope for – delicious, reasonably priced wines, wheel bicycle (the original antique was given to Debra by
a beautiful tasting room staffed with friendly and knowl- her late father) sits against a wall, beckoning to be ridden
edgeable employees, a gorgeous picnic area with stunning (well, I was tempted to try to ride it, but I restrained
views of Dry Creek Valley and a myself). A good selection of
winery dog eager to welcome non-wine items are available for
you.
Dutcher Crossing Winery browsing as you sip and stroll
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Let’s start outside – you pull around the room.
into the parking lot and notice 8533 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg During the week, there is a
the beautiful landscaping sur- (707) 431-2700 • www.dutchercrossingwinery.com $5 tasting fee (waived for wine
rounding the brown, barn-like Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, club members) to sample a va-
building that is the winery and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc riety of six wines, and on
tasting room. A flagstone path weekends a $10 reserve tasting
leads you through a riot of color-
FUN Indulgent dark chocolates are offered with the
FACT Cab-Syrah Port and it's a truly divine duo: Yum! is available as well. Winemaker
ful flowers to a breezeway that Kerry Damskey does a wonder-
separates the winery from the ful job with these wines!
tasting room. I really enjoyed all the wines I tasted, but the following
Glass doors provide a view into the barrel room and two wines were my favorites:
winery. Most likely, you’ll be greeted by Dutchess, the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, $22: Wow! This is one aro-
sweet, tail-wagging yellow Lab owned by Dutcher Crossing matic, tasty white wine! Aromas of peach, pear, apple,
Winery’s Proprietor, Debra Mathy. melon and white flowers continue as flavors in the crisp,
The picnic area is lovely and its views of the Dry Creek clean mouth and linger through the finish.
Valley are breathtaking. There are six picnic tables under a 2007 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $29:
wisteria-covered arbor. The colorful, fragrant landscaping This is a $60 Cabernet Sauvignon in a $29 dress! It’s a clas-
and manicured lawns will make you want kick off your sic! Aromas and flavors of black cherry, mocha, vanilla,
shoes and stay a while. cedar and spice abound, all wrapped up in a plush mouth-
11
The tasting room is large, bright and airy, with high ceil- feel. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH

Forchini Vineyards & Winery
Just north of Healdsburg, a few miles out Dry Creek Forchini Vineyards has been growing premium variety
Road is a very special place, where you’ll feel like part of wine grapes since 1971. There are two properties – the
the family. Turn at the Bacchus sign, drive up the narrow, Dry Creek Bench (where the winery and tasting room are
winding, rosemary-edged driveway and you’ve arrived at located) is comprised of 67 acres and is planted to Caber-
Forchini Vineyards & Winery. You’ll be greeted by at least net Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Petit Verdot
two happy, tail-wagging dogs, which will escort you to the and Zinfandel with 13 acres of 100-year-old Zinfandel re-
tasting room. maining. The Russian River
Forchini Vineyards & Winery Forchini Vineyards & Winery Terrace is comprised of 24 acres
is a family-run winery that pro- Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment and is planted to Chardonnay,
duces only estate grown and Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and
bottled wines. Owned by Jim 5141 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg Zinfandel with four acres of 90-
and Anita Forchini, Jim is the (707) 431-8886 • www.forchini.com year-old Zinfandel remaining.
winemaker, Andrew Forchini is The winery was built in 1996
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,
the vineyard manager, Michael and produces 3000 cases per
Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel
and Carla Forchini lend a hand year.
with marketing, special events and FUN Bring a lunch to compliment your tasting and Let’s talk about the wines – I
in the tasting room. You can’t get FACT be surrounded by the beautiful vineyards, rose tasted two wines during my
more family-operated than that! gardens, Italian fountains and exceptional views. visit and they were both excel-
The building, surrounding lent! The 2007 Pinot Noir,
picnic area and vineyards look as if they are right out of an Proprietor’s Reserve is a classic, with aromas and flavors
Italian landscape – stucco walls, tile roofs, splashing foun- of black cherry, strawberry, baking spices and vanilla, all
tains, flower gardens and vineyard-striped hills delight the wrapped up in a silky-smooth mouthfeel. The 2006 Old
senses. Just wait until you taste the wines – then your Vine Zinfandel, Proprietor’s Reserve is also wonderful,
senses will be delighted even further! with abundant blackberry, raspberry, bramble and pep-
Once inside the main building, you feel as if you are in pery spice aromas and flavors. It is big and bold in the
someone’s comfortable home. There is a large dining room, mouth and almost too easy to drink!
with a table ready to serve eight, a fully appointed kitchen, You really should visit this beautiful, comfortable,
an office and the tasting room which is decorated in warm delicious winery! The tasting room is open 11 a.m. 4 p.m.
tones with faux-painted walls, wood flooring and a gran- Friday – Sunday and by appointment. For more infor-
12 Dry Creek Valley

ite-topped oak bar. Behind the bar, a portrait of Bacchus, mation, call (707) 431-8886 or visit their website at
the god of wine, is the central focus of the tasting room. www.forchini.com. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH
Truett Hurst Winery
Nestled in the heart of Dry Creek Valley is a very special of the wine come into a perfect state of balance. Their style
estate called Truett Hurst. As you drive in, the permanent … big, bold, textured wines with lots of jammy fruit and
sheep and goat pasture, complete with an under the road tun- spice.
nel, are the first indication that this is not your average winery. You can savor these wines in one of the most comfortable
The vineyards, flanked by little habitat islands for birds and and relaxing wineries in the valley. You have a choice of
beneficial insects, contain lots of Adirondack chairs down by the
occupied bluebird and owl boxes. creek where you may be lucky
Maintaining biodiversity and habi- Truett Hurst Winery enough to see Steelhead or Coho
tat are part of the philosophy Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily salmon. If you prefer, you can
underlying Biodynamic® farming, 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg hang out on the patio and listen
which they adhere to. The orchard, (707) 433-9545 • www.truetthurst.com to music while viewing the sub-
featuring beautiful 60-year-old lime scenery of Dry Creek. You
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and a few other treats.
olive trees, the four-acre chef’s may want to enjoy a picnic or a
garden and pristine creekside land FUN A 60-year-old olive grove, 4-acre chef’s garden slow lunch in the olive grove. If
all contribute to both the aesthetic FACT and a beautifu Dry Creek (which is never dry) this is not enough, you can be
and biodiversity of the estate. are all part of the estate. served by the friendly wine pour-
Their commitment to responsi- ers who will make you feel right
ble stewardship of this property is matched by the passion at home in their inviting tasting room. Most Saturdays they
with which they handcraft award-winning Zinfandel and have live music from some of the finest local musicians who
Petite Sirah wines. deliver everything from a jazzy-swing vibe, to a third-world
The wines are made by fermenting grapes in small, open grove to Americana to some of your favorite classic tunes from
top stainless steel fermentors. The grapes are punched down the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. There may even be something from
during fermentation, rather than pumped, to minimize shear- the grill to munch on while you take in the whole experience.
ing of the skins and seeds. This allows for gentle extraction of The tasting room is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
color and flavor components, while avoiding extraction of Tell them in the tasting room that Luci the black goat sent
bitter tannins. The wines are then barrel aged in approxi- you and you can taste the special Zinfandel that’s named
13
mately 30% new French oak, until the flavors and structure after her.

Downtown Healdsburg
Healdsburg is charming. Every brick, every flower box, every elegant shop and eclectic gallery, every five-star restaurant and cozy cafe on
every single corner speak to this town's genuine individuality and down-to-earth-treasures. Downtown Healdsburg may be surrounded by
bucolic rolling hills and picturesque vineyards, but around this age-old square, its hard to imagine being anywhere else more delightful.
No matter what time of year, Healdsburg is a town for every season.
LINCOLN
CENTER ST
JOHNSON
FITCH ST
GROVE ST
PRINCE
Seghesio
GRANT ST
HEALDSBURG AVE.
GRAPE LEAF INN
Sonoma County
Wine Library
PIPER ST
101
Raven Theater NORTH ST
Zin Restaurant
Cyrus
PROHIBITION
PR
R
PLAZA ST
Ferrari-Carano’s
Erickson
soon SEASONS OF POWELL’S SWEET SHOPPE
Fine Art Ga
Gallery
allerr THE VINEYARD
ST
PLAZA
KENDALL JACKSON
Bear Republic Brewing Co. Historic Homes
Walking Tours
SON
MATHE
Hand Fan Museum
Dry Creek
Kitchen
Plazaa TOPEL
SON
MATHE
Options Gallery
Hotel Healdsburg
OAKVILLE GROCERY
FITCH
Healdsburg Inn
on the Plaza
ST
CENT
STEPHEN
& WALKER
R E
MILL
Shoffeitt’s
Not to scale
EAST
off the Square
14
ST
Downtown Healdsburg www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

THINGS TO DO
Erickson Gallery
324 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg
(707) 431-7073 www.ericksonfineartgallery.com
Local and international artists are featured in the gallery.
Works for sale include contemporary paintings, sculpture and
works on paper.
Sonoma County Wine Library
139 Piper street, Healdsburg
(707) 433-3772, www.sonomalibrary.org/wine/
A free visit with a wealth of information!
The library has more than 5,000 books dealing with all aspects
of making wine, some of them date even back to 1512!
Knowledgeable librarians are on hand to help guide you.
Segway Tours, (707) 953-3477 FOOD
Raven Theater
www.segwayofhealdsburg.com Bear Republic Brewing Co.
115 North street, Healdsburg
(707) 433-6335, www.raventheater.org Take a fun tour of Healdsburg on a rented 345 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg
Where would we be without performing arts? Segway – helmets included, $69 per person. (707) 433-2337, www.bearrepublic.com
A big, dark nowhere, that's where. It’s thanks to cultural Getaway Adventures Sonoma County's premier brewpub, brewery,
theaters like the Raven, that publics can experience santa rosa, (707) 568-3040 and restaurant! Real beer, microbrewed and
entertainment that is beyond a moment's blip of distraction. www.getawayadventures.com real cold! Perfect after a day of tasting wine.
Enjoy wonderful performances and expand your world. Healdsburg Sip 'n Cycle: Visit the sites and Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen
Healdsburg Museum & Historic Homes Walking Tour learn local wine facts throughout downtown Hotel Healdsburg, 317 Healdsburg avenue
221 matheson street, Healdsburg Healdsburg and into the vineyards on this in- (707) 431-0330, www.charliepalmer.com
(707) 431-3325, www.healdsburgmuseum.org novative, healthy tour! Tours include a picnic Celebrating Sonoma's pioneering wines and spirits,
Don’t miss “From Cabins to Craftsmans: 100 Years of Healds- and bocce. celebrated Chef Charlie Palmer takes the best of our
burg’s Architecture” – on now through June 13, 2010. Sign up farm-fresh produce and culinary cradle and infuses
for a guided tour of the town's unique, architecture and history! Options it with his passion and trademark style.
126 matheson street, Healdsburg
Hand Fan Museum Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar, 344 Center street
(707) 431-8861, www.optionsgallery.com
327a Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg reservations recommended, (707) 473-0946
(707) 431-2500, www.handfanmuseum.com Beautiful unique, creations of art for you to
Dinner served daily, lunch monday-Fridays
Explore geography, art and history in this unusual wear, use or admire in your home.
Zin features delicious seasonal cuisine with
museum of actual hand fans from around the world. produce grown especially for them. Wine indus-
Shoffeitt’s off the Square LODGING try locals often gather here for a little
208 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg nourishment and “shop talk.”
Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza
(707) 433-5556 www.shoffeittsoffthesquare.com Cyrus Restaurant
This is a shopping mecca of antiques, 112 matheson street, Healdsburg
29 North street, Healdsburg
collectibles, local arts and gifts, as well as fine & custom jew- (707) 433-6991, www.healsburginn.com
(707) 433-3311, www.cyrusrestaurant.com
elry. “Don’t judge a book Built in 1901, this classic California inn is located
Consistently reviewed as one of THE best restau-
by its cover” ... the building goes on forever! right on the Healdsburg Plaza. From summer con-
rants in all of wine country by Wine Spectator,
certs to holiday tree lightings, the town's best events
Gourmet, Food & Wine, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast,
take place right here. Guests are also surrounded by
and Wall Street Journal. Splurge on the Tasting
shops, galleries, tasting rooms and restaurants. Menu or the Vegetarian Tasting Menu.
Hotel Healdsburg Oakville Grocery
25 matheson street, Healdsburg 124 matheson street, Healdsburg
1-800-889-7188, www.hotelhealdsburg.com (707) 433-3200, www.OakvilleGrocery.com
Chic, beautifully appointed Hotel Healdsburg is lo- “Little Country Store” with overflowing shelves
cated on the historic square and is one of the premier and a deli chock full of handmade, gourmet pic-
Wine Country luxury lodgings in all Sonoma nic items, the Oakville Grocery is an absolute
15
County. MUST.
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Downtown Healdsburg

Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg
The wines of Kendall-Jackson are known to virtually “Sure we’re Kendall-Jackson, and you can find our
every wine lover anywhere in this country and far beyond. great Vintner’s Reserve that you know from home,” Will
And the historic Sonoma County town of Healdsburg is noted. “But what thrills me is meeting people who come
rapidly becoming a destination in itself, with a constantly here and discover a whole new world of hand-crafted,
growing collection of shops, boutiques, some first-class limited-production wines.”
hotels and restaurants, bars and grills, bed and breakfasts Visitors can approach wine tasting in two ways: a
and small inns, bistros, galleries selection of four wines, or a
and more. tasting focusing on Stature and
Very near the northwest corner Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room Highland Estates. Employees
of the Healdsburg Plaza, the rich Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily are happy to serve the needs of
and varied world of Kendall- 337 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg every guest, whether a wine
Jackson wines seems to shrink (707) 433-7102 • www.kj.com aficionado or a complete new-
down to an intimate, unhurried comer.
scale that wraps every visitor in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Grand Reserve is their super-
a unique welcome. You are not Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, lative blend of terroir from key
intimidated in the least, simply Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, the harmony of ap-
encouraged to enjoy the wines, the pellation and winemaking skill.
tasting room, the surroundings. FUN Taste small-production, vineyard-designated Then there are the bottlings from
Guests from all over the world,
FACT wines available only in the tasting room. Highland Estates which are
greeted by the veteran Kendall- the wines that best showcase
Jackson tasting room staff, soon find themselves discovering Kendall-Jackson’s estate properties on mountains and ridges
an unexpected dimension of this renowned winery. The in California’s cool coastal regions.
design of the tasting room invokes browsing among wines Stature, the highest level of Kendall-Jackson winemak-
and gifts chosen personally by the manager – ceramics, ing, is produced in very small lots from the finest estate
books, glassware, olive oil and more. vineyards.
Many, if not most, visitors to the tasting room admit that With its unmatched blend of a welcoming staff, hand-
they have never seen this side of Kendall-Jackson, or K-J as crafted wines, and its exceptional and easily accessible
it is called. Will Alexander, the Tasting Room Manager, loves location makes the Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting
what he calls that “Eureka” look on the faces of guests just Room one of the must-see attractions in this part of the
getting acquainted with the more exclusive Kendall-Jackson beautiful Sonoma Wine Country.
16
wines they will find there. BY CHARLES NEAVE

Photos by Barbara Bourne
Prohibition–ThespeakeasyWineClub
Of all the wine bars in all the towns in all the world, I can’t be beat – it sits right in the middle of downtown
had to walk into his. Richard Rosenberg looked up at me Healdsburg, on the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and North
from behind the black, semi-circular bar as I settled myself Street. You enter through the wine shop in the front (which
on one of the padded black leather bar stools. looks like it’s right out of the 1920s) – barn siding and cor-
Richard asked me, “What’s on your mind beside your rugated tin are the backdrop to tasteful wine-related items
hat, doll-face?” I told him, “I haven’t lived a good life – I’ve and some carefully chosen wine selections. There’s a phone
drank bad wines, worse than you booth in the corner of the shop
can imagine.” He replied, “Well, that opens into the back, then
sweetheart, you’ve come the right Prohibition – ring-a-ding-ding! you find your-
joint – here at Prohibition, you’ll The Speakeasy Wine Club self in an authentic looking,
never have to drink another bad 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily 1920s era speakeasy. This place
wine.” has such an authentic 1920s-
340 Healdsburg Avenue
I cased the speakeasy, taking 1930s feel that you almost
at North Street in Healdsburg
in the brick walls, polished wood expect to see a group of flappers
and tables scattered around the (707) 473-WINE (9463) and their guys doing the
spacious interior. A large flat www.speakeasywineclub.com Charleston in the corner.
screen TV showed Jimmy Cagney A generous selection of hard-
FUN You’ll need to sneak in The Speakeasy
getting tough with some G-man FACT through the phone booth! to-find wines and Prohibition
as twenties music filled the air. style beers are available by the
The gat sitting front and center on the back bar didn’t scare glass, by the bottle and by the case. Wine cocktails are also
me – I took it as a warning… available. If you are a wine-loving dame like me, or a Joe
“My Grandfather owned and operated a real speakeasy who likes his wines and beers, this is the joint for you.
during Prohibition and I was always intrigued by his sto- There is also a Prohibition Wine Club in the works, where
ries of the fake facades, bootleggers and revelry of the time,” lucky Joes and dames can get a choice selection of wines
said co-owner Richard Rosenberg when I asked him about shipped conveniently to their offices or homes.
how this came about. “We wanted to recreate the incognito Take a trip back in time and check out Prohibition in
speakeasies of the 1920s and the camaraderie people felt downtown Healdsburg. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
during the Prohibition era, yet incorporate an authentic Knock on the phone booth and tell ’em “The Wine Wench
wine country atmosphere.” Designed by Kae Rosenberg, sent me.”
Richard’s wife and Prohibition co-owner, this snazzy I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship…
17
speakeasy is sure to be a Healdsburg hot spot. The location BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH

Topel Tasting Room
Known as the hidden jewel of Mendocino’s Duncan Sauvignon from Howell Mountain in Napa, two Pinot Noirs;
Peak, Topel Winery is a far cry from the well-trodden two Chardonnays, a Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine blend
highways and byways of California’s most visited wine called Birdsong, Mark’s Blend, a Meritage, a Gamay, a Zin-
country. fandel and a lovely Orange Muscato.
A haven of spiritual sustenance for owners Mark and Compact and cozy, the Topel Tasting Room was art-
Donnis Topel, the former sheep ranch and craggy 14-acre fully designed with comfort and style as commanding
mountain “Hidden Vineyard” elements in the details of its
that produces many of the win- copper countertops, sleek black
ery’s most sought-after wines is a Topel Tasting Room fixtures and cherry wood library
world away from the chic down- Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily seating area with digital
town address of Topel’s trendy 125 Matheson Street, Healdsburg slideshow of the compelling
and attainable Healdsburg tast- vineyard cycle.
(707) 433-4116 • www.topelwines.com
ing room. A snug and attractive estate
www.facebook.com/topelwinery
Just off the Plaza and across room tasting area off the main
the street from the Oakville Gro- Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Meritage, room is a regular hot spot for
cery, Topel Tasting Room opened Super Tuscan Blend, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, blending parties with the Topels
to wine aficionados in September Chardonnay, White Wine Blend and Orange Muscato frequently hosting special
2008, offering winter discounts events. Estate room tastings are
Sunday through Thursday, and FUN Topel publishes a calendar every year – Topel Wine Tails available for private groups of
tastings of the winery’s Biody- FACT – a benefit for the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. four to 12 people by appoint-
namic handcrafted wines for a
® ment only, and a fee of $20 per
minimal fee of $5 for a choice of four wines, $8 for a person is refundable with a minimum purchase of a (six
choice of six and $11 for all nine wines – $5 is refundable bottle) half case per person. Private tasting includes all
with purchase. Topel Flight wines, plus at least two library wines and a se-
Topel wines are gently crafted to reveal a unique evo- lection of cheeses, breads and light appetizers.
lution of each varietal, as minimalist techniques have As owner/winemakers, Mark and Donnis Topel infuse
transformed the grapes into world-class, soulful wines that a wealth of aesthetic senses and experiences into their
reflect the steep, rocky soil and foggy climate of their ori- wines. Leading a dual life, Mark Topel is a prominent
gin. criminal defense attorney handling some of this country’s
Topel Cabernet Sauvignon, Hidden Vineyard is the most complex criminal and civil litigation.
18
flagship wine poured alongside a limited-edition Cabernet BY FRANCES RIVETTI

Stephen & Walker Trust Winery
The tasting room at Stephen & Walker Trust Winery is Mendocino and Monterey counties,” said talented veteran
home to Nancy Walker’s celebrated, limited production winemaker Nancy Walker, a graduate of the winemaking
wines. Some of the most awarded and praised wines in program at the University of California at Davis, and who,
Sonoma, her family’s tasting room is just a couple of hun- with her husband and partner, Tony Stephen, combined
dred feet from Healdsburg’s historic plaza. It’s also midway their names for this adventure.
between two first-class hotels, surrounded by restaurants “We craft our wines to showcase the grapes and their
and, being open daily, offers both vineyard provenance that, we
the locals and visitors an oppor- trust, also allows for the subtle
Stephen & Walker Trust Winery
tunity to get up close and nuances of the appellation to
personal with these lovely wines. shine through. And, with most
Situated on Healdsburg Av- 243 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg less than 650 cases, we can re-
enue, the tasting room offers a (707) 431-8749 • www.trustwine.com ally control the wines for the
wonderful flight of wines, from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, most optimum result.”
Dry Creek Zinfandel, Petite Sirah Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Port “This philosophy allows us
and Sauvignon Blanc to Howell to create wines that are truly an
Mountain Cabernet and more. FUN Six Double Golds, 12 Golds, two Best of Class, expression of our style. Every
Nancy’s elegant, signature style FACT and two, 90+ wines – and that’s just this year! bottle of wine we produce has
abounds in her 90+ point wines, our commitment and unique
and her new Muscat Canelli is just delicious, as is the finale perspective, and that is to bring you the true flavors real-
of “Portentous,” their late harvest Port, which is a won- ized from the terroir. Based on our experience, we believe
derful surprise! Also, expect to sample a small bite with each wine is a specific, individual expression of the fruit
your flight – a nice touch as well. from our vineyards and the craft of the winemaker.”
Their charming tasting room, with its big street-facing No doubt about it, these are rare wines you will seldom
window, long bar, polished floors and high ceiling is a great find elsewhere. Which means they are perfect to enjoy on
complement to the good crystal and fine people behind your visit to Healdsburg, and to take home and share this
the bar pouring. discovery with family and friends. Which, after all, is what
“We are a small, artisanal family-owned winery located savoring wine is all about.
in the heart of the California wine country in Healdsburg. Oh yes, they also stay open until 7 p.m., which means
We started our own label in 2004 and are proud and pas- you can drop by for a guided tasting and then head to din-
sionate to bring you wines made from the remarkable ner, most likely with a bottle in hand!
19
vineyards we tend with our growers in Sonoma, Napa, BY CHARLES NEAVE

Westside Road
Westside road is, quite literally, one of the most recom-
mended routes to take for wine tasting in this russian river
valley ava. Westside road is slow and winding, filled with
redwood trees, heritage oaks with moss beards and famous
vineyards. should you wish to slow down and experience
wine country up-close-and-personal, Westside road is your
road.
THINGS TO DO
Shoffeitt’s off the Square
208 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg
(707) 433-5556 • www.shoffeittsoffthesqure.com
This is a shopping mecca of antiques, collectibles, local arts
and gifts, as well as fine & custom jewelry. “Don’t judge a
book by it’s cover” ... the building goes on forever!
R
Dragonfly, 425 Westside road, Healdsburg
SU
IS
Driving Time: 9 minutes
A
(707) 433-3739, www.dragonflyfloral.com
N
IR
From mill Creek
By appointment only, this is a unique botany and flower-
V
.W
E
R
to De la montanya 1.5 miles
D
YR
lover's destination. They can custom pick and arrange Shoffeitt’s Off the Square
to armida .75 miles
C
to Twomey >1 mile

R
flowers.
E
K
>1.5128
E
RD to John Tyler mile

.
Dragonfly Total 4.75 miles
Madrona
Manor
Wohler Bridge, 9765 Wohler road, Forestville
A true Sonoma County landmark, Wohler Bridge is one of the MILL CREEK
DE LA
few old-old-OLD bridges left in California. This steel truss MONTANYA
bridge crosses the Russian River at quite a beautiful spot, too.
ARMIDA
TWOMEY
.DR LLIH KLAH

LODGING 101
JOHN TYLER
Madrona Manor, 1001 Westside road, Healdsburg by Bacigalupi Vineyards
EW
1-800-258-4003, www.madronamanor.com
DL
TS
C
R
DI S
A world-class destination for guests seeking gracious service

DE
W
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and luxurious accommodations in the heart of wine country.

Not to scale
DO
H
W
Oh yes... "Rated #1 in Napa & Sonoma"

.Y
by Travel & Leisure... Need we say more?

RD
WINDSOR RIVER
Farmhouse Inn, 7871 river road, Forestville SH

ILO
RD
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Armstrong
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(707) 887-3300, www. Farmhouseinn.com

D
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Woods
Representing the finest level of Sonoma inns, restaurants
D
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and Spas, sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food, and seasonal

D
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BLV
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Sonoma County RT
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body treatments come together for one unforgettable experi- Wohler A

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T
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Airport
Bridge
DR
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ence.
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W
B
SD
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LA
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Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, 7871 river road, Forestville ER
RD
.
Farmhouse PIN
ANUGAL
(707) 887-3300, www.farmhouseinn.com

.DR
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Inn
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Tucked into one of the smallest, lovely towns in wine country,

TO E
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IV
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BODEGA R
the Farmhouse Inn BAY

boasts an exquisite restaurant. Each plate
M
by Chef Litke tells the story of Sonoma's diverse agriculture
20 Westside Road
and artisan producers.
Armida Winery
“Wines to remember in a place you’ll never forget…” ies. A full-sized wooden Indian gazes solemnly at visitors as
That’s how the folks at Armida Winery describe what they’re they sip, swirl and shop. Against the back wall, a glass-fronted
all about. I must agree – I’ve been a fan for years. Armida refrigerator is well stocked with cheeses, hummus and other
Winery is definitely an unforgettable place! picnic fare. This is a really great place to have a picnic!
Located not far from Healdsburg on Westside Road, Armida Winery is a popular stop along the wine road, be-
Armida Winery sits atop a vineyard-striped knoll. Wind your cause the tasting room is unique, the views are stunning,
way up the driveway and you are these folks really know how to
in for a real treat! To start with, the Armida Winery show visitors a good time and the
views from the oak-shaded wines ROCK! Let’s talk about the
deck/picnic area and bocce court wines – I just had to taste the
are unforgettable – the Russian 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg 2008 PoiZin “The wine to die
River Valley unfolds before your (707) 433-2222 for.” It is a classic Zinfandel,
eyes in a glorious patchwork of www.armidawinery.com loaded with aromas and flavors of
vineyards, trees and hills. The win- Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Barbera, ripe blackberry, plum, caramel
ery itself is a geodesic dome, the Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and PoiZin and peppery spice, with a big,
practical reason, according to rich mouthfeel and long, juicy
Buckminster Fuller, would be that FUN Take advantage of the bocce courts overlooking finish. The bottle is really cool,
“The sphere uses the ‘doing more FACT rosebeds, ponds, vineyards and the valley below. too – it’s black, with a red skull-
with less’ principle in that it en- Bring a picnic and enjoy it with Armida wines. and-crossbones label. I also tasted
closes the largest volume of their 2006 Durrell Vineyard Pinot
interior space with the least amount of surface area, thus sav- Noir, which was another delicious, varietally correct wine.
ing on materials and cost.” The Armida reason is “’cause it The nose drew me in, with hints of rose, violet, cherry and
looks cool.” baking spices. These aromas continued as flavors in the oh-
The tasting room is light, bright and airy feeling, with an so-silky mouth and on through the finish. Yum!
octagonal shaped wooden bar that is staffed by friendly and Be sure to visit this unforgettable place and tell them The
knowledgeable servers. PoiZin (Armida’s signature Zinfandel) Wine Wench sent you!
is everywhere in the artfully merchandised tasting room – Armida Winery is located on Westside Road, just outside
casket-shaped cases and numerous displays offer a wide array of Healdsburg. Check them out on Facebook or Twitter.
21
of PoiZin T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other non-wine good- BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Westside Road

by Bacigalupi
John Tyler Wines Vineyard
Just over the border of the Dry Creek Appellation into the galupi fruit triumphed over many renowned French wines
heartlands of the Russian River Valley a gem of a brand-new, as undisputed winner,” said Katey Bacigalupi. Katey and her
custom built, family-run tasting room has been over 50 years twin sister Nicole were raised within the wine industry and
in the making. together with their mother, Pam Bacigalupi, have been the
Take an excursion along the spectacular twists and turns gentle, guiding force behind the creation of a cozy tasting
of Westside Road and you will be amongst the first wine afi- room, complete with custom, handcrafted wooden bar, fire-
cionados to set foot through the place and patio seating.
wide, double doors of a celebra- After graduating studies in
tion in the making. John Tyler Wines enology, viticulture and ag busi-
For the Bacigalupi family, by Bacigalupi Vineyard ness at both Fresno State
farming these rolling, cool climate Open currently by appointment only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. University and Cal Poly San Luis
estate vineyards for the past five 4353 Westside Road, Healdsburg Obispo, winemaker, Tyler Heck
decades has been second nature. (707) 473-0123 • johntylerwines.com traveled the globe to acquire an
Alongside a wealth of shared his- extensive knowledge of diverse
tory with the closely related Heck Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah wine industry practices and tech-
Family, a new and distinctive pre- niques.
FUN Another John Tyler Jr. was the 10th President
mium, small-lot wine label has FACT of the United States and the first president Moderate temperatures through
been created as a realization of a to be born after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. harvest in the Russian River ap-
long held dream. pellation, bordering Dry Creek
Mention this story for a complimentary library wine tasting.
John Tyler Wines is a three- allow for the development of
generational collaboration of two world-class winemaking deep, rich flavors and color in a typically lush, likeable Zin,
families that is named after John Bacigalupi, who was raised brimming with wild berry, leather, tobacco and pepper spice
on the same ranch that he farms today and fourth-generation flavors and firm, dry tannins. Soils with a rocky, volcanic,
winemaker, nephew Tyler Heck. A charming wine country sandy loam produce bright fruit for Pinot Noir balanced by
farm cottage-style tasting room now welcomes visitors to the minerality and intriguing earth tones.
ranch to experience a sampling of the two family’s out- “We plan to offer vineyard tours and wine club special
standing estate and vineyard designate Pinot Noir, Zinfandel events,” explained Bacigalupi, but the highlight of a visit to
and Petite Sirah wines. this new kid on the block will undoubtedly be the unlocking
“The Bacigalupi family first gained major recognition dur- of the family secrets in tasting the meeting of minds of deep-
ing the famous 1976 Paris tasting when the 1973 Napa Valley rooted tradition and the winemaker’s boutique mastery.
22
Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena with premium Baci- BY FRANCES RIVETTI
Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Vineyards
Mill Creek & Winery
Stroll up to the rustic tasting room at Mill Creek Vine- ing in the creative winemaking process at custom blending
yards and Winery on a sunny day in Dry Creek Valley, and parties and memorable food and wine affairs. “We get a lot
you’ll be tempted to kick off your shoes and socks and dip of first timers here,” said Collins. “We can be your first or
your toes into the refreshing blue waters of a millpond. final stop along Westside Road, depending upon your di-
Although tempted, you’d be rather satisfied grabbing a rection of approach.”
bottle of the winery’s stunning A walking vineyard tour and
double gold collection of award Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery tasting with barrel samplings
winning wines and then finding takes place every Saturday at
yourself a comfy seat next to the 11 a.m. Reservations are required
working water wheel and pond. 1-877-349-2121 • www.millcreekwinery.com for this activity and should be
Beyond and up into the hills 1401 Westside Road, Healdsburg made by calling the tasting room
above the 36-year-old winery’s red- Just a two to three minute drive from the center of town, from the south before 10 a.m on the Saturday of
wood tasting room, an upper take Hwy 101 to the Central Healdsburg exit. Turn left at 2nd light onto choice. Space is limited.
mill street that becomes Westside road. Travel a little over one mile to
terraced picnic area provides spa- Sonoma County Harvest Fair
mill Creek Winery on your right. From the north take 101 to the Westside
cious seating and superb views, road exit. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Westside road. Travel gold medal and double gold
spanning the Kreck family-owned about 1 mile to mill Creek Winery on your right. medal winning 2006 Cabernet
vineyards for as far as the eye can Sauvignon Kreck Family Vine-
see. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, yards bursts with blackberry jam
In fact, “What you see is what Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and leathery spice, captivating
you taste,” said tasting room man- Merlot and Dessert Wine fans of the valley’s big, bold reds,
ager Kim Collins, who frequently FUN The working wheel and millpond of Mill Creek along with a 2006 Zinfandel Dry
pours according to the tastes and FACT Vineyards and Winery Tasting Room was Creek Valley, another multiple
preferences of her first customers fashioned as a replica from vintage photographs of several medal winner at the Harvest Fair
of the day. “We don’t believe in long lost mills along the Mill Creek Road area in which as well as the San Francisco and
opening the same offerings each owners, the Kreck family were raised. Pacific Rim International wine
day,” she explained. “If you are a competitions. Prefer a white? You
big Zin fan, I’ll likely pour in that particular direction.” won’t be disappointed at Mill Creek tasting best of class
No appointments are necessary to pop into Mill Creek. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.
23
First time visitors often become wine club members, join- BY FRANCES RIVETTI

Vineyards
De La Montanya & Winery
How does the idea of a picnic and Pinot tickle your span five distinctive appellations of ideal soils and micro-
fancy, shared in a private, peaceful setting outside of a beau- climates.
tiful little redwood barn located in one of the most idyllic Visit the bucolic “barn” style tasting room set amidst the
spots of the inner Dry Creek Valley? winery’s Felta Creek Vineyard in hidden Dry Creek Valley
If it’s a taste of quiet caliber and casual luxury that you’re and discover the secrets of De La Montanya’s winemaking
pining for in a truly outstanding day trip to the Dry Creek success. It’s the unmistakable spirit, charm and fine atten-
appellation, search no further tion to simple detail apparent in
than a well appointed stop at De De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery and around this tidy, tucked
La Montanya Winery’s Tasting Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. away property. Some three acres
Room in its Felta Creek Vine- monday-Thursday, by appoinment only of Zinfandel and one acre of
yard, some three miles and a Primitivo surround a vintage
short, five minute drive south of
(707) 433-3711 • www.dlmwine.com Golden Delicious apple orchard
central Healdsburg on secluded 999 Foreman Lane, Healdsburg that provides a leafy, shaded
Foreman Lane. Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, canopy over inviting lawns and
“If you are looking to taste Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Tempranillo and unique blends! patios, rose-tangled arbors, a
some of the most unique red FUN Several ‘rock star’ special signature bottlings fire pit, outdoor pizza oven,
FACT for bands like Journey and Whitesnake have pathways and a bocce court.
wine in Sonoma County, you are
raised thousands of dollars for charities. Fine winemaking may be se-
in the right place,” said Dennis
Mention this article and receive a rious business, not least when
De La Montanya, whose 16 dif- producing 4,500 cases that
special taste of Whitesnake Zinfandel
ferent wines have yielded an range from offerings of just 25
impressive fleet of top notch, gold medal wins at Sonoma to 250 cases per year, depending upon the varietal. Yet De
County’s prestigious annual Harvest Fair. La Montanya and his tight-knit winery team take equal
“We’re small, quaint, hard to find and well worth the pride in their shared dedication to the art of a laugh and
effort for the dedicated day tripper,” said De La Montanya, the craft of good living.
one of Dry Creek Valley’s most celebrated hosts and cham- De La Montanya has one of the areas largest wine clubs
pion of understated winemaking mastery. – with nearly 2,000 members with only a limited number
For each of De La Montanya’s wines meticulously of spots available. “How can this not be fun?” asked De La
crafted by sister-in-law Tami Collins is bottled from the pick Montanya, whose limited edition wines include a rather
of the crop of the best of the winery’s premium estate- cheeky range of “pin-up” wines for and featuring embold-
24
grown, hand selected grapes from some 15 varieties that ened wine club members. BY FRANCES RIVETTI
Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Twomey Cellars
When I visit Twomey in the town of Healdsburg, commitment to making exceptional Merlot, Pinot Noir and
thoughts of flight come to mind. Maybe it’s the almost or- Sauvignon Blanc. They currently offer four Pinot Noirs,
ganic design of the winery itself, with a wall of glass that from vineyards not just in the Russian River Valley, but also
runs the length of the winery and looks down and across in Anderson Valley to the north, Sonoma Coast to the west
the Russian River Valley with its hundreds of acres of per- and, to the south, Santa Barbara County. They also, for the
fect rows of grapes. past two years, have been making one crisp, fresh white
Perhaps it begins with the wine, the Napa Valley Sauvi-
water feature across from the en- gnon Blanc, using grapes from
trance as you walk down the
Twomey Cellars their 12 acre vineyard at the
summer: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Calistoga winery.
winding path to the front, possi-
sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For each wine, clones, cli-
bly the roof that reminds me of
Winter: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. mate, trellising, soil and many
the wing of a huge bird, a hawk
sunday, 11 a.m to 4 p.m. other factors have all been cho-
perhaps, made of light wood. Or
the indoor-outdoor effect inside 3000 Westside Road, Healdsburg sen to create the finest example
that takes you seamlessly from 1-800-505-4850 • www.twomeycellars.com of the varietals possible, all
the tasting room to the curves crafted by Winemaker, Ben
and plantings of the patio. What Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot Cane and Director of Winemak-
I do know for sure is that it all FUN Twomey Cellars is owned by the ing Daniel Baron. Both of them
comes together and makes visit- FACT Duncan family of Silver Oak Cellars. are seasoned industry veterans
ing a sensory experience on so whose philosophy and skill per-
many levels, from design, to the vines, to the wines. fectly match that of the family.
Twomey Cellars has two tasting rooms, you need to Tasting these wines, from different areas, is a revelation,
know that right away. One is here in Sonoma County, the and no where better to do it than at this beautiful site. As
other in Napa Valley just a few miles south of Calistoga. But Tasting Room Manager Romana Behrens said lately, “The
the wines are the same at each stylish (and completely dif- views here truly are spectacular, the building and tasting
ferent looking) facility. The other thing to note is that they room decidedly modern, comfortable and friendly, the
are part of the fabled Silver Oak family, known around the wines world class. We hope you’ll visit us to taste, perhaps
world for their Cabernet Sauvignon. As they explain, picnic, while you look out over our beautiful valley.”
“Twomey is an evolution of our creativity and innovation One additional note is that the winery offers tours
with varietals other than Cabernet Sauvignon.” Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday by ap-
25
To that end they have made a strong and continuing pointment. BY CHARLES NEAVE

Alexander Valley
Gateway to
Only an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Alexander Valley is leaps and bounds away from Veterans Memorial Beach,
any hustle and bustle. Visitors looking for a more relaxed, authentic wine country experience, will 13839 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg, (707) 433-1625
be happy here. Brimming with hospitality, this stunning corner of the world is home to 40 winer- Truly one of Healdsburg’s most favorite river side beaches! Bring a
ies, each boasting distinctive, unassuming wines. picnic, kick off your shoes, or even borrow an inner tube. Nothing
to do here but relax, breathe deeply, and listen to the river roll on by.
THINGS TO DO
Bosworth & Son General Store Healdsburg Ridge Hiking Trail
21060 Geyserville avenue, Geyserville FOOD
entry gate at arabian Way and Bridle Path.
(707) 857-3463, www.bosworthandson.com (sorry, no pets allowed). Jimtown Store, 6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg
Once a mortuary and even a buggy store – the One of Sonoma’s favorite nature preserves, take (707) 433-1212, www.jimtown.com
buggy paint still stains the floor – Bosworth & the Ridge Hiking Trail to the Fox Pond Run Literally tucked into the vineyards in the Jimtown store. For more
Son General Store is an old-fashioned store and Fox Pond Overlook. A wonderful place to than 100 years, Jimtown has provided Healdsburg with fresh baked
meeting the Western-inspired needs of today’s get some fresh air and exercise in wine country! goods, hot coffee, and local products. Linger over the eclectic Ameri-
customer. can antiques and old-fashioned toys.
Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria
AS
Not to scale (707) 814-0111, www.diavolapizzeria.com
RD
TI
REEK
Diavola is not only a great stop for picnic items such as house-cured
RD
.
RC
salumi and olives but also features traditional Italian cooking in-
HE
C
DUT
O 101 Geyserville Inn\Hoffman House Restaurant cluding gourmet pizzas from brick ovens and delicicious pastas.
CH
SILVER
IA
NT
Bosworth & Son General Store

IR
OAK Diavola uses the most locally available ingredients combined with
D.
Hope Merrill/Hope Bosworth House

YO
N Diavola Pizzeria
MEEKER VINEYARDS centuries old recipes.
CAN
128 Hoffman House Restaurant

VINTNERS 21712 Geyserville ave, Geyserville
SIGNATURES (707) 857-3264, www.hoffmanhousegeyserville.com
GE
YS
Built more than 100 years ago by the Hoffman family, this cafe
ER
Jimtown
VILL
Store serves healthy breakfast and lunch with striking views of the ma-
E RD.
SAUSAL jestic mountains nearby. Seasonal dinners, call first.

.
RD
DR AL.
ER V
LYTTO
Y TON SPRINGS XAND

YT ALE
CHI

CR
L
EE
N
QU
K
From silver Oak LODGING
ITA
MS
to meeker 4 miles SIMI PAR
KLAN
D FAR
Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson street, Healdsburg

to vintners signatures 4 miles Healdsburg Ridge
GROVE
HEALDS
to sausal 4 miles Hiking Trail (707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com

to Field stone 3 miles
A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape
BURG AV
to simi 8 miles 101 FIELD

Total 21 miles
STONE Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques.
E
Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, roman-

tic environment.
Belle de Jour Inn, 16276 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg
(707) 431-9777, www.belledujourinn.com
A single-story Italiante built in the 1870s, Belle du Jour nestles on
six acres of hilltop overlooking rolling hilltops and valleys.
Hope Merril & Hope Bosworth B&B
(707) 857-3356, www.hope-inns.com
Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly restored
Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with open arms.
Truly where wine and romance intertwine!
Geyserville Inn, 21714 Geyserville avenue, Geyserville
(707) 857-4343, www.Geyservilleinn.com
First class accomodations at more affordable prices
26 Gateway to Alexander Valley

in the heart of wine country!
Simi Winery
It was more than 75 years ago when Isabelle Simi this historic family and the teenage girl who kept the win-
Haigh announced to her work crew that she wanted them ery operating profitably when both her father and her
to convert a huge, unused wine vat into a unique tasting uncle died unexpectedly within a few weeks of each other
room. Since then, Simi Winery has built a reputation for and left her to carry on. Even the stones used in con-
offering visitors not just tastes of superb wines but com- struction of the waterfall in the grove have a story to tell,
fortable and unique settings in which to try the wines. In since all the materials that went into the creation of this
the warm visiting days of sum- idyllic spot were recycled from
mer, tours often begin in the earlier structures or were natu-
redwood grove that shelters the
Simi Winery ral stones found on the property
tasting room. The grove also Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily as land was cleared for vine-
serves as the focal point for 16275 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg yards over the years. The long
events and for special food and (707) 473-3232 communal tables where wine
wine explorations. www.simiwinery.com fanciers from everywhere sit
This summer many Simi down as perfect strangers and
guests may be seen, heads raised, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, rise as friends trading their own
making gentle sniffing sounds Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon recipes for special pizzas, were
and remarking that they think crafted from staves of old fer-
they smell pizzas. And they are
FUN Simi Winery tasting room was originally mentation tanks.
right. Each Friday 2 p.m. till 6
FACT made from a huge wine vat. Many pizza lovers swear that
p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. the only wine to consume with
till 4 p.m., the redwood grove is transformed into an ex- their favorite pizzas, no matter which crust is made or
otic sort of pizza cafe, offering a menu of exotic pizzas what toppings are sprinkled over the top, is Cabernet
created by Chef Eric Lee. The pizzas are made in the East Sauvignon, The hearty, beautifully balanced 2006 Alexan-
Coast thin-crust style, but the toppings are all strictly local, der Valley Cabernet and the 2005 Reserve Cabernet just
with generous use of fresh-from-the-farm greens that Eric released by Simi Winery will only reinforce that belief, and
selects for the pizza he calls “Forage.” Even the Italian the more daring suggest that they have found a new com-
sausage (salsicce) is made by Eric in the winery kitchen. bination to savor, quaffing the gold medal winning 2009
As delicious as the pizzas are, the winery staff eagerly Sauvignon Blanc with the Forage and Sausage pizzas. This
points out that they taste even more tempting when con- trio of wines are available in the tasting room, so while the
sumed in the setting of the redwood grove, and nearly pizzas bake, visitors may want to sample these three ele-
27
everyone involved with the winery loves to tell the story of gant newcomers.
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Gateway to Alexander Valley

Silver Oak
The name is synonymous with some of the finest There are vineyards on three sides, the trademark white
Cabernet Sauvignon ever made. Since it was founded in water tower on the top of a hill, a manicured lawn and
1972, bottles of Silver Oak Cellars’ extraordinary wines a tall archway that leads into a traditional and spacious
have been coveted by wine lovers and collectors on every courtyard. The winery is a welcome blend of sophisti-
continent, and with good reason. What they craft are cated and stylish, friendly and relaxed. Just sitting in the
two wines and two wines only: an Alexander Valley courtyard near the fountain with a glass of their Caber-
Cabernet, the other from Napa net is a vacation in itself. Or go
Valley. into the tasting room, with its
Both wines are aged for ex- Silver Oak view through glass doors into
tended periods in American summer: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the temperature-controlled cel-
Oak barrels and then in the sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. lar where the library wines and
bottle before release. But per- Winter: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. large format bottles are kept.
haps the feature that has most sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many are available only at the
endeared them to consumers is 24625 Chianti Road, Canyon Road Exit, Geyserville winery and it’s a treasure trove
that, while they can be aged in for collectors looking for a rare
1-800-273-8809 • www.silveroak.com
the cellar for years, they are also vintage or a 3.0 liter (or larger)
ready to drink upon release. It Cabernet Sauvignon bottle for a special celebration.
is deft juggling that goes back FUN Silver Oak has been family owned since its “Our Geyserville winery is
to the beginning, when Ray FACT establishment in 1972 and has been making off the beaten track, but when
Duncan and Justin Meyer began only Cabernet Sauvignon since that time. you arrive you feel like you’ve
the journey that came to help found one of the area’s hidden
define Silver Oak Cellars. gems. Guests often tell us they go out of their way to visit
As director of winemaking Daniel Baron says, “For its the tasting room because they know they’ll get the ulti-
time, Ray and Justin’s idea – particularly the length of time mate Sonoma County experience when they arrive.
in bottle – was almost revolutionary for California.” But he “The light-filled tasting room – where everyone gets
also emphasizes that creating a “drinkable upon release” personal attention – features a bar designed to resemble
wine begins in the vineyard. The fact that the wine is the American Oak barrels that are the signature of Silver
blended before it goes in the barrel is a major component Oak wines. Like the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvi-
as well. gnon itself, Geyserville is friendly and approachable and
You can visit the French chateau-like facility and tast- we would love to have you experience it for yourself.”

ing room in Geyserville to discover this bottled magic. BY CHARLES NEAVE
The Meeker Vineyard
If going to the bank gives you the blues these days, pre- going on here? Our winemaker at the time bought the tepee
pare to have that mindset turned upside down. After a visit and we decided to open up a tasting room. But when the
to The Meeker Vineyard Tasting Room, you will never again old bank building became available, we jumped on it. It
think about financial institutions in the same way. has so much character, a little quirky perhaps, but very
Meeker’s tasting room is located in a historic Geyserville much who we are.”
bank building that was built in 1903. The original teller The Meeker family prescribes to the old adage, “do one
windows, the tiled floor, even the thing and do it well”. They make
old vault are all a part of one of red wine...big, lush, proud red
Sonoma County’s most cele- The Meeker Vineyard wines that are perfect examples
brated and unique tasting rooms. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except major holidays of what good fruit can produce
But don’t expect to encounter a 21035 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville in the hands of great winemak-
stuffy banker’s attitude here. This (707) 431-2148 • www.meekerwine.com ers. At the tasting room bar,
also happens to be one of the planed from a California Oak
most unaffected and light-hearted Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, branch that had fallen on their
wine tasting experiences you will Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Zin, Petite Sirah, property, guests are treated to the
ever encounter. The Meeker Syrah, Grenache and Chardonnay red wines that have made this
family takes pride in their down- winery famous … Cabernet
FUN The tasting room is in the 100+ year old
to-earth approach to wine. With
the soulful sound of blues waft-
FACT Bank of Geyserville, with the original vault! Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Mer-
lot. (You can also try a Pinot
ing in the air, this tasting room just naturally emits a relaxed from Lucas’ own label, Lucas J. Cellars.) But don’t expect
vibe that other tasting rooms have to strive to achieve. the big price tags that usually go hand in hand with these
As Lucas Meeker relates, “We’ve been in this business varietals. Meeker wines are exceptionally approachable
for over twenty years. These days so many wineries attempt cost-wise. It is no surprise that The Meeker Vineyard can
to portray themselves as unpretentious. We don’t have to boast a wine club membership of more than sixteen hun-
try. It’s just simply who we are.” Given that their original dred loyal followers. “We are really proud of our concept.
tasting room was located in a forty-six-foot-tall tepee, it’s We pour big reds and play the blues. Those are the two
not surprising that this affable winemaking family has never things we love and people seem to agree with us. “
been accused of putting on airs. Expect to sample from five to six of their twenty differ-
“In the late eighties nobody around here had a tasting ent red wines. “If we’re having fun, we usually open even
room. When people started showing up at our winery more!” says Lucas. And fun is something that is never in
29
wanting to taste our wines, we were surprised. What was short supply at Meeker Vineyard. BY RONDA GIANGRECO

Vintners Signatures
Being a grape grower isn’t as romantic as you may think area is planned for just outside the front doors.
it is. Basically, a grape grower is a farmer, dancing to the The staff at Vintners Signatures is friendly, enthusi-
capricious tunes of Mother Nature and the economic cli- astic and knowledgeable. In fact, winemakers Mike
mate as well. Many grape growers don’t have wineries of Draxton and Randy Meyer are close at hand and happy
their own and rely on local wineries to buy their grapes. to chat with visitors about their wines, winemaking and
That’s where Vintners Signatures comes in. They have the grape growers that they partner with.
formed a unique partnership Let’s talk about the wines –
with local grape growers. This I had the pleasure of tasting a
Vintners Signatures few during my visit and they
partnership showcases the Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
magic that happens when you were all fantastic! The follow-
4001 Highway 128, Geyserville
combine the right grape grower, ing were my favorites:
www.vintnerssignatures.com
variety and location with an ex- 2009 El Roy Sauvignon
(707) 857-3300
perienced winemaking team. Blanc, Dry Creek Valley $15:
Located on Highway 128 in
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, One sniff and you know you’re
the picturesque Alexander Val-
Proprietor’s Red (blend), in for a treat! Mouthwatering
ley, Vintners Signatures is a very
Old Vine Zinfandel, aromas of grapefruit, lemon-
special place. The tasting room
Soon to be added Pinot Noir grass, cut hay and green herbs
is expansive, airy and well lit,
and Cabernet Sauvignon lure the taster into a crisp,
with a large window, inviting a FUN Bring in a copy of this article and become juicy mouthful of consistent
view of the cellar and inner FACT a Wine Club member for a day. flavors. Yum!
workings of the winery. The (Valid for one person in a group only.) 2006 El Roy Proprietor’s
long tasting bar spans the back Red Alexander Valley $18: El
of the room, providing plenty of space for visitors to Roy’s unique blend of classic Bordeaux varietals is com-
relax and enjoy the delicious wines (more on the wines bined with traditional hillside-grown Rhone varieties to
in a minute…). Dark wood display racks offer a taste- form a dark, rich wine with flavors of black currant, straw-
ful array of non-wine items, such as glassware, clothing berry and spice.
and wine-related books. A large picnic area is in the Vintners Signatures is all about great wines and partner-

works for the back of the building and a smaller picnic ship. Don’t miss it! BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH
Sausal Winery
Sausal Winery in Alexander Valley – no world-famous exist for the pleasure of the two winery cats, Sophie and
architect built it, no priceless art collection is housed in it, Gypsie, who wander in and out as the mood takes them.
and no sumptuous gardens with waterfalls and statuary are What you’re there for is a treasure trove of old-vine-
to be found in it. What visitors will find at Sausal is the Zinfandels, plus some Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese,
Demostene family, who has lived and worked in the Alexan- all from estate-owned vineyard that surround the winery.
der Valley for generations and who make some of All the Zinfandels are dry-farmed for added fruit intensity
California’s finest Zinfandel wines. and the oldest vines are head
The family purchased the Sausal Vineyard & Winery trained in the traditional man-
Sausal Ranch (named for the Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily ner, as you would expect.
creek that flows through it into The 2007 Family Zinfandel
the Russian River) in 1956. The
7370 Highway 128, Healdsburg recently received 92 points and
next generation of Demostenes 1-800-500-2285 Editors Choice in the Wine En-
founded the winery in 1973, in www.sausalwinery.com thusiast August issue. The 2007
large part to take advantage of the Private Reserve also was awarded
Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon
existence of Zinfandel grape vines 92 points in the same issue. You
that had been producing high FUN Sausal’s Century Vines Zinfandel is from will have to taste for yourself to
quality grapes since 1877. That’s FACT their estate vineyards planted in 1877. see which is your favorite – none
not a typographical error, and you will disappoint you.
can prove that for yourself when Complimentary Tastings The 2007 vintage Centruy
you visit the winery to taste living Vines Zinfandel will make you a
history – Zinfandel wines that are made from vines that are true believer in the mystique surrounding old-vine Zinfan-
50, 90 and 130+ years old. del. These ancient vines yield less than ½ ton to the acre.
Follow Hwy. 128 along the eastern edge of the Alexan- 2007 Century Vines received 90 points in Robert Parker’s
der Valley to the winery, then down the winery’s driveway February issue of Wine Advocate.
to a rustic, barn-red wooden building with a trellised porch The Sausal Vineyard & Winery tasting room is wheel-
that houses the tasting room. Simple, like the rest of the chair accessible. Picnickers are welcome to enjoy themselves
winery, the tasting room is not a mini-mall teeming with on a trellised patio shaded by luscious grape vines, a tradi-
wine country merchandise. There is only some nice logo tional Italian touch. The winery is located just a few miles
31
clothing and some sleeping and scratching stations that east of the charming town of Healdsburg. BY NAN REILEY

Field Stone Winery & Vineyard
It is one of the prettiest drives in all of the Sonoma the year 1867 but in 1977. Though it should be noted
County wine country. From the charming town of that on the property there are Petite Sirah vineyards that
Healdsburg with its historic town plaza and a growing do go back a hundred years.
restaurant, arts and entertainment scene, into the On the estate, which was officially founded in 1894,
Alexander Valley. Go over the river on the old bridge there are also family plantings that go back to 1967. On
where below canoes and kayaks are pulled up out the the 50 acres, 38 in vineyards, the varieties also include
water, past the Jimtown Store, Viognier, Merlot, Syrah,
then the long stretch of two lane Field Stone Winery & Vineyard Sangiovese and Cabernet
road that passes more vineyards Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Sauvignon. With less than
than you can count. They 10,000 cases produced, all of
10075 Highway 128, Healdsburg
stretch off onto the flat land to their wines, including a new
the west that doesn’t end until it (707) 433-7266 • www.fieldstonewinery.com Gewürztraminer and a rich
meets the river. To the east they Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Port, are produced in small but
climb up the hillsides in the dis- Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, delicious and much sought-
tance. Syrah, Petite Sirah and Port after lots, usually 500 cases
Just as the road, Highway FUN Mention this article and receive a each or far less. With the
128, starts to descend down FACT complimentary logo glass to remember Staten Family Reserve Vintage
into a series of turns that will your visit. Port, for instance, only 165
eventually take you to the Napa cases were crafted.
County line and Calistoga, on your right you’ll see some So what you do is pick up a picnic lunch before you
very old trees – oaks probably – and a sign that says arrive, then go into the cellar past the oak barrels and
Field Stone Winery. Turn in. make a left into the compact tasting room. The bar is not
Around the biggest of the trees are well-used wooden big but the staff is helpful and friendly. Let them walk
picnic tables on an expansive lawn. Next to them, built you through their list, then wine in hand head out to that
into the hillside, is a building that looks like it might big tree and enjoy food and wine and the wonderful feel-
have been built in the Civil War. There’s a stone front, big ing of being surrounded on every side by vines. But make
wooden door and a window or two. You have arrived at time, don’t hurry; the setting and the wines are meant to
the Field Stone Winery tasting room and barrel storage be savored, not rushed through. You will be amply re-

and more, all built, it might come as a surprise, not in warded for your time. BY CHARLES NEAVE
Eastside Bunch
The "eastside Bunch" (as they call themselves) are eight top-
DR
flight wineries located close together along the eastern stretch
YC
of the russian river in sonoma County. specializing in Pinots,
RE
From rodney strong
EK
cool-climate syrahs, and that famousFERRARI-CARANO
Zinfandel, the eastside to acorn >1 mile
RU
RD
101 to Foppiano >1 mile
SS
Bunch represents some of the finest winemaking and culinary
.
N to Christopher Creek >1 mile
IA
talents in all of Northern California. Don't miss the annual to merriam 1 mile
RI
VE
Total >3 miles
summer Fest open house for a kick-butt good time!
R
THINGS TO DO W.
DRY CRE
Powell’s Sweet Shoppe EK
322 Center st., Healdsburg Giorgi’s

Restaurant
(707) 431-2784, www.powelsss.com CHRISTOPHER CREEK
Remember yesterday, today! An old time, old fashioned candy,
ice cream and sweets shop sure to delight your child within! FOPPIANO ICK
This is the first shop for Powell's now beloved franchise.
ER
LIM
MERRIAM
LOS
Riverfront Regional Park ACORN LN
.
AM
A
AT
IGO
7821 eastside rd, Healdsburg, (707) 565-2041 RODNEY
AR
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Once an old quarry, Riverfront Regional Park is now home to WE
STRONG Russian River
OLD
two sparkling lakes perfect for swimming and non-motorized Valley Produce
STS
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boating...or hike a trail through serene redwood groves!
IDE RD
DW
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Rodney Strong Vineyards 101
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11455 Old redwood Highway, Healdsburg
WY
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WINDSOR RIVER RD
1-800-678-4763, www.rodneystrong.com
OL
AU
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Join visitors and locals alike on the lawn outside Rodney
RE
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Strong Vineyards for warm summer evenings, good food,
OO
D
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great wine, and a variety of musical guests. Look for the Gilardi’s
HW
RD.
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OH
Y.
Delicatessen SHIL
summer 2010 line-up in May!
Russian River Valley Produce BLVD
ORT
AIRP
400 Grapevine lane, Healdsburg, (707) 433-7933
A four-acre, family-owned ranch, Russian River Valley Produce
farms top-notch vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers sure to Riverfront
brighten any palate and table. Excellent farm tours Regional Park
Not to scale
Wohler
by appointment. The best of California farming! Bridge
FOOD
Giorgi’s Restaurant
25 Grant street, Healdsburg, (707) 433-1106
Great family-style Italian restaurant…pasta and hand-thrown
pizzas. Has a full bar, open late and food available to go.
Gilardi's Delicatessen
810 Den Beste, Windsor, (707) 838-9869
Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna
and freshly baked sourdough garlic breads.
LODGING
Country Garden Lodging, Healdsburg
(707) 431-8630, www.hcountrygardens.com
Three fully-equipped, affordable vacation homes located
on a 25-acre wine country estate boasting spectacular gardens.
33
Located just 1½ miles from charming downtown Healdsburg.

Bill & Betsy Nachbaur
Acorn Winery
“Estate-grown, sustainably-farmed, field-blended cellent wines is the focus here. That said, take it from me
wines” is the slogan at Acorn Winery. In my humble – do not miss a visit to this jewel of a winery!
opinion, they should also add unpretentious, friendly, “Alegria” is the vineyard name at Acorn – the Spanish
educational and delicious to their descriptive notes. This translation is “happiness,” and the name “Acorn” comes
small, family-owned and operated winery produces some from the majestic oak trees on the property – meaning from
excellent wines. And they are really nice folks, too! small beginnings comes mighty results. I must tell you from
Located just south of personal experience, the wines
Healdsburg on Old Redwood are mighty fine at Acorn! I had
Highway, Acorn Winery is easy Acorn Winery the pleasure of tasting a few
to find. Turn onto the driveway Hours are by appointment only, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. wines during my visit. They
and wend your way past a few allow an hour for your visit to acorn Winery. were all excellent, but my par-
houses, through some well- 12040 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg ticular favorites were:
kept vineyards and you’ve (707) 433-6440 • www.acornwinery.com 2006 Sangiovese,
arrived at a very special place. Alegria Vineyards, $26
Really. Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, This is the best California San-
Acorn Winery’s owners (and Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto and Rosato giovese I have ever tasted (and
founders), Bill and Betsy Nach- Wines are all field blends from estate-grown grapes. I’ve tasted a bunch.)! Aromas
baur truly enjoy sharing their of red cherry, strawberry,
wines and educating people
FUN They grow 40+ different varieties of grapes. vanilla, spices and a hint of
about the vineyards and the
FACT Grapes have been grown here since the 1880s. fresh green herbs meld seam-
fruits of their labors. You’ll need lessly and continue as flavors
to call to make an appointment – no crowded, bustling tast- in the bright, juicy mouth. This wine has a long, deli-
ing bar here, folks! A visit with them is an up-close, cious finish and is entirely too easy to drink.
personal experience that you won’t soon forget. In fact, if 2007 Zinfandel, Heritage Vines,™ Alegria Vineyards, $32
you visit at harvest time, Bill or Betsy will take you out in Wow! Aromas and flavors of raspberries, blackberries,
the vineyard, put a refractometer (sugar meter) in your caramel, chocolate and peppery spice delight from the first
hand, have you check sugar levels and create your own sniff, all the way through the finish. Yum!
field-blend. Talk about hands-on! For a truly unique, personalized, delicious winery ex-
The tasting bar is a barrel in the winery. Period. No gift perience, be sure to make an appointment to visit Bill and
shop, no restaurant and no self-guided tour – this place is Betsy at Acorn. Call (707) 433-6440 or visit the website at
34 Eastside Bunch
all about function – wine grape growing and crafting ex- www.acornwinery.com. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH
Christopher Creek Winery
Charming. It’s a good word – almost the perfect word – to the quality of the grapes.
use when you describe Christopher Creek Winery. “The best wines in the world are made in the vineyard,”
The winery is owned by the says Crowell. “The main job of
Wasserman family who, in addi- Christopher Creek Winery the winemaker is to take care of
tion to their grape growing and Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily the grapes and protect what
winemaking venture, have a long Mother Nature has given. That’s
history of farming in California’s 641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg our philosophy... and the proof is
Central Valley where they have (707) 433-2001 • www.christophercreek.com in the bottle.”
farmed oranges for the past 37 Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Port, To taste their superb wines,
years. They adamantly believe that Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier head to the tasting room.
that growing the highest quality Christopher Creek is comfortable
grapes possible must be the main
Cellar Club: 3 shipments/year, choice of wines, 20% off – even cozy – and indisputably
focus if you want to produce truly rustic. As a result, it’s sometimes
FUN 2008 Estate Bottled Reserve Petite Sirah
great wines. FACT Red Sweepstakes Winner – Best of 1000 Wines tough to tell where the tasting
They, and their winemaker, – Riverside International Wine Competitions room ends and the serious busi-
Todd Crowell – a Texas native and ness that constitutes a working
graduate of Texas A&M – understand and appreciate the fine winery begins … which merely adds to the charm.
balance between the agricultural practices they employ and BY CHARLES NEAVE
Recent Awards These wines are all available for purchase. • 2006 russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah – BesT OF Class
(all JUDGes vOTeD GOlD)
TASTERS GUILD WINE COMPETITIONS
• 2008 russian river Catie’s Corner viognier – GOlD
• 2006 Dry Creek Finlay's vineyard Cabernet sauvignon – DOUBle GOlD
(all JUDGes vOTeD GOlD) RIVERSIDE INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITIONS
• 2007 russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah – GOlD • 2008 Dry Creek Zinfandel – Chairman’s award
• 2007 russian river Catie's Corner viognier – GOlD • 2007 russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah – Chairman’s award
• 2007 Dry Creek Zinfandel – GOlD • 2006 Dry Creek Finlay’s vineyard Cabernet sauvignon – GOlD
• 2006 russian river Zinfandel – GOlD • 2006 russian river estate Bottled reserve syrah – GOlD
• 2006 russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah – DOUBle GOlD SONOMA COUNTY HARVEST FAIR
(all JUDGes vOTeD GOlD) • 2006 russian river estate Bottled syrah – GOlD
PACIFIC RIM WINE COMPETITIONS • 2007 russian river Catie's Corner viognier – GOlD
• 2007 Dry Creek Finlay’s vineyard Cabernet sauvignon – BesT OF Class NEW WORLD INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITIONS
35
(all JUDGes vOTeD GOlD) • 2005 russian river estate Bottled syrah – BesT OF Class – (all JUDGes vOTeD GOlD)

Foppiano Vineyards
Through its 113 years of winemaking history in the Russ- the way for the sixth generation by bringing on top wine-
ian River Valley of northern Sonoma County, the Foppiano making and management talent. “We’re updating our estate
family has played a significant role in the making of the vineyards, which are located in one of the most prestigious
American wine industry story. As Sonoma County’s wine regions in the world. What’s more, our new winemaker
oldest family-owned winery, Foppiano Vineyards represents Natalie West, who joined our team during veraison in
an authentic family tradition, which is not only rich with 2008, has added key pieces of new equipment that enable
history but also confirms the gentle handling of fruit at har-
value of perseverance and com- vest. This, combined with our
mitment.
Foppiano Vineyards commitment to quality ensures
The winery was founded in Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily our ability to move the legacy for-
1896 by Giovanni Foppiano, a 12707 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg ward as we make world-class
young immigrant who came to 707-433-7272 • www.foppiano.com wines that reflect our core family
the United States from Genoa, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, values,” said Louis M. Foppiano.
Italy in the 1850s. After the gold Petite Sirah and Rosé Foppiano Vineyards sits on
rush, Giovanni imagined a future 170 acres of Russian River bench
in farming and winemaking and FUN During Prohibition, federal agents emptied 140,000 land, of which 140 acres are
settled in Sonoma County. He FACT gallons of the family’s 1918 vintage into the local stream. planted to vineyards. Guests who
People came from miles around with cups and jugs hoping
bought the Riverside Farm Win- to get a sample of the Foppiano wine. visit Foppiano can take a self-
ery, establishing it as Foppiano guided tour of the estate vineyards
Vineyards in 1896. Soon, Giovanni’s son Louis A. joined the at their own pace enabling them to see grape vines up close.
family business, producing and selling Foppiano wines and The friendly and knowledgeable staff in the tasting room
creating a family line of participants, including his son Louis pours current releases every day with a focus on the flag-
J. Foppiano, who was born in 1910 and just celebrated his ship Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir. Conveniently located just
99th birthday in November. Louis J.’s son Louis M. Foppi- south of the popular town of Healdsburg on Old Redwood
ano is the fourth generation and third Louis Foppiano at the Highway, Foppiano Vineyards is one of the few wineries that
helm of one of the country’s few six-generation family oper- does not require an appointment or charge for tast-
ations. ings. Open seven days a week it’s the perfect place to step
Today, the Foppiano family has renewed that same inge- back in time, learn a bit of history while enjoying hand-
nuity and dedication that the winery was founded on all crafted Russian River Valley wines made with today’s
those years ago. Recognizing that the first chapter of the state-of-the-art technology.
36 Eastside Bunch
family history was written, Louis M. Foppiano wanted to lay
Merriam Vineyards
One of Russian River Valley’s newest wineries, Merriam Vine- at, Merlot may be the wine she is best known for, so the Merriam
yards is perched on a knoll at the far eastern edge of the valley, so portfolio is a great match for her talents. Merlot from Windacre
far to the east that it actually backs up to the Chalk Hill appella- Vineyard, for instance, has great depth and balance, with rich
tion. And that’s a good thing, because it means that the climate dark fruit flavors and smooth tannins.
here is warm enough to produce richly ripe Bordeaux varieties – Merriam’s 2005 Miktos (from the Greek, meaning to blend
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. well together), a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet
Winery owners Peter and Diana Franc and Petit Verdot, is a huge
Merriam are both New Englanders wine with plum and cassis flavors
transplanted to California. Their
Merriam Vineyards and powerful but tamed tannins.
honeymoon in France led to a life- Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily For the white wine lover, Mer-
time love of fine wines, and Peter’s 11650 Los Amigos Road, Healdsburg riam offers a Chardonnay from the
career as a wine retailer in New Eng- (707) 433-4032 • www.merriamvineyards.com Simoneau Ranch vineyard in
land reinforced their knowledge of Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley. Fermented in
and love for Bordeaux wines. As is
Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend and Rosé of Cabernet French oak barrels, it is aged for 10
often the case, their interest in wine months in the barrel with a regular
led them to purchase vineyard prop- FUN Cheese and wine pairings by appointment. stirring (sur lies) regime for a silky,
erty in 2000, in this case an 11-acre FACT $20 per person. creamy mouthfeel. Its sweet fruit
parcel called Windacre Vineyard, the shines through with pineapple
soils of which are uniquely suited to these Bordeaux varietals. flavors and a toasty, nutty character from the oak.
The second 12-acre vineyard property was purchased in The Stainless Steel Chardonnay was just released. It is from
2002, winery construction followed in 2007 and the tasting room the same vineyard, Simoneau Ranch, made from five different
was opened just this past year. The exteriors of both buildings fruit clones – it tastes like a tropical vacation!
are reminiscent of a New England farmhouse, a tip of the hat to Because of the very limited production of Merriam wines,
Peter and Diana’s origins. they are available mostly at the tasting room, in local restaurants
And the presence of one huge, stately palm tree gives a nod to or to wine club members. Thanks to Peter’s New England wine
California and the generous warmth of this location. Magnificent sales career, you can find limited distribution in some New Eng-
views to the west show off the rolling hills and vineyards of the land states. But why not just enjoy a beautiful day in Sonoma
Russian River Valley proper. A terrace dotted with tables and County and visit the winery? The tasting room plans to offer gour-
chairs invites visitors to linger, taste wine and take in the view. met picnic lunch items like paté, cheese, crackers, tapenades,
The well-respected veteran winemaker Margaret Davenport is salami and cookies, so you can enjoy a snack on the terrace with
37
now crafting the Merriam offerings. Of all the varietals she excels your favorite Merriam wine. BY NAN REILEY

Rodney Strong Vineyards
Rodney Strong Vineyards is an historical, architectural These days, the tasting room is still very busy. Tours are
treasure of a winery, located just south of Healdsburg. Built in offered by appointment and a variety of wines is available for
1970, the winery building is somewhat pyramid shaped and tasting. Tasting fees are either $10 or $15, depending on the
was constructed as a tribute to beauty and efficiency. wines. The room is bright and airy, the staff is cheerful and in-
The front entrance to the winery is a treat for the senses; formative and a tasteful selection of wine-related gifts is
a fountain burbles merrily at the base of the steps, the air is artfully displayed around the room. The atmosphere is one of
scented with roses and jasmine understated elegance, with a
from planters lining the walkway, splash of education thrown in for
and the building is just so danged Rodney Strong Vineyards good measure.
cool. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Rodney Strong Vineyards
I will always have a soft spot in 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg continues to evolve over the
my heart for Rodney Strong Vine- 1-800-678-4763 • www.rodneystrong.com years. One development is what
yards because the wines are always proprietor Tom Klein calls “a win-
wonderful, Rodney Strong was a Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, ery within a winery.” Rodney
wine industry pioneer, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Port Strong Vineyards has always
being a scholar and a gentleman, owned excellent vineyards. Now
and well, I started my career there FUN Look for the huge rebate check from PG&E for the focus is on site-specific vine-
more than 28 years ago. Geez – FACT $2,164,403.00 for the installation of the largest yards and making small lots of
solar electric system ever realized by a winery.
that’s a long time! vineyard-designated wines that
Things have certainly changed reflect their own unique terroir.
over the past 27 years. When I started my wine industry ca- This season, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Omega Events
reer at Rodney Strong Vineyards, the winery was under present the 20th Annual Summer Concert Series. Enjoy
different ownership and called Sonoma Vineyards. Windsor breathtaking views, wine tasting and sizzling jazz! Sur-
Vineyards shared the space. Back then, the tasting room was rounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests will be treated
set up with several small tables and the apron-clad staff (my- to some of the top performers in contemporary music while
self included) ran around the busy room, pouring a generous picnicking at the winery’s intimate concert venue, The Green.
selection of wines from both wineries. Sonoma Vineyards The Collectors Circle, Rodney Strong Vineyards’ wine
specialized in estate grown, vineyard designated wines and club, has more than 2000 happy members that receive quar-
Windsor Vineyards (which also featured estate grown, vine- terly wine shipments and discounts on wines and events.
yard designated wines) specialized in wines with personalized Club members also enjoy special receptions at the summer
38 Eastside Bunch
labels. concert series. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH
Russian River/Olivet
For more than a century, the Russian River has been a true gateway to the grandeur of California's FOOD
wild nature and dramatic coast. Today, it is still a destination for all naturalists as well as an in- John Ash & Co. Restaurant , 4330 Barnes road, santa rosa
creasingly high-profile wine region – and rightly so. Russian River wines are quickly becoming (707) 527-7687, www.vintnersinn.com
some of the finest, most sought-after wines in the world and artisan winemakers are finally get- Celebrate wine cuisine at its best. Cooking seasonally with fresh,
ting their due. Come for the fresh air, fine wines, incomparable cuisines and relax! local foods and produce—and pairing these exceptional recipes with
wines from the region, today the restaurant remains an icon of
THINGS TO DO Pacific Coast Air Museum gourmet dining and wine country living.
Safari West 2230 Becker Blvd., santa rosa Gilardi's Delicatessen, 810 Den Beste, Windsor, (707) 838-9869
3115 Porter Creek road, santa rosa (707) 575-7900 Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna and
(707) 579-2551, www.safariwest.com www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org freshly baked sourdough garlic breads.
Fun for all generations of your family! “Climb Aboard” vintage aircraft,
Experience the spirit of Africa in the wine coun- and learn about the history of where and LODGING
try on a Safari Adventure or book a tent and how it was used from the crew who has Vintners Inn, 4350 Barnes road, santa rosa
sleep overnight in the Animal Kingdom. lovingly restored it. Currently, the (707) 575-7350, www.vintnersinn.com
Riverfront Regional Park F-14 Tomcat, F-16N Viper & F-5 Tiger II A luxury, 44-room, 4 Diamond intimate hotel that is designed to
7821 eastside road, Healdsburg are featured. showcase the very finest in gracious hospitality that Wine Coun-
(707) 565-2041 Windsor Golf Club try provides. Relax in the spa, walk the grounds, even take a
Once a gravel quarry site, this park now boasts cooking class with famed chef John Ash! Truly an exceptional
1340 19th Hole Drive, Windsor
2 sparkling lakes perfect for fishing and non- hotel!
(707) 838-7888, www.windsorgolf.com
motorized boating. Explore redwood grove Fountain Grove Inn
Follow in the footsteps of the pros at this
picnic areas and more than 2 miles of trails 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, santa rosa
par 72 championship course regarded by
around Lake Benoist! (707) 578-6101, www.fountaingroveinn.com
the regulars as a must-play course.
Charles Schulz Museum For business or leisure travel, the Fountain Grove Inn Hotel & Con-
Four tee options provide an appropriate
2301 Hardies lane, santa rosa ference Center is a luxurious, but not ostentatious, hotel that is
(707) 579-4452, www.schulzmuseum.com challenge for any skill level. convenient to all of Sonoma County wine country.
A tribute to the wonderful man who Armstrong Redwoods Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
brought so much joy to the world with the 17000 armstrong Woods road, Guerneville 3555 round Barn Blvd., santa rosa
WE
OLD
"Peanuts" cartoon strip. Finally, a fitting

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(707) 869-2015, www.parks.ca.gov (707) 523-7555, www.hilton.com

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The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living

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place in Charles "Sparky"RODNEY

Schulz' Enjoy 13 acres of landscaped grounds and views over
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hometown to preserve, display,

STRONG and Santa Rosa Valley in this resort-like, pet-friendly,
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interpret the Peanuts art. nature

Inn preserve of trees close to 1,000 years old! 100% non-smoking hotel.
WINDSOR RIVER RD
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Regional Park Hilton Sonoma

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WY
.
RUSSIAN HILL
SLUSSER
RIV
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ESTATE Vintners Inn ELE
LN.
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L RD.
TO R
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MARTIN HOOK & PINE
Museum
MIRABE
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BODEGA RI
W. OLIVET
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.
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OLIVET
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From Kendall-Jackson
D.
IR
GRATON RD. FRE to sonoma-Cutrer 5 miles
to russian Hill >1 mile
TO
BOH
OCCIDENTAL RD. to martin ray >4 miles

SONOMA
EMIA
to Deloach >4 miles VALLEY

12 to suncé >1 mile
N
TO
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HWY
Freestone Vineyards to Hook & ladder TO mile

>1
HWY. 1 TO
39
Guest Center SANTA
Total ROSA/
14 miles
HWY. 101 SAN FRANCISCO
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Russian River/Olivet

Kendall-Jackson Wine Center
In the vineyards of Kendall-Jackson it has always been ers, herbs and vegetables that are used to describe wine. Each
about the fruit. Ask any good vineyard manager or wine- garden also features the produce that pairs well with red or
maker and that is a mantra that rings true, as it has since the white wines.
art of turning grapes into wine began, thousands of years ago. Guides encourage guests to smell the herbs and flowers,
As they say at Kendall-Jackson, “One of the ‘truths’ we crush the leaves between their fingers and experience the
live by here at the winery is that outstanding wines can only similarities to the aromas found in wine.
be made from exceptional fruit. Our Estate Vineyards are The Culinary Garden also features a wide array of sea-
found atop cool coastal moun- sonal produce, with varieties of
tains, rocky ridge tops and rolling Kendall-Jackson Wine Center basil, and dozens of different
hillsides. Places where the climate, Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily types of squash and lettuce from
soil and vines come together to all over the world. Edible flowers
create remarkable grapes. In each 5007 Fulton road, Fulton and more than 180 varieties of
glass, you will taste our family’s (707) 571-8100 • www.kj.com heirloom tomatoes are also key
commitment to crafting extraordi- components.
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris,
nary Sonoma County wines from Heirloom tomatoes in every
California’s best vineyards.” Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, color of the rainbow are un-
At this magnificent château, set Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon doubtedly the highlight of the
on 120 acres in the heart of FUN Don’t miss the Wine Sensory Gardens for garden, and the winery celebrates
Sonoma County, wine and food FACT white and red wines with plantings that them each year during its annual
lovers gather to experience the fla- Heirloom Tomato Festival. This
represent the aroma and/or flavor in the wines.
vors of the region. Depending year’s event takes place on Sep-
upon your mood, you can enjoy seated wine and food pair- tember 11 and is always a sellout. But the garden tours are
ing, visit the tasting bar (a must), browse for gifts and available three times a day at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. (weather
limited-edition wines, and tour the vineyards and extensive permitting).
herb, flower and vegetable gardens that surround the There are many choices for tasting when you visit. The
château. Or you can wander through the White Wine Sen- Classic Tasting is $5 – you can choose four out of eight wines
sory Garden or the Red Wine Sensory Garden. These two to taste. Or, for $15, you can try the Reserve Wines that are
innovative and lovingly tended gardens have been designed only available in the tasting room. But the most extravagant
and planted to show your senses the terms that wine writers choice of all is the Wine & Food Pairing. This is a not-to-be-
and educators have used to describe what we smell and taste missed occasion. Meet the Chef, taste the wines and learn
in the glass. more about wine and food pairing. All are a fun and educa-
40 Russian River/Olivet
These gardens allow visitors to experience the fruits, flow- tional experience in a beautiful setting. BY CHARLES NEAVE
Russian Hill Estate
Russian Hill Estate Winery is a family-owned and oper- and cat, Kiri and Ruska. (Both animals, by the way, have offi-
ated newcomer to Russian River Valley. Husband-and-wife cial job functions at the winery aside from acting as greeters:
team Edward Gomez and Ellen Mack began searching for they are in charge of the Integrated Pest Management pro-
property in the area in the mid-1990s, knowing they wanted gram, specializing in chasing birds away from the ripening
to make Pinot Noir and well aware that Russian River Valley grapes and catching little critters that could damage the vines.)
had already established an outstanding reputation as the pre- Inside the tasting room, although you may be entranced
miere region for growing these by the views, you’ve come to taste
grapes. In 1997, they purchased a Patrick’s delicious wines. The win-
property that had a home on it, but Russian Hill Estate ery is dedicated to Pinot Noir and
no vineyards. In the ensuing years, Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Syrah, but Patrick also makes two
they have planted vineyards, built a 4525 Slusser Road, Windsor excellent white wines – Chardon-
winery and, under the winemaking nay from one of the prestigious
(707) 575-9428 • www.russianhillestate.com
leadership of their nephew Patrick Dutton Ranch vineyards, and an
Melley, have created their own rep- Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay estate-grown Viognier. Now for the
utation for excellence in Pinot Noir Pinot Noirs! Patrick currently has
and, perhaps uniquely, for a deli- FUN Did you know that Russian Hill's tasting room five Pinots from different Russian
cious cool-climate Syrah. FACT was originally a dog kennel? Maybe that River Valley vineyards. This is an
You owe it to yourself to visit is why Russian Hill is so dog friendly! outstanding opportunity to taste
Russian Hill Winery to sample the difference that vineyard loca-
Patrick’s award-winning wines. A second good reason to visit tion makes in the wine. All are classic Pinot Noirs, however,
is to enjoy the stupendous views of one of Sonoma County’s with rich cherry-raspberry and sweet spice flavors.
most enchanting regions. Why not bring your lunch to enjoy The real surprise of the tasting may well be Patrick’s cool-
here? Russian Hill is set in the midst of rolling hills with climate Syrah. This red Rhône grape has become very popular
panoramic views in all directions, but it is isolated in the sense in the last few years, and in style tends almost always to be a
that there are no delis or restaurants nearby, and you won’t big, ripe, jammy fruit bomb. The Russian Hill offering is much
want to hurry away once you’ve arrived. more elegant and restrained, exhibiting a characteristic ripe,
Drive up a winding driveway lined with olive trees to the black fruit and spice flavor, but smooth and deeply rich, with
tasting room and winery. The stately, pale-yellow buildings sit soft tannins that come from extended bottle ageing before re-
atop a hill covered with vineyards, and the tasting room has lease. Choose your favorite wine and enjoy a bottle with your
windows that let you admire the scenery while you sip your picnic on the covered outdoor patio while you revel in the
41
wine. You will probably be met by the de rigeur winery dog beauty of Russian River Valley. BY NAN REILEY

Sonoma-Cutrer
What makes a tasting room visit special and memorable? curving tree-lined driveway to the sweep of open lawn and
The excellent wine? The charming location? The great staff? vistas of low rolling hills where the winery rises in its severe,
Yes, all of the above, and Sonoma-Cutrer, tucked away in the minimalist angles and brown-painted wooden walls. You’ll
rural paradise of Russian River Valley, has all of these. I offer climb a flight of broad stone steps (an adjacent ramp makes
you the following proofs: the tasting room readily disabled-accessible) to a spacious,
Sonoma-Cutrer makes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and trellis-covered patio with tables and chairs and expansive
its stated, unique goal is to pro- views toward the west. This vast
duce these wines in a true French expanse of greenery will make
Burgundian style. Yes, the Sonoma-Cutrer you want to just sit and drink it
grapevines are in Sonoma County, Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. monday-Thursday in, which you can do with a glass
but the vine clones are French, and appointments recommended of Sonoma-Cutrer in hand.
the winemaking is pure Burgun- 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor Great wine and great location
dian in method and tradition. The (707) 237-3489 • www.sonomacutrer.com can still be diminished if the tast-
result is delicious wine at a fraction ing room staff isn’t top notch. I
of the cost of its French counter- Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have to assume that the folks who
parts. The winery was founded FUN Sonoma-Cutrer has two gorgeous croquet courts work here really love their jobs,
originally purely as a Chardonnay FACT and hosts major tournaments each summer. because energy and enthusiasm
producer, and added Pinot Noir to Ask about attending this wine country classic event. shine through in everything they
its portfolio only a few years ago, do. Most impressive is their un-
so most of its production is still Chardonnay, This Chardon- derstanding that every visitor comes with a different degree
nay is so popular that it has been chosen as the “Number One of wine knowledge and tasting experience, and their goal is
Most Requested” wine in restaurants for 19 of the past 20 to customize your visit to meet your needs and wishes. There
years, according to the annual, well-respected poll conducted is no memorized cookie-cutter patter here: they actually lis-
by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Until now, Sonoma-Cutrer’s ten to you, and tailor information to match your interests.
Pinot Noir has not been distributed nationally: a visit to the You can enjoy Sonoma-Cutrer’s Traditional Tasting of four
tasting room is still the only way to sample this outstanding wines for $10 per person, or you can opt for an extensive
red wine. tour of the vineyards and winemaking facility and taste six
The winery is located in the cool Russian River Valley, now different wines for $20 per person. (Please call ahead for tour
known to be the prime growing area for both Chardonnay reservations or – hurrah – you can make reservations any
and Pinot Noir. Take River Road to Slusser Road, and drive time on-line at www.sonomacutrer.com.)
through the serene fields, past lush vineyards and then up a BY NAN REILEY
Hook & Ladder Winery
Olivet Road is a two-mile strip running through the heart There’s lots of firefighter themes at Hook & Ladder, from the
of the Russian River Valley just 10 minutes west of Highway classic, fully-restored shiny red fire truck circa 1960 that sits
101. For the directionally challenged, make your way over along Olivet Road near the winery’s main driveway, to the fire
to Olivet Road in west Santa Rosa and you can spend a day department patches and t-shirts from firefighters who stop
visiting great wineries with an easy blink left or right. and decorate the tasting room.
One family has called Olivet Road home for more than Cecil DeLoach is still involved with the daily operations
35 years – the DeLoaches. Cecil of Hook & Ladder Winery, but
DeLoach was a firefighter in San
Francisco when, in 1970, he and
Hook & Ladder Winery and Vineyards the second and third generation
DeLoaches are now taking the
wife, Christine, bought a 24-acre Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily reins. Cecil’s son, Michael, is the
vineyard just west of Santa Rosa. 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa winery’s president, Cecil’s grand-
The DeLoaches wanted to start son, Jason, is the winemaker and
(707) 526-2255 • www.hookandladderwinery.com
second careers as winegrowers, Michael’s son, Joshua, is Public
and by 1975 the DeLoaches had Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Relations and Sales Director.
made their first wine. The rest, of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon The DeLoaches keep Hook &
course, is history: the DeLoach Ladder to just 35,000-case annual
family went on to build one of the FUN Look for the shiny red vintage fire truck, production; they sell a portion of
country’s most successful wine FACT a Willy’s circa 1961, near the driveway. the grapes they grow, keeping just
brands. the best of the best for Hook &
In 2003, with the DeLoach Vineyards brand producing Ladder Winery.
300,000 cases annually, the DeLoach family decided to start Hook & Ladder carved out a section of their winery for
over. They sold the brand to the Boisset family of Burgundy, the tasting room, “keeping it simple to help keep our prices
keeping 375 acres of prime Russian River Valley vineyards down,” says Michael DeLoach. What’s great at Hook & Lad-
and a second brand, Hook & Ladder, they had started 20 der is that prices are wallet-friendly and quality is sky-high.
years earlier with a Port. At the beginning of 2004, Hook & Hook & Ladder hit gold big at this year’s San Francisco
Ladder opened their doors north on Olivet Road, fittingly on Chronicle Wine Competition, winning two Gold Medals for
part of the first property the family purchased in 1970, the Merlot and Zinfandel and Double Gold and a Best of Class for
Barbieri Ranch. their Third Alarm Reserve Pinot Noir and Double Gold for
The Hook & Ladder name came from Cecil DeLoach’s their Sauvignon Blanc. Those medals, among others, affirm
many years as a San Francisco firefighter operating the back that the DeLoaches are still making great wine after all these
43
end of the fire truck as The Tillerman. Cecil retired in 1982. years. BY MICHELLE J. BAKER

Suncé Winery
Suncé, meaning “sun” in Serbo-Croatian, is located in the ing counter] – with no motor, just oars, to take barrels of wine
heart of the Russian River Valley appellation where open pas- to market. It was hard work, but satisfying.”
tures and olive trees once dominated the landscape, old Once inside their cozy tasting room, a wide array of vine-
head-pruned Zinfandel vines now quietly assert their beauty. yard-designated wines await you, beginning with the
Nestled in this serene setting, Suncé Winery is the ideal place un-wooded Sauvignon Blanc steeped with ripe Asian pear
to take a picnic, play some bocce, stroll the estate Pinot Noir fruit and clean, crisp acidity. Moving into the reds, start with
vineyard then chat with the wine- the Russian River Valley Zora’s Es-
maker, Frane Franicevic. tate Pinot Noir (named after the
Franicevic is much more than Suncé Winery Franicevic’s oldest daughter), a
satisfied these days to be able to Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily bold Burgundy-style Pinot full of
make wine at his Olivet Road win- 1839 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa cherry cola, allspice and raspber-
ery. When he was 17 the family (707) 526-9463 • www.suncewinery.com ries. Also not to be missed are the
moved to Louisiana, where an Check the website to get on their wine club waiting list. old-vine Zins, especially since
uncle ran a shrimp boat a la For- Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel, Frane shares his origins with this
rest Gump. When the uncle was Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, varietal, both of them Croatian
killed in a tragic accident, Frane Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Tempranillo born. The Bastoni Vineyard Zin-
and his father took over the boat fandel is reminiscent of its old
for a couple of years. Frane then FUN Suncé tasting room features a cozy picnic area world origins, brimming with
attended West Georgia University FACT with bocce courts. Perfect to come stay for a while. brambly, luscious blackberries
then moved to San Francisco to and laced with cracked black
take his PhD in East-West Philosophy from the California In- pepper. Not to be missed is the four-time Double Gold Medal
stitute of Integral Studies. “I practiced hypnotherapy here in winning Nebbiolo (something of a domestic Barrolo) – a col-
Santa Rosa – it’s a great way to open one’s receptivity to heal- lector’s wine that Suncé Winery owner and manager Janae
ing – but was always making wine at home.” Franicevic says: “touches places on the palate that have not
“I grew up in Croatia, in the small fishing village of Su- been touched, statistically speaking that is, if it ever makes it
curaj, on the northern tip of the island of Hvar in the Adriatic out of the vineyard (it’s more difficult to grow than Pinot
Sea,” says Suncé Frane. “That’s on the Dalmatian Coast of Noir) it can have the perfect balance of acid, tannins and pH.”
Croatia, and I helped my father pick grapes and olives for as Nearly all of Sunce’s highly sought after releases are lim-
long as I can remember. My parents made wine for the fam- ited to 200-400 cases (12-16 barrels) each and are sold
ily, but my grandparents were in the trade. They had a boat directly to wine club members, through the tasting room, or
44
– there is a painting of it [pointing to the wall behind the tast- right out of the barrel before they’re ever bottled.
Russian River/Olivet www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

DeLoach Vineyards
DeLoach Vineyards is a very special place that you Visitors may schedule a tour of the grounds for $15,
don’t want to miss! Here’s why: The grounds are beautiful, which includes a wine tasting. For those who wish to forgo
the wines are delicious, the staff is friendly and knowl- the tour, a regular wine tasting is $10 to sample a selection
edgeable and the chickens and sheep are really cute. Got of five wines (refundable with purchase). There is also a
your attention there, huh? very special tour happening from September 18 – October
No, they haven’t added a petting zoo at DeLoach Vine- 31 on Saturdays and Sundays. For $25 ($20 for wine club
yards, but the winery was members), visitors may sip
recently licensed as biodynamic, wines as they stroll through the
hence the chickens and sheep DeLoach Vineyards organic gardens, then relax by
(and also a big vegetable and Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily the fountain and enjoy gourmet
flower garden). Biodynamic 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa garden-fresh nibbles, paired
farming is a method of organic (707) 526-9111 • deloachvineyards.com with five wines.
farming that looks upon the soil The tasting room is spacious
and farm as living organisms, so Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay and comfortable. My first im-
all things on the farm are inter- FUN DeLoach Vineyards produces more than 17 pression was of bottles, bottles
connected. For example, the FACT Vineyard Designate wines, most available everywhere! The whole wall be-
sheep are used for weed control hind the tasting bar and one
only in the tasting room.
in the vineyards, the chickens other wall are covered with hor-
provide fertilizer for the vineyards and eggs for the kitchen izontally stacked bottles. There is a tasteful selection of
and the vegetable and flower garden provides produce and wine-related merchandise artfully displayed around the
flowers for the events at the winery. room.
This is a great place to consider if you are planning a I was very impressed by the wines I tasted…
private party. Behind the tasting room is the “guest house,” 2007 Hawk Hill Chardonnay, $50: Big, intense and
a large rustic wooden building with lots of glass to let in loaded with aromas and flavors of buttered toast, spiced
the Russian River Valley sunshine. There is an elegant great baked apple and crisp pear from the first sniff, through to
room with comfortable furniture scattered about, a large the long, luxurious finish.
dining room with a long table at the ready for private tast- 2006 Le Roi Pinot Noir, $60: This Pinot made me
ings and dinners, a commercial kitchen (complete with weak in the knees. It is a gorgeous wine with a silken tex-
in-house chef) and three bedrooms for overnight guests. ture and balanced aromas and flavors of cherry and rose
The walls are bedecked with gorgeous original art, created petals with a hint of earthiness and spice.
45
by students of the San Francisco Academy of Art. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH

Martin Ray Winery
The Martin Ray Winery is an ambitious amalgam of labels Santa Cruz Mountain to the south are three of the most pres-
and wines, all housed in one of Sonoma County’s history- tigious vineyard locations for Martin Ray grapes.
packed winemaking facilities. Here’s its story in a nutshell, As you plan to visit Martin Ray, try to allow extra time for
related because it helps you understand the different labels a tour of the historic production facilities as well as extensive
and the winemaking philosophy behind each. (There’s a lot tasting. The scenic drive there on winding roads is a fasci-
of good stuff to taste at Martin Ray, so you will need to pick nating combination of forests and vineyards. You’ll know
and choose.) you’ve reached the winery when
The man behind it all is Pro- you see the large water tower that
prietor Courtney Benham, a Martin Ray Winery dominates the skyline at the
third-generation San Joaquin Val- Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily winery. Picnic tables and chairs
ley winemaker who knew he 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa outside the tasting room look
wanted to own a winery himself. (707) 823-2404 • www.martinraywinery.com over verdant hills and vineyards.
In 1990, he discovered a treasure Colorful flower boxes surround
trove of old library wines with the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rosé, the tasting room.
label of Martin Ray, a Santa Cruz Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Here’s what’s available: Ange-
Mountains winemaker. Courtney line-label wines, modestly priced,
bought the rights to the Martin
FUN One of the oldest historical winery sites in fruit-forward wines with screw
Ray name and later, in 2003, pur-
FACT California – wander through the cellar and caps for picnic ease; Martin Ray
see 10,000 gallon old-growth redwood tanks.
chased the historic Martini-Prati wines, with more structure and
Winery in western Sonoma vineyard character; Martin Ray
County; these buildings and property have become home to Reserve wines, all vineyard designates; and Courtney Ben-
the Martin Ray line of wines. ham wines, limited-production offerings from some of
One common thread that has run consistently through California’s most interesting wine regions, such as Sauvignon
all of the history of these wines is the acknowledgement that Blanc from Lake County and Lucca, a big red wine from Paso
vineyard location is crucial to the character and quality of Robles. All the classic wine varietals are represented here,
wine. At Martin Ray, there is a special emphasis on moun- from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot, Ries-
tain-grown wines, because of Benham’s conviction that ling, Malbec and Pinot Noir.
mountain-side elevation provides cooler nights during the The friendly tasting room staff can suggest interesting
growing season and therefore results in longer “hang time” wines to taste side by side so you can compare the difference
on the vines for superb fruit ripeness. Diamond Mountain in between, say, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Mountain
Napa Valley, Sonoma Mountain in Sonoma County and the and one from Alexander Valley. BY NAN REILEY
Sebastopol/Freestone
Sebastopol – Equal parts hippie chic and rustic POINTS OF INTEREST Shop Downtown Sebastopol!
elegance, Sebastopol is a true insider's favorite. Antique Row Gravenstein Highway Small town America meets hippie-chic
Located at the mouth of Russian River wine coun- Highway 116 from Cotati to sebastopol along this goldmine of a downtown.
try, Sebastopol offers authentically artisan (a.k.a Gravenstein Hwy) Art and hand-hewn furniture galleries,
shopping, great tea houses, brew pubs and restau- Antiques, collectibles, glassware and furniture. artisan clothiers and book sellers, tea houses
rants and darling hotels all within a quaint Sonoma County Repertory Theater and wine bars, high-end restaurants and
one-street-downtown. Local families stroll the 104 N. main st, sebastopol, (707) 823-0177 beer pubs, theater and live music venues,
sidewalks eating hand-made ice cream cones. Inspired, contemporary plays, top-notch perform- ice cream parlors and yoga studios.
Visitors stretch out and relax in any one of the ances and educational programs.
outdoor cafes, pubs and bistros. And the local
theatre and live music scene is beyond lively. If you
are looking for an off-beat (but still fabulous) wine Freestone – Freestone is Sonoma’s first historical Freestone Country Store
country experience, Sebastopol is your place! district and it is easy to see why! Harkening back to This 1876 building is filled with local wines,
days of western expansion and rural community, artisan cheeses and gourmet picnic items.
LODGING this small patch of old Sonoma County sits at the Historic redwood grove is nearby.
Fairfield Inn & Suites appropriately named intersections of Bohemian 500 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) 874-1417
1101 Gravenstein Hwy. so., sebastopol Highway and Bodega Highway. Drive along some
1-800-465-4329 • www.marriott.com of the most scenic stretches of pastoral California. POINTS OF INTEREST
Fairfield Inn & Suites provides a high-end Mar- Rustic bakeries, artisan wineries, creative day spas Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
riott experience within the heart of Sebastopol and and roadside galleries and garden shops are among Revel in this one-of-a-kind day spa.
Russian River wine country. the relaxed stops to make in rural Freestone. Rejuvenate yourself in Japanese-influenced
The Sebastopol Inn cedar enzyme baths and massages.
6751 sebastopol ave., sebastopol DINING 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone
1-800-653-1082 • sebastopolinn@yahoo.com Wild Flour Bread Bakery (707) 823-8231
www.sebastopolinn.com An over-the-top, sensory overload destination full
Lush gardens & fresh water fountains, wrap- to the brim with espresso, sticky buns, goat-cheese LODGING
around porches and veranda-style-lounging flat bread, seeded wheat breads – all made by Green Apple Inn
Vine Hill Bed & Breakfast hand, all fresh and all delicious! A classic five-room B&B. Enjoy freshly baked
3949 vine Hill rd, sebastopol 140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone breads every morning!
(707) 823-8832 • innkeeper@vine-hill-inn.com (707) 874-2938 520 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) 874-2526
www.vine-hill-inn.com
Enjoy relaxing accommodations in this award-
winning, stunningly remodeled 1890s
Vine Hill B&B
VINE HILL RD
Victorian. Be pampered with a full breakfast, DUTTON ESTATE

Egyptian towels and glorious views! GREE
N VALL
EY RD
116
DINING DUTTON-GOLDFIELD FREI RD
GTO’s Seafood House
GR
AV
234 south main street, sebastopol GRAT

ON
E
NS
BALLETTO VINEYARDS
TE
(707) 824-9922
IN
A taste of New Orleans here in wine country!

HW
Y
RD
HIG
ENTAL OCCIDENTAL RD
Hopmonk Tavern CCID
H
O
SCH
230 Petaluma avenue, sebastopol

OO
(707) 829-7300, hopmonk.com Driving Time: 26 minutes

L RD
This killer brew pub is an absolute local favorite. From Dutton estate
to Dutton-Goldfield >1 mile
116
Go for a pint and stay for the live music out back
HEALD
SBU
to Balletto 3 miles Sushi Tozai RG AVE 12
on the patio or the fun crowd at the bar.
E
to Freestone >9 miles Peter Lowell’s West County Organic OL
AV
OP
MAIN
Total 12 miles Sonoma County Repertory Theater AST

Sushi Tozai Hopmonk SEB
7531 Healdsburg avenue, sebastopol Sebastopol

PETA
GTO’s
GR
(707) 824-9886 • www.sushitozai.com Inn

AV
Seafood
LUM
E
NS
Creative cuisine fused with fresh fish and local

A AV
TE
Y
HW
IN
GA
ingredients! Impressive Japanese woodcarvings
E
DE
HW
BO
Y
Fairfield
and fine art. Osmosis Day Spa Inn &
Peter Lowell’s West County Organic Suites
Freestone Country Store 116
7385 Healdsburg avenue, suite 101 Wild Flour Bakery
BOHEMIAN HWY
(707) 829-1077 • www.peterlowells.com Green Apple Inn

Feel good from the inside out after one of Peter
FREESTONE VINEYARDS
47
Lowell's delicious dinners made entirely from
locally produced and organic foods.
TO BODEGA /SONOMA COAST Not to scale
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sebastopol/Freestone
Balletto Vineyards
You know that you are in real farm country when you UC Davis’ world-famous Viticulture and Enology program.
head to Balletto Vineyards. Sheep graze, veterinarian offices He has been with Balletto Vineyards since 2007 when he
outnumber those of physicians, orchards border acres of was hired as the assistant winemaker, and then was pro-
vines, and Balletto Vineyards sits in the middle of it all. With moted to winemaker two years later. It is an ambitious and
500 acres of land planted to grape vines, John Balletto, who ultimately successful continuation of a life-long passion for
began farming in 1977 at the age of 17, is a major force in food and wine.
this part of Sonoma County. Of course you need to visit
The estate wines of Balletto Balletto Vineyards the comfortable, friendly tasting
grow in the distinct soils and cli- Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily room to see just how well he
mates of Sonoma County’s 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa has done his job. You can stand
Russian River Valley, and they in- at the tasting bar, or sit outside
(707) 568-2455 ext 101 • www.ballettovineyards.com
vite you to come… “Taste the on a new and beautiful patio
bounty that is Balletto” at their
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, with plenty of seating and
tasting room set in the middle of
Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Syrah tables. Here you can enjoy a
a 200-acre vineyard. In all, they FUN The Balletto’s started out as vegetable growers bottle of their wine with a pic-
have 12 vineyards in the famous FACT and transitioned into grape growers. nic lunch while you watch the
Russian River Valley. They have 500 acres of vines and sell off workings of a busy winery and
As the grape-growing business 90% of what they grow. listen to the fountain.
grew, they decided to make wine “One thing I want our visi-
instead of just selling grapes. As growers first, they have tors to know is that we have a program that offers a
strong feelings that with good grapes comes good wine. self-guided vineyard tour. While not many wineries allow
Their grapes are picked by hand and they use only French this, we actually encourage it,” said tasting room manager
oak barrels from a variety of barrel makers. In all, they offer Nancy Woods. “People who come to the winery both ap-
an excellent representation of Russian River Valley Chardon- preciate and enjoy this option.” Just one more reason to
nay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Pinot Gris. make the visit, and be sure to ask them about their “Field
Winemaker Anthony Beckman came into the wine in- of Dreams.” The answer will surprise you and make you
dustry later in life. While taking a variety of jobs in the wine smile, as will the wines they pour.
48 Sebastopol/Freestone
industry, he also managed to find time to get a degree from BY CHARLES NEAVE
Dutton Estate Winery
What makes visiting wine country so much fun is combination of a nutrient-poor yet well-draining base
that, no matter how many times you visit, there’s always to thrive. Not long after the Duttons first planted
a new winery to discover. For some visitors there’s even grapes, the Dutton Ranch name became synonymous
a whole new wine region to explore, and all you have with great Chardonnay.
to do is ignite your spirit of adventure, fire up the GPS Fast forward to today, and the Dutton family farms
or take out a good map, and you’ll be richly rewarded. more than 1,100 acres of grapes in the Green Valley as well
Out in southwest Sonoma as 250 acres of CCOF certified
County is one such area just organic apples. Warren’s son,
waiting to be discovered – the Dutton Estate Winery Joe and his wife, Tracy Dutton,
scenic, rolling Green Valley Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily first started producing wine in
appellation. Green Valley is the 8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol 1995 and started their boutique
foggiest and coolest wine (707) 829-9463 • www.sebastopolvineyards.com winery called Dutton Estate
appellation along the North which showcases wines made
Coast. While summer days in Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, from their best grapes.
Green Valley are warm like the Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel The Duttons hang their
rest of wine country, the cool, FUN Tracy Dutton’s mother is co-owner of the multi- tasting room shingle at a
foggy mornings and evenings FACT generation Kozlowski Farms who are well known quaint and cozy bungalow in
here create the perfect climate for producing and growing specialty foods since 1948 and is front of the winery at the
for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir located only 1 mile north from Dutton Estate Winery. corner of Highway 116 and
grapes. Green Valley Road in Se-
There’s no family more con- bastopol. Dutton Estate’s
nected to the history of Green Valley than the Duttons, wines are exclusively from the Dutton family’s vineyard
who began farming in Sonoma County in 1881. War- spread out through the Green Valley.
ren Dutton began his farming endeavors out of downtown Two tasting flights are available in the tasting room,
Graton growing apples and recognized before anyone else Reserve and Estate tastings, both featuring selections of
the viticulture potential of the Green Valley area. In 1967, single-vineyard estate wines with eye-popping ratings in
Warren planted the first Chardonnay grapes in western the 90s from a variety of wine publications.
Sonoma County and the Green Valley. Green Valley Dutton Estate focuses its production on Chardonnay
turned out to be a world-class spot for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also offers Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah,
due to the cool climate as well as the area’s special soil and an occasional surprise such as Zinfandel and
49
type, Goldridge, that provides grapevines the ideal Late Harvest Zinfandel. BY MICHELLE J. BAKER
www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sebastopol/Freestone
Dutton-Goldfield Winery
Only great things can happen when an acclaimed fifth- of cool-climate wines including delicious Pinot Blanc, lovely
generation farmer teams up with a passionate and experienced Gewurztraminer, bold Syrah and luscious Zinfandel.
winemaker to start a new winery. In April, Dutton-Goldfield moved out of a smaller shared
Steve Dutton, the farmer, first met Dan Goldfield, the tasting room into fabulous new digs at the intersection of High-
winemaker, in the early 1990s when Goldfield was making way 116 and Graton Road in Sebastopol. The familiar green
wine at La Crema and sourcing grapes from Dutton Ranch. building on the northwest corner was formerly Ace Cider, but
Steve Dutton’s pioneering family now Dutton-Goldfield has
started farming here in 1881, and spruced up the place into a classy
first planted Chardonnay in the Dutton-Goldfield Winery yet comfortable place to visit.
Russian River Valley in 1967. Dan Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily The friendly and attentive staff
Goldfield, a University of Califor- 3100 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol at Dutton-Goldfield have created
nia at Davis graduate with a (707) 827-3600 • www.duttongoldfield.com a great vibe for visitors to the new
master’s degree in enology, honed tasting room. The spacious bar is
his winemaking skills with stints Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, a proper white so you can see the
at Robert Mondavi, Schramsberg, Pinot Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel glorious color of these wines, and
La Crema and Hartford Court. the staff has some fun sensory
In 1998, the pair decided to SPECIAL Mention this article and receive props to help you learn to identify
team up on their own label fo- OFFER 10% off your wine purchase. the aromas in the wine. Hang out
cused on producing wines from at the bar or plop down in the “liv-
the cool regions along California’s north coast. Both men ing room,” a space that feels much like home complete with
knew the area well: Steve Dutton from the back of a tractor fireplace, cushy chairs and couches. Either way, you’ll end up
and Dan Goldfield from the seat of a bicycle. Steve and his tapping your feet to the tunes, which could be anything from
family manage 1,300 acres of vineyard in the Russian River Al Green to Chris Isaaks to the Stones.
Valley, and Dan has worked with grapes from here for nearly When you visit Dutton-Goldfield on Friday and Saturday,
20 years. you’ll find the Fork Catering truck parked in the lot, offering
Dutton-Goldfield received great critical acclaim from the restaurant quality lunches such as local wild salmon BLT with
start, and now counts dozens of 90-plus point rated wines in meyer lemon aioli or handmade fettucini with Stornetta Farms
its 10 years of releases. The winery has always focused on short rib ragout. Dutton-Goldfield offers wine by the glass or
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, including several single-vineyard bottle, so you can pick up lunch, pair it with the perfect glass
wines that showcase the difference “place” makes even within or bottle of wine and enjoy it all out on the winery’s sunny
50 Sebastopol/Freestone
the cool coastal region. There’s also an eclectic supporting cast enclosed patio. BY MICHELLE J. BAKER
Freestone Vineyards
There are few Northern California drives more scenic enjoying the fine wines produced from the surrounding
than the back roads of Sonoma County. Rolling hills stud- vineyards. It is open to the public Thursday, Friday, Sat-
ded with gnarly old oak trees give way to majestic redwood urday, Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No
groves as you meander towards the Pacific Ocean. Along appointment is necessary, but groups of six or more are
this bucolic route is the historic and serene town of Free- encouraged to call ahead as this is a tasting room that
stone. Here you will find a vibe that is decidedly tranquil, prides itself on the individual attention given to each vis-
a place of peace and calm. The itor. Brad Schneider, manager of
famous Osmosis spa anchors the the guest center, and his wel-
town, but it is the arrival of the Freestone Vineyards coming staff, will invite you to
Freestone Winery Tasting Room Thursday-monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. take a seat while they pour the
that has now elevated the little 12747 El Camino Bodega, Freestone winery’s great Pinots and
village to a true destination. (707) 874-1010 • www.freestonevineyards.com Chardonnays. An outside seat-
Freestone Vineyards encom- ing area is perfect for enjoying
passes three distinct properties; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay not only the fabulous wines, but
the Pastorale vineyards, the also those famous ocean breezes
Quarter Moon vineyard and the FUN Special events are held the second that the grapevines like so well.
Ferguson vineyard. Located just FACT Sunday of the month. “Because this is a relaxed, seated
eight miles from the ocean, the wine tasting experience,” ex-
vineyards enjoy cool pacific breezes that nurture and plains Brad, “we usually take an hour or so to pour our
coax along the delicate nature of the Pinot Noir and wines. This allows us time to explain what it is we do and
Chardonnay grapes grown there. Planted in 2000, the why. We really enjoy not just pouring wine, but educating
vineyards are the realization of a dream for the Phelps guests about the process and the art of winemaking.”
family. They, along with JPV management, purchased the Freestone is now offering visitors a series of special
property and began planting vineyards that took advan- events every “Second Sunday” of the month. This is the
tage of the favorable growing conditions of the region. perfect opportunity to sample these wonderful wines and
Says Director of Winemaking, Damian Parker, “At an el- to talk with the winemakers and vineyard staff while en-
evation of 500 feet, with its rolling hills and views of the joying the offerings of some of Freestone Winery’s
Pacific Ocean, this is one of the greatest vineyard sites neighbors as well. Tasty food samples like crab cakes and
I’ve ever seen.” handmade cheeses from local producers, live music and a
The tasting room itself is housed in the middle of pic- chance to taste new releases make this a perfect Sunday
51
turesque Freestone. The intimate space is perfect for afternoon adventure. BY RONDA GIANGRECO
m www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sebastopol/Freestone
Winery Index
Acorn Winery 34 Dutton-Goldfield Winery 50
Hours are by appointment only, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
allow an hour for your visit to acorn Winery. 3100 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol
12040 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg • (707) 433-6440 • www.acornwinery.com (707) 827-3600 • www.duttongoldfield.com
Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto and Rosato Contact: Sarah Kelley/David Hewitt
Wines are all field blends from estate-grown grapes. Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel
Armida Winery 21 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 9

Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg • (707) 433-2222 • www.armidawinery.com 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg • (707) 433-6700 • www.ferrari-carano.com
Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Barbera, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and PoiZin Contact: Ask for Hospitality
Balletto Vineyards 48 Field Stone Winery & Vineyard 32

5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa • 707-568-2455 ext 101 • www.ballettovineyards.com 10075 Highway 128, Healdsburg • 707-433-7266 • www.fieldstonewinery.com
Contact: Nancy Woods, nancy@ballettovineyards.com Contact: Tom Prosapio, tastingroom@fieldstonewinery.com
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Syrah Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Port
Christopher Creek Winery 35 Foppiano Vineyards 36

Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg • (707) 433-2001 • www.christophercreek.com 12707 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg • 707-433-7272 • www.foppiano.com
Contact: Darci Feigeo, darci@foppiano.com
Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Port, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and Rosé
De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery 24
Forchini Vineyards & Winery 12
Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., monday-Thursday, by appoinment only
Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment
999 Foreman Lane, Healdsburg • 707-433-3711 • www.dlmwine.com
5141 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg • (707) 431-8886 • www.forchini.com
Contact: Patrick Brown, patrick@dlmwine.com
Contact: Tastings by appointment Monday-Thursday, Anita Forchini
Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Tours by appointment Monday-Friday, Jim Forchini
Primitivo, Tempranillo and unique blends!
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel
DeLoach Vineyards 45 Freestone Vineyards 51
Thursday-monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa • (707) 526-9111 • deloachvineyards.com
12747 El Camino Bodega, Freestone • (707) 874-1010 • www.freestonevineyards.com
Contact: Ellen Springwater, Tasting Room Manager
Contact: Brad Schneider, bschneider@freestonevineyards.com
ellen.springwater@deloachvineyards.com or (707) 526-9111 x118 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay
Hook & Ladder Winery and Vineyards 43
Dry Creek Vineyard 8 Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa • (707) 526-2255 • www.hookandladderwinery.com
3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg • (707) 433-1000 Contact: Candance Mick or Kate Mann
Contact: Visit the website to schedule tours • www.drycreekvineyard.com Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc,
Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Zin Rosé, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
John Tyler Wines by Bacigalupi Vineyard 22
Dutcher Crossing Winery 11 Open currently by appointment only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 4353 Westside Road, Healdsburg • 707-473-0123 • johntylerwines.com
8533 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg • 707-431-2700 • www.dutchercrossingwinery.com Contact: Nicole Bacigalupi, nicoleb@johntylerwines.com
Contact: Midge Bast, Tasting Room Manager Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room 16
Dutton Estate Winery 49 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 337 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg • (707) 433-7102 • www.kj.com
8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol • (707) 829-9463 • www.duttonestate.com Contact: Will Alexander, (707) 576-3878
Contact: Chelsea Draper, chelsea@duttonestate.com Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat Canelli,
52
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
Plus contact information for tours & appointments
Kendall-Jackson Wine Center 40 Silver Oak 28
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily summer: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5007 Fulton Road, Fulton • (707) 571-8100 • www.kj.com Winter: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Tom Reinero or Robin Calkins 24625 Chianti Road, Geyserville • 1-800-273-8809 • www.silveroak.com
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Contact: Samm Wong
Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon
Martin Ray Winery 46 Simi Winery 27

2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa • (707) 823-2404 • www.martinraywinery.com 16275 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg • (707) 473-3232 • www.simiwinery.com
Contact: tastingroom@martinraywinery.com Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma-Cutrer 42
Meeker Vineyards 29
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
4401 Slusser Road, Windsor • (707) 528-1181 • www.sonomacutrer.com
21035 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville • (707) 431-2148 • www.meekerwine.com
Contact: Mark Elcombe, (707) 237-3489
Contact: Tasting Room
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Merriam Vineyards 37
Stephen & Walker Trust Winery 19
11650 Los Amigos Road, Healdsburg • (707) 433-4032 • www.merriamvineyards.com Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Contact: Camille Pope or Susan Cook 243 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg • 707 431-8749 • www.trustwine.com
Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend and Rosé of Cabernet Contact: Debra Chambers
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Port
Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery 23
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Suncé Winery 44
1401 Westside Road, Healdsburg • 1-877-349-2121 • www.millcreekwinery.com Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, 1839 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa • (707) 526-9463 • www.suncewinery.com
Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Dessert Wine Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Merlot,
Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Tempranillo
Prohibition – The Speakeasy Wine Club 17
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Topel Tasting Room 18
340 Healdsburg Avenue at North Street in Healdsburg Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
(707) 473-WINE (9463) • www.speakeasywineclub.com 125 Matheson Street, Healdsburg • (707) 433-4116 • www.topelwines.com
www.facebook.com/topelwinery • Contact: Donnis Topel
Rodney Strong Vineyards 38 Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Meritage, Super Tuscan Blend, Zinfandel,
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, White Wine Blend and Orange Muscato
11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg • 1-800-678-4763 • www.rodneystrong.com
Contact: hospitality@rodneystrong.com, (707) 431-1533 Truett Hurst Winery 13
Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Port Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg • (707) 433-9545 • www.truetthurst.com
Russian Hill Estate 41
Contact: Cindi Howley
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and a few other treats.
4525 Slusser Road, Windsor • (707) 575-9428 • www.russianhillestate.com
Contact: John Peterson
Twomey Cellars 25
Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay
summer: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sausal Vineyard & Winery 31 Winter: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m to 4 p.m.
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily 3000 Westside Road, Healdsburg • 1-800-505-4850 • www.twomeycellars.com
7370 Highway 128, Healdsburg • 1-800-500-2285 • www.sausalwinery.com Contact: Samm Wong
Contact: Angela Romano Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot
Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintners Signatures 30
Sbragia Family Vineyards 10 Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 4001 Highway 128, Geyserville • www.vintnerssignatures.com • (707) 857-3300
9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville • 707-473-2992 • www.sbragia.com Contact: Michael Monahan, ext. 110
Contact: Robbyn Graddy Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Proprietor’s Red ( blend),
53
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine Zinfandel, soon to be added Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon
Rockpile
RUS
Fritz
SIA
Alexander
NR
Lake Valley
IVE
R
DUTCHER CR
SILVER
Sonoma
EEK
SBRAGIA FAMILY OAK Vinwood Cellars
FERRARI-CARANO Kachina 101
DUTCHER CROSSING Frick
David Caffaro
Bella Vineyards J Rickards
Preston Vineyards Pedroncelli
STEWART’S POINT
RD Zachichi CANYON Geyser Peak
Talty R
Yoakim Bridge Martin AmphoraD. Palmeri
Raymond Burr Vineyards FORCHINI Terroirs MEEKER
Dry
Göpfrich Papapietro Perry Route 128 Winery
TRUETT HURST Kokomo Mercury Trione deLorimier
Creek
Michel-Schlumberger Quivira Family* Clos du Bois
Unti Rued VINTNERS
DRY CREEK RD.

Passalacqua Francis
Mounts F. Teldeschi Ford SIGNATURES
A Rafanelli Coppola Trentadue
DRY CREEK VNYD
Lambert Bridge
W. D
Mauritson 128
RY
Pasterik LYTTON SPGSRidge

Robert Young
Amista SIMIAL Stryker Sonoma
Deux Amis EX
Nalle Mazzocco AN
DE Hawkes
CREEK RD
Knights
.
Everett Ridge Duchamp Grove Jordan R VALLEY SAUSAL

Street Stuhlmuller Stonestreet
Wilson
Valley
Northern White Oak
Johnson’s Alexander Valley Vineyards

Sonoma
Alderbrook FIELD STONE Hanna
MILL CREEK MacPhail FOPPIANO Christie Limerick
ACORN Lane Lancaster Estate
DE LA MONTANYA Archipel/Vérité
Meitz CHRISTOPHER
ARMIDA
D.
RODNEY STRONG CREEK

ER
Russian
Matrix
SI D
C. Donatiello
ST
River TWOMEY J Wine MERRIAM

W
Korbel JOHN TYLER DeNatale
by Bacigalupi Vineyards Hop Kiln Chateau Felice FERRARI-CARANO’S
WI
116 Bradford Mtn Rochioli NDS Vine Tastings
OR Chalk Hill SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD
Gary Farrell Arista RIV
ER KENDALL-JACKSON
RD
Porter
IDE
Creek Thomas PROHIBITION
K HILL
Moshin
STS
George PL
AL
EA
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OLD
AS
CH
Copain AN
T
TOPEL
RED
Mueller
Chalk
Artiste
WOO
D
RUSSIAN Hill Downtown Wine
HILL ESTATE Front Street Wineries:
HWY
Hartford Family
R
1 Russian River Vnyds Emtu
RI
VE SONOMA • Camellia Cellars
SSE
RR KENDALL-JACKSON
D.
BOH
CUTRER • Davis Family
SLU
Iron Horse
E
River Road Joseph Swan Woodenhead
WINE CENTER • Sapphire Hills
MIAN
D.
Martinelli
.
MARK W R • Holdredge
T
Green
GS
RD
DUTTON ESTATE MARTIN Pellegrini EST
SPRIN Hauck
IVE
Harvest Moon
NA
Occidental Road RAY
U
OL
Hawley Tasting Room & Gallery
Valley
Atascadero Creek
HIGHWAY
DehlingerG SUNCÉ HOOK & LADDER
LAG
Graton Ridge UE Hudson Street Wineries
RN Inman Family Carol Shelton Inspiration
Marimar Torres GRATON RD
. House EVIL
LE BattagliniP NovyINDUSTRIAL • Bluenose Wines
DUTTON-GOLDFIELD Lynmar INE
R • Grove Street
Emeritus Merry Edwards DE LOACH Siduri
Paradise Ridge • Owl Ridge
.
RD
AL RD.
• Sadler-Wells
N
OCCIDENT FOUNTAIN
GR • Rocking Z Vineyard
LTO
Taft Street Winery Peters OVE
OC
FU
Family CID
ENHanna D’Argenzio • Teira
TA
LR
D.
Gallo Family
BALLETTO Cellars La Crema
BODEGA HIG of Sonoma
HWA Lake Sonoma
Y FREESTONE Sheldon Longboard Vineyards
VINEYARDS Murphy-Goode
VA
Optima
L LE
Y Rosenblum Cellars
FO
RD Seghesio
CU
TO Selby
FF
116 101 Thirty Four North Wine Merchant
Thumbprint
Toad Hollow
Grey Stack Waterfront Tasting Room
GRA
Sonoma
NGE
Matanzas • J. Keverson
Sable Creek • Christie
D
Coast
Ridge
OA
• Hart’s Desire
LR
Williamson
A HIL
UM
AL
BE
NN
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DAY TRIPS

off Highway 101

7 Wine Tasting Trips plus

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Eastside Bunch

DRY CREEK RD.

Pages 20-25 JOHN TYLER

Valley DUTTON ESTATE

HOOK & LADDER

Travelling around Sonoma County

miles (average) (Peak)

Downtown santa rosa to Healdsburg 16 20 30

off Highway 101

An acre of vineyard land can give the grower:

What does all that information on a wine label mean?

Rooted in traditions as rich as the Dry Creek Soil, Dry

Creek Olive Oil Company is your destination for artisan,

From sbragia Family

Dry Creek General Store, (707) 433-4171 Not to scale

Hope Merrill & Hope Bosworth B&B

m www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Vineyard

8 Dry Creek Valley

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley

Sbragia Family Vineyards

10 Dry Creek Valley

Dutcher Crossing Winery

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley

12 Dry Creek Valley

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley

GRAPE LEAF INN

Raven Theater NORTH ST

off the Square

Downtown Healdsburg www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Downtown Healdsburg

Downtown Healdsburg www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Downtown Healdsburg

Downtown Healdsburg www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Downtown Healdsburg

to Twomey >1 mile

RD to John Tyler mile

.DR LLIH KLAH

A world-class destination for guests seeking gracious service

and luxurious accommodations in the heart of wine country.

Oh yes... "Rated #1 in Napa & Sonoma"

by Travel & Leisure... Need we say more?

Farmhouse Inn, 7871 river road, Forestville SH

(707) 887-3300, www. Farmhouseinn.com

and Spas, sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food, and seasonal

body treatments come together for one unforgettable experi- Wohler A

(707) 887-3300, www.farmhouseinn.com

Tucked into one of the smallest, lovely towns in wine country,

the Farmhouse Inn BAY

by Chef Litke tells the story of Sonoma's diverse agriculture

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Westside Road

Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Westside Road

Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Westside Road

Bosworth & Son General Store

Hope Merrill/Hope Bosworth House

128 Hoffman House Restaurant

SAUSAL jestic mountains nearby. Seasonal dinners, call first.

Y TON SPRINGS XAND