SEBASTOPOL GALLERY
Wineries
Most reviews by James Knight. Note: Those listings marked ‘WC’ denote wineries with caves. These wineries are usually only open to the public by appointment. Wineries in these listings appear on a rotating basis.
SONOMA CO U N TY Eric K. James Vineyards Venture down to
The Artist’s Search April 29 to June 24
150 N. Main St. Sebastopol 707-823-4256
an off-the-Plaza arcade to find refuge from the maddening crowds, day-brightening Pinot Noir and Syrah, plus the prettiest Rosé in the valley. A grower’s collective for several Carneros-area vineyards. 452 First St. E., Sonoma. Open Friday, noon–8pm; Saturday– Sunday, noon–5:30pm. No fee. 707.996.1364.
Homewood Homewood
Exhibiting a diverse selection of unusual antique, modern and contemporary artworks.
Open Wed thru Sun, 11 to 5pm 144 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma 707.781.7070 calabigallery.com
Call today to advertise! 707.527.1200 sales@bohemian.com
offers tasting in a small, somewhat disheveled indoor office or an outdoor deck. Indoors is where the tasty black olive and bread samples are, and the folks are lowpressure and friendly. Free tasting, anything you like. 23120 Burndale Road, Sonoma. Open daily, 10am–4pm. 707.996.6935. mountain Cab. And continuing the old tradition, folks can pick up a gallon of hearty Round Barn Red for $13. 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa. Summer hours, daily, 11am–5pm. 707.823.2404.
Ram’s Gate Winery
Simi Winery Pioneered
fine & fashion jewelry handmade gifts Supporting local artists since 1999 145 N. Main Street, SebastopolÊUÊ707.829.3036 10:30–6pm, Sun til 5pmÊUÊartisanafuntionalart.com
Two Amigos Wines One of the “Vino Brothers” is a famous television commercial actor, but they look alike in plastic nose and Groucho glasses disguises. Goofy theme and good wine. Vito’s Vino Bianco is a rich Roussanne; Guido’s Vino Rosso a successful California Sangiovese. 25 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Open daily, 11am– 6pm. 707.799.7946.
VML Winery Acronym of Virginia Marie Lambrix, who practices organic and biodynamic winegrowing— the artist who created VML’s wacky new labels said, “Ah, so you’re a witch!” Bewitching Russian River Valley Chard and Pinot, to be sure. 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg. Open daily, 11am– 5pm. $10 fee. 707.431.4404.
N A PA CO U N TY
Martin Ray Focus is on
Fireplaces blaze away, ceilings soar—if the vibe is more executive retreat than tasting room, consider that a positive. Pairings from oysters to albondigas; crispy cured pork belly to seared gulf shrimp; goat cheese tart to nicoise salad. Great views, too. 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. Open for tasting, Thursday– Monday, 10am–6pm; kitchen open 11am–5pm. 707.721.8700. vineyard bridal set by Okomido
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female winemaking by hiring the first female winemaker in the industry. The tastingroom experience is mediocre, but the wine is fantastic and worth the wait. Excellent Chard, Sauvignon Blanc and Cab. 16275 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. Open daily, 10am–5pm. 707.473.3213.
August Briggs Winery Tasting room is a white barn lit by skylights and often staffed by the owner’s wife or mother. 333 Silverado Trail, Calistoga. Open Thursday– Sunday, 11:30am–4:30pm. 707.942.5854.
Constant (WC) Boutique winery specializing in the kind of Cabernet that makes the Wine Spectator drool. 2121 Diamond Mountain Road, Napa. By appointment. 707.942.0707. Del Dotto Vineyards (WC) Caves lined with Italian marble and ancient tiles, not to mention Venetian chandeliers and mosaic marble floors. They host candle-lit tastings, replete with cheese and chocolate, Friday–Sunday. Opera resonates until 4pm; rock rules after 4pm. 1055 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. By appointment. 707.963.2134.
Hess Collection Winery An intellectual outpost of art and wine housed in the century-old Christian Brother’s winery.
Cab is the signature varietal. 4411 Redwood Road, Napa. Open daily, 10am–4pm. 707.255.1144.
Nichelini Winery Take a joyride in the Napa backcountry and discover this rustic little winery that’s been in the family for generations. See the only Roman wine press in the Western Hemisphere. 2950 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena. Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm. No fee. 707.963.0717.
Phifer Pavitt Wines Lots of cowgirl sass but just one wine: “Date Night” Cabernet Sauvignon. Hale bale seating. 4660 Silverado Trail, Calistoga. By appointment. 707.942.4787. Schramsberg (WC) Sparkling wine at its best. The “tasting room” is a branch of the cave illuminated with standing candelabras. 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga. By appointment. 707.942.4558.
Trefethen Winery Some critics claim Trefethen’s heyday was in the ’60s, but the winery proves them wrong with dependable, delicious wines. Trefethen is one of the oldest wineries in Napa. 1160 Oak Knoll Ave., Napa. Open daily, 11:30am–4:30pm. 707.255.7700.
Uncorked at Oxbow Across from the Public Market, this remodeled house in Napa’s historic “Little Italy” is a casual and unaffected joint. Ahnfeldt and Carducci wines include estate Merlot, Syrah, Cab, vinted by Paul Hobbs. Don’t ask about the horse. 605 First St., Napa. Open daily, noon–8pm; winter hours vary. Tasting fee, $10–$20. 707.927.5864.
Velo Vino Napa Valley Cycling-themed bungalow is filled with enough gear to outfit a peloton, plus wine and espresso, too. Tastings include spiced nuts and dried cherries, but sample-sized Clif and Luna Bars are readily available for your impromptu energy bar and wine pairings. 709 Main St., St. Helena. Daily, 10am– 6pm. $10–$25. 707.968.0625.