Wctw day book region

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:47 PM Page 1

FALL/WINTER 2017

Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country

DAY TRIPS

55

8

EIGHT TASTING ROUTES

from Sonoma to Cloverdale featuring

Brought to you by

WINE COUNTRY

THIS WEEK

FIFTY-FIVE TASTING OPPORTUNITIES

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 2

Rockpile Alexander Valley

I AN RUSS

ER RIV

FRITZ

Lake Sonoma

CAST WINES

101

FERRARI-CARANO TRATTORE FARMS STEWART’S POINT

Dry Creek Valley RD

CANYON

TRUETT HURST

W. DRY

Dry Creek

FORCHINI PETERSON 128 K CREE DRY

.

E E K RD CR

Russian River

Healdsburg Pages 50-57

LYTTON SPGS

AL

RD.

Northern Sonoma

DRY CREEK RD.

Pages 58-63

RD.

COMSTOCK WINES BEAR REPUBLIC BREWING CO. BREATHLESS WINES

EXA

ND

SIMI WINERY

ER

VALLEY

Knights Valley

SPICY VINES TOPEL WINERY

Pages 39-45 D.

RODNEY STRONG

ER

RD.

ES TS ID

ER RIV

KORBEL

W

BANK CLUB WINE COLLECTIVE

116

MOSHIN VINEYARDS

MUTT LYNCH WINERY

DE

WESTSI

RD.

MIAN

RIV

ER RD.

T IVE

ER

NE VIL

R GS PRIN

CHATEAU ADORÉ

PIN

ER

RD.

TAFT STREET WINERY BALLETTO OCCIDENTHANNA AL RD .

OCCIDENTAL ROAD CELLARS THE BARLOW MacPHAIL WINES WIND GAP WINES

BODEGA HIG HWA Y

MARK W EST S

RD .

LE

HARVEST MOON HOOK & LADDER LTO N

OCCIDENTAL

GU

Santa Rosa

D’ARGENZIO

FU

CHAR VALE

DUTTON ESTATE

OL

Green Valley

GRATON RD.

LA GU

NA

HIGHWAY

1

Chalk Hill

SONOMA-CUTRER

RD .

E BOH

WINE GUERILLA JIGAR WINES RUSSIAN RIVER EKTIMO VINEYARDS

D.

Russian River

Pages 35-38

Sebastopol

VA L

LE Y

FO RD

CU TO F

Pages 46-49

LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS

Sonoma Coast

Kenwood

101

116

LANDMARK VINEYARDS La ROCHELLE WINES

Pages 28-33

GRAN GE

ILL

RO AD

F

RO B

THIS WEEK

NN

Rohnert Park

KENWOOD VINEYARDS

ET

TV AL

LE YR

D.

Glen Ellen

BENZIGER

LA

Tomales Bay 669 Broadway, Suite B • Sonoma, CA 95476 P.O. Box 92 • El Verano, CA 95433 BOD EGA

BE

VJB CELLARS

MATANZAS CREEK

AH PE

WINE COUNTRY

TA LU M

A Publication of

RR

D.

Pages 21-27

ERIC ROSS B.R. COHN WINERY

VALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY AT MADRONE ESTATE

HWY

12

WASHINGTON

PETRONI VINEYARDS

707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674 LAKE SONOMA RAVENSWOOD AD

OB

ER

D

116

ROBLEDO FAMILY WINERY

101

12 121

121 EH

PROHIBITION SPIRITS JACUZZI FAMILY VINEYARDS

WY

TO SAN FRANCISCO

ENKIDU COCHON MacLAREN

STAGE GULCH

116

L VIL KE

EDITORIAL Alexandra Charsley, Monica L. Dashwood, CONTRIBUTORS Ronda Giangreco, Shoshana Hebshi, Denise Olliffe, Tanya Seibold, Sue Straight, The Wine Wench,® Bonnie Zimmermann

FRA TES

LA

PUBLISHER Cathi Wastal Direct (707) 938-3734 cathiw@winecountrythisweek.com MARIN SALES REPRESENTATIVE Jet Howell, 707-495-9385 CHEESE FACTORY winecountryjet1@att.net MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant Phone 707-938-1783 • Fax 707-938-3674 chandra@winecountrythisweek.com OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Gore Phone 707-938-3494 • Fax 707-938-3674 TO SAN FRANCISCO Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com

CARNEROS BREWING COMPANY

Sonoma

37

TO V A

LLEJO

San Pablo Bay

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDMARK VINEYARDS, SEE PAGE 31

Pages 13-20

Los Carneros Region TO N

APA

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 3

FALL/WINTER 2017

Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country

DAY TRIPS 8 Day Trips SONOMA VALLEY WINERIES MAP • Sonoma

Helpful Information

• Glen Ellen • Kenwood

21-27 28-33

• Discover Sonoma County • The Laugh Cellar • Wineries with Recommended Wine & Food Pairings • Wine Tasting 101

NORTHERN SONOMA COUNTY WINERIES MAP • Santa Rosa • Sebastopol • Russian River

34 35-38 46-49 39-45

• Carneros Brewing Company • Bear Republic Brewing Company • Prohibition Spirits

Great Glasses on Sonoma Plaza

12 13-20 20

4 7 8 67

BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

10

Taste Route 116

44-45

• Healdsburg • Dry Creek Valley

50-57 58-63

• Marin Cheese Factory • Wine Carriage

11 57

62-63

• The Barlow

47

70-71

DINING RECOMMENDATIONS VARIETALS CHART

Dry Creek Road Wineries

SONOMA COUNTY WINERIES MAP

64-65 68-69

55 Wine, Beer & Spirit Tasting Opportunities B.R. Cohn Winery 23 Balletto Vineyards 44 Bank Club Wine Collective 44 Bear Republic Brewing 10 Benziger Winery 25 Breathless Wines 52 Carneros Brewing Company 10/15 Cast Wines 63 Char Vale Winery 43/44 Chateau Adoré 37 Cochon Tasting Bar 19 Comstock Wines 63 D’Argenzio Winery 36 Dutton Estate Winery 44 Ektimo Vineyards 44 Enkidu Winery 20 Eric Ross Winery 26 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 60

Forchini Vineyards & Winery 62 Fritz Underground Winery 59 Hanna Winery and Vineyards 44 Harvest Moon Estate and Winery 45 Hook & Ladder Winery 45 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards 16 Jigar Wines 45 Kenwood Vineyards 33 Korbel Champagne Cellars 40 La Rochelle Wines 30 Lake Sonoma Winery 18/20 Landmark Vineyards 31 Ledson Winery & Vineyards 29 MacLaren 20 MacPhail Wines 49 Matanzas Creek Winery 27 Moshin Vineyards 41 Mutt Lynch Winery 38 Occidental Road Cellars 45

Peterson Winery Petroni Vineyards Prohibition Spirits Ravenswood Winery Robledo Family Winery Rodney Strong Vineyards Russian River Vineyards Simi Winery Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Spicy Vines Taft Street Winery Topel Winery Trattore Farms: Wine and Olive Oil Truett Hurst Winery VJB Cellars Valley of the Moon Winery at Madrone Estate Wind Gap Wines Wine Guerrilla

62 22 10 17 14 54 45 53 42 55 45 56 61 63 32 24 48 45

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 4

Discover Sonoma County With more than 425 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific Ocean coastline and some of the most fertile earth in California, Sonoma County embodies the organic, natural and deliberate life that typifies Wine Country.

Wine enthusiasts already know of Sonoma County’s famed wineries and 17 distinct winegrowing areas that allow vintners to produce a stunning array of wines in an area slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised to find that wine tasting in Sonoma County is a casual, friendly affair without pretense.

Many tasting rooms offer free tastings, and often the person pouring the wine is the winemaker, eager to talk about their product and how it is made.

This authentic Wine Country offers more than wine. The rugged mountains of western Sonoma County, where the Russian River flows past redwoodtopped ridges, stand over the 80 kilometers/50 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, offer stunning views along California’s famed Highway 1. Coastal towns like Bodega Bay entice seafood lovers with the bounty from the ocean, with Dungeness crab, salmon and

4

cod appearing on local menus.

Further inland, Guerneville serves as both the West Coast’s “favorite gay and lesbian playground” and the entry point to the famed Armstrong Redwoods, a stand of old-growth redwoods where it is possible to get far from the madding crowds and enjoy the ancient giants in solitude.

Quirky small towns typify west Sonoma County, with the “Bohemian Connection” encompassing bastions of freethinkers in Occidental, Freestone and Monte Rio. Excellent inns, small wineries, artisan foods and even a spa that has gone “green” are to be found along the Bohemian Highway.

Ranching and organic farms and orchards give way to orderly rows of grapevines and the cities and towns of Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Cloverdale, Glen Ellen, Boyes Hot Springs, Kenwood and more. Michelin-rated restaurants, fine hotels, fun bed & breakfasts, unique inns, quiet spas, and even an African-style tent safari are the order of the day.

Just 65 kilometers/40 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city of Petaluma invites visitors to explore the southern portions of Sonoma County

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 5

with river-front access to the historic downtown, lined with shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Sonoma County is noted as having more artists per capita than anywhere else in California, and the profusion of galleries, studios and world-class performance venues bear this out. The Green Music Center, located on the Sonoma State University campus in Rohnert Park, is the newest addition to the Sonoma County arts scene, and the acoustic perfection of the Weill Concert Hall is already drawing favorable comparisons with Tanglewood.

At the extreme southern end of Sonoma County, the San Pablo Wildlife Refuge offers expansive views of the marshes and wetlands that drain into the San Pablo Bay and to the San Francisco Bay. Of course, Sonoma County isn’t all wine and wildlife, as the furious racing action at Sonoma Raceway shows. NASCAR, Indy-Car, and motorcycle racing are big draws as some of the biggest names come to compete on a road track with 11 challenging turns. Those wanting to experience racing on a more personal level can suit up and jump in a real race car at a driving school at the track.

Sonoma County offers direct air service at the airport named after long-time Santa Rosa resident Charles M. Schulz (creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip). Direct flights to and from Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., San Diego and Seattle are offered daily on Alaska Airlines. Sonoma County is also about 60 minutes from San Francisco and Oakland international airports, and 90 minutes to Sacramento international airport.

SonomaCounty.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

5

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 6

Whether Planning Ahead or On the Go We’ve got the tools you need!

WINE COUNTRY

THIS WEEK

• Easy-to-read Winery Maps • In-depth Calendar of Events • Special ‘Destination’ sections • Varietal-specific wine education • Winery/Tasting Room Features www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country

DAY TRIPS … visiting Wine Country can be a bit overwhelming. Use Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country Day Trips to help you plan your wine tasting adventures!

• Wine Tasting Routes • Wineries by Varietal • Winery Maps • Recommended Dining

Looking for a winery nearby? Use our app!

• Complete listing of all California wineries • Wine Tasting Deals and Discounts • Search Functions, Mapping, Social Check-ins Download the App for iPhone or Android! www.WineryGeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 7

The Laugh Cellar - World-Class Comedy Club in Sonoma County Did you know that we have a world-class comedy club right here in Sonoma County? Were you aware that famous comedians, who you might recognize from TV, regularly do their thing there? Are you hip to the fact that we now have a super cool new venue for great live music in an intimate setting? No? Well, let me tell you about The Laugh Cellar.

The Laugh Cellar is a much-needed breath of fresh air in Sonoma County’s nightlife.Located on the east side of town, just off of Highway 12, Laugh Cellars offers up a full schedule of world-class stand up comedy shows and live music. Their comfy wine and beer lounge, which features an impressive wine list brimming with local wine favorites, is open during the day as well. They have a great selection of bottled beer from around the world and sell beer by the bucket! The food is the comedy dog—a gourmet hot dog bar and various wisecracking cheese plates!

The Laugh Cellar’s atmosphere is comfortable and cozy, with a distinct wine country feel – the walls are done in a combination of warm tones and distressed wood paneling and wine barrels are used as tables throughout the venue. Glossy pictures of smiling comedians line one wall. This place just feels good.

Parking is complimentary and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

The Laugh Cellar is the brainchild of Lisa and Carlee Pidge. Let me tell you a bit about these dynamic women…

Prior to launching Crushers of Comedy and The Laugh Cellar, Lisa co-owned Doce Vida Fitness Inc., where she fine-tuned her marketing and public relations skills. The company, featured in the September 2007 Oprah Magazine article, “Do What You Love” was also highlighted in CRAVE NYC and grateful to design private label workout gear for The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and SPINNING.com.

In 2011, after years of living in inspiring cities like Los Angeles, New York City and Tokyo, Lisa returned home to Sonoma County and decided to combine the fun life experiences she had thus far – she combined her love of comedy, wine and public relations experience to produce world-class comedy shows in The Valley of the Moon. She truly enjoys partnering with talented comics and local businesses to create exciting comedy events for her community.

Currently, she serves as a board member for The Valley of the Moon Certified Farmers’ Market. Lisa is also the former Sonoma County Wine Director for

San Francisco Magazine.

Carlee Pidge has been a licensed hairstylist for the past 14 years, as well as an Executive Sales Rep for Ultimate Beauty Companies. She trained at Paul Mitchell Academy and furthered her education at Vidal Sassoon in Southern California. Carlee is also a graduate of the Nordstrom Future Leader program. After retiring from sales, Carlee joined the team full-time at Mumm Napa Sparkling, where she gained in-depth wine knowledge. Her flare and love for wine bring a fabulous touch to the wine bar. She has a palate for picking delicious wine for everyone!

They say that laughter is the best medicine and I truly believe that this amazing club will lift your spirits and cure your “Well, what do we do for fun around here, anyway?” blues.

Take my word and go there – laugh, eat, drink and just enjoy the heck outta this innovative, comfortable, fun local treasure of a venue. Tell them, “The Wine Wench sent me.”

You will probably see me there in the audience or maybe even up on the stage!

The Laugh Cellar is open Thursdays-Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m.

They are located at 5755 Mountain Hawk Drive in Santa Rosa. They offer live music every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wine’s Night Out, an evening wine tasting event every second Thursday of the month, and wine education classes with Sommelier Rosie Kasper-Bennett the first Thursday every month.

For more information, call (707) 843-3824, visit their website at TheLaughCellar.com and follow them on Facebook. >> Sue Straight, The Wine Wench

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 8

Wineries with Recommended Wine and Food Pairings Sample Tasty Plates and Award-Winning Wines

Ram’s Gate Winery

Take the guesswork out of wine and food pairing at Sonoma County wineries that offer gourmet bites with flights of wine.

It’s more than just cheese plates these days — much, much more — although the local cheeses are good. Sonoma-grown produce, often from estate gardens adjacent the vineyards, combined with the talents of local chefs means Sonoma County wineries are outdoing each other in culinary presentations that were formerly available only at top restaurants.

Why aren’t there more restaurants in wineries? By law, only a handful of California wineries are allowed to have full-service restaurants. But Sonoma County allows wineries to offer gourmet bites (ask about vegetarian options, and chefs are often happy to accommodate) with a flight of wine for educational purposes … and what a great tasting education. Here are 10 top destinations for wine and food pairing:

Get acquainted with one of the newer additions to the Sonoma Carneros district via their “Palate Play” seated food pairing. Like many of these experiences, it may seem like one of the pricier options on the tasting menu — until you meet the food. The menu changes with each season: a sample lineup includes prawn, fried game hen with waffle and Fuji apple slaw, beets with crispy kale, and duck cassoulet with bacon and huckleberries. Small bites, big flavors, and a sweeping view of Los Carneros.

Williamson Wines This family-owned tasting room in downtown Healdsburg started out small, but with such a big passion for pairing wine and food that they offered it free, whipping up bite-sized snacks on the fly while pouring Cabernet. They still offer a complimentary “fridge foods” wine tasting with well-chosen bites at the bar, as well as 90-minute seated culinary food and wine pairings priced $25 to $125. There’s also a helicopter ride and wine tasting for two at $395.

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Named twice by OpenTable as the “Best Restaurant in America” in an online survey of their users, the winery’s multi-course wine and food pairing is offered on a set schedule at a horseshoe-shaped bar in an elegant annex to the tasting room. Hitching white wines to pan-seared day boat scallops and cucumber gazpacho, and pairing sumptuous Rockpile Cabernet with grilled flat iron steak, chanterelles and smoked smashed potatoes, the tasting flight builds to a palatewinning crescendo of flavor.

8

Visitors to this house of sparkling wine have long loved the views from the terrace, which was recently remodeled, as was the tasting room. However, past guests had only the winery’s signature roasted Marcona almonds to munch on.

Now, gourmet curds both Spanish and local, charcuterie, and Spanish tapas provide even better bites to go with those bubbles.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 9

pairing seasonal ingredients with their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah in a tranquil garden setting.

J Vineyards & Winery

Mayo Family Reserve Room

Everything’s better with bubbles, and what better place to play that out than the Bubble Room. A Sonoma County favorite for sparkling wine, J Vineyards offers several sipping and nibbling options at their Healdsburg-area headquarters. The Bubble Room, a comfortably cushy lounge within the glassand-concrete fortress of fizz, is the premier option: five small courses that add up to one epic experience.

An early adopter of the gourmet food pairing model, Mayo Family still occupies a modest storefront in the town of Kenwood. Their recent menu included Shiitake Mushroom Arancini paired with 2013 Reserve Pinot Noir Laurel Hill Vineyard, and Korean Short Rib with a 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Random Ridge Vineyard.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Dutton-Goldfield Winery Cool-climate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made by Dan Goldfield are the inspiration for a wine and sushi pairing flight, available by reservation and one of the few sushi-only flights in the county. Cheese and charcuterie also available.

Lynmar Estate The chef even gives the popcorn here “the Lynmar touch,” like plum skin-infused salt. But besides the “bar menu” offerings like cheese plate, popcorn, nuts and olives, this environmentally oriented estate winery now hosts a 90-minute “Lynmar Lunch,”

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

This is the home of one of America’s favorite restaurant wines, according to wine surveys. A secret bookcase door in the chateau-styled winery’s library leads to the wine tasting parlor. Starring varietals here are Chardonnay and Cabernet, paired with hors d’oeuvres from the chef, like sushi-grade hamachi with daikon radish and a quartered quail egg. A more elaborate place setting can be found at the end of the luxury bus estate tour, under a sleek gazebo with 360-degree views of Alexander Valley.

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens One’s bouche cannot fail to be amused by the Lilliputian creations of Kendall-Jackson’s chefs. Many of the ingredients arrive fresh from the winery’s culinary garden, just steps outside the door. Learn how tiny accents of herbs and fruit can affect the harmony of wine and food in surprising ways.

Courtesy of SonomaCounty.com Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight

9

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 10

BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES CARNEROS BREWING COMPANY [Sonoma] The Carneros Brewing Company is ideally located in the heart of Wine Country’s Carneros region. The staff is passionate about beer and can highlight the different aromas and flavors found in each. Start with a self-guided tour that begins at the hop trellises outside in the beer garden – the foundation of their craft brews. Or, go straight to the Tap Room Bar and order a beer flight or a pint. The Beer Garden is an outdoor oasis where visitors can relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying their small-batch craft brews. Local food trucks are there on weekends.

22985 Burndale Road, Sonoma CA 95476 (707) 938-1880 | carnerosbrewing.com

PROHIBITION SPIRITS [Sonoma] Discover a new side of wine country and taste highly acclaimed, small-batch, artisanal spirits at their new distillery tasting experience. The tasting room is an intimate location to explore the aromas and flavors of their craft spirits. Whether you are a novice or aficionado, they will guide you through an insightful tasting to help you better appreciate and understand artisanal spirits. The daily selection of hand-crafted spirits changes based on the distilling and release schedule and some of the spirits are seasonal or small-batches that can only be experienced and sold onsite.

Located at the beautiful Sunset Magazine Gardens at Cornerstone. 23750 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. Open daily 10-5.

(707) 721-6394 | prohibition-spirits.com

BEAR REPUBLIC BREWING COMPANY [Healdsburg]

:: x Bunch 10 10 Eastside

Located in Wine Country’s Sonoma County, on the corner of Healdsburg’s historic downtown square, Bear Republic Brewing Company offers award-winning food and world class, handcrafted ales. Established in 1995 by third and fourth generation Sonoma County residents, the Norgrove family invites you to come and discover their diverse menu, family friendly atmosphere and more than 14 freshly brewed beers on tap. A relaxed, casual dining experience is what you should expect on your visit.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

345 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg CA 95448 (707) 433-BEER | www.bearrepublic.com www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 11

Handcrafted Award-Winning California Cheese Since 1865

B

uilding on a history that spans over 150 years, Marin French Cheese Company (or “The Cheese Factory” as they are known to locals) enjoys the distinction of being the longest continuallyoperating cheese company in America. Cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean only ten miles away from the historic ranch in Hicks Valley cascade over the rural land–providing exceptional grazing pastures for the Jersey, Holstein, and Guernsey cows, yielding the highest quality hormone-free milk for their cheesemaking.

All cheeses are handcrafted in 20-gallon buckets today, just as they were back in 1865. Using only fresh milk which arrives daily from neighboring dairies within 20 miles from the creamery, their commitment to naturally-made cheeses without preservatives and additives is a hallmark of Marin French.

Their signature cheese, Petite Breakfast, was created in the early 1900s due to a poultry disease epidemic, which in turn, created a shortage of eggs. Jefferson A. Thomson, the founder of the creamery, sold his fresh, un-ripened Brie to saloons where it was welcomed by the dockworkers as an alternate source of protein and as a substitute for pickled eggs. The Petite Breakfast (as it’s now called today) continues to be the creamery’s most popular cheese.

Visitors to the creamery’s cheese shop will experience free cheese tastings daily. There’s even a charming deli-café on-site with a large variety of cold and hot sandwiches, drinks, artisan food products and a variety of picnic foods that can be enjoyed with the entire family. Spread out a picnic blanket on the historic property either overlooking the picturesque pond, or nestled in the shaded redwood grove for a relaxing afternoon.

CHEESE Soft-ripened, cow milk Brie-style cheeses including Triple Crème, Camembert, flavored Bries such as jalapeño, pesto and garlic plus the creamery’s original recipe Petite Breakfast and washed-rind Schloss.

FUN FACTS • 1 gallon of milk = 1.2 pounds of cheese • Schloss, (which translates to “castle”) is a washedrind cheese which won a “Super Gold” medal at the World Cheese Awards in London in 2015.

• Only vegetable rennet is used, making our cheeses vegetarian friendly.

UPCOMING EVENTS: • A signature hot sandwich featuring a Marin French cheeses is sampled in the café on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month.

• Build a custom cheese gift basket! Perfect for gift giving and available in the cheese shop MondayThursday. Call shop for more details.

Marin French Cheese Company Open Daily | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

7510 Point Reyes-Petaluma Road Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 762-6001 | MarinFrenchCheese.com cheesefactory@marinfrenchcheese.com

Show this Story and Get One Free Petite Brie Cheese with purchases of $50 or more. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

11

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 12

Tasting in

SONOMA VALLEY WINERIES CO

Adler Fels

RR

IC K

TO SANTA ROSA A LOS

NT

MO

K OA

LN

RD

S MO

LEDSON

IAN

TH

DR

PY

RD

St. Francis

La ROCHELLE .

LANDMARK

LE

DA

WN LA

TO SANTA ROSA

E

RD ON NY CA

Sugarloaf State Park

AD

St. Anne’s Crossing VINEYARD OB MacLeod NakedWines.com Paradise Ridge ST. JEAN RD Spann, Ty Caton, Orpheus, AU ATE Manzanita Creek CH En Garde, B Wise

MATANZAS CREEK Sable Ridge B

EY RD. VALL TT NE EN

VJB CELLARS

Mayo Reserve Room Muscardini Deerfield Ranch

KENWOOD VINEYARDS

Y RD INER

DW

WOO

KEN

Kunde TO NAPA VALLEY

WARM SP RI NG S RD

12

RM SPR WA INGS RD HEN NO RD

Lasseter Family Winery Coturri Winery

Jack London DON State Park LON

CH RD. RAN

RD

ITY

TRIN

SYLVIA

Mayo Family

Korbin Kameron Laurel Glen QU

CAR

Kivelstadt

INEZ

Imagery Arrowood

Talisman Wines

ERIC ROSS B.R. COHN

Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Little Vineyards

VALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY AT MADRONE ESTATE

MADRONE

PETRONI

CAVEDA

LE

Mountain Terraces

Paint Horse Winery

MOON MTN

CALIE

Repris

Adastra Auteur Bennett Valley Bump Wine Cellars Corner 103 Eric K James Fulcrum GlenLyon Hawkes Haywood Highway 12 Winery Pangloss

NTE RO

ES

AD

BLV

D

RD

GROVE

NAPA

12

FREM

U

EY

D OL

W

IN

Buena Vista Favero

D YR ER

Bonneau

Gloria Ferrer

ST

ROAD

Gundlach-Bundschu Scribe

Gofessel Bonneau Tin Barn TO Stone Edge Patz & Hall CARNEROS RD

NAPA

CARNEROS BREWING CO

CORNERSTONE SONOMA Meadowcroft Wines Poseidon/obsidian Ridge Keating Wines

EA

NN

LN

DENMARK

12 121

BO

Y RD

8th ST EAST

5th ST EAST

Roger Roessler Wines

ONT

Anaba

S

Schug Carneros Estate

ROAD

BROADW AY

5th ST WEST

ROBLEDO FAMILY

IN .V RD TLE CAS

VALLE

EAST NAPA ST

NI ERO LEV

ES NN

TO PETALUMA

Sebastiani

PETALUMA

Parmelee Hill

116

THE PLAZA

4th E

LAKE SONOMA CHURCH ST

LL

BURNDALE

TO PETALUMA

LOVE

W. SPAIN ST.

Bartholomew Park A RD

12

.

GEHRICK E

RA

VE

Passagio Roche Sigh (Sparkling) Sojourn Sonoma Loeb Spann Three Sticks Victor Hill Wines Walt Wines Westwood Winery Sixteen 600 Zina Lounge

RAVENSWOOD

AVE

N

O

Hanzell

7th ST

ARNOLD DRIVE

AGUA

BOY

Clarbec Winery

SONOMA PLAZA COCHON ENKIDU LAKE SONOMA WINERY MacLAREN

Hamel Family Wines

Robert Hunter

BO

12

BENZIGER FAMILY

ORANGE

Wine Country doesn’t get more real than Sonoma Valley, whose rich soils mark the birthplace of California’s wine industry. It’s also the closest wine region to San Francisco, just 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Cradled between the Mayacamas and the Sonoma Mountain ranges, Sonoma Valley encompasses a rolling patchwork of vineyards, quaint farms and 13,000 acres of scenic parkland. In the center of town, the eight-acre Sonoma Plaza is a National Historic Landmark, strewn with sprawling shade trees and bordered by carefully preserved adobe buildings. Up the road in Glen Ellen, author and bohemian adventurer Jack London lived and wrote at his pristine Beauty Ranch, now an 800-acre state historic park.

The historic Sonoma Plaza lies at the heart of Sonoma Valley – gateway region to Sonoma County. Sonoma Plaza’s done it all – Mexican military outpost, fleeting frontier republic, Spanish Mission village. Now a gorgeous historic landmark and “slow” culture capitol, Sonoma Plaza radiates romance around every corner, cafe and cobblestone. Whether you’re here for an overnight or extended stay, Sonoma Plaza offers the pictureperfect start (and end) to your adventures. It’s a pedestrian paradise, so ditch the car keys and discover Real Wine Country on foot or bicycle. The Plaza’s old adobe storefronts, meandering alleyways, sunlit courtyards and historic landmarks hum with an eclectic mix of restaurants, hotels, tasting rooms, cafes, artisan boutiques, galleries – even a vintage movie house. As for the nature lover, wildflower hikes and stunning hilltop vistas abound within just a short distance. Anchoring it all is the tranquil Plaza itself, whose vast green stretches of lawn and immense tree canopy create a lush setting for picnics, cultural activities and weekly farmers markets.

– SonomaValley.com

OA D

DUNB AR R

VINTAGE

Loxton Wellington Winery

Ceja Vineyards

Homewood Winery

121 Cline

JACUZZI Viansa Ram’s Gate

101 TO SAN FRANCISCO

TO VALLEJO

37

Not to scale

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 13

Sonoma Visitors seeking an over-the-top ultra-luxury wine country experience would best steer clear of idyllic, slow Sonoma Valley. Sure, doublewide tractors grace the two-lane Highway 12, wide-open ranchlands blanket the valley between towns, and wooly sheep keep weeds and grasses minimal in the vineyards. But no doubt you will also find countless award-winning wineries and world-class restaurants throughout all of Sonoma. Living in Sonoma Valley is all about life, about taste and enjoying each day. “Sonomans” are very proud of their heritage and their town. Excellence is what they do … it’s just done in blue jeans.

FOOD Della Santina’s

THINGS TO DO

Depot Museum

Sebastiani Theatre

270 First St. West, Sonoma (707) 938-1762 www.depothotel.com Open 1-4:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday

476 First Street East on the Plaza, Sonoma (707) 996-2020, www.sebastianitheatre.com

Fine museum with historically significant collections. Admission is free.

Enjoy an eclectic blend of cinema and live entertainment that includes critically acclaimed art, foreign, and classic films, contemporary and vintage music, magic, ballet, opera and musical theatre – built in 1933.

Sonoma Plaza

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

Home of General Vallejo "Lachryma Montis" West of the Plaza on West Spain Street, $3

GREAT GLASSES on THE PLAZA

1ST ST WEST

LAKE SONOMA

HISTORIC SONOMA PLAZA VISITOR CENTER

1ST ST EAST

E SPAIN ST

W SPAIN ST

ENKIDU MacLAREN s

Girl & The Fig 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma (707) 938-3634, www.thegirlandthefig.com

RY

INE

W LD

4th E

7th ST

O

116

ROAD

BURNDALE

12 121

CARNEROS RD

Fremont Diner

TO NAPA

NT

FREMO

ROBLEDO U EA

N ON

B

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

110 West Spain Street, Sonoma (707) 996-2996, www.sonomahotel.com

A 16-room, 19th-century hotel with modern amenities.

Located downtown on the plaza.

29 E. MacArthur Street, Sonoma (707) 938-2929, www.macarthurplace.com

8th ST EAST

MacArthur Place Traintown NAPA

12

El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen 405 1st Street West, Sonoma (707) 996-3220, www.eldoradosonoma.com

MacArthur Place DENMARK ST

5th ST EAST

5th ST WEST

IR

RON

LEVE

OAD

BROADWAY

E DR

RIVERSID

Hopmonk Tavern Lodge at Sonoma

LODGING

Sonoma Hotel

EAST NAPA ST

ENKIDU MacLAREN COCHON

ST

“Country food restaurant with a French passion.”

27-room contemporary boutique hotel located on the Plaza. Restaurant is “sophisticated urban style with relaxed wine-country dining.”

GEH RIC KE RD

O AN

AVE

Girl & Depot Museum Home of General Vallejo The Fig Swiss Hotel California Ramekins Mission LOVELL VALLEY RO SPAIN ST. AD El Dorado Kitchen Sebastiani Theatre THE

WEST NAPA

691 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 935-9100, www.hopmonk.com

20264 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 938-3912, www.traintown.com

R

PLAZA

Located on the Plaza, this historic bar is a favorite among locals who can often be seen seated on the sidewalk patio enjoying modern renditions of classical Italian fare .

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

RAVENSWOOD

LAKE SONOMA WINERY

18 West Spain Street,Sonoma (707) 938-2884, www.swisshotelsonoma.com

Large selection of beers; traditional and innovative pairings of beer and food. Live music.

12

GROVE

Swiss Hotel Bar & Restaurant

Hopmonk Tavern

600

VE

Traditional Italian fare is based upon Quirico Della Santina's family recipes growing up in Lucca, Italy and his sheer talent as a chef; cozy dining room, marble fireplace, patio and Enoteca Wine Bar.

1850s Victorian house furnished with Vallejo's personal effects - as though the General and his wife had just stepped out.

“The Most Well-Developed Scale Railroad in the Americas!” Steam and diesel scale railroad rides, petting zoo, miniature town, ferris wheel and carousel rides.

E NAPA ST

W NAPA ST

133 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 935-0576, www.dellasantinas.com

CARNEROS BREWING CO

Not to scale

19th-century estate transformed into a luxurious inn and spa featuring Saddles Steakhouse.

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa 1325 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 935-6600, www.thelodgeatsonoma.com

Spacious and luxurious accommodations; world-class Raindance Spa; award-winning Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar.

Sonoma : : 13

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 14

R

eynaldo Robledo’s journey—from Michoacan, Mexico in 1968 to the Napa Valley, to eventually opening the Robledo Family Winery tasting room in 2003 in Sonoma—is a testament to the dream that through passion, hard work and dedication, good things will come. The first winery established by a former Mexican migrant worker, the Robledo Family Winery sells most of their fruit to other wineries, but produces an impressive portfolio of premium wines under their own label along with a limitedproduction extra virgin olive oil made from local Tuscan olive varieties.

During the early years, the family purchased fourteen vineyards, totaling approximately 350 acres, in Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties. The family feels their years of careful attention to soil conditions, expert viticultural practices and following the natural cycles of Mother Nature are evident in each bottle of wine they produce. Everardo Robledo – son, Winemaker and CEO – credits his winemaking skills to working alongside his father in the vineyards from a young age, and believes outstanding wine comes from outstanding vines.

By Tanya Seibold

VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Port/Dessert Wines, Sparkling Wine FUN FACTS • 2016 Merlot Rosé won a gold medal • Hanging a horseshoe upside down is thought to be bad luck. But the Robledo Family says the horse shoe facing downward on their wine labels represents their good fortune which runs back down into the soils, gracing their vineyards with amazing fruit.

• 2010 Cuvee Brut received Double Gold Medal DON’T MISS • Purchase a bottle of wine, salami, crackers and a variety of cheeses in the tasting room to enjoy while taking in the views from the beautiful covered patio.

Robledo Family Winery Open daily for tastings Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Groups over six by appointment

21901 Bonness Road, Sonoma CA 95476 (707) 939-6903 | www.robledofamilywinery.com www.facebook.com/RobledoFamilyWinery

Mention this story and receive receive 2 for 1 Estate Wine Flight tasting

14 : : Sonoma

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 15

T

he Carneros Brewing Company is ideally located in the heart of Wine Country’s Carneros region. Rows of hops mark the entrance to their brewery and Tap Room so you won’t miss them as you’re driving in! The Tap Room is a great place to start and is the social center of the establishment. Guests can embark on a self-guided tour which starts outside at their hop trellises. If the tour is not your style, head straight to the Tap Room Bar and order a beer flight or a pint. Their entire staff is passionate about beer, the beer making process and can highlight the different aromas and flavors found in each of their beers.

The Carneros Brewing Company is a family owned microbrewery founded by five Ceja brothers and their families, all contributing their diverse talents to establish this world class microbrewery in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Jesus Ceja is one of the founders and the Brewmaster. He’s a true brewing artisan, handcrafting high-quality cervezas and putting all of his passion, love and experience on every small-batch of beer he brews.

The Beer Garden is an outdoor oasis where visitors can relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying their small-batch craft brews. The entire family is welcome here and they are also dog friendly. There is plenty of room to wander the paths and find a place to settle and enjoy your day. Weekends are really hopping with the addition of local food trucks and they have various spaces available for special events. All of these activities and opportunities are what make Carneros Brewing Company the ultimate Tap Room to visit.

By Alexandra Charsley

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

ALL IN THE FAMILY Also owned by the Ceja family and right next door to the brewery is Ceja Vineyards. The Ceja family’s farming practices and gentle approach to winemaking produce world-renowned wines that are food friendly, true to varietal and age well.

FUN FACTS • Reserve the taproom “after hours” for your next meeting or event. Enjoy playful music and the rustic oasis by way of the mission-inspired bar and festive beer garden. Contact their professional staff who will be happy to help you plan the perfect event.

• For the connoisseur, the hop trellises are also a part of their beer garden and are home to the foundation of their craft brews. They take pride in the fact that they organically grow a portion of the hops used in their small-batch recipes.

BEERS: Jefe-weizen, Morena Ale, Cerveza Pilsner, Carneros IPA, Negra IPA, Chupacabra Stout, Sangre Orange Sour and Cuernos Kolsch — enjoy a great line up of more than twelve handcrafted brews on tap!

Carneros Brewing Company Open daily 22985 Burndale Road, Sonoma CA 95476 beer@carnerosbrewing.com (707) 938-1880 carnerosbrewing.com

Sonoma : : 15

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 16

T

he sun is shining on an endless sea of vineyards. You’re sipping a luscious glass of Sangiovese and dipping fresh bread in a bowl of rich, buttery olive oil. A scene from a villa in Tuscany? No, just another perfect afternoon at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in Sonoma.

The Jacuzzi family first emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s to work on the railroad. Eventually, the Jacuzzi brothers would venture into the aviation business, the spa business and to the delight of visitors to the Sonoma Valley, the wine business.

The vineyards lie primarily in the Los Carneros wine region that stretches between Napa and Sonoma. Here, the winery sits on one hundred and ninety acres that boasts rolling green hills and the historic flatlands of the San Pablo Bay. Concentrating on Italian wines, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards produces Barbera, Montepulciano, Moscato, Dolcetto, Aleatico, Aglianico, Primitivo and more. There is no need for a passport to be transported to the wine regions of Italy, just a short drive to Sonoma will provide all the charm, scenery and magnificent wines reminiscent of Italy.

A visit to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards wouldn’t be complete without stopping by The Olive Press Tasting Room and Gift Shop. Discover the most highly awarded and acclaimed extra virgin olive oils made in the United States. Learn about their dedication to quality and flavor that guides every step from orchard to bottle. Relax and shop as you sample a rich array of selections from delicate to robust, perfect for every palate.

By Ronda Giangreco

FUN TIP Enjoy wine and pizza in the piazza the last Sunday of every month. See website for details.

WINE & OLIVE MILL TOURS While the tasting room and The Olive Press are open daily for complimentary tastings, wine and olive mill tours are available only by appointment. Please see their contact information below and they will gladly help you arrange a guided tour, food and wine pairings, and more.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards & The Olive Press Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma Jacuzzi Family Vineyards: (707) 931-7575 The Olive Press: (800) 965-4839 jacuzziwines.com theolivepress.com For tours & reservations, visit: jacuzziwines.com.tastings theolivepress.com/about-us/tour-inquiry Facebook.com/jacuzziwines @JacuzziWines Facebook.com/theolivepress @TheOlivePress

Join the wine and olive oil clubs to receive special offers and discounts on wines and products from The Olive Press.

16 : : Sonoma

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:48 PM Page 17

M

any years ago when almost everyone thought Zinfandel .was white, I was given a bottle of Ravenswood Zin and nothing has been the same since. Ever have an epiphany?

Well that was mine and to this day I am eternally grateful.

None of this would have happened without the vision of Joel Peterson, affectionately known as the “Godfather of Zin” who always had a passion for wine. Starting out with a “garage” winery – and crushing his first four tons of grapes in 1976 right before a thunderstorm – he built Ravenswood into the largest producer of fine Zinfandel in the world, and continues to be very hands-on at the winery, and his dedication and encyclopedic knowledge shows in every bottle.

Nestled into the foothills of the Mayacamas Range that divides Sonoma and Napa counties, this fabled winery is literally at the end of the road. Once you arrive you can take it all in from their outdoor lounge perhaps with a sampling of local artisan cheeses to pair with the wines (MaySeptember). Overall it is a fun, light-hearted and friendly experience, self-described as rural and charmingly rustic (but not too rustic).

“The tasting room staff is passionate about our famous Zinfandels and enjoys our relaxed and laid-back approach to presenting single vineyard wines,” said tasting room manager Kristin Wastell. “Joel is thoughtful, enthusiastic and humorous in his approach to life and winemaking. We share in his j’oi de vivre and guarantee your visit to Ravenswood Tasting Room to be as memorable as Joel’s wines. For forty years, we have lived up to our motto: ‘No Wimpy Wines!’” Try them for yoursef!

COMING EVENTS Autumn Winemaker Dinner with Joel Peterson, Oct. 14 Gear up for the holidays with a cozy dinner in the lovely Barrel Room. Delicious food, outstanding wines and strories from Joel’s 41 years at Ravenswood!

Holiday Cheer, Nov. 24, 10am-4:30pm Non-Wimpy Tree Lighting Celebration Ravenswood loves celebrating. Thoughtfully selected tasting menu will feature food-pairing recommendations for the holidays.

TASTING EXPERIENCES • Morning Tour & Barrel Tasting – $30pp, 10:30 daily • Library Tasting – $60pp, M-F by appt.

Team Building/Wine Blending Lab – $75pp, by appt. only • Quarry Production Tour – $100pp, 2-4pm, by appt.

New! Winemakers, behind-the-scenes at the fully sustainable state-of-the-art site.

Ravenswood Tasting Room Open Daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

18701 Gehricke Road, Sonoma (707) 933-2332 | www.ravenswoodwinery.com Follow Ravenswood Tasting Room on Facebook & Twitter

Mention Day Trips for 15% off purchase of six bottles or more. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Sonoma : : 17

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 18

T

he mission at Lake Sonoma Winery and Tasting Lounge is clear. Provide wine lovers the ultimate sensory experience, leading them through a journey of discovery as they taste the best that Sonoma County has to offer. Renowned varietals from the most prestigious sub-appellations are featured here. Enjoy a portfolio of 26 different wines by the glass from two historic wineries, expressed by one winemaking family in the heart of Sonoma.

Just steps from Sonoma’s historic downtown plaza, explore wines at the Lake Sonoma Tasting Lounge from regions with some of the most diverse terroirs and micro-climates in the world.

• Alexander Valley AVA – the place for Cabernet Sauvignon • Dry Creek Valley AVA – the place for Zinfandel • Sonoma Coast AVA – the place for Pinot Noir • Russian River Valley AVA – the place for Chardonnay • Sonoma Valley AVA – the place for Sauvignon Blanc Lake Sonoma Winery is owned by the Stewart Family, thirdgeneration winemakers who have assembled a portfolio of prestigious wine brands, including Valley of the Moon at Madrone Estate, Lake Sonoma Winery and Quails’ Gate – Okanagan Valley (British Columbia).

Winemaker Kat Doescher joined Lake Sonoma and sister winery, Valley of the Moon, as the Enologist. Kat was promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 2013, where she leveraged her considerable understanding of the science of fermentation, as well as familiarity with the winery’s grapes over the years to bring out her true art as a winemaker. In 2014, Kat was promoted to senior winemaker to lead Lake Sonoma and Valley of the Moon and their wines into the future.

18 : : Sonoma

TASTING OPPORTUNITIES Select from Lake Sonoma’s expanded tasting opportunities and relax in the lounge area, furnished with comfy leather sofas and chairs. Kick off your shoes in the newly renovated outdoor patio with fire pits and umbrella tables.

CULINARY OFFERINGS Led by estate Chef Sam Badolato, the new culinary program offers food and wine pairings, including cheese and charcuterie, decadent chocolate and other nibbles.

The extended tasting room hours allow visitors to add Lake Sonoma Tasting Lounge to their evening out, as either a before- or after-dinner tasting opportunity.

Lake Sonoma Winery Open daily from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

134 Church Street | Sonoma, CA 95476 Just off the Sonoma Plaza Visitors may access the tasting room from First Street West, between the Sign of the Bear culinary shop & the Fairmont Gallery

(707) 721-1979 | www.sfewine.com Follow Lake Sonoma Winery on Facebook

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 19

T

he Cochon Tasting Bar nestled in the heart of downtown Sonoma allows visitors to explore many unusual varietals and wines not often found in wine country.

The tasting bar features flights, wines by the taste and by the glass. Wines are handcrafted in small lots and varietals include wines from the south of France, the Iberian Peninsula and unique vineyard sites sourced in Sonoma, Napa and California.

Brands featured include Odisea, Cochon and Gardienne des Vignes.

In 2004, longtime wine industry friends Adam Webb and Mike Kuenz, made their first handshake deal to buy grapes from two rows in an Old Vine Grenache vineyard in Amador County, and so began their winemaking odyssey.

Originally, the focus of Odisea was on making Spanish-styled wines from the best California Spanish varietal vineyards they could find. Adam found some amazing Albarino, Tempranillo, Verdejo, Graciano and Garnacha along the way from growers that shared their passion for Rhône varieties and had taken the chance, on these lesser known grapes.

By Bonnie Zimmermann

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

FUN FACT The name Cochon, is the loving French word for hog, and it is also featured in the winemaking process.

During initial trials with Rhône grape varieties experimented with larger French oak barrels more typical of the Rhône region and not commonly used in California wine country.

The large, unique shaped hogshead barrels, nicknamed “hogs” showed particularly positive results with Syrah, which yielded rounder, softer textured and more elegant wines. The result is this collection of smallproduction California Rhône wines raised exclusively in French oak Hogsheads.

Cochon Tasting Bar Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. closed on Monday and Tuesdays 531 First Street East, Sonoma (707) 934-8157 www.cochonwines.com

Sonoma : : 19

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 20

GREAT GLASSES ON THE SONOMA PLAZA LAKE SONOMA WINERY for ZINFANDEL The Tasting Panel describes this Zinfandel as “Bordeauxlike…contained and elegant.” The 2013 Zinfandel by Lake Sonoma Winery is well-balanced, featuring notes of spicy blackberry pie and cinnamon and finishes with caramelized oak and smooth tannins throughout. Sourced from Dry Creek Valley (known for outstanding Zinfandel), grapes are handselected and crafted into this rich, memorable wine.

93 Points – The Tasting Panel Magazine – September 2016 Lake Sonoma Winery Tasting Room | 134 Church Street Entrance is on First St. West next to Sign of the Bear kitchen store

Open Daily 11am-6pm 707-721-1979 | lakesonomawinery.com

MacLAREN for SYRAH MacLaren specializes in cool-climate Syrahs.

A small, family owned winery, they were recently named a Winery to Watch by the Wine & Spirits magazine. Their Syrahs are crafted from vineyards in the Russian River and Bennett Valleys and show incredible nuance and complexity. In their relaxing tasting lounge, the owners pour a selection of Syrahs showcasing the variety of terroirs in Sonoma County.

Be sure to also taste their Sauvignon Blanc, which made Sonoma Magazine's 100 wines of 2015, and their delicious Pinot Noir from Russian River.

27 East Napa Street, Suite E, Sonoma Mon, Thur-Sun 12-6pm; Tues-Wed by appointment (707) 938-7490 | www.maclarenwine.com

ENKIDU WINERY for SYRAH/PETITE SIRAH BLEND

20 : : Sonoma

“Humbaba,” a proprietary blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah, exudes exotic flavors and aromas of spice, black fruit, mushrooms and tapenade. It’s a perfect wine for your barbecue, or paired with a varied selection of savory creations. Always rich and balanced, the most compelling expression of “Humbaba” is found in our more mature bottlings.

Come and enjoy the current vintage poured daily at our tasting room, or arrange a private tasting to experience the full complexity of older vintages.

520 Broadway, Sonoma | Open daily 12-6pm Private Tastings available by appointment (707) 833-6100 | enkiduwines.com www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 21

Glen Ellen Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar 13670 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6409, www.glenelleninn.com

Fusion of local ingredients paired with French, Asian and Italian influences.

Glen Ellen Star 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 343-1384, glenellenstar.com

The menu features rustic California Wine Country cuisine with local and international influences including delicious offerings from the wood-burning brick oven.

Little Vineyards Family Winery

THINGS TO DO Quarryhill Botanical Garden 12841 Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6027, www.quarryhillbg.org

The Red Barn Store at Oak Hill Farm 15101 Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6643, www.oakhillfarm.net

Asian botanical gardens featuring one of the largest collections of documented, wild-collected Asian plants in the world.

Bouverie Preserve 13935 Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 938-4554, www.egret.org

D. YR LLE VA

SP WARM RINGS R D

Jack London State Park

Beltane Ranch

CH RD. RAN

Gaige House Inn Glen Ellen Star

Glen Ellen Inn Jack London Lodge Glen Ellen Village Market Aventine Glen Ellen Yeti ERIC ROSS

ON ND LO

WINERY

VALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY AT MADRONE ESTATE

B.R. COHN

Quarry Hill Botanical Garden

A local favorite for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

“If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault.”

LODGING Gaige House Inn 13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 935-0237, www.gaige.com

Bouverie Preserve

1892 ranch house and cottage – walking trails lead past horses and cattle, through vineyards, olive orchards and organically farmed produce gardens.

The Red Barn Store at Oak Hill Farm

Jack London Lodge 13740 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen www.jacklondonlodge, (707) 938-8510

CAVEDALE

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Garden Court Cafe 13647 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 935-1565, www.gardencourtcafe.com

Beltane Ranch 11775 Highway 12, Glen Ellen www.beltaneranch.com, (707) 996-6501

MADRONE

Not to scale

Fusion of both Nepalese and Indian cultures.

Asian-inspired ambiance combined with modern luxury.

Granite soaking tubs and private Japanese gardens perfect for in-suite spa treatments. Michelin recommended.

Ranked as 18 in Conde Nast’s Top Small Hotels in the U.S.

D UNBAR R D

TT NE EN

BENZIGER

Italian Osteria featuring full bar, brewery and farm fresh to table dishes by Executive Chef Adolfo Veronese.

WARM

MATANZAS CREEK B

FOOD Aventine Glen Ellen 14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen In the historic Grist Mill (707) 934-8911 www.aventineglenellen.com

SPR ING S RD

Magnificent 535-acre property features a rich and distinct combination of plants and animals, including more than 130 species of birds, 350 species of flowering plants and numerous large mammals such as the bobcat, grey fox, and coyote.

Rustic 100-year-old dairy barn selling fresh herbs, lettuce, heirloom vegetables, flowers and ornamental greens, hand-crafted wreaths, dried goods, bouquets and gifts.

Yeti Restaurant 14301 Arnold Drive, Jack London Village, Glen Ellen (707) 996-9930, www.yetirestaurant.com

PETRONI VINEYARDS

Situated on Sonoma Creek quiet, peaceful setting with a pool, heated spa and lovely gardens. Facility includes Wolf House Restaurant and historic Jack London Saloon.

Glen Ellen : : 21

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 22

T

he secluded hilltop estate in the Moon Mountain District is one of Sonoma’s best kept secrets and thrives with stunning terraced vineyards, sweeping views of Sonoma Valley, on-site boutique winemaking, state-of-the-art olive mill, bocce courts, culinary garden with fig and citrus trees and a spectacular underground cave were all of the private luxury wine tastings and food and wine pairings are conducted by appointment.

Famed restauranteur of the iconic North Beach Restaurant in San Francisco, Lorenzo Petroni, founded this 37-acre estate atop a steep mountainside of the Mayacamas Mountain range in 1992 and was the first California vintner to grow the Tuscan clone “Sangiovese Grosso” in Sonoma soil. Known as Sangiovese Poggio alla Pietra (Hill of Rocks) today, the rootstock was originally flown in from Montalcino, Italy (along with 1,200 olive trees) and remains one of their most popular bottlings in the collection. Petroni Vineyards has now broadened its repertoire of varietals to focus on micro-productions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and mountain-style Cabernet Sauvignon garnering an impressive 13 scores of 90+ points in Parker’s Wine Advocate – five of which scored 93-95 points.

Their wines are not distributed and are sold exclusively at the winery.

Savor a 3-Course or 5-Course Food and Wine Pairing offered by appointment only. The seasonal small bites created by their in-house chef are fine dining caliber and incorporate produce from their garden along with meats and cheeses from neighboring ranches. Each luxe pairing is a full sensory exploration of Petroni Vineyard’s award-winning, hand-crafted wines and Sonoma’s agricultural bounty. >> By Tanya Seibold [$95 & $195 per person, 90 & 120 minutes]

22 : : Glen Ellen

VARIETALS Estate-grown: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese/blends, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grappa FUN FACTS • The first winery in California to produce a Brunello-style wine outside of Montalcino, Italy.

Made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso clone.

• Estate-grown Extra Virgin Olive Oil, milled on-site using Frantoio, Moraiolo, Coratina, Pendolino and Leccino varieties.

DON’T MISS • Vault Tasting: Installed by the late owner Lorenzo Petroni while the tasting cave was being built, the old bank vault maintains a small allocation of every vintage produced from 1998 to present. The tasting is conducted in the vault and features three select wines from the library vault along with their estate Olive Oil. [$85 per person, 90 minutes] • Charcuterie Tasting For Two - $35/plate.

Add a selection of local meats and cheeses to your wine tasting. Request when booking your tasting reservation.

Petroni Vineyards Tastings by appointment only, daily 10am-4pm 990 Cavedale Road, Sonoma (707) 935-8311 | petronivineyards.com FIVE STARS!

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 23

U

nder the sun in the Valley of the Moon, B.R. Cohn Winery has been making small lot, vineyard designated wines since 1984. Nestled between Sonoma Mountain and the Mayacamas Mountain range, the winery offers an inviting, relaxed environment for discovering new wines. Enjoy the memorabilia room that showcases founder Bruce Cohn's 45 years of rock-n-roll managing The Doobie Brothers. Saddle up to the wine bar or sit outside to enjoy the sunshine, the heritage Picholine olive grove and rolling hillside vineyards.

The vineyards are warmed by underground hot springs, while cool ocean breezes from the west create the ideal growing conditions for the B.R. Cohn estate wines, including exceptional Cabernets, Zinfandels, Malbec, Merlots and Cabernet Franc. The Olive Hill designation is famous throughout the region for providing the highest quality of grapes, and many of the region’s top winemakers have utilized fruit from these vineyards in their production of premium wine.

Delicious wines, however, are not the only draw of this popular winery. In 1990, B.R. Cohn began producing gourmet extra virgin olive oil from the estate’s 160-yearold Picholine olive trees, as well as handcrafted vinegars.

Don’t miss the Gourmet Shop, where you can sample the gourmet olive oils and hand-crafted vinegars. The patio area is available to enjoy with a bottle of B.R. Cohn wine while taking in the beautiful estate views.

FUN FACTS: • Bruce Cohn sold his first crop of grapes to August Sebastiani in 1974.

• The original Picholine olive trees were imported from France in the 1870s and inspired the name Olive Hill Estate Vineyards.

• Renowned winemaker Helen Turley was an early member of the B.R. Cohn team and wowed the wine world with stellar releases of B.R. Cohn’s first five vintages.

B.R. Cohn Winery & Olive Oil Company Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen (707) 938-4064 | www.brcohn.com To schedule a tasting, call (707) 938-4064 ext. 124

Step into the Gourmet Shop for a taste through our Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegar www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Glen Ellen : : 23

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 24

E

stablished in 1863, Valley of the Moon at Madrone Estate is the original gateway to the stunning Sonoma Valley and the oldest operating winery in Glen Ellen. An original stone barrel cellar, a bocce court and open vistas welcome you to an incomparable wine country setting at the heart of Sonoma Valley’s winemaking heritage. Relax on the sunny patio amidst 100-year-old vines as you sip on estate wines from the portfolio.

Experience the rich, rooted history by enjoying a taste of the small-lot wines.

Winemaker Kat Doescher crafts small-lot, estate- driven wines In 2006, Kat Doescher joined Lake Sonoma and Valley of the Moon Wineries as the Enologist. Kat was promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 2013, where she leveraged her considerable understanding of the science of fermentation, as well as familiarity with the Estate grapes, to bring out her true art as a winemaker. In 2014, Kat was promoted to Winemaker, where she continues to lead Valley of the Moon at Madrone Estate and its portfolio into the future.

Meet Estate Chef Sam Badolato With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, in both the US and Italy, Chef Sam Badolato prepares his dishes with style and passion. Growing up in a Sicilian family, Chef Sam creates boldly flavored ethnic dishes, using the finest locally sourced ingredients. Chef Sam believes that the most delicious part of an Italian meal is the family brought together around the table, eating foods prepared from the heart, in a back kitchen very much like his grandmother’s.

24 : : Glen Ellen

WINE AND FOOD PAIRINGS • Artisanal Cheese Plate • Rustic Charcuterie Board • Decadent Chocolate Pairing • Seasonal Wine and Food Pairing • Gourmet Plated Lunches WINE EDUCATION • Wine 101: The Perfect Introduction to Wine By appt, Friday-Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Sensory Evaluation of Wine By appt, Friday-Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Wine Affinities – by appt, Friday-Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.

TASTINGS • Walking Tour and Taste – Daily 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.

• Tasting Bar and Seated Tasting • Patio Tasting – weather permitting • Reserve Tasting and Tour ESTATE AMENITIES • Bocce Court • Tastings in the Olive Grove – weather permitting, two-hour limit, up to 20 guests, reservations required

Valley of the Moon at Madrone Estate Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Available for Weddings and Events 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen (707) 939-4510 | www.sfewine.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 25

Voted the Best Winery & Best Tour by the Sonoma People’s Choice Awards

B

enziger is a warm and welcoming winery in the heart of Sonoma Valley known for high-quality organic and Biodynamic® wines and offers unique tours and tastings to educate and entertain.

Biodynamics refers to the cutting-edge philosophy and methods of organic agriculture in which the farm is cared for holistically. Like organic and sustainable farming, all artificial inputs are removed, but Biodynamics goes a step further to ensure the land is revitalized and has the opportunity to heal.

Instead of bagged fertilizer, weed killer and pesticides, compost is used and the natural predator-prey relationships of a living ecosystem are allowed to thrive. Along with beneficial cover crops, insects and animals, the vineyard thrives as one healthy and balanced whole. The vigorous Benziger vineyard grows delicious grapes that become their rich, complex wines!

Tribute is Benziger’s Bordeaux blend made entirely from estate-grown grapes and was the first Demeter-certified Biodynamic® wine from Sonoma County as well as one of the first from North America. Predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tribute is a true reflection of the complexity and individuality of Benziger wines.

The 2014 Tribute is deep, intense and well-structured, with a sharp focus on its tight-knit mix of earth, blackberry and wild berry notes. The mid-palate displays a touch of anise and dried herb. The finish ends in a burst of ripe fruit and dusty, finegrained tannins. >> Jillian Baker

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

The Partners Tour includes a tour of the Biodynamic ranch and vineyards, tasting of a barrel sample in the cave, and culminates with a seated tasting of estate wines and cheese pairings in the Historic Ranch House Library Room.

The Estate Wine Cave Seated Tasting occurs in small private room within the wine cave to relax and savor fine Biodynamic wines. Explore elegant Pinot Noir grown on the Sonoma Coast and robust Bordeaux blends from Sonoma Mountain. The tasting also includes a special pour of an Estate library vintage wine.

The Biodynamic Vineyard Tram Tour features a close-up look at picturesque vineyards where you will learn about the unique techniques and practices of Biodynamic farming. Explore the winemaking facility and wine cave before completing your tour with a special tasting of award-winning wines inside the tasting room. This experience lasts approximately 45 minutes. Children are welcome on this tour (and get a discounted rate)!

BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen 888-490-2739 | www.benziger.com

Glen Ellen : : 25

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 26

I

f one is charged with finding a perfect wine for the .perfect meal, Eric Ross is the place to look. Eric Ross specializes in wines from some of the most prestigious local wine growing regions, varietals originating from France, Spain and even Portugal. Any wine lover can discover a wine that goes with their favorite meal, or simply enjoying a glass on the front porch. Stylistically, each wine makes a sophisticated statement blossoming the longer one savors it with a elegant finish.

As you discover a new quality wine with every sip take a moment to experience the photography adorning the tasting room walls. The winemaker, Eric Luse, began his wine journey as a photographer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Fascinated by wine and the wine country lifestyle Luse began college level training of winemaking and viticulture while continuing to photograph vineyard workers as the seasons changed in the vineyards.

Eric’s photography reflects the personality of his subject and his winemaking follows the same philosophy. It’s not about the winemaker it’s about the vineyard. Whether it’s the Albarino, Tempranillo, Grenache or Pinot Noir they all reflect the personality of those specific vineyards.

With a total annual production of roughly 3000 cases, Eric Ross does not distribute outside of the tasting room enjoying a robust wine club and tasting room experience. So, stop at Eric Ross, pick up some fabulous wine and open one tonight … it is sure to make your dinner exceptional.

WINES NOT TO MISS 2013 Viognier Catie’s Corner, Russian River – This gorgeous Viognier fruit has a big personality! It is rich fat and floral which begs to be worked over utilizing the introduction of a limited amount of about 20% new French Oak building in the background. Named after Saralee and Rich Kunde’s daughter, Catie’s Corner is also the site where Eric’s son Austin, at 12 years old, almost took out a vineyard end post learning to drive, now that would have been fun to explain to Saralee!

2013 Tempranillo – Lodi sustainable farming produces this rich exotic Spanish varietal showing layers of blackberry, espresso and dark chocolate, followed by hints of dry-cured black Moroccan olives.

VARIETALS Albarino, Viognier, Russian River Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Struttin’ Red Blend, Struttin’ White Blend, Old Vine Zin Port are available by the case or the bottle during regular tasting room hours with 20% discounts available for club members.

LEARN MORE Each of Luse’s photos has a vivid story behind it. Feel free to ask about the individual lives of the vineyard workers that he has so eloquently depicted and memorialized. The beauty of some specific pictures stem from the minimalistic presentation of the photograph contrasted with the depths of emotion in the central point of focus.

Eric Ross Winery Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

14300 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 939-8525 | www.ericross.com For private tastings, contact Dennis & Diane (707) 939-8525 or ddmitchell@ericross.com

Complimentary tasting with purchase with this Day Trip

26 : : Glen Ellen

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 27

T

his is what visiting Wine Country is all about – roll down the windows, let the fresh country air flow and meander the scenic winding road past horses, dairy cows and vineyards, all just to see where the road might lead.

Today let the road take you to Matanzas Creek Winery, a place that offers something for the wine lover, the gardener, the epicurian. Matanzas Creek, which put the bucolic east Santa Rosa neighborhood of Bennett Valley on the map, took its name from the creek that drains away the runoff in the valley. The area enjoys a unique microclimate among North Coast appellations, with cooling influences from several fronts—the Russian River Valley and Petaluma Gap from the west and southwest, and the San Pablo Bay to the south and southeast.

Matanzas Creek produces a wide range of wines that reflect the viticultural diversity of Bennett Valley and Sonoma County. Currently the winery is showcasing the Sauvignon Blanc, the perfect Spring and Summer Wine.

Next year, visitors will be flocking to Matanzas Creek May through June when the lavender fields are in bloom.

During this time, the winery will be hosting its Season of Wine & Lavender – a month-long celebration of new events, experiences and activities guaranteed to immerse the senses of wine and garden lovers alike. Lavender has long been a much celebrated co-star here, and a section of the tasting room is dedicated to a myriad of lavender products including soaps, scents, oils and spa products made at the winery.

Not to scale

VARIETALS • 4 different styles of Sauvignon Blanc • 3 different styles of Chardonnay • 4 styles of Merlot plus Pinot Noir, Red Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon WHAT TO TASTE The Journey wines are crafted from the most pedigreed vineyard sites in Sonoma County. These are classically styled, limited-production wines composed of the best barrels in the winery’s cellar. Try the Journey Sauvignon Blanc in addition to the Journey Chardonnay or the Journey Red Wine, a Bordeaux-style blend.

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING Matanzas Creek offers a decadent wine and cheese tasting expertly paired and prepared by the winery chefs – offered all day, every day!

Matanzas Creek Winery Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa CA 95404 1-800-590-6464 | (707) 528-6464 info@matanzascreek.com www.matanzascreek.com

Mention Day Trips and Receive $5.00 off per person on our Wine and Cheese Pairing

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Glen Ellen : : 27

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 28

Kenwood First driving into the Valley of the Moon is certainly a lushly sensory experience. Rolling hills, centuries-old Heritage Oaks and verdant vineyards drape the slopes and valley floor beneath Sonoma’s majestically craggy Mayacama mountain range. Graceful old country manors and their largely still in-tact estates dot the countryside while cozy towns still speak to neighborly days gone by. Kenwood boasts some of the finest artisan wineries in all of Northern California. Ty Caton, Muscardini Cellars, VJB, Mayo Reserve Room, Kenwood Vineyards, Kunde Estate, Deerfield Ranch, Enkidu, the Annadel Estate, Ledson, St. Francis and Chateau St. Jean are only some of the award-winning, gorgeous Wine Country destinations located in and adjacent to Kenwood. Looking for a break from wine tasting? Enjoy shopping at Vita Bella or browse “Swede’s Feeds” for garden and both large or small pets’ needs. Splurge on an ultra-luxurious massage or facial at the Kenwood Inn & Spa. Or simply sit out, pick up a Kenwood Press newspaper and unwind on the patio at Café Citti.

Kenwood Plaza Park Located on Warm Springs Road between Kenwood Depot and Kenwood Community Church

Photo courtesy of Kenwood Depot

This 5-acre park comes complete with a play structure and picnic tables.

THINGS TO DO Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Highway 12 & Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood

Kenwood Depot 314 Warm Springs Road, Kenwood (707) 833-5190, www.kenwooddepot.com

Hikes include views, bridges and impressive waterfalls. Home of Ferguson Observatory – largest in the western United States.

Sonoma County Historic Landmark #46.

Now a venue for special events, this historic landmark was once a working train station and was built from locally cut basalt.

Swede’s Feeds Pet Garden & Gifts 9140 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 833-5050, swedesfeedskenwood.com

Gifts, garden art, unsual plants and pottery.

FOOD Kenwood Restaurant 9900 Highway 12, Kenwood, CA 95452 (707) 833-6326, www.kenwoodrestaurant.com

A favorite restaurant for local winemakers, vintners and celebrities. Fresh ingredients, great views, local/ international wines.

Café Citti 9049 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 833-2690, www.cafecitti.com

A trattoria style restaurant with “great food, great value, great atmosphere.”

TO SANTA ROSA S RD AMO LOS

LEDSON

Palooza Gastropub and Wine Bar 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood (707) 833-4000, www.paloozafresh.com

D NR

IA

TH

PY

12 C OBE AD

E

AL ND

W LA

TO SANTA ROSA

LANDMARK VINEYARDS

ANYON RD.

LaROCHELLE

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

U ST. JEAN RD TEA CHA

MANZANITA CREEK Palooza Gastropub & Wine Bar Cafe Citti

VJB CELLARS

Kenwood Farmhouse GS RD SPRIN WARM

Not to scale

28 : : Kenwood

Park Depot Church Kenwood Restaurant Kenwood Inn and Spa

Swede’s Feeds – Pets, Gardens & Gifts

KENWOOD VINEYARDS

Gourmet pub grub, wine and beer served in a mellow tavern with ping-pong tournaments and outdoor seating.

VJB Cellars 60 Shaw Avenue, corner of Hwy. 12, Kenwood (707) 833-4500, www.vjbcellars.com

Enjoy lunch of fresh panini or antipasti or a pizza from the wood-fired oven. There’s also a chocolate and gelato shop!

LODGING Kenwood Inn and Spa 10400 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 353-6966, www.kenwoodinn.com

A secluded, luxury hotel; Mediterranean-inspired private restaurant. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 29

L

edson Winery is well known throughout the world for their small-lot .production of impeccable wines – “One of Sonoma’s most consistently excellent producers,” said Anthony Dias Blue. Ledson wines encapsulate visions of five generations of family winemaking and viticulture techniques.

Their philosophy is to adapt their 150 years of knowledge and experience to the unique terroir of each estate vineyards’ unique personality; therefore, every wine is an expression of each vineyards individuality. A confluence of dynamic old-world nuances refined over generations to express the newworld palate, “Making wine is not just a science it’s an art, a communion with nature; truly a lifestyle,” according to owner/winemaker, Steve Ledson.

Ledson Winery is known throughout the world as “The Castle.” With the most picturesque stately grounds, it is truly a destination estate.

VinePair called it, “one of the top twelve impressive wineries of the world” and the Boston Globe said, “This castle is a must see.”

Whether you stop by for a general tasting or make reservations for a private tasting in one of their intimate tasting suites, you will have an experience like no other. Shop in their artisan marketplace, picnic in their oak-studded grounds, and of course, enjoy your favorite bottle of Ledson wine while you take in some of the most enjoyable moments in life.

If you plan ahead, you can also enjoy a stay at the Ledson Hotel, on the historic Sonoma plaza, which was listed by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 100 hotels in the world. Taste their Zina Hyde Cunningham wines in the cozy tasting room located at the hotel.

For food lovers, make a reservation for a wine and food pairing at the Zina Lounge in the Ledson Hotel. Chef Yoshi brings Asian-infused French cuisine to this dining experience … you don’t want to miss it.

For the ultimate experience, reserve a very limited, private vineyard tour at the acclaimed Mountain Terraces Estate Vineyard located at 2,000 feet in the Mayacamas Mountain Range with views of the Sonoma Valley and the entire San Francisco Bay Area.

FUN FACTS Ledson offers the complete wine country experience with over 150 years of tradition: • Accommodations at the Ledson Hotel • Winetasting at the Zina Lounge in the Ledson Hotel • Food and wine pairings on the Sonoma Square • “The castle” offers a variety of memorable winetasting experiences • A gourmet marketplace • Private mountaintop tours This stop is an unforgettable wine country experience.

VARIETALS REDS: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Barbera and numerous Red Blends WHITES: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays and Viognier

Ledson Winery & Vineyards 7335 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood Open Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(707) 833-2330 | www.ledson.com Private Tasting Reservations

(707) 537-3823 Hotel / Wine & Food Pairing Reservations

(707) 996-9779

Join the Ledson Club for exclusive access to limited-production wines, 20% member savings, complementary tastings, private events and much more. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Kenwood : : 29

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 30

I

f Pinot Noir is your passion, then La Rochelle Winery is where you belong. Their boutique collection of singlevineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can be tasted in a charming converted barn, framed on either side by lush vineyards and a private garden—complete with a koi pond, picnic area and a shaded lawn for relaxing while you take in the views of the majestic Hood Mountain and Sugar Loaf Ridge.

The winemaking operations and tasting room were recently relocated to the heart of Sonoma Valley in Kenwood when thirty-year wine industry veteran Chuck Easley and his wife, Jill Hays, purchased the historic winery from close friends, Steven and June Mirassou. La Rochelle specializes in 17 single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, five Chardonnays, a Pinot Meunier and even a single-vineyard Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine.

Explore what makes the Pinot Noir varietal truly unique. The flagship experience is the Po·lyph·o·ny Tasting. Led by Chuck or one of La Rochelle’s wine educators, you will get an in-depth primer into the key aspects of crafting world-class Pinot Noir. Taste three Pinots made from the same vineyard block; each fermented with a different yeast strain. Learn first-hand how varying yeasts affect a finished wine’s final flavors and texture. Taste additional Pinot Noir from different regions and clones to explore the nuanced aromas and layers that Pinot lovers crave! End the experience by tasting Po·lyph·o·ny, La Rochelle’s most exclusive wine. Reserve The a spot at the Po·lyph·o·ny Experience by emailing info@lrwine.com. [2 hours, $75 per person. Introduction to La Rochelle Tastings are available for $20 and Reserve Tastings for $50 – per person.]

By Tanya Seibold

30 : : Kenwood

VARIETALS Single-Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Sparkling Wine FUN FACTS Relax on the lawn with a picnic and a glass of La Rochelle wine, stroll the garden, watch the koi, or play a round of cornhole HOW DID LA ROCHELLE WINES GET ITS NAME? In 1853, world-traveler Pierre Pellier sailed from the port of La Rochelle, France, destined for North America with Pinot-grape cuttings. Pellier's son-in-law, Pierre Mirassou, succeeded him years later and the family winery became known as Mirassou Vineyards (original founders of La Rochelle Winery).

LA ROCHELLE’S SINGLE VINEYARD SELECTIONS: Bacigalupi, Black Knight, Boekenogan, Deer Meadows (Richard Savoy), Deer Park, Donum Estate, Dutton Morelli Lane, El Coro, Ferrington, Freestone Hill, Hays Estate, Londer, Mariah, McIntyre, Mission Ranch, Parliament Hill, Paraiso, Rosella’s, van der Kamp, Soberanes, and Tondre Grapefield.

Open Daily | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tasting reservations highly recommended (Required for groups of 6 or more)

233 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA 95452 (707) 302-8000 | www.lrwine.com | info@lrwine.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 31

L

ocated at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in .Kenwood, Landmark Vineyards epitomizes the rustic grace and beauty of Sonoma County. Deeply rooted in quality since the winery was founded in 1974, Landmark Vineyards has dedicated over 40 years to expressing Sonoma County’s finest winegrowing regions for their luxury Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.

Landmark’s acclaimed wines and unparalleled views are just one of the many reasons visitors should go to Landmark Vineyards.

The bliss begins once guests enter the winery’s large outdoor courtyard. The surrounding landscape is gorgeously manicured by a full-time gardener, framing breathtaking views of the property.

Guests are encouraged to picnic by the fountain, or play a game of bocce while tasting their way through Landmark’s wines.

The intimate Tower space offers expansive views of the majestic Sugarloaf Ridge and Hood Mountain. Perfect for two or a party of ten, a wine guide leads a fun and educational wine and cheese tasting featuring Landmark’s single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from each of their prestigious vineyard sites.

Another unique feature is the estate’s Cottage and Guest Suite which are perfect hideaways for indulging in private luxury amongst the beautiful, rustic wine country charm. First-class amenities in a blend of Old World and contemporary design boast all the modern conveniences for a five-star traveler. Each stay includes an in-room continental breakfast, estate tour and tasting and a bottle of Landmark’s signature Overlook Chardonnay.

Whether spending an hour, a full day or even a night at Landmark Vineyards, each guest is greeted and hosted in a warm and gracious style, making this family friendly winery a must-see destination when exploring Sonoma Valley’s historic wine trail.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

FUN FACTS • Host your special event in style, the winery offers several packages including gourmet lunches or cheese and wine tastings.

• Relax on the lawn with a picnic, stroll the gardens, or play a round of bocce. The winery’s shaded courtyard is ideal for a lazy afternoon sipping a glass of wine or taking in the breathtaking views IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN HEALDSBURG... ...be sure to visit Landmark Vineyards’ second tasting room in the Russian River Valley at Hop Kiln Estate.

- Wine grapes grown on the property since 1800s - Historical landmark, an old stone hop kiln building - Indoor and outdoor tasting experiences - Expansive vineyard views in a historic setting - Limited-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - Local cheeses and charcuterie

Sonoma Valley 101 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood | (707) 833-0053

Open Daily | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Estate tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Reservations required for groups 8 or more

Russian River Valley at Hop Kiln Estate 6050 Westside Rd, Healdsburg | (707) 433-6491 landmarkwine.com | concierge@landmarkwine.com

Kenwood : : 31

KIM CARROLL

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 32

T

he moment guests step through the gate at VJB Cellars they’ll feel as though they’ve been transported to a small Italian village.

Buildings made of stone and rustic wood beams lend an Old World feel, and on sunny, pleasant days the winery’s piazza is full of happy visitors enjoying all that VJB has to offer.

The first stop is usually the tasting room bar where VJB’s friendly, knowledgeable staff walks guests through the tasting menu that features the winery’s limited production Italian varietals such as the estate Sangiovese or Montepulciano. Chances are visitors will try wines they’ve never tasted before and gain an appreciation for these rare, California-grown Italian varietals that are produced with an eye toward New World innovation and Old World sensibility.

Afterwards, guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the piazza enjoying wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads from VJB’s Red Rooster Pizza Co. Crisp Neapolitan-style pizzas, calzones and flatbreads are delivered hot and fresh to guests’ tables to enjoy with one of VJB’s many wines available by the glass or bottle.

There is also a large selection of cheeses, salumi and antipasti in La Cucina, the onsite deli. Get a cheese and salumi platter to share or freshly pressed panini. There are also several grilled selections including ribs seasoned with owner Henry Belmonte’s secret rub, or pair some of the chicken thighs with a freshly made salad.

Guests can also take home a taste of VJB from the marketplace which feature Estate grown olive oil, Maria Belmonte’s homemade sauces, and even pasta that’s made in house. An onsite chocolate and gelato shop is the perfect ending to a visit here.

From the wine to the food, the atmosphere and hospitality, VJB is the ideal place to experience all that wine country has to offer.

STANDOUT WINES Italian varietals rarely grown outside of Italy are the big draw here, such as the Sagrantino, a rare, bold, red wine that’s known as one of the most tannic varietals in the world. The estate-grown Montepulciano is the perfect pairing for Italian dishes and admired amongst Cabernet Sauvignon fans for its similarities in body and dark fruit.

Guests who find the estate Sangiovese before it sells out are in for a true Italian treat. New varietals are released every month, ensuring that guests will have a unique tasting experience each visit.

STAY AWHILE Plan ahead and schedule a piazza tasting of the family wines on the Italian inspired piazza with one of the wine educators. Soak up a bit more of VJB’s Italian wine knowledge and learn the history and significance of each unique wine produced by the Belmonte family. After tasting, stay to sip on your favorite bottle while enjoying an assortment of wood-fired pizzas or the acclaimed Enrico’s ribs. The in-house, fresh-made burrata is a must for any cheese lover. Sit back and relish in all that our little slice of Italy in the Sonoma Valley has to offer.

VJB Cellars Tasting 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

60 Shaw Avenue, Kenwood (Corner of Sonoma Highway 12 & Shaw Avenue)

(707) 833-2300 | www.vjbcellars.com

Mention this story for Two-for-One Tasting

32 : : Kenwood

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 33

E

stablished in the 1970s in the very heart of Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Vineyards, along with a handful of other wineries, started premium winemaking in the region long before Sonoma’s AVAs were even created. As one of California’s premium wine pioneers, Kenwood Vineyards initiated their passion in an original Sonoma barn building that dates back to 1906, where their tasting room is located today. They stay true to their historical past by producing wines from each vineyard separately, as they did 47 vintages ago.

This small-lot approach to winemaking allows to bring each wine to its full potential to showcase vibrant fruit, layers of subtle complexity and superb balance. As a result, every Kenwood Vineyards wine – whether Sonoma County, Six Ridges, Single Vineyard, Jack London or Artist Series – is consistent in quality and consistently delicious.

For more than three decades, Kenwood Vineyards’ award-winning Artist Series collection remains the ultimate expression of artistry and fine winemaking by blending the finest Cabernet Sauvignon produced from the very best vineyards in Sonoma County. Winemaker and artist come together to explore the unique terroir, vintage conditions and ultimately the wine crafted for each release. The artistry displayed on the bottle and within makes each new Artist Series release an event and every Artist Series vintage a prime collectible. These age-worthy wines are full-bodied with richly layered fruit, integrated oak and polished texture.

No visit to Sonoma Valley is complete without visiting Kenwood Vineyards and tasting their delicious 90+ point wines that are pure expressions of the rich and diverse terroir of Sonoma. Celebrate Kenwood Vineyards’ commitment to the craft of winemaking by exploring this historic property and experiencing one of their tastings – Classic, Vintner’s Choice or Single Vineyard.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

VARIETALS Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon APPELLATIONS Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley COLLECTIONS Sonoma County, Six Ridges, Jack London, Single Vineyard, Artist Series

Kenwood Vineyards Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9592 Sonoma Highway Kenwood CA 95452 (707) 282-4228 kenwoodvineyards.com

Kenwood : : 33

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 34

Wine Tasting in

NORTHERN SONOMA COUNTY VE RI

RUSSIAN RIVER, ALEXANDER VALLEY AND DRY CREEK VALLEY

R RD

WATTLE CREEK

.

Cloverdale

TASTING ROOMS IN DOWNTOWN HEALDSBURG

PENDLETON ESTATE CREEK RD

CH ER DU T

PEDRONCELLI O

N

CANY

BR IDG E

’S POINT

ZICHICHI

FORCHINI

TALTY CHATEAU DIANA TRUETT

HURST

.

RD

RY

C RY

HEALDSBURG

WHITE OAK SODA ROCK ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS JOHNSON'S HANNA ALEXANDER VALLEY WINES

SIMI

MANZANITA CREEK

COMSTOCK WEST

E RE

K

FOLEY SONOMA

JORDAN STUHLMULLER

NALLE

WILSON

INE

MAURITSON AMISTA MAZZOCCO

.D W

LAMBERT BRIDGE VINEYARD OF PASTERICK SIMONCINI MONTEMAGGIORE

DW

DRY CREEK VINEYARD

ROBERT YOUNG

RE

L

A. RAFANELLI

E. IDG BERT BR AM

RD

K INE CREE

’S

ER

YS

GE

LAT EF HAWKES PIN LYTTON D. L. R STATION RD. STONESTREET A V DER RIDGE/LYTTON XAN MEDLOCK AMES ALE SPRINGS

TELDESCHI

K EE

PASSALACQUA

AIN

VER

SOU

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

RUED

E RD.

UNTI

DRAXTON

TRENTADUE

TRATTORE ESTATE KACHINA

CR

W

PETERSON

DRY

MOUNTS

DELORIMIER

RD .

Healdsburg

GROVE STREET

UPTICK

FIELD STONE SAINI

LANCASTER ESTATE

FLANAGAN

128

NL

KI

DAVERO MACPHAIL FAMILY

EY

VÉRITÉ/ARCHIPEL CHRISTOPHER CREEK

.

EL RD

SLUSSER

OLIVET

GRATON RD.

FREEMAN

Sebastopol

WATER TRO

OCCIDENTAL ROAD

DG

E

UGH

LD GO

RI

LITTORAI WINES

DUTTON ESTATE

.

DUTTON-GOLDFIELD GRATONRDRIDGE RED CAR EI LYNMAR CHAR VALE FR EMERITUS MERRY FOG CREST BRACK MTN TAFT STREET ADRIAN FOG EDWARDS MILL STATION RD PETERS FAMILY &

MERY

Y

N HW

MONTGO

EMIA

BOH

OCCIDENTAL RD.

JOSEPH PHELPS

RD

EKTIMO

MARIMAR TORRES

Graton

DEHLINGER

DE

BURNSI

FULTON

ST.

IRON HORSE RIVER ROAD

CLAYPOOL CELLARS

LK HI CHA

LL R D .

N. EL

D ON R

VE

MAIN

D’ARGENZIO

RUSSIAN RIVER

Forestville

FULT

ODS RD. WO

HEMBR

DA

LAGUNA RD.

AN EL

.

E RD

VILL

RNE

GUE

EV

VINE HILL RD .

R

PINE

HARVEST MOON BATTAGLINI HOOK & LADDER

JOSEPH JEWELL

HANNA

THE BARLOW MacPHAIL FAMILY WIND GAP

12

SHELDON/KRUTZ

RAILROAD SQUARE

ANCIENT OAKS CELLARS 4th ST

4th ST

3rd ST

OCCIDENTAL RD.

BALLETTO

PARADISE RIDGE

CL

MIRAB

GAMBA TARA BELLA

W. OLIVET

INMAN FAMILY SUNCÉ DELOACH

T

PELLEGRINI

.

ER RD RIV

S

ING

PR

TS

ES

KW

R MA FOGLINE CHATEAU ADORE KWY. VINEYARDS ERIC KENT P VE OLD WORLD WINERY NOVY RO IN G MARTINELLI ROBERT RUE INSPIRATION SIDURI NTA FOU .

CAROL SHELTON LN ELE BENOVIA VINOTECA STE RD. FEY

I ELL

EMTU JIGAR WINES ESTATE WINE GUERRILLA

116

Fulton WOODENHEAD

JOSEPH SWAN

MARTIN RAY

GH

KENDALL-JACKSON WINE CENTER

COF

RTIN

HARTFORD FAMILY WINERY

Y. HW

MA

.

RD

D OO

LA CREMA AT SARALEE’S VINEYARD

DW RE

101

E.

D.

OR

SHIL

T AV

D OL

Guerneville

N ASA PLE

AU

Windsor

MUELLER

RUSSIAN HILL ESTATE

SONOMA-CUTRER

CHALK HILL

Sonoma County BLVD RT Airport AIRPO

E

ENRIQUEZ ESTATE

ROTH ESTATE

FR

RIVER RD

MOSHIN

KORBEL

ARMSTRONG

.

LN

RD

.

D

R

FRITZ

WINDSOR

STARR

E

D

SI

T AS

RD

MUTT LYNCH

LANDMARK

GARY FARRELL

RD

Y. HW OD WOSTARR RD

PORTER CREEK

IEW

RED

Armstrong Woods

V RI

MERRIAM

DOM ROCHIOLI WHITNEY ARISTA GRACIANNA WILLIAMS SELYEM THOMAS GEORGE ESTATES COPAIN

STARLITE VINEYARDS

LV

OL D

D. IDE R STS

NOTABLES

AT HOP KILN

ER

OS AMIG

WE

J WINE

BACIGALUPI VINEYARDS VML/BRADFORD MTN. MACROSTIE

Map is not to scale and parts are enlarged to show detail.

Check ahead for hours and distances.

BANK CLUB WINE COLLECTIVE

LOS

RODNEY STRONG

MATRIX

TASTING ROOMS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TASTING ROOMS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

MIETZ

HIL

DE LA MONTANYA TWOMEY

LIMERICK LANE VISZLAY WINDSOR OAKS

ICK

ER

LIM

ACORN

AR AT A BROO KS RD OO .

D

FOPPIANO

ARMIDA

OR WINDS

GEYSER PEAK

LAKEW

IA OL

GN

MA

MILL CREEK

NORTHERN SONOMA COUNTY

RUSSIAN RIVER WINE CO. SANGLIER CELLARS SEGHESIO SELBY SIDURI STARK AT GARAGISTE HEALDSBURG STEPHEN & WALKER STONESTREET THUMBPRINT TOAD HOLLOW VALDEZ WILLIAMSON WINDSOR VINEYARDS

LONGBOARD VINEYARDS MALM CELLARS (BY APPT. ONLY) MUELLER WINERY OLD ROMA STATION • BLUENOSE WINES • HART’S DESIRE WINES • J. KEVERSON WINERY • PEZZI KING VINEYARDS • SAPPHIRE HILL WINERY • SKEWIS WINES OPTIMA PORTALUPI RAMEY WINE CELLARS ROADHOUSE WINERY

BANSHEE WINES BLANCHARD FAMILY WINES C. DONATIELLO CARTOGRAPH WINES CELLARS OF SONOMA CHATEAU FELICE HAUCK CELLARS HAWLEY TASTING ROOM & GALLERY HUDSON STREET WINERIES • BLUENOSE WINES • OWL RIDGE • KELLEY & YOUNG • SHIPPEY VINEYARDS • WILLOWBROOK

128

TRIONE VINEYARDS & WINERY CLOS DU BOIS

AMPHORA FAMILY WINERIES KOKOMO PAPAPIETRO PERRY

YOAKIM BRIDGE

GÖPFRICH RAYMOND BURR MARTORANA QUIVIRA LA FOLLETTE MICHEL-SCHLUMBERGER

ROUTE 128 PALMERIWINERY LOCALS MEEKER MERCURY XYZIN TERROIRS PECH MERLE

VILL ER YS GE

YO AK

STEWART

DAVID CAFFARO IM

BELLA PRESTON

.

DUTCHER CROSSING

TRATTORE FARMS

GUSTAFSON FAMILY VINEYARDS

NG

RD

WAL LI

CAST

Geyserville

TI

J RICKARDS

FRICK VIRGINIA DARE

FERRARI-CARANO

BREATHLESS WINES FERRARI-CARANO’S SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD SPICY VINES TOPEL WINERY

R VE

101 N IA

SBRAGIA FAMILY VINEYARDS

CH

Lake Sonoma

D.

RI

FRITZ WINERY

N IA SS RU

A

ST IR

L AVENUE

SEBASTOPO

101

FRIEDEMAN MARIMAR ESTATE

Not to scale

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 35

Santa Rosa Downtown is the heart of Santa Rosa where entertainment, shopping, wine tasting and restaurants keep visitors’ itineraries full.

Tasting opportunities in downtown Santa Rosa include a new urban winery village called Vintners’ Square that is home to several small, boutique – but full-production wineries with tasting rooms – including D’Argenzio Winery. Nearby, the historic Railroad Square has an authentic old town ambiance and is a favorite place to pass time, socialize and savor the wine country experience with antique shops, fine dining, local arts/entertainment and, of course, wine tasting. For more information on vacationing in Santa Rosa, go to www.visitsantarosa.com.

DINING

G

Ca’Bianca 835 Second Street, Santa Rosa (707) 542-5800, cabianca.com

Tex Wasabi’s Rock n’ Roll Sushi BBQ 515 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa (707) 544-8399, www.texwasabis.com

La Gare 208 Wilson Street, (707) 528-4355 www.lagarerestaurant.com

Meaning “white house” in Italian, Ca’Bianca is located in a stunning white Victorian in downtown Santa Rosa. Their menu is a blend of multiple regions of Italy.

Santa Rosa’s celebrity chef Guy Fieri is the visionary behind Tex Wasabi’s. In wild Fieri style, the menu is loaded with flavors conceptualized by the talented Fieri.

Beef Wellington, Rack of Lamb, Chateaubriand Bouquetiere for Two are some of the dishes that La Gare has been serving for 30 years and counting. Every meal includes the soup du jour and salad.

Russian River Brewing Co 725 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa (707) 545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com

TO H HEALDSBUR G G YSERVILLE GE

MUTT LLYYYNNCHWINERRY TTaasting Room oom on the Greeen WIND

SOR RD

Best known for its aggressively hopped California-style ales, Belgian-style ales and barrel-aged beers, this popular spot also serves up a large variety of specialty pizzas, foccacia bread, sandwiches, salads, calzones and “beer bites.”

Jack and Tony’s Restaurant and Whisky Bar 115 4th Street, Santa Rosa (707) 526-4347, jackandtonys.com

ION RD ATTTIO EST SSTA

MARK W

RD.

O LD RE D W O O

RIVER

John Ash&Co.o Vintners Inn

CHATEAU ADORE

WY DH

FULT ON R D.

TO GU GUERNE VILLE & RUSSIAN RIVER

HOPPER AVE.

TAI FOUN

P NGROVE

KWY.

STEELE LN.

GUERNEVILLE RD.

ATTRACTIONS

Self-guided tours of the famed horticulturist’s home, greenhouse, garden and carriage house – a registered national, state and city historic landmark. The stunning landscaped grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.

Y N.

COFF E

W. STE ELE L

Modern American regional cooking and an extensive Sonoma County wine list. The adjacent Whisky Bar shelves over 300 expressions of Scotch, Bourbon, Irish, American and Japanese whiskeys ranging from $6 to well over $100 and now offering tasting flights.

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens 204 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa (707) 524-5445, www.lutherburbank.org

PINER RD R

RD

AR LO W

M

D ROA

.

GS PRIN EST S

T H O MA S L A K E H A R R IS D R

MARK W

ROUND BARN BL VD

RD USSER LU SL

TO CALISTTO OGA OG

D’’AARGENZIO E AV

101

MEN DOC INO

WILSON

EE..

CO LLE GE AVE .

RussianRiv ussianRiverr Brewing Co.

7th ST

5th ST

4th ST

RS

HHootel Laa Rose LaL Gare

TexW x Waasabi’ sabi’s “B” ST

J and Tony’s Jack

4th ST

Not to scale

HyyatttVine HHya ttVVineyardd CreekHo eekkHotell andd Spa

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SANTTA SA A ROSA A AV VE V

D RAILROAD

3rd ST

1st ST

Hotel La Rose 308 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa, www.hotellarose.com

Caa’Bianca 2nd ST

12 FARMERS LANE FA

COLL EG

LODGING

AV E

CLEV EL A ND A VE.

RIDGE

SONOMA AVE

Luther Burbank B b Home & Gardens ens

TO SONOMA

A landmark property built over 100 years ago, offering oldworld charm with modern amenities. Guests can opt to stay in either the main building, a 1907 stone charmer constructed by Italian stone masons, or one of 19 rooms in the Carriage House.

Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa 170 Railroad Street, www.vineyardcreek.hyatt.com

A Tuscan-inspired hotel situated along the Santa Rosa Creek, sits adjacent to Railroad Square. This romantic, luxury hotel exudes relaxation.

Santa Rosa : :

35

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 36

D

iscover D’Argenzio Winery, a hidden gem located in the beautiful Russian River Valley appellation. Located a half of a mile from downtown Santa Rosa, this boutique Italian winery and tasting room offers local and Italian varietals from a wide array of Sonoma County vineyards. Don’t let the urban setting fool you — in 1994 Ray started making wine in an old cabinet shop as a hobby, and it is now transformed into a beautiful Italian winery. Each of the D’Argenzio wines are vineyard-designate, small-lot production wines of between 50-100 cases. Having such a limited production, you can only taste and purchase wine directly through their winery, with no distribution! Family owned and operated by Ray D’Argenzio, and his daughter and son-in-law Breanna and Sandro Tamburin, they work together to showcase the finest natural wines.

Take the time to play a game of bocce ball and enjoy a wood-fired pizza on their Terrazzo Patio while enjoying a wine tasting flight. D’Argenzio offers a full food menu including antipasti boards, wood-fired pizzas, roasted seasonal vegetables, salads, locally made gelato and more!

Located inside Santa Rosa Vintners Square, there is something for the whole family to enjoy – wineries, a brewery, cold-pressed juice, a pizzeria, cigar shop, and a barber shop! D’Argenzio Winery is the perfect spot to stop and take in a taste of Italy, where great wine, food, music and people come together to celebrate the pleasures of life.

VARIETALS Falanghina, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Super Tuscan Blend HOST YOUR NEXT PARTY AT D'ARGENZIO WINERY Whether you wish to host a wedding, rehearsal dinner, a company party or an intimate gathering among friends, D’Argenzio Winery aims to provide guests with a memorable experience. Three main areas are available or reserve all three for larger gatherings: • Tasting Room Lounge - 30-45 guests • Terrazzo Patio, includes Bocce Court - 60 guests • Barrel Room - 38 guests EVENTS • 22nd Annual Italian Harvest Party - October 7th 4-8pm; Must RSVP in Advance • Wine and Food Affair - November 4th & 5th Please visit the website at www.dargenziowine.com for more upcoming events and to purchase tickets.

D’Argenzio Winery Santa Rosa Vintners Square: Wednesdays & Thursdays 11am-5pm Friday & Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm 1301 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa (707) 546-2466 | www.dargenziowine.com

One Piccolo Antipasti Board and Two Wine Flights for Two Guests - $21 ($36 value)

36 : : Santa Rosa

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 37

C

hateau Adoré is conveniently located just north of Santa Rosa on Old Redwood Highway, down the road from Willi’s Wine Bar – in my humble opinion, one of the best restaurants in Sonoma County – and is easily accessible from Highway 101.

When you pull up to the winery, your first impression is of lots of white latticework at the gate. The white lattice theme is continued with a large white trellis-like structure, which shades the picnic area.

A goodly handful of black wrought iron picnic tables and chairs are scattered about under the trellis, creating a relaxing, welcoming ambience. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, grab a bottle or six of wine and relax and stay a while.

Once inside the winery and tasting room is where visitors may see (and taste) what makes Chateau Adoré different from other local wineries. A long, granite-topped tasting bar spans the back of the room. A variety of wines and medals from various wine competitions are proudly displayed around the room. The overall atmosphere is bright, cheerful and colorful.

Let’s talk about the wines. The 2014 Chateau Adoré Chardonnay is varietally correct, with abundant aromas and flavors of baked apple, citrus and buttered toast, all wrapped up in a juicy, richly textured mouthfeel. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon has received a Gold Medals in each of three wine competitions. At the 2014 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, Chateau Adoré 2014 Pinot Noir and 2014 Chardonnay Estate Reserve each received a Gold Medal. Gold Medals were also garnered for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Merlot at the 2014 China Wine Spirits Awards (CWSA). In 2013, Chateau Adoré 2010 Sonoma County Chardonnay, 2009 Sonoma County Pinot Noir and 2009 Sonoma County Merlot each received Silver Medals.

By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench®

VARIETALS Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Vintage White (white wine blend) and Vintage Red (red wine blend) PLAN AHEAD Bring a picnic to enjoy in the nicely shaded picnic area, and then take a stroll around the hilltop.

FUN FACT • Chateau Adoré is available for private parties.

Chateau Adoré Thursday-Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.

Monday-Wednesday by appointment 4080 Old Redwood Highway Santa Rosa, California (707) 528-6750 www.jjcustomwines.com

Mention this article for complimentary tasting and 30% off wines. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Santa Rosa : : 37

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 38

B

renda Lynch of Mutt Lynch Winery has opened a fabulous .tasting room on the Windsor Town Green – a vibrant, tasteful array of shops and restaurants with upstairs condominiums clustered around a manicured park. The new tasting room is large and bright, with avocado green walls, dyed cement floors and rustic furniture placed around the room. Large windows let in plenty of Sonoma County sunshine. One wall is dedicated to photographs of the people, vineyards and wines. A large, granitetopped bar spans the back of the room. The overall vibe in the tasting room is of relaxed, understated elegance, without an ounce of pretension.

Brenda is both winery owner and winemaker at Mutt Lynch Winery. She uses traditional, handcrafted styles to produce an array of delicious, award-winning wines. At Mutt Lynch they measure success in two ways: by the number of charities they help and the number of awards they garner for their winemaking.

Mutt Lynch has assisted more than 80 animal organizations. The winery has also been acknowledged by Forbes Magazine for the Coolest Wine Labels 2014 (mbf Primitivo, Unleashed Chardonnay, “Rusty” Muttitage) from San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition’s Label Sweepstake and Best of Class/Series for its “mbf” (Man’s Best Friend) series of wine – the second consecutive year they have won this prestigious award.

The wines are reasonably priced ($15 - $50 per bottle) and wine clubs are available for savvy wine lovers with discriminating taste.

Mutt Lynch Winery is also available for dog parties, barkmitzvas and special charity events.

FUN FACT Bring your dog! Dogs are ALWAYS welcome!

YAPPY HOUR! Join Mutt Lynch Winery for Yappy Hour on the second Friday of every month!

CUSTOM LABELS • Want to make your dog the star of your next dinner party? Perhaps you want to take your gift-giving to the next level? Mutt Lynch offers the ability to work with the winery to put your image on its label. All that’s required is a high-resolution digital photo file.

• The winery also develops custom labels for select non-profit partners with its “Wines That Give Back” program. It’s a great way to purchase wine that supports your favorite cause or organization.

If you’re interested in either of these two custom label opportunities stop by or call the winery now!

VARIETALS Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Charbono and Petite Sirah.

Mutt Lynch Winery Mon-Sat 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Sun Noon to 5 p.m.

9050 Windsor Road, Windsor, CA (707) 687-5089 www.muttlynchwinery.com

Mention this story and you’ll enjoy two free tasting flights at Tasting Room On The Green.

38 : : Santa Rosa

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 39

Russian River For more than a century, the Russian River has been a true gateway to the grandeur of California's wild nature and dramatic coast. Today, it is still a destination for all naturalists as well as an increasingly high-profile wine region – and rightly so. Russian River wines are quickly becoming some of the finest, most sought-after wines in the world and artisan winemakers are finally getting their due. Come for the fresh air, fine wines, incomparable cuisines and relax!

Armstrong Redwoods 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville (707) 869-2015, www.parks.ca.gov

THINGS TO DO Riverfront Regional Park 7821 Eastside Road, Healdsburg (707) 565-2041

Once a gravel quarry site, this park now boasts 2 sparkling lakes perfect for fishing and non-motorized boating. Explore redwood grove picnic areas and more than 2 miles of trails around Lake Benoist!

Charles Schulz Museum 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa (707) 579-4452, www.schulzmuseum.com

A tribute to the wonderful man who brought so much joy to the world with the “Peanuts” cartoon strip. Finally, a fitting place in Charles “Sparky” Schulz’ hometown to preserve, display, and interpret the Peanuts art.

Applewood Restaurant and Spa 13555 Highway 116, Guerneville (707) 869-9093 | www.applewoodinn.com

The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on our planet! Come see this stately preserve of trees close to 1,000 years old!

One of the top Sonoma fine dining restaurants, honored by Michelin Guide in 2011 and 2012. Its acclaimed cuisine is inspired by the lush bounty of the Russian River Valley with Mediterranean influences.

FOOD

LODGING

John Ash & Co. Restaurant 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa (707) 527-7687, www.vintnersinn.com

Farmhouse Inn 7871 River Road, Forestville (707) 887-3300, www. FarmhouseInn.com

Representing the finest level of Sonoma inns, restaurants and spas, sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food, and seasonal body treatments come together for one unforgettable experience.

Cooking seasonally with fresh, local foods and produce — and pairing these exceptional recipes with wines from the region – the restaurant remains an icon of gourmet dining and wine country living.

Vintners Inn 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa (707) 575-7350, www.vintnersinn.com

Corks Restaurant 5700 Gravenstein Highway North, Forestville (707) 887-3344, www.russianrivervineyards.com

Pacific Coast Air Museum 2230 Becker Blvd., Santa Rosa, (707) 575-7900 www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org

The only winery-based restaurant in the Russian River Valley. Indoor/outdoor dining.

Brunch, lunch & dinner.. check for days/times.

“Climb Aboard” vintage aircraft, and learn about the history of where and how it was used from the crew who has lovingly restored it. Currently, the F-14 Tomcat, F-16N Viper and F-5 Tiger I are featured.

Farmhouse Inn Restaurant 7871 River Road, Forestville (707) 887-3300, www.farmhouseinn.com

A luxury, 44-room, 4-diamond intimate hotel that is designed to showcase the very finest in gracious hospitality that Wine Country provides. Relax in the spa, walk the grounds, even take a cooking class with famed chef John Ash! Truly an exceptional hotel!

Fountain Grove Inn 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa (707) 578-6101, www.fountaingroveinn.com

The Farmhouse Inn boasts an exquisite restaurant that utilizes Sonoma's diverse agriculture and artisan producers.

ARM

Armstrong Redwoods OOD NG W

STRO

WESTS

IDE RD

BANK CLUB WINE COLLECTIVE

MOSHIN VINEYARDS

For business or leisure travel, this is a luxurious, but not ostentatious, hotel that is convenient to all of Sonoma County wine country.

Sonoma County Airport

Pacific Coast Air Museum

.

S RD

Riverfront Regional Park MIRABEL RD.

SONOMA CUTRER

JIGAR WINES RUSSIAN RIVER VINEYARDS

Fountain Grove Inn

116

EKTIMO

RD

CHAR VALE

BODEGA HWY

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

OCCIDENTAL RD. IN

BALLETTO

IRW

ID

OCC

TAFT STREET OCCIDENTAL ROAD CELLARS

12

HANNA

.

L RD

A ENT

HARVEST MOON HOOK & Charles Schultz LADDER RD. Museum

.

I FRE

PINER RD.

GUERNEVILLE

DUTTON ESTATE GRATON RD.

101

Hilton Sonoma Wine Country OLIVET RD

FRONT ST

John Ash & Co. Vintners Inn

LAGUNA RD.

WINE GUERRILLA

.

R RD

RIVE

FULTON RD

RIVER RD.

vl

SLUSSER

KORBEL

116

12

101

Not to scale

Russian River : : 39

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:49 PM Page 40

F

or 135 years, Korbel has been bottling some of the finest California champagnes from its facility located along the scenic Russian River Valley. A favorite daytrip destination for visitors near and far, Korbel is ripe with history, intrigue and, of course, sparkling wine.

Located just 20 minutes from the rugged Sonoma Coast and only a five minute drive to the ancient Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Korbel is situated along one of Northern California’s most travelled and storied scenic river roads.

Korbel has held fast to the time-honored French tradition – methode champenoise – in which the champagne is fermented in the very bottle from which it is served. Learn more about this fascinating process by stopping by the winery for a complimentary tasting and tour.

Besides sparkling wine, Korbel also produces still wines found only at the winery or through the Korbel Wine Club, as well as 4 varieties of California brandy, including Korbel 12 – a California brandy aged for more than 12 years.

A 50-minute historic walking tour departs daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., from the Korbel Railroad Station, built in 1876. Each docent-led tour takes visitors through the antique wine cellar, including a stop in the estate museum to see artifacts from the winery’s inception. Don’t miss the short film on the history of Korbel.

Also not to miss is the Garden Tour, April through mid-October, Tuesday through Sunday – Tour the original gardens planted in the 1880s.

By Denise Olliffe

HAVE LUNCH UNDER ANCIENT REDWOODS Enjoy a delicious lunch purchased from Korbel’s awardwinning delicatessen. The full-service deli offers gourmet specials daily as well as traditional deli fare and, of course, Korbel California champagne. There is plenty of seating to sip and savor your purchase under the canopy of majestic, ancient redwoods as well as a dog-friendly area.

TOURS Complimentary tours and tasting offered daily for parties of less than 20. Wine Shop & Tasting Room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For group tours, email or call ahead: reservations@korbel.com or (707) 824-7709 DELI HOURS Enjoy this popular option daily, at the same time as the tasting room is open.

FUN FACTS • Served at many White House events, Korbel has been selected as the official California champagne of the last nine presidential inaugurations.

• Did you know that according to tradition, the uncaging of the cork on a champagne bottle requires only six turns?

The next time you pop open a bottle, give it a try!

Korbel Champagne Cellars Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

13250 River Road, Guerneville (707) 824-7000 | www.korbel.com (707) 824-7316 – Wine Shop Celebrate Responsibly

Mention this story for 20% off all California Champagne and Wine (excludes sales, Brandy and merchandise).

40 : : Russian River

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 41

T

he winery estate on Westside Road in Healdsburg is located in the heart of Russian River Valley; a premiere growing region known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir. This is good news for Moshin Vineyards winemaker and owner Rick Moshin, who has turned a labor of love into a thriving and welcoming business.

Moshin, a former math professor at San Jose State University who loves Pinot, began tinkering with wine in his basement.

Opportunity knocked, and he and his family bought the property on Westside Road, which became his winemaker’s dream-cometrue and full time passion. The tasting room opened in 2005.

Moshin specializes in Pinot Noir, known as a finicky grape that needs to be handled tenderly, but can produce stellar and versatile results. The winery produces no less than 12 unique Pinot Noirs a year.

Enthusiastic pourers and other staff will guide visitors through a tasting of five wines from the rotating menu, highlighting Pinot Noir and several other small-lot varietals..

Moshin prides itself on its friendly atmosphere, perfect for first-timers, or those who want to develop their palates in an educational, nonjudgmental and relaxing setting.

Those interested in the production process can schedule a guided tour of Moshin’s four-tier, gravity-flow winery. The structural design of the production system, from crush pad to bottling line, ensures the grapes are handled delicately and spurof-the-moment needs are met. Private seated tastings are now available by appointment.

At the end of it all, sit back and enjoy the true fruits of their

By Shoshana Hebshi labor in their excellent wines.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

FUN FACTS Rick Moshin farms his 28 acres of estate vineyards himself and has had a hand in nearly every aspect of the construction and maintenance of the winery.

Moshin’s first vintage was in 1989, sixteen years before opening the tasting room.

DON’T MISS Pinot Noir lovers will delight in the expansive selection of the "heartbreak grape" at Moshin.

Be sure to sample any of the Pinot Noir being presented and ask to see the master list of smallproduction, single-vineyard and barrel selections available.

VARIETALS PRODUCED Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Perpetual Moshin (Bordeaux blend), Locomoshin (semi-sweet Zin), Whisper in the Dark (port-style dessert wine) and white dessert wine

Moshin Vineyards Tasting Room hours 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Tours available by appointment 10295 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 888-466-7446 | www.moshinvineyards.com

Russian River : : 41

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 42

A

.pioneer in crafting classic French-style Chardonnay and Pinot .Noir in the heart of Russian River Valley since 1981, SonomaCutrer Vineyards truly sets itself apart as an iconic destination for ultra-premium wines.

Nestled into the rolling hills of a 400-acre estate off Slusser Road, the winery is home to 270 acres of prime Chardonnay vines, originally planted back in 1973. The sprawling green-space remaining provides breathtaking valley-views and facilities for their on-site winemaking and barrel/aging rooms.

Providing an unparalleled winery experience for the discriminating taster, designer touches are evident throughout the restyled and expanded Tasting Room creating an inviting “Sonoma-chic” atmosphere for guests as they explore the awardwinning wines of Sonoma-Cutrer. Visitors are hosted (by appointment) in one of the newly created private tastings salons; can choose to taste wine at the bar or on the terrace; or can choose to sip wines by-the-glass on the patio in the Sonoma County sunshine. An artisanal cheese plate is also available for purchase to savor during the tasting. And, for those looking to test their skill at game of croquet on the lawn, four world-class courts await you!

Immerse yourself into the world of grape-growing with a tour of the Cutrer estate vineyard. Included is a guided, hands-on tutorial of a vine’s lifecycle, tour of the cellar and barrel room and wine tasting. Visit website to reserve your booking. Not to be missed: a taste of the winery’s Sauvignon Blanc. Crafted by wine industry veteran and Director of Winemaking Mick Schroeter, the limited-release bottling is a hallmark of his style–showcasing a bright, fruit-forward wine from the Russian River vineyards.

By Tanya Seibold

DON’T MISS • Sonoma-Cutrer hosts several croquet tournaments a year such as ‘Chardonnay and Croquet’, ‘Haunted Croquet’ or ‘Full Moon Croquet’. Visit website for full event listings.

• Cru Reserve Tasting ($35) offers access to the winery’s most limited wines.

FUN FACTS • The only winery in North America utilizing cooling tunnels for their grapes as they arrive from the vineyards. The tunnels reduce the grapes to a sub-50°F temperature, ensuring each lot harvested is held at optimum conditions before being pressed.

• Awarded “#1 Most Popular Chardonnay In Restaurants” for the 23rd year of out 26 by Wine and Spirits Magazine.

VARIETALS Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4401 Slusser Road, Windsor, CA 95492 www.sonomacutrer.com | (707) 237-3489

Mention this story for one complimentary Heritage Tasting.

42 : : Russian River

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 43

A

re you craving delicious small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, served in a warm, welcoming, unpretentious style? Are you intrigued by family-owned and operated wineries? Do you like big fluffy dogs? If you answered, “Yes!” to any of the above questions, you really must visit Char Vale Winery.

Char Vale Winery is located not far from Santa Rosa in West Sonoma County’s prestigious, Pinotcentric Green Valley. Wind your way out gently curving Occidental Road, through hills striped with vineyards and dotted with coastal Redwood trees, until you see the pristine whiterail fences and cheerful red barn-like buildings of this special place.

Upon leaving your car, you will most likely be greeted by Theodore, the huge, friendly Great Pyrenees greeting committee. Stop. Take a look around. You are surrounded by some of the best Pinot Noir vines in California. Go inside the tasting room (or out on the beautiful deck in warmer weather), sit at the bar or at a table and prepare to be wowed.

The Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs here are truly world class, yet affordable (prices range from $42 to $60 per bottle). Chances are good that you will meet one of the owners during your visit.

Char Vale is a relative newbie in the West Sonoma County scene – the current winery was founded in 2014 and the tasting room just recently opened. Don’t let the newness of this winery scare you away, though – the wines are off the hook delicious and the overall vibe at Char Vale Winery is friendly, intimate and unpretentious. Don’t miss this place! Tell them, “The Wine Wench sent me!”

By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench®

VARIETIES PRODUCED Pinot Noir and Chardonnay FUN FACTS • This is a small production winery – less than 500 cases are produced annually and are only sold directly to their customers and to a handful of restaurants.

• Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, buy a bottle or three and soak in the peaceful vineyard surroundings as they relax on the beautiful back deck.

• Vineyard tours with the owners and winemaker are available by appointment.

• Atascadero Creek (a local nature preserve) runs directly behind the winery.

Char Vale Winery Thursday-Monday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

9280 Occidental Road, Sebastopol (707) 827-6102 www.charvalewinery.com

All 2014 vintage wines are currently on sale at a 25% discount. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Russian River : : 43

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 44

West County Wineries Invite Visitors to

TASTE ROUTE 116 Sebastopol • Graton • Forestville nown as West County, the Highway 116 route that ambles through Sebastopol, Graton and Forestville is home to a unique cluster of thirteen family-owned wineries that make up the Taste Route 116 trail. These vintners bottle some of Sonoma County’s most prized, often small-production varietals, from crisp Chardonnay to earthy Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and more. The drive along Highway 116 drifts through Gravenstein apple orchards, redwoods and gently rolling hills of perfectly trellised vineyards – with small towns, great food and interesting discoveries along the way.

K

BaLLeTTo Vineyards

DuTTon Estate Winery

5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, (707) 568-2455 Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol, (707) 829-9463 Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Once prominent vegetable farmers, the Balletto family now grows over 600 acres of grapes in the Russian River Valley. Nearly 200 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes surround the winery and tasting room off Occidental Road. Drop by seven days a week to taste their award-winning wines and savor the rustic setting. The location is a photographer’s dream during mustard flower season each spring.

An award-winning, family owned and operated winery, Dutton Estate produces Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Hard Cider. Located on Green Valley Road, conveniently off Highway 116, visitors can relax and enjoy flights of wine, served with local Joe Matos Cheese and Zoe’s uncured salami. The Dutton family prides itself on sustainable farming practices, and has a long-standing farming history in the Sonoma County region, with an extensive wine following.

BANK CLUB WINE COLLECTIVE 16290 Main St, Guerneville, (707) 604-6938 Open Wednesday-Monday noon to 5p.m. | Friday and Saturday noon to 7p.m.

Located in the historic 1921 Bank of Guerneville building, the Bank Club Wine Collective is the tasting room for INIZI Wines and Baldassari Family Wines.

INIZI Wines was founded by A.J. and Jen Filipelli & John and Kirsti Harley. The name came from their belief that wine should reflect the variety of the grape, the place it was grown, and the farming applied to the vineyard. Matt Michael and his father started the Baldassari Family Wines brand in 2003 as a tribute to his grandfather. Matt and his father seek out growers and sites for their wines that share their passion for high quality artisanal wine production.

Char Vale Winery 9280 Occidental Rd, Sebastopol, (707) 827-6102 | Thursday-Monday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Char Vale winery is a jewel for you to enjoy, with its new tasting room and deck overlooking the family vineyard in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley. Medal-winning estate Pinot Noir is nurtured on-site, from grape through bottling, and created in different styles to entice your palate. Chardonnay and Rosé of Pinot Noir are also produced on-site. Intimate setting for a relaxing picnic with wine purchase. Personal tours can be arranged by appointment.

RUSSIAN RIVER VINEYARDS

GU

OCCIDENTAL RD

OCCIDENTAL ROAD BO

EI

FR

RD

VIL

LE

RD RD

CHAR VALE

HOOK & LADDER NE

ER

BALLETTO

DEG AA VE

Sebastopol

116

LTO N

TON GRA

Graton

HARVEST MOON

D

DUTTON ESTATE RD

RD

ET R

GREEN VALLEY RD

TAFT STREET

Not to scale

ER

OLIV

BOHEMIAN HWY

RIV

LAG UN

116

BARLOW LN

Occidental

A RD

ROSS STATION RD

EKTIMO

HANNA O CC ID

FU

Guerneville WINE JIGAR BANK CLUB GUERRILLA FRONT ST WINE COLLECTIVE Forestville

EN

TA L

RD

12 TO SAN FRANCISCO

TO EUREKA

101

EKTIMO Vineyards 4950 Ross Road, Sebastopol, (707) 827-3008 Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ektimo Vineyards is a full working winery, tasting room, part-time organic farm, and an amazing place for our family to call home. One of the best features (aside from the Pinot and Chardonnay) is the property itself. We invite you to come out and visit our organic farm, bocce court, picnic area or take a tour of the Pinot vineyards.

HANNA Winery and vineyards 5353 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, (707) 575-3371 Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The original home ranch of HANNA Winery & Vineyards is just off of Occidental Road in Sonoma County. The picturesque winery has lovely grounds and a picnic area overlooking the vineyards (HANNA Winery also has a stunning Mediterranean-style hospitality center in the heart of Alexander Valley, 9280 Highway 128, Healdsburg). With more than 25 years of winemaking experience, this estate winery produces varietals from three of Sonoma County’s finest regions: Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains.

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 45

HARVEST MOON ESTATE AND WINERY

RuSSian River Vineyards

2192 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, (707) 573-8711 Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5700 Gravenstein Highway North, Forestville, (707) 887-2300 Open daily noon to 8 p.m.

Located along the Olivet Wine Road in the Russian River Valley, Harvest Moon offers a personal and engaging wine country experience. Stop in our tasting room and talk wine with our knowledgeable and friendly staff and be greeted by our dogs, Luna and Ruby. From August through October you can sit and sip on our patio and crushpad and witness firsthand how we craft our grapes into wine. Our daily pouring selections range from a very dry refreshing Gewürztraminer to elegant Pinot Noirs to different vintages of Zinfandel. We also make two dessert wines – Estate Late Harvest Zinfandel and Ice-style Gewürztraminer.

HOOk & LaDDer Winery 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, (707) 526-2255 | Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Food & Wine Magazine Top 10 Pinot Noir 2016 Hook & Ladder Winery is located on the beautiful and historic Olivet Road in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The tasting room is situated inside the winery’s production facility surrounded by some of the Russian River Valley’s oldest vineyards, many dating back to the early 1900s.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the garden patio area and play some bocce or cornhole overlooking the vineyards. Private tastings and tours of the winery and surrounding vineyards are also available by appointment.

Jigar Wines 6615 Front Street, Forestville, (707) 820-1225 Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Located in the heart of enchanting Sonoma County, our familyowned boutique winery places an emphasis on showcasing the terroir of the region. Our small production winemaking techniques allow us to create wines that are a worthy representation of the vineyards from which they originate.

With hard work and a keen attention to detail, our handling of the fruit during its journey into wine mirrors that of the local growers who work tirelessly to bring us their beautiful bounty.

Our goal is to truly express their vineyards and hard work in every bottle of our wine.

Celebrated Russian River Valley is home to Russian River Vineyards. It’s a unique destination winery, where visitors can easily spend an afternoon wine tasting, taking in the panoramic views and savoring Russian River Vineyards Restaurant – the only winery-based restaurant in the Russian River Valley. Visitors can enjoy meticulously crafted wines in the open-air tasting room or on the romantic patio, an ideal place to catch a dazzling West County sunset.

Taft StrEEt Winery 2030 Barlow Lane, Sebastopol, (707) 823-2049 Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends until 4:30 p.m.

The term “Garagistes” originated in Bordeaux, France in the 1980s and referred to a group of innovative winemakers who produced exceptional wines in their garages rather than a grand chateaux. Like the renegade French Garagistes, Taft Street began in a garage in 1979, stressing quality without pretense. The winery continues in the Garagistes tradition to this day, producing limited production, handcrafted wines from select Sonoma County vineyards. Taft Street makes great wine, available at a fair price, and has a fun time doing it – sharing that joy daily with visitors.

Wine GueRriLLa 6671 Front Street (Highway 116), Forestville, (707) 887-1996 Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With its maxim being “The Art and Soul of Zinfandel,” there’s no mistaking where it’s at for Wine Guerrilla. Made entirely from Sonoma County-grown grapes, and distinctly bottled with the splendid musings of artist Sean Colgan adorning each label, these popular Zins make it worth a trip for a taste.

Enjoy lunch on the charming outdoor patio (gourmet boxed lunches can be ordered and delivered to the tasting room for $15) along with your wine purchase.

OCCIDENTAL ROAD CELLARS 870 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, (707) 827-3327 Open Thursday-Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November-March Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Owners Richard and Joelle Prather, fourth generation farmers, invite visitors to stop by their tasting room in Sebastopol for a sample of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. If you’re interested in touring their winery or vineyards along the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, book an appointment – they accommodate both large and small groups. Visitors wishing to spend a night amongst the vineyards can also book a stay at their private vineyard estate – a tranquil place to absorb the West Sonoma County lifestyle.

Annual Events Cale

ndar

• February – Sweet 116 • April – Wine Club Appreciation Weeken d • June – Grill 116 • November – Wine Club Appreciation Weeken d Check the website fo r details tasteroute116.com Photo by Ashlei Kilkenny

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 46

Sebastopol Once home to acres of apple orchards, and now dotted with both apple orchards and grapevines, Sebastopol possesses the right cool climate for growing acclaimed varietals such as Pinot Noir and the ever-popoular Chardonnay. With the recent addition of The Barlow, a food and beverage open-air style marketplace, Sebastopol has certainly become a go-to destination for wine country travelers and locals.

6780 McKinley St, (Barlow), Sebastopol 707 823-3144, www.woodfourbrewing.com

Pascaline Gourmet Shop 4550 N Gravenstein Hwy, Sebastopol (707) 823-3122 Open Tuesday through Sunday, 7a.m. to 7p.m.

Experience an extensive collection of draft and bottle beers paired with excellent food sourced locally and prepared fresh. A completely different experience than your average brew pub.

Known for tasty pastries and awesome sandwiches (Croque Monsieur, yum!) and salads plus giant ice cream sandwiches. A must for breakfast or lunch!

Hopmonk Tavern 230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol 707 829-7300,

Screamin’ Mimi’s 6902 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol (707) 823-5902, screaminmimisicecream.com

DINING Woodfour Brewing Company

ATTRACTIONS Trash Art on Florence Avenue www.sonomacounty.com or patrickamiot.com

Some of the most imaginative sculpture you’ll ever see decorates the front yards of homes on Sebastopol’s threeblock-long Florence Avenue by Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent. These works are imaginative, colorful, made from recycled trash and depict playful, oversized figures that would fit right into a zany 1950s cartoon West County Museum 261 South Main Street, Thu-Sun 1-4 p.m.

707-829-6711, www.wschsgrf.org

The West County Museum opened in 1993 in the old downtown electric train station with an exhibit on the Railroad.

Museum exhibits are changed two to three times a year and focus on west Sonoma County history. Past exhibits have Everything you need to know: Voted Sonoma explored movies filmed in Sonoma County, historical toys, County's Best Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert eclectic collections from the community, the World War I every year since 1995. Listed in Food & Wine experience on the home front, the apple industry, festivals and Magazine's top Ice Cream Parlors in the US. fairs, early lighting devices, etc.

Great place to hang out, enjoy the beer selection, delicious food, listen to music. .let the night unfold. Relax in the rustic, comfortable beer garden.

Luther Burbank’s Gold Ridge Experiment Farm 7777 Bodega Avenue, Sebastopol 707-829-6711, www.wschsgrf.org

Pascaline Gourmet Shop 116

Self-guided tours, docent tours by appointment Plant Sale every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon.

Luther Burbank bought his 15-acre farm on Gold Ridge in 1885 in Sebastopol. During his career he introduced over 800 varieties of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains.

GUERNEVILLE RD

Hallberg Butterfly Gardens

Joe Rodota Trail/Laguna Uplands Preserve parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Y

McKIN

>>

>>

>>

12

AIL

OTA TR

D JOE RO

PE

O

RD

MA LU

TA

A guided walk though Miss Louise Hallberg's Butterfly Gardens witnessing the life cycle of the butterfly and experiencing the beautiful, natural habitat in which our local butterflies thrive.

E

LL

AV

AN

>>

>>

ST

West County Hopmonk Museum

116

IN STE

VEN

A GR

BLANK RD

Y HW

101

Cotati Not to scale

46 : : Sebastopol

8.47 miles of paved trail that runs between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol . The trail meanders along agricultural ranches and the Laguna of Santa Rosa. There are signs of the historic railroad throughout the property. Three bridges are on top of the old train trestles. The trail is especially popular in the spring with a burst of color from wildflowers. The trail is an excellent place for year-round bird watching.

Hallberg Butterfly Gardens Open for guided tours, by appointment, from April 1 to October 31 Appointment: (707) 591-6967 | www.hallbergbutterflygardens.org 8687 Oak Grove Ave, Sebastopol

VE POL A

IN

Full House Farm

THE BARLOW WINDGAP WINES MacPHAIL WINES

STO

SEBA

MA

Luther Burbank’s Gold Ridge Experiment Farm

Screamin’ Mimi’s >>

12

T ST

DEPO

D

IS ST

WAY

LEY ST

CE AVE

BODEGA AVE

ARK

NA P

LAGU

HW

N FLORE

IN TE

S EN

AV GR

R MOR

HEALDSBURG AVE

TH R

WOR

HEP

GRAVENSTEIN HWY

OCCIDENTAL RD

Full House Farm 1000 Sexton Road, Sebastopol. (707) 829-1561, fullhousefarm.com Tours 10 a.m. Saturday & Sunday May-November; $20, $10 under 12 Educational 90-minute to 2-hour immersion in a small family farm.

You will meet the horses, chickens, goats, and sheep with the

basic premise being “Sustainable Living from the Inside Out.” Taste some farm products, such as goat cheese or cheese cake and wine jellies. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 47

The Barlow market district is a 12.5-acre, open-air, maker's maarketplace in Sebastopol, where a passionate community of Sonoma Cou nty's best chefs, vintners and artissans work side-by-side selling their goods while th e production process happens inn real time behind them.

MARKET DISTRICT Ope n E ve r y Day | th e b a r l o w. n e t | M cK inle y

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 48

C

lassically crafted, Wind Gap Wines represents the special .places from where its fruit is grown. Working primarily with vineyards on the Sonoma Coast and North Coast, where “wind gaps” naturally occur in the micro-climates, gives its boutique collection of single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Syrah, along with their esoteric reds and whites, a lean and fresh style—higher acidity, less sugar and a drinkability that lends itself for imbibing young, or cellaring for future enjoyment.

Their Old World techniques coupled with New World fruit creates wines not seeking perfection—but rather an expression which is honest, authentic and compelling. These limited-release bottlings are reliant on its sustainable vineyard sites and yearly vintage variations to achieve the subtle nuances and characteristics to tell a particular wine’s story, regardless of appellation.

Located at The Barlow, the tasting room’s artistic and casual atmosphere invites you to experience their wines without pretension. The 150-year-old, barn wood clad walls and contemporary bar expertly mix the traditional and funky, beckoning you to pull up a chair and sample a sip from their rotating wines on tap. It’s always fresh—wine is never far away—as the cellar is conveniently located on-site. Hungry?

Wind Gap serves up a nice cheese and salumi plate or, your wine hosts can order-up a snack from the neighboring eateries for delivery so all you have to do is sit back, enjoy the wines and groove on some killer tunes from their serious vinyl collection.

By Tanya Seibold

48 : : Sebastopol

VARIETALS Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir and Syrah, Grenache, Dolcetto, Rosé, Chardonnay and Trousseau Gris plus other rare varietals and interesting blends FUN FACTS • Rotating wines are available on tap along with etched growlers (reuse and refill!), wine by the glass and carafe.

• Rare and back vintage bottlings are available to enjoy by the bottle in the cozy and private tasting lounge tucked away behind the main tasting bar.

• Choose your taste then choose your song. Old-school vinyl spun daily—from heavy metal to rat-pack classics to hip-hop—it’s always a party when you’ve got stellar wines and great music.

Wind Gap Wines AT THE BARLOW

Open Thursday and Sunday 12-6 and Friday/Saturday 12-7 Private tastings by appointment Tuesday & Wednesday Reservations required for groups 6 or more

6780 McKinley Street #170, Sebastopol, CA 95472 (707) 331-1393 | taste@windgapwines.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 49

M

acPhail Wines focuses on single-vineyard, small-lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California’s finest growing regions. Traditional, Old World winemaking techniques are used with minimal intervention to deliver wines that are distinctive in flavor – to tell you a lot about the exceptional vineyards in Sonoma County and Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. Strong partnerships are forged with growers eager to be a part of this ongoing adventure.

A friendly team of wine educators lead you through the nuances of Pinot and Chardonnay by offering an array of seated tastings in an open, spacious and relaxed setting.

Tasting options include: the Introduction to MacPhail, where wines highlight their belief that wine is art with a splash of science ($20 per person, one fee waived per two bottle purchase), the Icon Tasting, which explores top-tier wines including Mardikian Estate ($30 per person, one fee waived per two bottle purchase).

In addition, guests can now experience one of the most unique tastings in wine country, The Terroir Tasting. Inside the Tasting Lounge, you will find the Soil Wall showing eightfoot cross sections under glass of four vineyards – Toulouse, Pratt, Sundawg and Mardikian. Here they discuss the four key components to their award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays – soil, clonal selection, vintage and winemaking style. Everything you wanted to know about winemaking is bottled in this wine tasting experience ($30 per person, one fee waived per two bottle purchase, reservations are required).

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

FUN FACT MacPhail Wines features a 40-foot sculpture of welded red wagons designed by Napa artist Richard Von Saal as his interpretation of wine being poured from a bottle. Von Saal designed the Tasting Lounge using recycled, repurposed and reclaimed materials, and prominently features a soil wall to highlight soil pits from four iconic vineyards.

FOOD & WINE PAIRING Enjoy the monthly Cheesemaker Series and sample delicious cheese plates from a new artisan every month, paired perfectly with your favorite MacPhail wines.

VARIETALS PRODUCED Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

MacPHAIL TASTING LOUNGE at THE BARLOW 12pm–6pm Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun and 11am–6pm Sat; Closed Tuesday They’re dog friendly, too!

(707) 824-8400 www.MacPhailWines.com

Sebastopol : : 49

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 50

Healdsburg

HEALDSBURG PLAZA • WWW.HEALDSBURG.COM

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.

THINGS TO DO

Raven Theater 115 North Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-6335, www.raventheater.org

Where would we be without performing arts?

A big, dark nowhere, that's where. It’s thanks to cultural theaters like the Raven, that publics can experience entertainment that is beyond a moment's blip of distraction. Enjoy wonderful performances and expand your world.

Sonoma County Wine Library 139 Piper Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-3772, www.sonomalibrary.org/wine

The library has more than 5,000 books dealing with all aspects of making wine, some of them date even back to 1512! Knowledgeable librarians are on hand to help guide you.

Segway Tours (707) 953-3477 www.segwayofhealdsburg.com

Take a fun tour of Healdsburg on a rented Segway.

50 : : Healdsburg

Veterans Memorial Beach, 13839 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 433-1625

Truly one of Healdsburg’s most favorite riverside beaches! Bring a picnic, kick off your shoes, or even borrow an inner tube. Nothing to do here but relax, breathe deeply and listen to the river roll on by.

Healdsburg Ridge Hiking Trail Entry gate at Arabian Way and Bridle Path.

One of Sonoma’s favorite nature preserves, take the Ridge Hiking Trail to the Fox Pond Run and Fox Pond Overlook. A wonderful place to get some fresh air and exercise in wine country! (No pets.)

Dragonfly, 425 Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-3739, www.dragonflyfloral.com

By appointment only, this is a unique botany and flowerlover's destination. They can custom pick and arrange flowers.

Wohler Bridge, 9765 Wohler Rd, Forestville

A true Sonoma County landmark, Wohler Bridge is one of the few old-old-OLD bridges left in California.

This steel-truss bridge crosses the Russian River at quite a beautiful spot, too.

LODGING

Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza 112 Matheson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-6991, www.healsburginn.com

Built in 1901, this classic California inn is located right on the Healdsburg Plaza. From summer concerts to holiday tree lightings, the town's best events take place right here.

Hotel Healdsburg 25 Matheson Street, Healdsburg 1-800-889-7188, www.hotelhealdsburg.com

Chic, beautifully appointed Hotel Healdsburg is located on the square and is one of the premier Wine Country luxury lodgings in all Sonoma County.

Grape Leaf Inn 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com

A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, romantic environment. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:50 PM Page 51

SIMI DRY CREEK RD

PLAZA

TOPEL

Healdsburg Mill Street Antiques

A single-story Italianate built in the 1870s, Belle du Jour nestles on six acres of hilltop overlooking rolling hilltops and valleys.

K

ERIC

S

AR

OK

HEM

WINDSOR RD

OOD

BREE

OS MIG LOS A

Celebrating Sonoma's pioneering wines and spirits, celebrated Chef Charlie Palmer takes the best of our farm-fresh produce and culinary cradle and infuses it with his passion and trademark style.

R RD

NT

ASA

WINDSOR RIVE

PLE

Windsor

.

D OL

O RD

SHIL

D OO DW RE

Wohler Bridge ER HL RD

MIRABE L RD.

Jimtown Store 6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg (707) 433-1212, www.jimtown.com

Farmhouse Inn

TRENTON-HEALDS BU RG

WO

E

RD

Sonoma County Airport

VD

RT BL

AIRPO

R RD. RIVE

.

R RD

LAGUNA

Rustic Italian fare, a local favorite

SID ST EA

Y. HW

Scopa 109 A Plaza St. (on Healdsburg Plaza), Healdsburg (707) 433-5282, www.scopahealdsburg.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Y. HW OD WO R ED

RD. TSIDE

Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen Hotel Healdsburg, 317 Healdsburg Avenue (707) 431-0330, www.charliepalmer.com

OLD

WES

FOOD

A

AT

101

RODNEY STRONG

BRO

RUSSIAN RIVER

TA

HILL RD. CHALK

LIM

FEL

Fresh baked goods, hot coffee, and local products.

Linger over the eclectic American antiques and oldfashioned toys.

128

AVE

Madrona Manor Dragonfly DaVero Farms

HEALDSBURG

MATHESON

D.

R

Belle de Jour Inn 16276 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 431-9777, www.belledujourinn.com

SPICY VINES

NORTH GROVE

K REE RY C

BREATHLESS

LAKEW

D W.

WWW.HEALDSBURG.COM

PINE

Not to scale

Healdsburg : : 51

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 52

NOMINATED BEST NEW WINERY San Francisco Magazine 2017

“B

reathless is about celebrating moments in life—big or small—that take our breath away,” says Sharon Cohn, Breathless sister one-of-three. “We are honoring our mom, Martha, who encouraged dreaming big—‘never take a breath for granted, and live life to the fullest’ was her mantra.” Even when suffering from Alpha-1, Martha led the charge as a teacher dedicated to helping her community. In that vein, Breathless donates wine and funds to Alpha-1, and opens their tasting room, and their hearts, to more than a dozen non-profits annually.

With a vintage 1920s feel and a tasting room built from recycled shipping containers (the first of its kind in the area), Breathless is the perfect blend of Art Deco and Industrial Chic – ideally situated in the West Healdsburg Warehouse district, just a short walk from the Healdsburg Square.

Visitors can expect extraordinarily unique and fun events in the Gatsby style Breathless has become known for, with perfectly paired wine and foods, live music and even a Polaroid photobooth with props.

During the day guests can stroll the gardens, enjoy a leisurely picnic, or take lessons in beheading a bottle of sparkling with an authentic Italian saber (a dull-bladed sword that pops the bubbly open in a centuries-old style).

On Wednesdays, by appointment, educational tours are offered, showing visitors the art and science behind the Method Champenoise winemaking process, with which all Breathless sparkling wines are expertly crafted.

52 : : Healdsburg

WINES Champagne method sparkling wines, new releases of still wines, magnum bubblies and a special new ratafia fortified wine – select grapes are sourced from Carneros, Russian River, Dry Creek Valley and the North Coast FAMILY AFFAIR Breathless Wines is a family affair, built by the love of three sisters, Sharon, Rebecca and Cynthia, and the passion for life their mother passed down to them.

GETTING ATTENTION Penny Gadd-Coster, named “Winemaker of the Year” by the North Bay Business Journal, is a renowned winemaker who has garnered more than 20 Best of Class, Gold and 90+ point ratings for the Breathless sparkling wines.

Breathless Wines Enjoy a few “Breathless Moments” 499 Moore Lane, Healdsburg (707) 395-7300 www.breathlesswines.com

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 53

S

imi Winery has something for everyone – fantastic wines, .friendly, informative staff, a well-stocked Visitor Center, gorgeous grounds and winemaking history galore.

Simi Winery is the longest continually running winery in Sonoma County. It was founded in 1876 by Giuseppe and Pietro Simi, and even Prohibition didn’t shut down the winery’s production.

Simi Winery’s Visitor Center is spacious and airy, with hardwood floors, a rough-hewn rock fireplace, a long, l-shaped bar and a tasteful selection of wine-related gifts and foods, so visitors can sip, stroll and shop to their heart’s content.

Bring a picnic, purchase your goodies in the Visitor Center or enjoy fresh salads and sandwiches prepared by Simi’s chef (who formerly worked with famous chef Gary Danko) on Fridays and Saturdays. The state-of-the art outdoor kitchen is equipped with a pizza oven and pizza dinners can be reserved for groups of 1540 people.

Two separate event spaces are available by reservation – the indoor space accommodates up to 75 guests and the picnic area accommodates up to 100 guests. These spaces are available for corporate events, weddings and private parties.

During your visit, don’t miss the chance to purchase some winery-exclusive, single-varietal wines. These “Winemaker Select” wines come from grapes grown in Simi Winery’s prestigious Landslide Vineyard, a 172-acre estate located on Chalk Hill Road in the Alexander Valley. This vineyard possesses such diverse microclimates and soil types that it is sub-divided into 44 distinct blocks. It consistently produces critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench®

VARIETALS Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Late Harvest Riesling FUN FACTS The garden that encompasses the picnic area won the honor of “best garden in Healdsburg.”

Get your growler on! Simi Winery now sells two-liter, refillable growlers of “Maiale Cieco” (Blind Pig), a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend PLAN AHEAD Legacy Tour & Tasting Daily 11 am and 2 pm Wine\Cheese\Jelly from Wine 11am 1pm and 3pm Must have reservation: www.simiwinery.com/Visit-Simi/Tours-and-Tastings

Simi Winery Visitor Center Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check website for daily offerings 16275 Healdsburg Avenue | Healdsburg, CA 1-800-746-4880 www.simiwinery.com Follow Simi Winery on Facebook www.facebook.com/simiwinery

Mention Day Trips and enjoy a $10 tasting for just $5. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Healdsburg : : 53

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 54

R

odney Strong Vineyards is the perfect place to spend the day, tasting Best in Class wines produced from their 14 estate vineyards in Sonoma County’s finest appellations, such as Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill and Sonoma Coast.

Rodney Strong, a pioneer and visionary of Sonoma County’s modern wine industry, recognized the potential that Sonoma’s soil and climate held for producing delicious wines. With more than 50 years of winemaking experience, Rodney Strong Vineyards has become an iconic brand, known for its single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and more.

To experience all that Rodney Strong has to offer, join them for a Food & Wine pairing year-round. Both seasonal, the Winter Food & Wine Pairing is November through April in the Single Vineyard Room, Saturday and Sunday at noon and 2:30 p.m., by reservation only. Indulge in five comforting, delicious bites paired with five Rodney Strong wines during the colder months. The Food & Wine Pairing on The Terrace, a great spot to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, takes place May through October, Friday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Terrace has seated tasting options ranging in price from $20 to $30 a person.

Ask about their cheese and charcuterie plate that features some of the best local meats and cheeses to accompany your wine flight.

Rodney Strong Vineyards offers you time to picnic, sample varietal wines (you can’t get anywhere else) and learn, in a fun and casual way, the fine art of winemaking. They also hold ongoing events, such as the Summer Concert series, offering a season of

By Monica L. Dashwood fine food, wine and music.

FUN FACTS • In 1959, Rodney Strong Vineyards was the 13th winery bonded in the newly discovered Sonoma County wine industry.

• Their passion for sustainable farming practices, solar power and other green business practices made them Sonoma County’s first carbon neutral winery.

• Rod Strong was a famous dancer during the 1940s and spent most of his career in Paris. When he returned to the U.S. in 1951 his passion for dance eventually turned to French food and fine wine. In 1959, he retired from dance and began his new career in winemaking. When asked why, Rod explained, “I knew I couldn’t be an old dancer, but I could be an old winemaker.”

TASTING Three complimentary pours of Sonoma County wines as well as a complimentary self-guided tour. Additional tastings $15$25 per person fee waived with wine purchase of 2 or more bottles per selected tasting. Guided tours daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. complimentary (subject to availability, reservations recommended).

Rodney Strong Vineyards Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11455 Old Redwood Hwy, | Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 431-1533, 1-800-678-4763 www.rodneystrong.com

Present this story for 2 for 1 Reserve Tasting and 20% off most purchases of 6 or more bottles.

54 : : Healdsburg

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 55

D

iscover the wondrous world of Spicy Vines, a boutique winery with an insatiable spirit of fun and knack for making outstanding wines and memorable tasting experiences. The tasting room and wine lounge is warm and welcoming with an artistic vibe. Located in downtown Healdsburg, Spicy Vines is surrounded by chic shops, cafés and notable restaurants. This quaint downtown offers something for everyone in wine country.

Spicy Vines promises a fun way to spend the day with its best in class wines, live entertainment and modern flair. Every day, flights include four reputable wines for just $12. Gourmet small bites are served fresh to accompany your wine choices. If you’re looking for something a little different, Spicy Vines offers craft wine cocktails including a house-made sangria, mimosas and hot spiced wine.

Enjoy Saturday Night Jive every Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., where guests can order wines by the glass and bottle while listening to live music by esteemed artists ranging from blues, jazz, vintage rock, Americana to bluegrass.

The team behind the winery is also worth talking about. Doug Hackett, aka “Dougie Fresh” brings a minimalist approach to his winemaking style, allowing his wines to develop purely into the best that they can be. As a result of Doug’s creativity and passion, Spicy Vines recently earned 18 gold and double gold medals and 90+ ratings.

Behind the brand is the young entrepreneur and Co-Founder Crystalyn Hoffman, who created a modern-day spiced wine inspired by her German heritage. Toni and Ronnie Andrews, a wine- loving team, joined in 2015 and became instrumental to Spicy Vines success.

VARIETALS Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Rose, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera, Carignane, Spiced Wine.

Spicy Vines was the first to create a new category of wine: Spiced Wine. Following century old Egyptian and Roman traditions, Spicy Vines has created a Zinfandel based spiced wine that includes the five Chai spices and a hint of Brandy.

Reds Regan, the contemporary modern artist, is featured on the walls of Spicy Vines. Reds’ work is stunning and his primitive style brings the fundamentals of line, color and form to the canvas.

Spicy Vines Sunday to Wednesday at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

(Live music from 6 p.m. -9 p.m.)

441 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA (707) 927-1065 | www.spiceyvines.com

By Monica L. Dashwood

All flights are complimentary with the purchase of three or more bottles. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Healdsburg : : 55

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 56

P

assionate, with a deep regard for the history and tradition of the vineyard land is how Topel Estate Winery vintners, and husband and wife team, Mark and Donnis Topel would best describe their approach to winemaking. Their mountain-top vineyard and winery located south of Hopland in Mendocino County sits just above the fog line on Duncan Peak at 1,400 feet in elevation. It was first planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1989, with the addition over the years of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and the rare Syrah Noir.

Through organic and Biodynamic farming practices along with a minimalist style in blending, the highly prized attributes of minerality from the rocky soils, varying climatic influences and concentrated fruit flavors shine through in all of Topel’s small-lot wines, which total just under 3,500 cases annually. “I let the wine do its own thing. I don’t believe in taking the essential soul from the grape,” says Mark Topel, Winemaker.

“Wine is poetry, and it’s the end result of a wonderful art form done best not by computer, but with our hearts, minds and incredible senses.”

The tasting room is located in the heart of downtown Healdsburg with daily access to their boutique collection of hillside wines – available only through the tasting room or wine club. The warm wood tones and clean lines of space set the tone for an inviting tasting experience hosted by their friendly and knowledgeable wine educators. Enjoy a tasting at the bar or seated at the one of the cocktail tables next to the large open windows, making for some great people-watching while you sip!

Your four-legged companion can also sip in comfort at the hydration station as well snack on healthy dog treats.

By Tanya Seibold

VARIETALS Chardonnay, Viognier, Rosé, Orange Muscato, White Blends, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Gamay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Meritage/Blends.

FUN FACTS • The Topel Estate Vineyard sits on land once held sacred by the Pomo Indians. It’s part of the original land grant to General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo.

• Bring Fido or Fifi along for your wine tasting as dog treats and water bowls await your pup. Celebrate “Dogtoberfest” the Saturday before Halloween and show off your dog’s costume at their annual fundraiser event. Prizes awarded for various costume categories.

DON’T MISS • Be a part of WineRoad’s Annual Wine & Food Affair the first weekend in November. Partake in a signature food and wine pairing created by Donnis, live music and special wine releases for the event.

• “Love & Meritage” annual blending party. Held the weekend closest to Valentine’s Day, enjoy appetizers with your loved one while you create your own custom blended bottle of wine to take home.

Topel Winery Open daily 11am to 7pm 125 Matheson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-4116 | topelwines.com

Bring this article with you and get a 20% discount on your first wine purchase.

56 : : Healdsburg

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 57

F

rom May through November, The Wine Carriage is a fun, intimate excursion through select vineyards of the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Owner and wellinformed tour guide Bret LeRolland, is coachman of a shade-top carriage pulled by mighty draft horses – meandering between rows of vines and up and down scenic countryside – while guests pluck grapes right from their seats.

This is no ordinary tour – it’s an off-road, insider’s trek (and the only horse-drawn carriage tour in Wine Country). The outings begin at 11:00 a.m., starting with a visit to Alexander Valley Vineyards where guests are taken to the underground, arched wine cavern filled with the aroma of aging wine in oak barrels, and treated to samples straight from the cask. After a wine tasting back in the winery, guests board the carriage for a cross-country excursion through creeks and between the grape vines to tastings at the stellar Hanna and Soda Rock wineries.

Along the way, our guests relax and socialize, while enjoying spectacular vistas and interesting historical landmarks.

Indulge in a locally sourced gourmet picnic served in a spectacular setting. Chilled spring water is also provided on board.

It’s a romantic and thrilling adventure with an intimate backstage look into the world of Sonoma County’s wine country, while leaving the traffic far behind.

HOW TO PREPARE Dress casual and comfortable for a day on The Wine Carriage. The service provides all the necessities – spring water, gourmet picnic lunch, coolers to accommodate purchases. The carriage has a shaded canopy and springs for a more comfortable ride, as well as padded seats.

COST AND DISCOUNTS Tours are $200 per person. Tasting fees are waived with wine purchase. There are discounts for larger groups of eight to 12 passengers, and exclusive tours can be arranged. Guests receive a ten percent discount on all purchases at the wineries visited.

ABOUT THE HORSES Willy and Django, two stunning blond Belgians, pull the carriage for the guests.

A FUN FACT The enormous, powerful steeds weigh-in around one ton each, and at their rumps, stand taller than an average adult.

The Wine Carriage 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg (707) 849-8989 | www.TheWineCarriage.com Look for them on Facebook TripAdvisor — 5 Stars!

Book now and receive a bonus wine tasting voucher for White Oak Winery. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Healdsburg : : 57

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 58

Dry Creek Valley Dry Creek wine country is one of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas in the nation, only 16 miles long and two miles wide. With 9,300 acres of vineyard along this beautiful valley’s floor, Dry Creek is a “must see” for first-time and veteran wine lovers. Dry Creek boasts more than 60 wineries producing a diverse range of wines from the famed Zinfandel to Bordeaux and even Mediterranean varietals. Don’t let its small size fool you… Dry Creek winemakers have been growing grapes and making great wines for more than 145 years!

THINGS TO DO Lake Sonoma Hatchery 3333 Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville (707) 433-9483, www.parks.sonoma.net

Located in the beautiful foothills of Northern Sonoma County, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by vineyards and land rich in history. Here, visitors can observe the operation of the hatchery and see displays which describe the life cycle of the coho salmon, steelhead and chinook.

Dry Creek Olive Oil, 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) 431-7200, www.DryCreekOliveCompany.com Dry Creek Valley (sonomacounty.com)

R CREEK RD

RIVER

DUTC HE WA

NG

CAN

LLI

RD YON

FORCHINI

L

R

YTTON SPRINGS

RIVE

KR R EE YC DR

GE BERT BRID AM

E. RVILLE AV GEYSE

RD. REEK DRY C

W.

Dry Creek General Store

ER VAL XAND ALE

. RD.

D.

COMSTOCK WINES

Hope Merrill & Hope Bosworth B&B 21253 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 857-3356, www.hope-inns.com

58 : : Dry Creek Valley

PETERSON

N RUSSIA

TRUETT HURST

Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com

A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, romantic environment.

128

DUTCHER TRATTORE FARMS CROSSING Wine and Olive Oil

LODGING

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!

Hope Merrill/ Hope Bosworth House

L

STEWART’S POINT

FERRARI CARANO

CAST WINES

RD

Lake Sonoma Hatchery

101

NTI

TO COAST

D.

CHIA

Lake Sonoma

Dry Creek General Store, (707) 433-4171 3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg

So much more than just a corner store, established in 1881, this is also a full-service deli and beer garden with live music occassionally, spectacular views and a wealth of information on wine tasting, tours and even fishing!

FRITZ

IAN RUSS

Geyserville

R

“Little Country Store” with overflowing shelves and a deli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items, the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST.

I AST

PICNIC FARE Oakville Grocery, 124 Matheson Street, Healdsburg (707) 433-3200, www.OakvilleGrocery.com

YOAK IM BR IDGE

Rooted in traditions as rich as the Dry Creek Soil, Dry Creek Olive Oil Company is your destination for artisan, very fine, extra-virgin olive oils.

101

Healdsburg

Not to scale

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 59

I

f you haven’t been up to Fritz Underground Winery lately, then you’re in for a treat when you arrive and explore their collection of new tasting experiences and events. The newly renovated and modern-design tasting room is perched atop a hill at the estate, with their outdoor tasting patio boasting gorgeous views of Dry Creek Valley. Pack a picnic and enjoy a wine by-the-glass from their tasting menu when visiting.

Built in the late 1970s by namesake, Mr. Jay Arthur Fritz, the winery was way ahead of its time. It was built with sustainability in mind – the three-level winery was built into the side of a hill, which naturally controls the interior temperatures. This three level construction also allows the winemaker to craft great wines with gravity flow, thus eliminating the need for using pumps to move the wines. Not using pumps equals using less electricity and results in wines without harsh tannins.

Now run by Jay’s son, Clayton, the winery is still dedicated to sustainability and producing excellent wines.

This place is really worth visiting! The wines are great, the building is unique, the picnic area is picturesque and the staff is fabulous!

The tasting room staff is happy to discuss the history of the winery, the methods of sustainable winemaking used at Fritz and a myriad of other topics.

WINES PRODUCED Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel SPECIAL TOURS & TASTINGS Underground Cave Tour by appointment only at 11am & 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Call 707-894-3389 to book. Weekday tours may also be arranged.

Vineyard Hike – Take a guided 2-mile trek of the 112-acre estate. The moderate-climb trail takes you through their vineyard and orchards, an old redwood grove and to a natural mineral spring. Along the way, you’ll get an informative look at their vineyard trellising systems and taste a wine or two grown from a specific trellis block.

After the hike, there’s a behind the scenes tour of the winemaking facility and caves, followed by a seated tasting featuring five of their current release wines.

Available year-round (weather permitting) and is offered daily by appointment at 10am for $45 per person.

PLAN AHEAD Bring a picnic to enjoy on the patio with Fritz wine.

Fritz Underground Winery Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

24691 Dutcher Creek Road, Cloverdale CA 95425 www.fritzwinery.com | (707) 894-3389 info@fritzwinery.com

Mention ‘Day Trips’ and receive a Two-for-One Tasting www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Dry Creek Valley : : 59

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 60

N

estled in picturesque Dry Creek Valley, Ferrari-Carano is home to awardwinning wines, acres of beautiful gardens and breathtaking vineyard views. Starting with a small, 30-acre vineyard in the late ’70s, Ferrari-Carano has grown to more than 1,600 certified sustainably farmed vineyard acres in six appellations.

Wine Tasting Daily – No appointment needed – At the winery, visitors may taste classic and limited release wines in the Villa Fiore Wine Shop, in the Enoteca located in the underground cellar, or on Il Terrazzo, the outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyards. Relax on the terrace with table service on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Relax and sip a glass of wine while basking in the Sonoma County sunshine, as the winery now offers wines by the glass or by the bottle for your enjoyment.

Free Daily Winery Tour – If you’d like an in-depth look at FerrariCarano, reserve your spot for the free winery tour. Hosted by friendly and knowledgeable staff, you will stroll through the gardens, see vineyards up close, perhaps catch one of the winemaking team or cellar crew hard at work, view Don and Rhonda Carano’s personal wine cellar, and visit the Enoteca and Villa Fiore tasting rooms. You will hear about Ferrari-Carano’s history – how Don and Rhonda first came to Sonoma County on a wine buying trip and fell in love with the area. After the tour, you are invited to taste wines at the Classic Wine Bar or in the Enoteca. Winery tours are available daily, 10 a.m., by appointment. To schedule your tour, call (707) 433-6700 or 1-800-831-0381 or email tourinformation@ferrari-carano.com.

Private Tastings – Each tasting, hosted in the PreVail Room, is designed to highlight the many nuances of wine in a fun and informative way and include Matchmaker (a wine and food pairing), Chardonnay Lovers, The King of Reds, The PreVail Tasting and Scentiments, to name a few.

Private Tastings range in price from $20 to $35, and groups of up to eight are welcome. For a private tasting, email privatetasting@ferrari-carano.com, call the Hospitality Department or visit www.ferrari-carano.com.

WINE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING Offered in the Enoteca is an educational and fun wine tasting option that features five wines—each paired with a custom blended chocolate bar, especially created for the winery. How it works: each section of the semi-sweet chocolate bar has been crafted with different flavorings specifically chosen to pair with one of the Cabernet wines. Start at the beginning of the bar, bite off a piece of chocolate and then sip the corresponding Cabernet. This combination of fine artisan chocolate expertly complements the fruit-forward characteristics of the wines, and is a tasting experience you will not soon forget.

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-6700 www.ferrari-carano.com

@ferraricarano

Mention this ad to receive one Classic Wine Tasting with the purchase of one Classic Wine Tasting at regular price.

60 : : Dry Creek Valley

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 61

Come and Enjoy a Rustic Modern Food, Wine and Olive Oil Experience

O

ctober marks two years that Trattore Farms has been at their stunning estate vineyard location. The tasting room leads to an outdoor patio with expansive views of the premier winegrowing region of Dry Creek Valley, synonymous with Zinfandel. There, owner Tim Bucher sustainably farms 15 acres of vineyards to produce smalllot vintages of Rhône varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier.

With 10 acres of olive orchards ranging from one to 180 years old, oil is produced on-site with both Italian stone and hammer mills.

The tasting room is the scenic backdrop for casual or intimate gatherings. A wood-fired pizza oven and culinary kitchen provide capabilities for gourmet wine, olive oil and food pairings.

Bucher’s ties to the music industry, as chairman of the GRAMMY Foundation, bring well-known acts such as The Band Perry and Eric Church. The Foundation helps support music programs in public schools, something near and dear to Tim. Trattore also hosts Farm Aid House Concerts in support of family farms with John Mellencamp performing in 2015 and Grace Potter who performed at the winery in spring of 2016.

Protecting the environment is high on Bucher’s priority list.

Trattore, which means tractor in Italian, runs on solar power, and all irrigation uses recycled water. Coming from a family of Swiss immigrant farmers, Bucher understands the need to protect the land for future generations. He uses his background in technology and engineering to make sure his operations are efficient and sustainable. But that technology is all behind the scenes. Visitors to Trattore will feel welcomed like family, invited to take a relaxing break with a fine glass of wine and a breathtaking view of the

By Shoshana Hebshi surrounding Dry Creek Valley.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

FUN FACTS • Tim Bucher has had an affinity for tractors since he was young, hence the winery’s name and the tractor logo on the wine bottles. Trattore has more than 12 tractors on site, with the iconic Bucher tractor stationed in the tasting room.

• Wine club members receive wine and olive oil in their shipments.

• Trattore Farms is great for private & small corporate retreats.

DON’T MISS • Terrace Seated Wine and Salumi Tastings by appointment • Charcuterie/cheese board and Panini available daily $30 • Wood-Fire Pizza Sundays (April to October) • Book a Get Your Boots Dirty Tour while riding on Kawasaki mules, includes a wine, food and olive oil tasting.

• NEW THIS SUMMER: Wine & Local Salumi Seated Tasting VARIETALS • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah • 10+ olive varieties such has Arbequina, Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Koroneiki and Picholine

Trattore Farms & Winery 7878 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville trattorefarms.com | (707) 431-7200

Dry Creek Valley : : 61

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 62

DRY CREEK ROAD WINERIES Iconic Dry Creek Valley Wineries Offer the Best of the Appellation In Sonoma County, Dry Creek Road is famous for its breathtaking, expansive stretch of valley floor vineyards. The Dry Creek Valley appellation wineries that are nestled on the east and west sides of Dry Ceek Road boast beautiful tasting rooms, stunning estate vineyards and impressive collections of wine.

Drawing in locals from neighboring cities, as well as visitors from out of the county and country, Dry Creek Road is the perfect wine country destination.

FORCHINI VINEYARDS & WINERY Forchini Vineyards & Winery is family owned producing only estate grown and bottled wines from their historic Dry Creek Bench vineyard. Known for 100 year old vine Zinfandel, they also produce well aged Cabernet, Bordeaux blends, a proprietary Papa Nonno Tuscan style wine and estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their Russian River Terrace vineyard. Located above the valley floor, the winery, gardens, fountains, picnic area and surrounding vineyards resemble a Tuscan landscape. You will be delighted when you visit Forchini and sample their delicious barrel aged wines.

Tasting Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appt.

5141 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA. (707) 431-8886 | www.forchini.com

62 : : Sonoma

PETERSON WINERY Fred Peterson has been growing wine grapes and making wine in Dry Creek Valley for more than 25 years. As a winegrowing team, Fred and Jamie Peterson (winemaker and son) work hard, yet they don’t take themselves too seriously. The result of their labor is delicious, reasonably priced wines with a casual, comfortable environment to enjoy them in. The Petersons call their approach to grape growing and winemaking “Zero Manipulation,” meaning that they capture the essence of vintage and vineyard with a low-tech, yet-high touch methodology. Simply put, they let the grapes do the talking.

Open daily 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

4791 Dry Creek Road, Building #7 Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 431-7568 | www.petersonwinery.com www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 63

CAST WINES Casual elegance best describes our approach to presenting delicious wines with memorable hospitality, overlooking spectacular vineyard views. Cast crafts small quantities of estate and locally grown wines including an amazingly fresh Sauvignon Blanc, elegant Zinfandels and an inky Petite Sirah. Every visit begins with our sparkling Blanc de Noirs and can be enhanced by adding a selection of tasty local cheeses. Don’t miss our reserve wines from epic vineyards including Bacigalupi Pinot Noir and Keefer Ranch Chardonnay. Choose our alfresco seated terrace or stroll glass-in-hand through the vineyard and winery on an informative “Cast Experience” tour. Either way, this magical place will cast a spell on you!

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8500 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville, CA 95441 (707) 431-1225 | www.castwines.com TRUETT HURST WINERY Nestled up against the Russian River, Truett Hurst Winery offers guests an inviting outdoor atmosphere, as well as a comfortable tasting room complete with gift items and delicious charcuterie. Taste through the incredible collection of wines, which includes classic Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, as well as other favorites such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grab some charcuterie and enjoy a picnic by the river while sipping on a glass of Truett Hurst wine, or grab a bottle to go—either way, plan to stay for a while because this estate property boasts stunning vineyard views, excellent wines and a working farm complete with goats and chickens.

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 5610 Dry Creek Road (707) 433-9545 | www.truetthurst.com COMSTOCK WINES With wines that highlight the extensive bounty of Sonoma County, Comstock Wines is excited to be one of Dry Creek Valley’s newest wineries. We invite you to experience our state-of-the-art winery overlooking sweeping views of one of the world’s most sought-after vineyard regions. Taste through a flight that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Then, picnic in the gardens and enjoy a game of bocce. It’s the ideal experience for the wine lover who wants to be the first on the block to try the next best thing.

Open daily 1 0:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1290 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 723-3011 | www.comstockwines.com www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Sonoma : : 63

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

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 64

fine dining SEBASTOPOL Ramen Gaijin – 6948 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol; 707 827-3609

Japanese

Hopmonk Tavern – 230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol; 707 829-7300

Traditional American

© © © ©

©

©

©

© © © © © © © © ©

©

© © ©

©

©

Zazu Kitchen + Farm – 6770 McKinley St (Barlow), Sebastopol; 707 523-4814 Traditional American [ [ © © ©

©

© © ©

© © © ©

© ©

Vignette Pizzeria – 6750 McKinley St, (Barlow), Sebastopol; 707 861-3897

Pizza

© ©

SONOMA VALLEY Aventine Glen Ellen – 14301 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen; 707 934-8911

Italian

Café Citti – 9049 Highway 12, Kenwood; 704 833-2690

Italian

Cafe La Haye – 140 E Napa Street, Sonoma; 707-935-5994

Contemporary American

© © ©

© © © © ©

© © ©

©

© © ©

Delhi Belly – 522 Broadway, Sonoma; 707-343-1003

Indian

© © ©

©

©

©

©

Della Santina’s Trattoria – 133 East Napa Street, Sonoma; 707 935-0576

Italian

© © ©

©

©

©

©

©

©

El Dorado Kitchen 405 1st Street West, Sonoma; 707 996-3220

Contemporary American

© © © © ©

©

Girl & The Fig – 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma; 707 938-3634

French

© © © © ©

© © © © ©

Glen Ellen Inn – 13670 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707 996-6409

Contemporary American

© © © © ©

©

Glen Ellen Star – 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707 343-1384

Traditional American

Hopmonk Tavern – 691 Broadway, Sonoma; 707 935-9100

Traditional American

Kenwood Restaurant – 9900 Hwy 12, Kenwood; 707 833-6326

Contemporary American/French

LaSalette Restaurant – 452 First St East, Ste H, Sonoma; 707 938-1927

Portuguese

© ©

©

©

©

©

©

© © © © © © © © ©

©

© © © © ©

©

©

©

© © © © © © ©

©

©

© © © © ©

©

©

©

Maya Restaurant – 101 East Napa Street, Sonoma; 707 935-3500

Mexican

Oso Sonoma – 29 East MacArthur St, Sonoma; 707 938-3191

California

© ©

©

©

©

Steakhouse/Seafood

© © © © © ©

©

©

©

Saddles Steakhouse – 29 East MacArthur St, Sonoma; 707 938-3191 Sante – 100 Boyes Boulevard, Boyes Hot Springs; 707 938-9000

French

© © ©

© ©

Seafood/Steakhouse Wed-Sun © © © © ©

Sonoma Grille – 165 W Napa St, Sonoma; 938-7542 Swiss Hotel Bar & Restaurant – 18 West Spain St, Sonoma; 707 938-2884

Italian

Yeti Restaurant 14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen; 707 996-9930

Indian and Nepali

©

© © ©

©

© © © © © © © © ©

©

© © ©

© © ©

©

© © ©

©

©

©

PETALUMA Central Market – 42 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma; 707 778-9900

Contemporary American

Cucina Paradiso – 114 Petaluma Blvd. N, Petaluma; 707 782-1130

Italian

© © © ©

©

©

©

Risibisi Restaurant & Wine Bar – 154 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma; 707 766-7600

Italian

© © © ©

©

©

©

© © © © © © ©

©

©

Sauced BBQ & Spirits – 151 Petaluma Blvd S, Petaluma; 707 410-4400 Seared – 170 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma; 707 762-5997 Twisted 2 – 29 F Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma; 707 789-9914

64

Southern BBQ Steak & Seafood American

© © © Thu-Sat© ©

© ©

© © ©

©

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

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

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 65

fine dining GEYSERVILLE

© © © © ©

© © ©

©

Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria – 21021 Geyserville Ave, aGeyserville; 707 814-0111 Italian

© © ©

©

©

Francis Ford Coppola’s Rustic – 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville; 707 857-1462 Italian

© © © © ©

©

Werowocomoco – 22281 Chianti Road, Geyserville; 707 735-3575

© ©

© ©

©

©

Bear Republic Brewing Co. – 345 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 433-2337 Traditional American

© © © © ©

©

©

©

Bravas – 420 Center St, Healdsburg; 707 433-7700

© © © © ©

© © ©

©

© © ©

©

©

Catelli’s – 21047 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville; 707 857-3471

Contemporary American and Italian

American Native

©

© ©

HEALDSBURG

Spanish/Tapas

Cafe Lucia – 235 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 431-1113

Portuguese

Campo Fina – 330 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 395-4640

Italian

Chalkboard – 29 North St, Healdsburg; 473-8030

Tapas/Wine Bar

©

©

© © © © ©

©

© © © ©

© © ©

Sat-Sun©

©

Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen – 317 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 431-0330 Contemporary American

© © © © © © © ©

© ©

Healdsburg Bar & Grill – 245 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 433-3333

© © © © ©

© ©

© ©

© © © ©

©

© ©

© ©

©

Madrona Manor – 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 707 433-1542

Contemporary American

Scopa – 109A Plaza St, Healdsburg; 707 433-5282

Italian Bistro

©

©

©

Mediterranean

© © © © ©

© © ©

©

Seafood

© © © © ©

©

©

©

Contemporary American

© © ©

©

©

©

Spoonbar – 219 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707 433-7222 Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar – 403 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg; 707 433-9191 Valette – 344 Center St, Healdsburg; 707 473-0946

Grill

GUERNEVILLE/FORESTVILLE ©

Applewood Inn – 13555 Hwy 116, Guerneville; 707 869-9093 Farmhouse – 7871 River Road, Forestville; 707 887-3300

Contemporary American

© ©

©

©

© ©

© © © ©

© © © ©

SANTA ROSA ©

Equus Restaurant – 101 Fountrain Grove Parkway, Santa Rosa; 707 578-0149 John Ash & Co. Restaurant – 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa; 707 527-7687

Californian

© © © ©

©

©

© ©

©

© ©

French

© ©

Lo Coco’s – 117 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa; 707 523-2227

Italian

© © ©

Sweet T’s – 2097 Stagecoach Rd #100, Santa Rosa; 707 595-3935

©

© © © ©

La Gare – 208 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa; 707 528-4355

Stark's Steak & Seafood– 521 Adams St, Santa Rosa; 707 546-5100

©

©

©

© © © ©

©

Southern

© © © © ©

©

©

©

Japanese

© © ©

©

©

©

Steak/Seafood

© ©

WINDSOR Ume – 8710 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor; 707 838-6700

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

65

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 66

TEST YOUR MAGNUM

WINE

STANDARD –750ml–

–1.5 liters– 2 standard bottles

MARIE- DOUBLE JEANNE MAGNUM –3 liters–

–2.25 liters– 3 standard bottles

4 standard bottles

BORDEAUX

HALF SPLIT

BOTTLE

or Piccolo

–375ml–

–187ml–

KNOWLEDGE BALTHAZAR –12 liters–

16 standard bottles

IMPERIALE –6 liters–

REHOBOAM –4.5 liters–

8 standard bottles

6 standard bottles

JEROBOAM

BORDEAUX

|

SPARKLING & BURGANDY

–3 liters–

|

4 standard bottles SPARKLING & BURGANDY

|

|

|

|

JEROBOAM

METHUSALEM

SALMANAZAR

–4.5 liters–

6 standard bottles BORDEAUX

NEBUCHADNEZZAR –15 liters–

20 standard bottles

66

–6 liters–

8 standard bottles

–9 liters–

12 standard bottles

SPARKLING & BURGANDY

MELCHIOR –18 liters–

24 standard bottles

SOLOMON –20 liters–

PRIMAT –27 liters–

28 standard bottles

36 standard bottles

SPARKLING

SPARKLING

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 67

Wine Tasting 101 Visiting a winery tasting room may sometimes be intimidating, especially if you are not used to wine tasting and aren’t quite sure what to expect.

Following the guidelines and etiquette tips below will help enhance your experience as you travel through the wine country of California’s Central Coast.

Be aware, although some wineries don’t charge for tastings, most do. Figure an “average” tasting fee may be $10-$30. Many wineries will also waive the fee with a purchase, always ask. Ready to taste? Let’s get started!

• Don’t be self-conscious to share a tasting with your companion – it’s not looked on as being cheap, in fact, it’s smart.

• Don’t worry if you “don’t know good wine.” “Good wine” is what you like. Period.

• You don’t have to finish the glass. You are tasting, not drinking – use the dump bucket. Those little sips add up fast.

• You don’t have to like everything poured. The reason you are tasting is to see what you do and don’t like.

• Take time to smell the roses, or wine! Swirl the wine in the bowl of the glass then take your time, put your nose into the bowl of the glass…and inhale to experience the bouquet. See what fragrances you can identify: Earthy? Lemon scented? Honeysuckle? Cherry? Tobacco? It’s okay if you don’t identify any of those things, with time and tasting you will!

• Remember the five “S’s” of wine tasting: See (the wine in the glass), Swirl, Smell, Sip and Savor.

(Take a small sip. Let the liquid surround your taste buds, what flavors can you identify)?

• Ask questions! Remember…there are no stupid questions. You are there to enjoy and learn, and your server is there to help you.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

• Don’t feel self-conscious expressing your opinion, there is no right or wrong.

• Don’t feel pressured to buy a bottle or to join a wine club, (however, if the tasting is free, or if you have a private tasting with a winemaker, it is good form to purchase a bottle).

• Leave a tip if you have had a nice experience ($3-$10 generally).

• Enjoy yourself and remember, what you like today, you may not like tomorrow; your taste and palate may change, and that’s a good thing.

• Don’t wear scents into a tasting room (cologne or perfume), and try not to wear white!

• Ask your server to recommend their favorite wineries to visit.

• Seek smaller, out of the way, boutique wineries.

• Hydrate—hydrate—hydrate! Hint: Drink one glass of water for each glass of wine.

• Bring something to snack on such as crackers, breadsticks or a baguette. Take time for lunch.

When picnicking at a winery, never drink wine from another winery.

• Try to plan ahead. Do some research to determine if there is a tasting fee, if appointments are necessary and the policy on dogs and children. In general, three to four wineries will fill your day.

• If possible have a designated driver. If staff feels you have had enough to drink they may refuse service, it’s for your own well-being.

• Trust your palate. Don’t worry if you don’t like what your friends or companions like. Not everyone likes the same things. This is about you – not them.

• Enjoy yourself!

BY DONALD SONDERLING

67

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘

Other

✘

Viognier

anc

✘

Sauvignon Bl

✘

c

✘

Pinot Gris/ Pinot Grigio

✘

Pinot Blan

✘ ✘

Riesling

B.R. Cohn – Glen Ellen, 10am-5pm, 707-938-4064 P23 Balletto Vineyards – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 707-568-2455 P44 Bank Club Wine Collective (Inizi Wines, Baldassari) – Guerneville, 707-604-6938 P48 Benziger Winery – Glen Ellen, daily 10am-5pm, 888-490-2739 P25 Breathless Wines – Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707 433-8400 x212 P52 Cast Wines – Geyserville, daily 10am-5pm, 707-431-1225 P 63 Char Vale Winery – Sebastopol, Thu-Mon 11am-4:30pm, 707-827-6102 P43/44 Chateau Adoré – Santa Rosa, Fri-Sun 12-5pm or by appointment, 707-528-6750 P37 Cochon – Sonoma, Wed, Thu, Sun 11-6, Fri, Sat 11-7, 707-934-81570 P 19 P 63 Comstock Wines – Healdsburg, daily 10:30am-4:30pm, 707-473-8027 D’Argenzio Winery – Santa Rosa; Wed-Sun 11-5, Fri-Sat 11-7, Winedown Thu 11-9; 707-546-2466 P36 Dutton Estate – Sebastopol, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-829-9463 P44 Ektimo Wines – Sebastopol, daily 9am-5pm, 707-827-3937 P44 Enkidu – Sonoma, daily 12-6pm, 707 833-6100 P20 Eric Ross Winery – Glen Ellen, daily 11am-5pm, 707-939-8525 P26 Ferrari-Carano – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-6700 P 60 Forchini Vineyards & Winery – Healdsburg, Fri-Sun 11am-4:30pm, 707-431-8886 P 62 Fritz – Cloverdale, 10:30am-5pm, 1-800-418-9463 P 59 Hanna Winery – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-4pm, 707-575-3371 P 45 Harvest Moon – Santa Rosa, 10am-5pm, 707-573-8711 P 44 Hook & Ladder – Santa Rosa, Wed-Mon 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-3pm, 707-634-6249 P 45 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards – Sonoma, daily 11am-5:30pm, 707-931-7575 P 17 Jigar Wines – Forestville, daily 11am-5pm, 707-874-6123 P45 Kenwood Vineyards – Kenwood, daiy 10am-5pm, 707-282-4228 P28 Korbel Champagne Cellars – Guerneville, daily 10am-5pm, 707-824-7000 P40 La Rochelle – Kenwood, daily 11am-5pm, 707-302-8000 P30 Lake Sonoma Winery – Sonoma, daily 11am-6pm, 707 721-1979 P18/20 Landmark Vineyards – Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-833-0053 P31 P29 Ledson Winery & Vineyards – Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-537-3810 MacLaren – Sonoma, Mon & Th 12-5pm, Fri-Sun 12-6pm, 707-938-7490 P20 MacPhail Wines – Sebastopol, daily 11am-6pm, 707-824-8400 P49 Matanzas Creek Winery – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-4:30pm, Fri-Sat 10-6 707-528-6464 P27 P41 Moshin Vineyards – Healdsburg, daily 11am-4:30pm, 888-466-7446 P38 Mutt Lynch – (Tasting Room on the Green) Windsor, Thu-Mon 11am-6pm, 707-687-5089 P45 Occidental Road Cellars – Sebastopol, Fri-Mon 11am-5pm, 707-827-3327 P 62 Peterson – Healdsburg, 11am-4pm, 707-431-7568 Petroni Vineyards – Sonoma, by appointment only, 707-935-8311 P 22 P17 Ravenswood Winery – Sonoma, Daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-933-2332 Robledo Family Winery – Sonoma, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, 707 939-6903 P14 P54 Rodney Strong Vineyards – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-431-1533 P45 Russian River Vineyards – Forestville, daily 11am-5pm, 707-887-3344 P53 Simi – Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 1-800-746-4880 P42 Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards – Windsor, daily 10am-4pm, 707-528-1181 Spicy Vines – Healdsburg, Sun-Wed 11am-6pm, Thu-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-9pm, 707-927-1065 P 55 Taft Street Winery – Sebastopol, daily 11am-4pm, Sat/Sun til 4:30, 707-823-2049 P45 P 56 Topel Winery – Healdsburg, daily 11am-7pm, 707-433-4116 Trattore Farms – Healdsburg, Wed-Mon 11am-4:30pm, 707-431-7200 P61 VJB Cellars – Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-833-2300 P32 P24 Valley of the Moon at Madrone Estate – Glen Ellen, 10am-5pm, 707-939-4510 Wind Gap Wines – Sebastopol, Thu-Sun 12-6pm, Fri-Sat 12-7pm, 7-7-331-1393 P48 Wine Guerrilla – Forestville, daily 11am-5pm, 707-887-1996 P45

Gewurztra miner

Find Your Favorite Varietals

Chardonnay

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 68

✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

Dessert W ines

Port

Sparkling

Other

Zinfandel

Tempranill o

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

Syrah

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

Rosé

✘

Sangiovese

✘

Pinot Noir

✘

Petit Verdot

✘

Petite Sira h

Merlot

Grenache

Carignane

✘

Malbec

✘

Cab Sauvig non

Cabernet Fr anc

Barbera

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 69

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

✘ ✘

✘

✘ ✘ ✘

1

To Mendocino Coast

Sonoma Coast

Duncans Mills

1

JOSEPH PHELPS

BODEG A HW Y

SMALL VINES

Freestone

Occidental

116

KORBEL

MOSHIN

RIV

Alexander Valley

RUSSIAN HILL

MUELLER

101

SONOMA-CUTRER

Chalk Hill

Windsor

Downtown Healdsburg

Geyserville

LA CREMA KENDALL-JACKSON WOODENHEAD FOGLINE JOSEPH SWAN PELLEGRINI GAMBA MARTINELLI MARK R MARTIN TARA BELLA OLD WORLD WINERYWEST SPRINGS ROBERT RUE RAY HOOK &

ER RD.

ENRIQUEZ ESTATE

EASTSID E

MO

Graton

Sebastopol

GO NT

ME

RY

Santa Rosa

MONTE CITO

Sonoma

LADDER HARVEST MOON GRATON RIDGE SUNCE INMAN PIN BENOVIA MARIMAR TORRES GRATON RD. ERIC KENT CHATEAU ADORE DUTTON-GOLDFIELD INDUS ER TRIAL DELOACH RED CAR LYNMAR BATTAGLINI CAROL SHELTON GU ER NE INSPIRATION NOVY MERRY EDWARDS VIL PARADISE RIDGE LE VINOTECA CHAR VALE EMERITUS L RD. BRACK MTN FOUNTAIN OCCIDENTA GROVE ADRIAN FOG FOG CREST OCC HANNA D’ARGENZIO TAFT STREET PETERS IDEN FAMILY BALLETTO TAL FREEMAN SHELDON/KRUTZ ANCIENT OAK TRECINI SEB THE BARLOW OCCIDENTAL ROAD AST 4 th OPO CELLARS L MacPHAIL FAMILY GO LD 12 RAILROAD WIND GAP R CLAYPOOL SQUARE LITTORAI IDGE FRIEDEMAN WINES WINES MARIMAR ESTATE

EKTIMO DUTTON ESTATE DEHLINGER

Green Valley

Forestville

HARTFORD FAMILY JOSEPH JEWELL EMTU ESTATE RUSSIAN RIVER VNYDS IRON HORSE RIVER ROAD CAHILL WINERY

JIGAR WINES

LA CZAR

Russian River

WINE GUERRILLA

PORTER BASS WINERY

BANK CLUB WINE COLLECTIVE

Cazadero Guerneville

Northern Sonoma

HIGHWAY

GOURMET AU BAY SONOMA COAST VINEYARDS

Bodega Bay

Jenner

Timber Cove

FLOWERS VINEYARD & WINERY

Fort Ross Seaview

Dry Creek

LA GU

RD

VINWOOD CELLARS

DUTCHER CROSSING DAVID CAFFARO FRICK J RICKARDS BELLA VINEYARDS YOAKIM PEDRONCELLI GUSTAFSON FAMILY PRESTON VINEYARDS BRIDGE DARE VINEYARDS ZICHICHI TALTY CANYON R VIRGINIA D. XYZIN PALMERI CHATEAU DIANA ROUTE 128 WINERY FORCHINI TRUETT HURST LOCALS AMPHORA MEEKER FAMILY WINERIES RAYMOND BURR VINEYARDS MERCURY KOKOMO GÖPFRICH TERROIRS/PECH MERLE MARTORANA KACHINA PAPAPIETRO PERRY TRIONE PETERSON MICHEL-SCHLUMBERGER QUIVIRA DEL CARLO FRANCIS DUCLOS UNTI LA FOLLETTE BOIS MOUNTS PASSALACQUA RUED FORD DELORIMIER WINERY TELDESCHI COPPOLA A RAFANELLI TRENTADUE DRY CREEK VNYD LAMBERT BRIDGE 128 MAURITSON PASTERICK VINEYARDS GARDEN CREEK RANCH ROBERT YOUNG MAZZOCCO SIMONCINI LYTTON SPGS MUNSELLE AL MONTEMAGGIORE AMISTA RIDGE DRAXTON FOLEY SONOMA EXA N NALLE SIMI JORDANDER VALLEY HAWKES WILSON DUCHAMP STUHLMULLER MEDLOCK STONESTREET COMSTOCK AMES WHITE OAK WEST MONTEMAGGIORE SODA ROCK FLANAGAN ALEXANDER VALLEY UPTICK JOHNSON’S VINEYARDS HANNA DAVERO FIELD STONE GEYSER PEAK CHRISTOPHER MACPHAIL CREEK VISZLAY LANCASTER ESTATE FOPPIANO MILL CREEK VINEYARDS LIMERICK LIMERICK DE LA ACORN VÉRITÉ/ LANE MIETZ ARMIDA MONTANYA ARCHIPEL RODNEY STRONG TWOMEY MATRIX J WINE WINDSOR OAKS MERRIAM BACIGALUPI VINEYARDS NOTABLES VML/BRADFORD MTN LANDMARK ARATA MACROSTIE AT HOP KILN ROTH ESTATE ARISTA ROCHIOLI MUTT LYNCH GARY FARRELL WILLIAMS SELYEM VINE TASTINGS CHALK HILL WINDSOR RIVE R RD PORTER THOMASGRACIANNA ALBINI FAMILY CREEK GEORGE PL EA SA COPAIN NT

101

CAST TRATTORE FARMS

ET

STEWART’S POINT

Cloverdale Asti

Pastori

OL IV

To Mendocino Coast

FERRARI-CARANO

SBRAGIA FAMILY

Lake Sonoma

FRITZ WINERY

VALDEZ FAMILY ICARIA CREEK WATTLE CREEK

RD .

MIAN

LTO N

E BOH

FU

Map is not to scale and parts are enlarged to show detail.

Check ahead for hours and distances.

PENDELETON ESTATE

D.

ER

EAS TSI DE

ES TS ID

W

D.

EK RD. RE

HWY

SSE R

Y W. DR

K EE CR

OOD REDW

SLU

D HWY DWOO

WINDSOR RD

YC DR

AL K HILL

RD.

OLD

NA R

OLD RE

CH

DRY CREEK

S RD LOS AMIGO

D.

TASTING ROOMS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TASTING ROOMS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY DUTCHER CR EEK HILLVIEW

RD. CALIST OGA

R IVE FISHER VINEYARDS

BANSHEE WINES BLANCHARD FAMILY WINES C. DONATIELLO CARTOGRAPH WINES CHATEAU FELICE HAUCK CELLARS HAWLEY TASTING ROOM & GALLERY HUDSON STREET WINERIES • BLUENOSE WINES • OWL RIDGE • KELLEY & YOUNG • SHIPPEY VINEYARDS • WILLOWBROOK LONGBOARD VINEYARDS MALM CELLARS (BY APPT. ONLY) MUELLER WINERY OLD ROMA STATION • BLUENOSE WINES • HART’S DESIRE WINES • J. KEVERSON WINERY • PEZZI KING VINEYARDS • SAPPHIRE HILL WINERY • SKEWIS WINES

OPTIMA PORTALUPI RAMEY WINE CELLARS ROADHOUSE WINERY RUSSIAN RIVER WINE CO. SANGLIER CELLARS SEGHESIO SELBY SIDURI STARK AT GARAGISTE HEALDSBURG STEPHEN & WALKER STONESTREET THUMBPRINT TOAD HOLLOW VALDEZ WILLIAMSON WINDSOR VINEYARDS

BREATHLESS WINES TOPEL WINERY SPICY VINES FERRARI-CARANO’S SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD

TASTING ROOMS IN DOWNTOWN HEALDSBURG

KINGS HILL CELLARS

.

STARLITE VINEYARDS

Knights Valley FOR ES T

NR SIA RUS PET RIFIE D

Rockpile

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:51 PM Page 70

60 12 20 15 1

EY LL VA

To San Francisco

80 20 30 15

TRAVEL TIME (Average) (Peak)

RD

EGA

CORDA

CLARY RANCH

BO D

RD .

K RD

101 RO AD

T RD RA

To San Francisco

101

KASTANIA VINEYARDS

ADOBE ROAD WINERY

ADOBE ROAD WINERY SONOMA PORT WORKS

WASHINGTO N

KARAH ESTATE VINEYARDS

VE AD A ILRO

SABLE RIDGE

116

FRAT ES

NGE

GRA

Rohnert Park Cotati

P

T RD

Petaluma

AZARI VINEYARDS

AVE

AH

ILL

POIN STON Y

BARBER CELLERS

K RD

Sonoma Coast

LAR

RO B

MOONDANCE CELLARS

BLAN

BLAN

RD PETERSON

116

LA

VJB CELLARS

LC H

GU

LaROCHELLE

KENWOOD VINEYARDS

CHATEAU ST. JEAN

LANDMARK

PARADISE RIDGE SPANN, TY CATON CELLARS MANZANITA CREEK, ORPHEUS EN GARDE B WISE

37

BUCKLIN OLD HILL RANCH

Glen Ellen

12 121

JACUZZI

FAVERO

BUENA VISTA

BARTHOLOMEW PARK LO VA LL VA LL EY

37 To Vallejo

HOMEWOOD WINERY

CEJA VINEYARDS

GUNDLACH BONNEAU BUNDSCHU STONE EDGE TIN BARN PATZ & HALL GOFESSEL

AP AS T

RAVENSWOOD

PA RD

NA

EN

SEBASTIANI

CORNERSTONE SONOMA MEADOWCROFT WINES FOYT FAMILY WINES POSEIDON/OBSIDIAN RIDGE 121 KEATING WINES

BONNEAU LARSON FAMILY

ANABA

VIANSA RAM’S GATE

GLORIA FERRER

SCHUG

CLINE

BUMP

Sonoma

ROBLEDO ROGER ROESSLER FAMILY

PARMELEE HILL

CLARBEC

Moon Mtn

PETRONI

LITTLE VINEYARDS HAMEL FAMILY WINES

B.R. COHN

Kenwood

ROBERT HUNTER MOUNTAIN TERRACES PAINT HORSE REPRIS 12 HANZELL

AT MADRONE ESTATE

VALLEY OF THE MOON

San Pablo Bay

116

KELLER ESTATE

ST AG E

LE

D. NR HIA PYTST. FRANCIS

LEDSON

MACLEOD ST. ANNE’S CROSSING

NDA LAW

12

MAYO RESERVE ROOM MUSCARDINI SUNCE D. DEERFIELD RANCH KUNDE COTURRI WINERY LOXTON WELLINGTON LASSETER FAMILY KORBIN KAMERON MAYO FAMILY BENZIGER FAMILY LAUREL GLEN KIVELSTADT IMAGERY ERIC ROSS ARROWOOD

LE YR

TV AL

ET

NN

BE

Bennett Valley

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Mountain

PAVO WINES

MATANZAS CREEK

.

RD

Sonoma County Wineries

49 7 16 8

MILES

1

FO RD

Russian River

VIL KE LE

Golden Gate Bridge to Sebastopol Sebastopol to Santa Rosa Downtown Santa Rosa to Healdsburg Healdsburg to Geyserville

Travelling around Sonoma County

RD

POIN NY STO

Santa Rosa

7T

H

Tomales Bay

FO RD

H

E.

E.

8T

FRIEDEMAN WINES MARIMAR ESTATE

E

VA LL EY

GE

DA L

ET AL UM

BLVD

SCRIBE

RN

LUMA

BU

PETA

BONNESS RD

AL

ORANGE RD.

RA M

WINES

128

To Napa

NICHOLSON RANCH

Los Carneros Region

ADASTRA AUTEUR (BY APPT) BENNETT VALLEY BLACK KNIGHT ERICK K JAMES VINEYARDS FALCOR FULCRUM WINES GALATEA EFFECT GLENLYON HAWKES HAYWOOD HIGHWAY 12 WINERY JEFF COHN CELLARS PANGLOSS PASSAGGIO WINES RANCHO MARIA ROCHE SIGH CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING SOJOURN SONOMA LOEB SPANN THREE STICKS VICTOR HILL WINES WALT WINES WESTWOOD WINERY SIXTEEN 600

ENKIDU COCHON TASTING BAR LAKE SONOMA MacLAREN ZINA HYDE CUNNINGHAM

SONOMA PLAZA

To Lake Berryessa and Sacramento

29

128

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:52 PM Page 71

SCDT-0917.qxp_Layout 1 9/23/17 1:52 PM Page 72