Where Wine Country 2018

where

®

DINING | AT TR ACTIONS | CULTURE | WINERIES | MAP

EXPLORE

TASTINGS FOR EVERY TASTE

INSIDER

CHEF CHARLIE PALMER’S TIPS

BEER

BEST NEW BREWERIES

PROMOTION

Take a journey through scenic Napa and Sonoma aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

wheretraveler.com

TASTE, TOUR & LEARN ©2017 Wente Vineyards. All Rights Reserved. 1459

WELCOME A letter from the publisher

ONE OF THE MANY ASPECTS THAT I LOVE ABOUT Where Wine Country is that it gives me a (guilt-free)

If wine tasting isn’t your thing, there’s still so much

reason to do some research and experience what’s new

more that the area has to offer. Hop on the Blue Brew Bus

and exciting in the winegrowing appellations near the

in Livermore for a brew tour, or just visit one of the many

Bay Area. Whether in Napa, Sonoma or Tri-Valley, there's

craft breweries in Napa and Sonoma

always something exciting!

For example, as a wine lover, I always thought I knew

COURTESY DUTCHER CROSSING WINERY

the region, Beaulieu Vineyards.

Another reason to head to the area is the plethora of restaurants and entertainment. Green Music Center at-

the correct way to taste wine but put very little thought

tracts some of the most sought-after artists, and you can

into how the wines were made—cue blending sessions

enjoy them while admiring the sunset from the indoor/

at the Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards. What an

outdoor setting of Weill Hall. And if that’s not enough,

educational and fun way to make my very own blend

what’s better than sitting in a natural hot springs pool at

(and to learn why we’re really swirling our glass).

Indian Springs or indulging in one of the specialty spa

Riding a gondola up to Sterling Vineyards was one of

treatments at Solage?

those “I love my job” moments. The wines are phenome-

Whatever your tastes are, I’m sure that Where Wine

nal, and the views are extraordinary. Then of course I had

Country will give you ideas for this trip, and the next and

to visit the historic caves of one of the oldest wineries in

the next. NIKKI WOOD, GROUP PUBLISHER

Ready to plan your trip to Wine Country? Find even more information at wheretraveler.com/san-francisco.

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CONTENTS See more of Wine Countr y at wheretraveler.com IN THIS ISSUE

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CALENDAR

The top events across Wine Country

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WINE COUNTRY NOW

Meet the winemakers and then let your hair down, day or night.

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WINERIES FOR EVERY TASTE

Winery recommendations for any type of visitor, from first-timers to cult collectors

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BEYOND WINE: BEER IN WINE COUNTRY

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16

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

The region's wineries, restaurants, attractions and shops

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MY WINE COUNTRY

Chef Charlie Palmer's guide to his backyard where

®

DINING | AT TR ACTIONS | CULTURE | WINERIES | MAP

EXPLORE

TASTINGS FOR EVERY TASTE

INSIDER

CHEF CHARLIE PALMER’S TIPS

BEER

BEST NEW BREWERIES

PROMOTION

Take a journey through scenic Napa and Sonoma aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

wheretraveler.com

COVER PROMOTION Discover the historical, elegant Napa Valley Wine train. winetrain.com E~SF-NW_180200_cover2.indd 2

6 2 W H E R E W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

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1/15/18 3:22 PM

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY HALL ST. HELENA; RYME CELLARS; ARTS IN APRIL

There's a new fermented beverage gaining traction around here.

taste

the the good good life life

sonoma wine country An An hour hour north north of of San San Francisco, Francisco, aa world world away away from from ordinary. ordinary.

1.800.576.6662 SonomaCounty.com

WINE COUNTRY TRIVIA There are more than

500 wineries in Napa Valley, more than 300 of which have been built since 1966.

California’s first official winery, Buena Vista Winery, opened in Sonoma in 1857.

In the 1830s, GEORGE YOUNT planted the first grapevines in Napa Valley.

There are over 50 wineries in Livermore Valley.

California is the world’s

fourth leading wine producer, following France, Italy and Spain.

Napa’s first commercial winery was established in 1861 by CHARLES KRUG.

Napa Valley is home to Chateau Montelena, the winery that caused a sensation when its chardonnay beat French wines at a blind tasting in Paris in 1976.

In the 1840s, Robert Livermore planted the first wine grapes in Livermore Valley.

The Napa Valley produces around

9.2 MILLION CASES

of wine per year.

Sonoma produces 6 PERCENT of all the wine in California.

4 W H E R E W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

PUBLISHER Nikki Wood EDITOR Rachel Ward A DV ERTISING & CIRCUL ATION ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Nanci Davies Mary Goll

CIRCULATION, MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER

Catherine Pastuhov

MARKETING COORDINATOR Lindsay Poole EDITORI A L & DE SIGN ART DIRECTOR Gene Faught, Dusty Martin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jessie Fetterling, Brittany Shoot,

Matt Villano

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS M V P | E X ECUTI V E PRESIDENT Donna W. Kessler CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dennis Kelly VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Angela E. Allen REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, SALES Courtney Fuhrmann DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Richard H. Brashear II DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Scott Ferguson M V P | CRE ATI V E CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Haines Wilkerson EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Margaret Martin DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Isaac Arjonilla CREATIVE COORDINATOR Beverly Mandelblatt M V P | N ATION A L SA LE S VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL INTEGRATED SALES Rebekah Valberg DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SALES Liza Meneades MANAGER, NATIONAL INTEGRATED SALES David Gately M V P | PUBLICATION SERV ICE S PUBLICATION SERVICES DIRECTOR Karen Fralick PUBLICATION SERVICES MANAGER Mickey Kibler DIGITAL IMAGING Erik Lewis M V P | M A NUFAC TURING & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton E-mails for all of the above except contributors: firstname.lastname@morris.com

M V P | SA N FR A NCISCO

555 Montgomery St, Ste. 600, San Francisco, CA 94111 415.901.6260, 415.901.6261 (fax) MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III PRESIDENT & CEO William S. Morris IV

Where® magazine is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Communications Co., LLC. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, morrismedianetwork.com.

Where magazine and the logo are registered trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications.

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CALENDAR What's happening in seconds flat and nationally celebrated chefs, Napa Valley wines and big-name performers. The annual Taste of Yountville event is now a part of Yountville LIVE, featuring four tasting pavilions throughout town.

March 22 Brett Dennen with special guest Dean Lewis

BottleRock presents the Northern California-based folk singer-songwriter’s “Let’s… Tour” show upstairs in the historic Napa Valley Opera House in downtown Napa. 1030 Main St., 707.880.2300

March 25-26 Barrels, Bottle & Brews

Arts in April

Napa Valley wineries host dozens of wine and arts-related events throughout the month, including pop-up exhibitions, art installations, live performances, tours, discussions and exclusive tastings.

Feb. 3 Renée Fleming at Green Music Center

The celebrated soprano and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo sings at Sonoma State University’s state-ofthe-art performance hall.

Tickets start at $50 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 866.955.6040

Through Feb. 4 Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport Series

Sample wines, meet the winemakers and tour 17 of Calistoga’s celebrated wineries, both large and small, for a fraction of the price. The pass also includes discounts on lodging.

Feb. 14 Valentine's Day on the Napa Valley Wine Train

Celebrate the international day of romance in classic, charming style aboard the

Napa Valley Wine Train.

Journey through Napa’s picturesque scenery, tour idyllic wineries and, on dinner trains, enjoy a strolling violinist who serenades guests.

1275 McKinstry St., Napa, 707.253.2111

March 4 Napa Valley Marathon

Known as the “biggest little marathon in the West,” this picturesque point-on-point course is relatively flat and meanders through the rolling hills of one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

March 4 Livermore Half Marathon & 5K

California’s oldest wine region is the setting for this race, which starts and finishes on First Street in downtown Livermore. Celebrate the finish with local wines, craft beers and live music.

6 W H E R E W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

March 5-11 Sonoma County Restaurant Week

Many of Sonoma’s top restaurants offer two-course prix-fixe lunch options as well as three-course prix-fixe dinners. Reservations are recommended.

March 15-18 Yountville LIVE!

This weekend-long music, food and wine festival brings together cuisine from local

This event includes Livermore Valley distilleries, breweries and wineries. Concannon Vineyard, Murrieta’s Well and McGrail Vineyards are just a few of the featured wineries.

Winemakers pour samples of numerous varietals, including the rare Primitivo and Alicante Bouschet. Tickets $45 in advance.

April 7 Appellation St. Helena Bash

Held at the Culinary Institute of America at Greyhound, this annual food and wine pairing competition allows guests to taste wines from more than 25 St. Helena Appellation wineries with pairings from the region’s best chefs and CIA students. Attendees vote for their favorites.

COURTESY ARTS IN APRIL; ©BOB MCCLENAHAN

All April

WINE COUNTRY NOW

Meet the Winemakers

FOR RYME CELLARS, THE COUPLE THAT MAKES WINE TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. By Matt Villano

Everything about Ryme Cellars represents the partnership between Ryan and Megan Glaab, the two winemaker owners who also happen to be husband and wife.

The most obvious example of this is the winery name, which is a mashup of the first two letters of Ryan and Megan. More subtle examples are the wines themselves, since they generally comprise Italian varietals for which both Glaabs share a passion.

Even when Ryan and Megan quibble, they celebrate their philosophical differences with panache. Back in 2010, the couple could not agree on how to approach still Vermentino, so instead they made two—a “his” and “hers” version. Ryan’s take is big and bold, and is considered an “orange” wine because of the color it assumes due to contact with the skins. Megan’s is light is drinkable. This one-ofa-kind approach was so popular with customers that Ryme continues to make two versions of the wine every year.

“The way we look at wine, there’s no point in making it if you can’t have fun,” Megan says.

8 W H E R E W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

For wine geeks, “fun” often means doing interesting things with interesting grapes. This explains why the Glaabs ferment a Cabernet Franc in a ceramic amphora. It also explains why their current offerings include a petulant natural-style Vermentino they call “crackling;” Aglianico and Aglianico Passito; Ribolla Gialla; and a Carignane.

In all, Ryme produces roughly 2,500 cases each year.

Though the Glaabs don’t own vineyard land (yet), Ryan notes all their grapes come from conscientiously farmed organic or sustainable vineyards, and that the wines are produced according to simple methods.

“We want each of our wines to be the best representation of the grapes and where they’re from,” he says. “We use no cultured yeast, no temperature control, no enzymes and no other adulterants. We also don’t fine or filter.”

The Glaabs prioritize giving back, too.

Last year, they launched a sister wine label that donates all proceeds to causes that align with their values. This second label, Uphold, produced 2,000 cases of white, red and rose and raised serious coin for Earthjustice, She Should Run and the ACLU. Both Megan and Ryan expected to expand production—and charity—in the years ahead. 6450 1st St., Forestville 707.820.8121. Tastings $20

COURTESY RYME CELLARS

A few of our current favorites in the region

to have a good time here any night of the week. And don’t let its laidback vibe confuse you, the dining and extensive wine list here are first rate, with local cheeses, ahi tuna tartare and butternut squash risotto balls featured on the menu. 1001 2nd St., 707.224.0800

Blue Note Napa

THE BEST IN WINE COUNTRY AMUSEMENT, FROM DAY TO NIGHT Wine Country attracts crowds of wine enthusiasts, but what about those in search of something beyond the vines? More recently, Napa and Sonoma counties have begun to appeal to a more diverse audience, with underground jazz clubs, trivia nights and bocce ball courts aplenty. Joining longtime entertainment venues such as HopMonk Tavern (with locations in Sonoma and Sebastopol), here are some additional hot spots to keep locals and visitors entertained day and night. By Jessie Fetterling

FROM TOP: COURTESY BLUE NOTE NAPA; BREWSTERS BEER GARDEN; ARCHER HOTEL

SONOMA

With a nod to the city’s history of back alley jazz clubs, the underground Big Easy restaurant and jazz club brings a smaller music venue to the downtown Petaluma scene, providing local musicians a place to show off their talent six days a week. Paired with the Speakeasy restaurant (owned by the same owners and located across the street), patrons can get the entire entertainment experience, ordering small plates off the restaurant menu while seated for a show. 128 American Alley,

707.776.7163

Another Petaluma hot spot offering up a good time is Brewsters Beer Garden, which opened in late 2016.

The open-air restaurant serves up Southern Carolina barbecue alongside 30 local craft beers. Fire pits, bocce ball courts and a live music stage provide a wealth of entertainment, especially in

Brewsters Beer Garden the warmer months. Afternoons here are filled with bluegrass and soul music, providing the perfect backdrop to a game of bocce. 229

courts and communal tables out on the patio give it that “everyone’s welcome” Italian vibe that keeps people here for hours. 330 Healdsburg

Located in Healdsburg, Campo Fina dishes out Italian fare just like Nonna makes it. House-made ravioli and tomato braised chicken are just a few of the highlights on the “From Nonna’s Kitchen” side of the menu. While the food is delish, bocce ball

If Cheers was a wine bar, it could be Carpe Diem. Owned by three young locals, this wine-industry hangout keeps the wine flowing into the wee hours. Mix that with trivia nights, painting nights and live music, and it’s hard not

Water St. N., 707.981.8330

The circa-1880 Napa Valley Opera House is now home to Blue Note Napa, a jazz club and restaurant located on the historic building’s first floor, as well as JaM Cellars Ballroom at the Margrit Mondavi Theater on the second. Both music venues provide very different experiences. Blue Note Napa provides a relaxed setting where patrons can dine and enjoy a show, while the theater upstairs can hold 650 people for standing and seated concerts. In January, it hosted the band Spoon, with several more acts coming in 2018.

1030 Main St., 707.880.2300

Opened last fall, the fivestory Archer Hotel Napa is a boutique retreat for locals and visitors alike, featuring Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant and its-soon-to-launch Archer Rooftop. Scheduled to debut in March, the rooftop will provide an urban oasis in the heart of downtown.

Dotted with living sculptures made from succulents and other greenery, patrons will opt between spending time in the comfy lounge seating positioned under a canopy of potted olives or simply rocking out in the modern rocking chairs, fire-pit side. 1230

1st St., 707.690.9800

Ave., 707.395.4640

DOWNTOWN NAPA

Archer Hotel

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A Taster’s Guide to Wine Country

PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE

Wineries for every type of visitor, from first-timers to cult collectors By Brittany Shoot

IN RECENT YEARS, visitors have flocked to Wine Country in greater numbers than ever before. But as attending various regional events and booking winery tastings becomes mainstream, there are still plenty of diverse ways to experience the cultivated vineyards that cover Northern California’s rolling hills and gently sloping valleys.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor, an art aficionado, a food lover or a collector of hard-to-find cult wines, the cornucopia of working vineyards and tasting rooms across Napa and Sonoma counties has something special to offer every visitor.

PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE

THERE’S A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING The Mondavi name has long been synonymous with Northern California Wine Country. At the Robert Mondavi Winery, guests can enjoy guided tours in English and Mandarin Chinese and sip approachable merlots and fume blancs selected for folks trying out wine tasting for the first time. Pop over to nearby V. Sattui to pick out a bottle of the winery’s popular rosé. Then, stock up on picnic supplies from V. Sattui’s gourmet deli and enjoy dining al fresco on the vineyard’s beautiful grounds.

Inglenook offers a special experience for newbies and wine lovers alike. The daily Heritage Tasting, led by knowledgeable wine educators, showcases several of the winery’s finest wines with a cheese pairing. Oscar(From left) View from the Dutcher Crossing Winery tasting room; large format wine collection at Kosta Browne Winery

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enjoying Bordeaux varietals, including cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

Donald Hess has spent his life collecting art from masters like abstract painter Robert Motherwell, and at the Hess Collection Winery and Art Collection, you can soak in the eagle-eyed collector’s exquisite taste. And at Donum Estate, a newer collection features some of the biggest names in the art world. Reservations are required to visit the estate and sip its signature pinot noir. The sculptures by superstars Ai Wei Wei and Louise Bourgeois only further enhance the experience.

ART FOR ART’S SAKE

Most tasting rooms offer basic cheese and wine pairings, but in the agriculturally rich regions of Northern California, many wineries employ award-winning chefs and offer dazzling culinary experiences to enhance the flavor and enjoyment of their wines. One of the best examples is Ram’s Gate Winery, renowned for its palate pairings.

Winemakers have exceptional taste, so it’s no wonder many collect and display their own art acquisitions at their wineries. Mumm Napa, renowned for its delicate bubbles, displays fine art photography in a gorgeous gallery designed for that exclusive purpose.

You can drink in the famous art collection at Hall Wines before you even set foot on the property’s rich soil. The shiny stainless steel “Bunny Foo Foo” sculpture leaps above the lane, and all across the property, visitors encounter more delightful large-scale sculptures while

12 W H E R E W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

FEAST FOR THE SENSES

(Clockwise from left) The Hess Collection Winery and visitor center; Ram's Gate Winery courtyard; Anthony Laurino sculpture at Donum Estate; Hall St. Helena tasting room.

PREVIOUS PAGE: COURTESY DUTCHER CROSSING; ©MITCH RICE. THIS PAGE: HESS COLLECTION

winning film director Frances Ford Coppola and his film royalty family own Inglenook, and while you probably won’t see a Coppola on the grounds, their commitment to fine craftsmanship is infused into the property’s every detail.

Some sparkling wine lovers say fellow bubbly sippers shouldn’t miss Scharffenberger. While that’s certainly good advice, Breathless Wines offers another opportunity to sparkle. Founded by three sisters, this beautiful tasting room also offers visitors the option to tool around the grounds in a restored vintage Vespa complete with a sidecar for one lucky passenger.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ©ROCCO MEDIA IMAGES; COURTESY DONUM ESTATE; HALL ST. HELENA

Available by reservation, Chef Taylr Benhnam begins with five single-vineyard wines and prepares culinary delights to compliment each.

Known for its zinfandel, Seghesio Family Vineyards is also beloved for its food-driven wines. To experience both in a beautiful setting, check the calendar for specials, or request your own private experience with chef Peter Janiak, famous for his delicate pastas that pair perfectly with the winery’s Italian varietals.

Historic Simi Winery is one of the nation’s oldest wineries and offers private lunches and dinners by reservation. Chef Kolin Vazzoler crafts casual picnics and three-course seated meals to share and enjoy with the winery’s finest estate wines, including bright pinot noirs and an aromatic late harvest Riesling.

JOIN THE CULT Some of the country’s finest winemakers won’t sell their bottles to just anyone. Only the most dedicated fans, who travel to the winery or visit the few restaurants pouring the wines, can enjoy these highly coveted, limitededition offerings. One of Napa’s newest reservationsrequired estates, Alejandro Bulgheroni, focuses on handcrafted small production cabernet sauvignon.

From grapes grown in the Santa Cruz Mountain, Ceritas Wines produces limited-edition chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. Email to inquire about a tasting at the Healdsburg winery, one of the only ways to enjoy the Ceritas experience. Arnot-Roberts, also with a reservations-required tasting room in Healdsburg, has a wide portfolio of exquisite, rare wines, including bold syrahs and French oak barrel-fermented chardonnays.

Kosta Browne’s acclaimed portfolio focuses on pinot noirs and chardonnays. While still retaining its elusive charm, the esteemed winery will open its first hospitality space in the spring of 2018, located in its new small-lot fermentation cellar and offering reservations to nonmembers seeking the chance to experience the winery.

Take your furry friends While many wineries keep animals on the grounds and do not allow visitors to bring their pets, some encourage dogs to accompany their owners for wine tours and tastings.

Benziger Family Winery, St. Francis Winery and Vineyards and Larson Family Winery all welcome dogs. Dutcher Crossing Winery even has its own winery pup, Dutchess.

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Fieldwork Brewing Company

THE BREWERIES AND TAPROOMS OF WINE COUNTRY

By Jessie Fetterling

For decades, Wine Country has attracted Bay Area locals and tourists alike for weekends of imbibing and dining amidst bucolic vineyards. Then, breweries such as Russian River Brewing Company and Lagunitas Brewing Company joined the party in the '90s, enticing people from across the globe to try Wine Country’s other beverage of choice.

But now dozens of other breweries and taprooms have popped up in Napa and Sonoma counties, giving the wine industry a run for its money. Here are several that opened in 2017, with even more scheduled to open doors in 2018.

14 W H E R E W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

COURTESY FIELDWORK BREWING COMPANY

Beyond the Wine:

the opening of its second location in Rohnert Park this past September was widely welcomed by the community. The same beloved menu of burgers, pizzas, local cheese boards and charcuterie plates pairs nicely with the brewery’s delicious homebrews, including its famous Racer 5 IPA. 5000 Roberts Lake Rd., 707.484.2722

NAPA

Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen

Stone Brewing

After much success in Berkeley, Fieldwork Brewing Company expanded by opening taprooms in other parts of the Bay Area—landing in downtown Napa’s popular Oxbow Public Market as of late 2016. Enjoy a sampler flight off the brewery’s always-rotating tap list. Better yet, take some brew ha-ha home using a growler or the brewery’s veryown Crowler cans. 610 1st St., 707.266.1582 Tannery Bend Beerworks is small—some used to call it nano-sized, in fact—but it prides itself in producing local, small-batch beer. Opened last spring, the new taproom accommodates a 5-barrel system, which produces about 250 gallons of beer a week—a long way from its nano-brewery days of 15-gallon batches. Created by the team behind Napa’s popular Oenotri restaurant, the brewery combines brewing techniques with a culinary bent, drawing inspiration from local ingredients. Case in point: The Bancal Belgian winter ale gives off aromas of freshly baked banana bread. 101 S. Coombs St., 707.681.5774 Stone Brewing, Southern California’s largest brewery, is making its way up north and opening a new taproom in Napa, scheduled for March. Its downtown location in the historic Borreo building will feature a 10-barrel pilot brew system, guaranteeing that Stone’s iconic beers, including its Stone IPA, can be replicated onsite. Communal tables and outdoor fire pits will complete the inviting feel of the space.

930 3rd St., 707.252.2337

FROM TOP: ©ERIC MILLER; COURTESY STONE BREWING; LIVERMORE WINE TROLLEY

SONOMA In July, Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen opened up its third Bay Area location in downtown Santa Rosa, just a few blocks from Russian River Brewing on 4th Street. With about 25 craft beers on tap and an extensive (to the tune of 400) list of local and hard-to-find whiskies, this has quickly become a go-to spot for after-hour drinks. Plus, its comfort-food menu of fried chicken and waffles and Cajun mac and cheese is definitely worth a stop. 614 4th Street, 707.757.9294 Then 2 Tread Brewing Company joined Beer Baron in downtown Santa Rosa a few months later with a September debut. The brewery’s open space gives customers a front-row seat to the brewing process. IPAs, cream ales and farmhouse ales are crafted onsite using specialty ingredients that change with the seasons, while burgers, flatbreads and an innovative bites menu, including sweet potato tots and fried shishito peppers, are also up for grabs. 1018 Santa Rosa Plaza, 707.327.2822 Bear Republic Brewpub is another long-standing brewery that attracts people to Sonoma County, which is why

Hop on the East Bay’s Blue Brew Bus If you can’t make it up north to Napa and Sonoma, the Blue Brew Bus offers brew tours throughout Livermore and San Leandro to the east. Up to 20 people can board the bus to start the tour with a “cheers beer” in a souvenir beer glass.

Then, the bus will visit three area microbreweries, one of which will give a production facility tour. Past tours have included stops at Altamont Beer Works and Drakes Brewing.

Bottoms up! 925.233.7777

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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE An index of our favorite places

THE MANY WAYS TO SAVOR WINE COUNTRY Right in San Francisco’s backyard, Northern California Wine Country is one of the world’s most prestigious growing regions, home to hundreds of wineries. Its idyllic landscape, award-winning wines, celebrity-chef-owned-restaurants, outdoor activities and five-star hotels attract millions of visitors each year.

Opened by one of the most celebrated chefs in the country, Napa’s own Thomas Keller, Ad Hoc was first opened as a temporary experiment.

However, diners were so excited about the four-course, family style menu, changing daily and inspired by the comfort food of Keller’s childhood, that the restaurant soon became the beloved (and permanent) destination that it is today. D (Th-M), brunch (Su). 6476 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2487. $$$ BARNDIVA

The perfect combination of barnyard and beauty, Barndiva serves delicious, locally sourced food and drink

in an exquisite modern barn setting. With an impressive wine and cocktail list, the colorful barn- turned-restaurant attracts a lively crowd at night, a contrast with its picturesque daytime tranquility. L, D (W-Su), brunch (Su). 231 Center St., Healdsburg, 707.431.0100. $$$

BISTRO JEANTY

In everyday French life, it’s said that a bistro is more than a restaurant—it’s a culture. In this cozy yet elegant space, dig into classic and hearty fare like cassoulet and coq au vin.

L, D (daily). 6510 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.0103. $$$

BISTRO DON GIOVANNI

BOUCHON

This culinary institution near the southern end of the valley’s winery corridor offers the charm of a Mediterranean country bistro, with a shaded porch and such fare as house-made pasta entrees and delectable pizzas. L,D (daily). 4110 Howard Ln., Napa, 707.224.3300. $$

More relaxed than the French Laundry but stemming from the same culinary tradition, Bouchon is the place to find quality French meals.

Bouchon takes its name from what are traditionally cozy French eateries, places where family style meals are served in small dining rooms, where patrons are greeted by the wife and eat dishes

16 W H E R E I W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

prepared by the husband. L, D (daily). 6534 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.8037. $$$ CA’ MOMI OSTERIA

Italian This restaurant in

downtown Napa features a full bar of Ca’ Momi wines, house-made spirits and beer, and the celebrated Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN). Ca’ Momi is one of only nine restaurants in California certfied by the VPN association, which assures pizza is crafted in strict adherence to the traditional Neapolitan recipes and methods. The menu also offers Italian dishes like spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and bottarga or roasted Niman Ranch pork shank with fingerling potatoes. 1141 1st St., 707.224.6664.

©BOB MCCLENAHAN

DINING

AD HOC

Th e n e w t a s t e of Carneros Owners and sisters, Lisa & Ariana

Join u s for a b ree z y day o f b o cce , b it es and w ine 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

L I A N A E S TAT E S 2 7 5 0 L A S A M I G A S R O A D , N A PA , C A 9 4 5 5 9 7 0 7 . 3 0 2 . 1 1 6 0 | L I A N A E S TAT E S . C O M | BY A P P O I N T M E N T

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

For more listings, see wheretraveler.com/san-francisco

COLE’S CHOP HOUSE

GOTT’S ROADSIDE

MORIMOTO

A classic and elegant American steakhouse, order up 21-day dry-aged prime steaks, formula-fed veal, New Zealand lamb, fresh seafood and more. An extensive wine selection emphasizes Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon.

1122 Main St., Napa, 707.224.6328. $$$

Formerly the famed Taylor’s Refresher, Gott’s Roadside serves up the same worthwaiting-in-line-for classic American food it has for the past decade. The burgers, fries and shakes are the best quick-eats around, and the gourmet salads, sandwiches, seafood offerings and wine list add a touch of class to this renowned roadside diner. L, D (daily). 933 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.3486. 644 1st St., Napa, 707.224.6900. 1 Ferry Building, 415.318.3423. $

Food Network’s Iron Chef America’s star Masaharu Morimoto’s first West Coast restaurant showcases the renowned chef’s distinct culinary style, which seamlessly integrates Asian and Western ingredients with traditional Japanese techniques. Don’t miss the uni carbonara or the foie gras chawan mushi—and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the omakase menu. L (WSu), D (nightly). 610 Main St., Napa, 707.252.1600. $$$$

THE GRILL AT WENTE VINEYARDS

There’s no cooking method quite as American as the grill, and that’s what this Napa eatery is all about. Named after the wild mustard flowers that help nourish vineyard soils every spring, Mustards serves up fish, chops, ribs and steaks with international flavors hot off the grill. The eclectic wine list features rare vintages from around the world, too. L, D (daily). 7399 St. Helena Hwy., Napa, 707.944.2424. $$

DRY CREEK KITCHEN

The first California venture for renowned restaurateur Charlie Palmer showcases artisanal cheeses, regional produce and meats with contemporary flair. The space itself is airy and fresh-feeling; an extensive wine list offers more than 500 selections. D (nightly). 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 707.431.0330. $$$ FARMSTEAD RESTAURANT

Located in the new sustainable food, wine and agriculture center in St. Helena, Farmstead features simple American farmhouse cooking with seasonal, ingredient-driven menu items. Grassfed beef, eggs, heirloom fruits and vegetables, chicken, handcrafted extra virgin olive oil, honey and more are sourced from Long Meadow Ranch, all produced using sustainable, organic farming methods. What ingredients they cannot supply themselves are sourced from sustainable producers in Napa and Sonoma. 738 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.4555. $$$ THE FRENCH LAUNDRY

Chef Thomas Keller’s staff serves contemporary French cuisine. Order one of two multiple-course chef’s tasting menus, including a vegetarian option. Reservations are taken up to two months in advance, but visitors can check for availability on the day they wish to dine. L (F–Su), D (nightly). 6640 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2380. $$$$

This is a great spot for golfers and non-golfers alike to relax and enjoy views of the 18th green and surrounding vineyards. Expect casual American fare as well as a full bar with indoor and outdoor patio seating. 5040 Arroyo Rd., 925.456.2481.

LUCY RESTAURANT & BAR

Located in the swanky Bardessono hotel and spa in Napa’s Yountville, Lucy is named after the property’s lush on-site garden, which drives most of the menu at this comfortable wine country resort restaurant. Guests can sit outside and soak in the sun, as well as the views, while dining on impeccably fresh, seasonal offerings from the menu’s three sections: Garden, Ocean and Range.

6528 Yount St., Yountville, 707.204.6030. $$$$ MODEL BAKERY

For more than 90 years, this historic bakery has remained true to producing fresh and organic artisan treats daily, ranging from signature breads, like Pain Levain, to delicious morning cinnamon buns. Stop here to stock up for the perfect picnic. 644 1st St., Bldg. B, Napa, 707.259.1128 1357 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.8192.

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MUSTARDS GRILL

OENOTRI

This unique restaurant in revitalized downtown Napa combines the farm-to-table approach to food with the rarely seen cuisine of Italian regions like Sicily, Campania and Calabria. Salumi is crafted in-house, pasta is made fresh daily and a wood-burning oven imported from Naples turns out authentic, artisanal pizzas. The wine list highlights Southern Italian regions and cocktails–like the rest of the menu–are inspired by local seasonal produce. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1425 First St., Napa, 707.252.1022. $$$

meat dishes like fried chicken legs with jalapeno vinegar.

Cocktails focus on classic Italian aperitifs, like the house-bottled Negronis, and after-dinner drinks. L, D (daily) 301 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707.922.5233. $$ REDD

Chef Richard Reddington brings a contemporary approach to American classics and internationally influenced creations in a setting that is as sleek and modern as his culinary presentations. L, D (daily), B (Su). 6480 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2222. $$$ REDD WOOD

Acclaimed chef Richard Reddington introduces his latest venture, Redd Wood.

The industrial and funky yet cozy space boasts an open kitchen with a daily-changing menu. Pair interesting local wines with wood-burning oven-baked pizzas, house-made pastas and seasonally-inspired side and main dishes, featuring meats like ribeye and pork chop. Enjoy a meal in their casual dining section, private room or bistro-style on their outdoor patio. 6755 Washington St., Yountville, 707.299.5030. $$ SPOONBAR

PIZZANDO

Named for “Spoonfall,” a dramatic and whimsical outdoor water sculpture of 3,500 espresso spoons positioned to the north of the establishment, this restaurant is located in the LEED Gold certified H2hotel. Expect excellent modern food and cocktails from an experienced culinary team. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707.433.7222.

The more casual sister restaurant to Dry Creek Kitchen inside the Hotel Healdsburg recently opened and is already making an impression.

The not-strictly-Italian menu features blistered wood-oven pizzas, rustic vegetable sides and mouthwatering

Country French cuisine showcasing fresh regional ingredients and a nice selection of artisanal cheeses and the “Rhone Alone” wine list make this a singularly pleasurable dining experience at Sonoma

THE GIRL & THE FIG

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE Plaza. French aperitifs and traditional cocktails are served at an antique bar. L, D (daily), brunch (Su). 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma 707.938.3634. $$$ THE RESTAURANT AT MEADOWOOD

With a menu designed to showcase Napa Valley wines through Napa Valley foods, The Restaurant at Meadowood is the place to go for the full taste of the wine country. Diners have their choice of 950 wines, as well as the expertise of The Restaurant’s sommelier to heighten every flavor on the plates and in the glasses. D (daily). 900 Meadowood Ln., Saint Helena, 707.967.1205. $$$$ WILLI’S SEAFOOD & RAW BAR

This is a smaller portion restaurant, but there is nothing small about the tastes offered here. Willi’s seafood dishes receive rave reviews, especially the steamed clams. L, D (daily). 403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707.433.9191. $$$

SHOPPING

THE BARLOW

A sleek stretch of renovated warehouses (once part of an apple processing plant) in downtown Sebastopol is home to some of the best local food producers, winemakers, brewers and artisans.

This unique space is the first business community in the country to connect customers not only with products and the people who make them, but also with the production itself. 6770 McKinley St., 707.824.5600. Map 4, C6 DEAN & DELUCA

The gourmet supplier’s store has separate deli, meat, and bakery counters, as well as an on-site wine shop to ensure one-stop picnic packing. 607 St. Helena Hwy. S., St. Helena, 707.967.9980.

JIMTOWN STORE

Part deli, part inspired five-and-dime shop, the Jimtown Store is the essential stop for small town souvenirs and tasty grilled eggplant-and-provolone box lunches. 6706 Hwy. 128, Healdsburg 707.433.1212.

LOLO’S

Charity begins at the home— but it doesn’t have to stop there. Lolo’s consignment, a ‘gently used’ brand name clothing shop for men, women, teens and kids, is not only a place to find bargain fashion, but an eco-friendly shop that recycles and reuses every item they display.

Donating part of its proceeds to a charity of your choice, Lolo’s offers you the enjoyment of shopping for styles like Bebe, Ann Taylor and Juicy Couture all while being a philanthropist. 1120 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.7972.

OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET

Visit this gourmet mall for the freshest local ingredients for an afternoon picnic before wine tasting. Or stick around and order from the selection of independent eateries offering elevated takes on pizza, burgers and tacos plus oysters and rotisserie chicken and then grab a seat on the patio overlooking the Napa River.

644 1st St., Napa, 707.226.6529.

Map 3, E7

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sodas and hard ciders are all available on tap. 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707.431.7433.

Map 4, C3 V MARKETPLACE

This wine country destination is home to several boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and gift shops where you can find gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing and accessories for the home and garden. 6525 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2451. Map 4, G6

SPAS & RESORTS

CALISTOGA SPA HOT SPRINGS

This newly renovated soaking destination has four geothermally heated mineral pools.

Mineral, steam and mud baths can be booked in the spa, as well as any array of massages. 1006 Washington St., Calistoga, 707.942.6269.

INDIAN SPRINGS

Open since 1863, Indian Springs Resort & Spa still offers the same core traditions and amenities are still thriving. During your stay in one of their charming cottages, play shuffleboard and croquet or take a dip in the mud pool (featuring pure volcanic ash) for the same experiences guests treasured more than a century ago. 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707.709.8139.

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS

SHED

BEAU WINE TOURS

Wine, dine and shop at this glass-walled, 10,000-squarefoot locavore’s paradise in Healdsburg. You’ll find a store selling high-end kitchen and gardening equipment, local foodstuffs (including grains milled onsite) and books; a cafe with daily-changing menus inspired by neighboring produce and farms; and a coffee bar with its own espresso, house-made pastries and ice creams. Shed also has the only fermentation bar in the area, where local wines, beers, kombuchas, natural

The premier wine country tour and luxury transport service offers day tours for couples or small groups.

Choose from a fleet of luxury sedans, limousines, SUVs, shuttles, coaches and executive vans. 1754 Second St., Suite B, 707.257.0887. 21707 Eighth St. East, Suite A, 707.938.8001.

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BIN 415

With over 900 wineries between Napa and Sonoma, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. Bin 415 offers unique excursions hosted

by a certified sommelier to wineries offering the perfect combination of amazing wines, warm hospitality and beautiful scenery. Bin 415 also offers tours throughout San Francisco, Sausalito, Muir Woods and the Pacific Coast Highway. 1616 Grove St., 415.851.5711.

CIA AT COPIA

Located in Napa’s Oxbow district, The Culinary Institute of America’s CIA at Copia offers daily cooking and beverage classes, and is home to a lifestyle and home goods store, an 80,000 square-foot indoor and outdoor event and theater space, and the Restaurant at CIA Copia, offering Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine and an extensive wine list. 500 1st St., Napa, 707.967.2500. Map 3, E7 CIA AT GREYSTONE

The historic Napa Valley institute offers two-hour, hands-on cooking and wine classes where you can create internationally inspired dishes or discuss and taste wine in state-of-the-art wine tasting facilities to gain confidence for your next trip to a tasting room, restaurant or wine shop. Stop by to catch a cooking demo, visit the Vintners Hall of Fame, dine at The Gatehouse Restaurant or just take a stroll around campus. 2555 Main St., St. Helena, 707.967.1100. Map 4, F4 CORNERSTONE GARDENS

Cornerstone Sonoma is an eclectic collection of shops, wineries and a gourmet cafe set amidst nine acres of garden installations created by the world’s leading landscape architects. 23570 Arnold Dr., Sonoma 707.933.3010.

DI ROSA PRESERVE

Art and nature come together on these 217 rolling acres, where about 2,000 works of art by more than 800 artists make up what is considered the most significant collec-

For more listings, see wheretraveler.com/san-francisco

tion of Bay Area art in the world. Outdoor sculptures stand amid ancient olive groves and a 35-acre lake.

5200 Sonoma Hwy., Napa, 707.226.5991.

Livermore Trolley’s all-inclusive, educational wine-tasting tour visits three wineries throughout the region and includes lunch. Must be 21 or older. Livermore, 925.989.0421.

GORDON HUETHER GALLERY

LONG MEADOW RANCH

This gallery is the first to feature contemporary art in the Napa Valley. In an industrial-style space, the gallery’s namesake showcases largescale art installations, executed with glass, as well as other salvaged and natural materials. Smaller pieces explore various media and represent experimentation with light and color. 1821 Monticello Rd., Napa, 707.255.5954.

Farmstead Restaurant anchors this sustainable food, wine and agriculture center in St. Helena, which also features a wine and olive oil tasting room located in a restored Gothic Revival farmhouse, demo and aroma gardens, a full organic nursery and a seasonal outdoor farmers market. 738 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.4555.

LIVERMORE WINE TROLLEY

Housed in a beautifully maintained 1904 stone manor, this winery collective and art gallery feels like a luxurious home with rotating seasonal art collections that feature

Located just 35 miles east of San Francisco, the Livermore Valley is one of California’s premier wine regions, with over 50 wineries. The

MA(I)SONRY

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE internationally acclaimed names as well as Napa Valley and Bay Area artists. The tasting room pours bottles from limited-production boutique wineries such as Blackbird Vineyards, Casa Piena Estate, Renteria Wines and more, which can be enjoyed with a bite in the landscaped gardens dotted with contemporary sculpture.

6711 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.0889.

NAPA VALLEY BALLOONS

Mind, body and soul will soar as Napa Valley Balloons takes you high above the vineyards and vistas of wine country. Roaring burners blast you up 2,000 feet in the air. Then—silence. From floating high above, revel in the peacefulness and serenity of wine country before the rest of the world wakes up.

Back on the ground, toast to

your ballooning triumphs with a post-flight champagne brunch. The experience will last an hour, but the memories, a lifetime. 301 Post St., Napa, 800.253.2224.

NAPA VALLEY BIKE TOURS

There’s nothing like pedaling through Napa’s wine country on a bike. With Napa Valley Bike Tours, choose one of three options: a fully guided tour led by a knowledgeable guide, a self-guided trip with box lunches delivered to a winery along your way, or rent bikes and head out on your own adventure. 6500 Washington St., Yountville, 707.944.2953.

NAPA VALLEY MUSEUM

The Napa Valley Museum, located just 15 minutes north of Napa, features changing art exhibits and a permanent history display. There are pic-

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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE nic tables on-site and the site is on beautiful grounds adjacent to the Veterans Home of California. Open daily 10 am-4 pm, except Tu. 55 Presidents Cir., Yountville, 707.944.0500.

NAPA VALLEY VINTNERS

Plan your next Napa Valley visit with the Winery Map & Trip Planner. Locate wineries, create your itinerary, get directions and send them to your phone using the interactive, searchable map.

The Winery Finder helps you search more than 500 wineries with tags like dog-friendly, art displays, sustainable and unique architecture. Find wine and food pairings, live music, winemaker dinners, blending seminars, wine education activities and more with the winery events calendar. 1475 Library Lane, 707.963.3388.

NAPA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY TOURS

This service is a convenient means of getting to wine country from San Francisco.

Create a custom tour or choose from one of two daily group tours. The San Francisco to Wine Country Tour stops at the Golden Gate Bridge for mimosas on the way up to four wineries between Sonoma and Napa.

20 Case Ct., American Canyon 800.578.0115.

NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN

Passengers sip select Napa Valley wines and indulge in gourmet cuisine as they ride past vineyards on these three-hour lunch and dinner tours aboard restored Pullman coaches.

Reservations recommended. 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, 800.427.4124. Map 3, E7 OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER

With Mount Saint Helena and the craggy Palisades mountains standing as silent backdrops, uprising steam and bubbling hot water provide a spectacular per-

formance for wine country visitors. This is one of three geysers in the world with the designation ‘old faithful,’ meaning that it performs at regular intervals. You’ll want to tread lightly, though: the area nearby is also home to a herd of Tennessee fainting goats, a quirky breed with a nervous-system disorder that causes them to keel over (harmlessly and temporarily) when startled. 1299 Tubbs Ln., Calistoga, 707.942.6463.

PAUL MAHDER GALLERY

This Healdsburg gallery from a professional fine art photographer and the founder of the former esteemed Blue Room Gallery features acclaimed local, national and international artists. In addition to presenting painting, sculpture, photography, drawings and fine crafted wood objects, it also offers textured personal portraits and custom framing. Tu-Su. 222 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707.473.9150. Map 2, F3 UP & AWAY BALLOONING

Soar over Sonoma and Napa Valley for some of the most breathtaking views of the area in a serene hot air balloon ride. These brightly colored balloons take passengers over vineyards and can even afford views of the Pacific Ocean. Up & Away Ballooning features some of the newest and roomiest balloons in the area and a gourmet champagne brunch in a winery or park after the flight. 4086 Byway E, 707.836.0171.

UPTOWN THEATRE

This historic and recently renovated Art Deco entertainment palace opened in 1937 and was host to Hollywood legends such as Clarke Gable and Carole Lombard. Today, its 860 comfy theater seats afford patrons a truly unique experience whether they are laughing at Lewis Black or jammin’ out to Boz Scaggs.

1350 3rd St., Napa, 707.259.0123.

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VINOVISIT

B CELLARS

This convenient service allows visitors to book free, real-time online reservations with wineries. Search hundreds of tastings, tours and events, complete with photos, maps, videos and reviews, to find the perfect winery.

Book a single winery tour or an entire multi-day itinerary.

851 Napa Valley Corporate Way I, Napa, 707.294.1910.

Named for the first letter of the word brix, a wine term defining the optimal sugar/ alcohol content in grape juice that produces great wine, B Cellars is a new winery and tasting lounge in Oakville. It uses a multi-vineyard winemaking strategy, blending grapes grown on nine Napa Valley vineyard sites to create unique wines with distinct character, depth and layers of flavor. The sophisticated new tasting room features food tastings to complement the wines and a scenic setting.

Open daily, no appointment necessary. 703 Oakville Cross Rd., Oakville 877.229.9939.

Map 3, D4

WEILL HALL AT THE GREEN MUSIC CENTER

Located on the Sonoma State University campus in wine country, this is a worldclass indoor-outdoor music complex hosting performances by symphonies and renowned artists like Itzhak Perlman, Lang Lang, Renée Fleming, Herbie Hancock, Yo Yo Ma and many more. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 866.955.6040.

WINERIES

ARROWOOD VINEYARDS & WINERY

Award-winning wines here include Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting room is located in a charming New England-style farmhouse.

Tours by appointment. 14347 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen, 800.938.5170. Map 4, E6 ARTESA WINERY

Art and wine blend at this winery, seamlessly built into the highest hill of its 350acre estate. Founded by a Catalan family that has been hand-crafting wines since the 16th century, this Carneros winery focuses on producing small, ultra-premium lots. Take time to admire the modern and sophisticated gallery-like space and the original works of sculpture, painting and mixed-media. Tasting room open daily; tours daily. 1345 Henry Rd., Napa, 707.224.1668.

Map 3, D7

B.R. COHN

Specializing in estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines, this hillside winery also produces award-winning olive oils and vinegars.

Tastings open to the public; tours by appointment. 15000 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen, 800.330.4064.

BALDACCI FAMILY VINEYARDS

This family-owned-and-operated premium boutique winery is based in the historic Stags Leap District of Napa and focuses on single vineyard, single varietal limited releases. It’s especially known for its Cabernets. 6236 Silverado Trail, 707.944.9261.

Map 3, D5 BEAULIEU VINEYARD

This more than 100-year-old winery is the longest continually operating winery in Napa Valley and is the production site for the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. Beaulieu was founded on a four-acre ranch by a French winemaker who envisioned a company producing fine wine unparalleled to his native France. Daily tastings feature wines you can’t find anywhere else. 1960 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford.

707.967.5200. Map 3, C4

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE

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BERINGER VINEYARDS

Napa Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery is also among its most accessible.

Beringer is known for its Cabernet Sauvignons and bold, oaky Chardonnays. The large facility includes a gift shop that offers tableware, stemware and kitchen and home accessories. A variety of tours and seminars are available. Daily 10 am–5 pm.

2000 Main St., St. Helena, 707.257.5771. Map 3, B3 BREATHLESS WINES

Three sisters—Sharon, Rebecca and Cynthia— founded this winery alongside renowned winemaker Penny Gadd-Coster (recently named Winemaker of the Year by the North Bay Business Journal). They make refreshing sparkling wine in the traditional French method, méthode champenoise, from

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. 499 Moore Ln., 707.395.7300.

BUENA VISTA WINERY

California’s first premium winery just completed its very first major renovation since its inception in 1857. Located just outside the town of Sonoma, this California Historic Landmark’s restoration included a renovation of the champagne cellars and caves as well as a new fountain, vineyard landscaping and stonemasonry detailing. Stop in for a tour, and taste worldclass Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Zinfandels.

Tasting room open seven days a week, year round.

Reservations recommended.

18000 Old Winery Rd., Sonoma, 800.926.1266.

CADE

CASTELLO DI AMOROSA

Built into the hillside high on Howell Mountain, Cade is elegantly designed with exposed concrete steel and glass and has spendid views.

Solar-powered and organically farmed, this young winery prides itself in its dedication to robust wines and a strong environmental ethic. Tastings and tours by appointment.

360 Howell Mountain Rd. S., Angwin, 707.965.2746.

For a one-of-a-kind experience in wine country, visit this 13th century Tuscan-style castle that took 15 years to build. Authentic features include hand-forged Italian ironwork, hand-painted frescoes, a 500-year-old fireplace, half-ton hand-hewn doors, a drawbridge, a courtyard and even a torture chamber. But the real treasure is inside: an award-winning collection of wines, including Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Don’t miss the daily cheese and wine pairing tour or the family-friendly tasting areas. 4045 N. Saint Helena Hwy., Calistoga, 707.967.6272.

CAKEBREAD CELLARS

The winery is an enthusiastic advocate of pairing food with wine, frequently presenting vintners’ dinners to promote the concept. Cakebread Cabernets and Chardonnays are widely available, but the Zinfandel is sold only at the winery. Tastings by appointment. 8300 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, 800.588.0298.

CHARBAY WINERY & DISTILLERY

Named for its first drink— Chardonnay combined with brandy—Charbay now pro-

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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE duces much more than just wine and brandy. Discover the artisan world of distilling many spirits like whiskey, vodka and rum from a family in the distillery business for 13 generations. Taste Charbay’s wines and ports, then enjoy a cigar in the rustic setting of Spring Mountain.

Tastings open to the public.

4001 Spring Mountain Rd., St. Helena, 707.963.9327. Map 4, F4 CHARLES KRUG

Since its opening in 1861, Charles Krug winery has produced award-winning Cabernets and renowned Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting room open daily. 2800 Main St., St. Helena, 707.967.2200.

Map 3, B3 CHATEAU MONTELENA WINERY

The Napa winery whose Chardonnay earned California wines international recognition at the 1976 Tasting of Paris (portrayed in the movie “Bottle Shock”) is still producing great wines, like the Estate Cabernet, Estate Zinfandel and the limited production Potter Valley Riesling. Can’t get up to wine country?

Stop by the tasting room in the Westin St. Francis hotel in Union Square, open five days a week (W-Su). No reservations needed. 1429 Tubbs Ln., Calistoga, 707.942.5105.

Map 4, E3 CHATEAU ST. JEAN

Founded in 1973, Chateau St. Jean is inspired by the formal estate gardens in the south of France. The winery specializes in white varietals, including Chardonnay, Fumé Blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and is the home of the iconic Cinq Cépages. Stroll the gardens or relax on the beautiful patio and take in the perfect vista as you sip their acclaimed reserve and single-vineyard wines. 8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, 707.257.5784. Map 4, E5

CLIFF LEDE VINEYARDS

Known best for its Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, this esteemed Stags Leap District winery pours its latest releases in an architecturally stunning craftsman-style tasting room. The appointment-only Estate Tasting includes a guided tour of the property, leading through the vineyards to the state-of-the-art winery, where guests sip wines paired with a selection of seasonal canapes. 1473 Yountville Cross Rd., Yountville, 707.944.8642.

Map 3, D5 CLINE CELLARS

This small-production winery produces Rhone varietals and Zinfandel from some of the oldest vines in California.

Owner Fred Cline started with an inheritance from his grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi (of hot-tub fame). The 1850s farmhouse is surrounded by warm mineral springs and dozens of rose bushes.

Tastings and tours open to the public daily. 24737 Arnold Dr., Sonoma 800.546.2070.

Map 4, F7 CLOS DU BOIS

Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Merlot are the most popular selections at this large Alexander Valley winery. A scenic picnic area overlooks rolling vineyards. Tastings and tours open to the public. 19410 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 800.222.3189.

CLOS DU VAL

This winery is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its first vintage Cabernet was one of only six California cabs selected for the now-legendary 1976 Paris tasting. Tastings open to the public; tours by appointment.

5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707.261.5200. Map 3, D5 CUVAISON WINERYCARNEROS TASTING ROOM

The rolling hills of the Carneros Estate vineyards

24 W H E R E I W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

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surround this tasting room.

Seated tastings are offered by appointment, featuring Carneros and Estate Selection wines and stunning views of the originating vineyards.

Tours also by appointment.

1221 Duhig Rd., Napa, 707.942.2455.

DE LOACH VINEYARDS

Since its first Zinfandel release in 1975, this vineyard has branched out into exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer. Tastingroom staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Tours by appointment. 1791 Olivet Rd., Santa Rosa 707.755.3300.

DEERFIELD RANCH WINERY

In the heart of Sonoma Valley, Deerfield is best known for its 23,000-square-foot wine caves where you can swirl and sip 100 feet below ground.

Deerfield produces small-lot, handcrafted wine from more than 26 vineyards. 10200 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707.833.5215. Map 4, E5 DEL DOTTO VINEYARDS

Take a candle-lit tour of Napa Valley’s second-oldest cave, where wine is carefully barrel aged in the perfect climate and humidity. Learn how different wood choices and barrel-making techniques impact a wine’s final flavor.

Then top it off with a tasting right out of the barrel. 1445 St. Helena Hwy. S, St. Helena, 707.963.2134.

DOMAINE CARNEROS

Champagne’s famed Tattinger family founded this winery in the 1970s. The tasting room resembles a French chateau, with a deck providing sweeping views of the Carneros region. The famed Le Reve sparkling wine is compared to the top Cuvees from Champagne, while the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs hold their own, too. 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa, 707.257.0101.

Map 3, D7

DOMAINE CHANDON

Sample toast-worthy sparkling wines, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the tasting room. Tastings open to the public. 1 California Dr., Yountville 707.944.8844.

DRY CREEK VINEYARD

Modeled after a chateau from the Loire Valley of France, Dry Creek Vineyard was the first winery to come alive in the Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition ended.

The winery’s flagship varietal is Fume¬¥Blanc, and signature wines include Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

3770 Lambert Bridge Rd., Healdsburg, 800.864.9463.

EHLERS ESTATE

Featuring a unique fusion of outstanding wine-growing, environmental consciousness and international philanthropy, this is a California winery through and through.

Organic and biodynamic farming techniques are used to produce a small portfolio of estate-grown wines.

Tastings by appointment.

3222 Ehlers Ln., St. Helena, 707.963.5972. Map 3, B2 ETUDE WINES

This winery transforms the very finest Carneros and Napa Valley grapes into world-class wines sought out by the most discriminating wine lovers. In addition to its widely acclaimed Carneros Pinot Noir and legendary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Etude has also developed a loyal following for Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Merlot.

1250 Cuttings Wharf Rd., 707.257.5782. Map 3, D7 FAR NIENTE

The winery so committed to quality that it only produces one Chardonnay and one Cabernet Sauvignon each year just recently opened its doors to the public. Tours of the winery and tastings

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available by appointment only. 1350 Acacia Dr., Oakville, 707.944.2861.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY

Celebrate all the best things in life at this winery in the heart of picturesque Alexander Valley. Sip from more than 40 wines produced on site and eat authentic, Neapolitan-style pizzas and South American wood-grilled meats at the full-service restaurant Rustic and take a dip in the sparkling swimming pools (open seasonally). 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707.857.1471.

Map 4, B2 GLORIA FERRER CAVES & VINEYARDS

Settle on the scenic Vista Terrace, where you can sip a glass of sparkling wine that was aged in Spanish-style

caves or an elegant Pinot Noir, paired with savory cheeses and other delicacies. Gloria Ferrer produces some of California’s best sparkling wines, as well as estate varietal still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from its 335-acre estate. The visitor center is open 10 am-5 pm daily, with wine service available until 4:45 pm. Guided winery tours offered daily at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm; $25 per person, includes two sparkling wine tastes and one estate varietal taste. 23555 Hwy. 121, Sonoma, 707.933.1917. Map 4, F7 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE

Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, whose belongings were appropriated by the Smithsonian, gained international recognition in 1976 when judges at the Paris Tasting named his Chateau Montelena Chardonnay the best white

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE wine in the world. In 1977, he partnered with Austin Hills (of the Hills Bros. Coffee family). Their winery produces Cabernet Sauvignons, Zinfandels, Fume Blancs and, of course, Chardonnays.

Tastings and tours open to the public. 1829 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, 707.963.2784.

Map 3, C4 GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU

After more than 150 years, the sixth generation of this wine-growing family still produces quality estate-grownand-bottled Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, to name a few.

Check online for the seasonal cave tour, vineyard excursions and courtyard tasting availability. 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707.938.5277.

Map 4, F6

HALL WINES

This winery plants twice as many vines per acre in comparison to traditional practices, resulting in smaller vines that produce richer and more concentrated wines. It boasts five estate vineyards planted with 500 acres of classic Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. The monumental new LEED-certified visitor center features wine tasting, food and wine education, tours, gardens and an impressive contemporary art collection. 401 St. Helena Hwy. S., St. Helena, 707.967.2626.

Map 3, C3 HAMEL FAMILY WINES

Off Sonoma highway, the new Hamel Family Wines feels like a glamorous summer camp. Along with limited-production premium Bordeaux blends, it offers

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WINE COUNTRY GUIDE elegant boxed picnics, campfire concerts and movies and art installations in its stunning wine caves. 15401 Sonoma Hwy., 707.996.5800.

HESS COLLECTION

A winding road near Mt. Veeder leads to this winery and art gallery. In the gallery, you’ll see works by Francis Bacon and Robert Motherwell; the tasting room serves award-winning Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons. 4411 Redwood Rd., Napa, 707.255.1144.

Map 3, C6 INGLENOOK CHATEAU

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola’s team produces five estate wines, including the renowned Rubicon, on this 19th-century estate. The wines are made from 235 acres of certified organically grown grapes. The grounds include two tasting salons, a wine bar where guests can enjoy wines by the glass and a museum featuring antique zoetropes and artifacts from the estate’s founder, Gustave Niebaum. Children can float small wooden boats in a courtyard reflecting pool free of charge. Reservations recommended for tastings and tours. 1991 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, 707.968.1100.

Map 3, C4 JAMIESON RANCH VINEYARDS

Home of “Double Lariat” Cabernet, Jamieson Ranch Vineyards occupies 300 acres of gently rolling hills and terraced vineyards and is the southernmost winery in the Napa Valley. In addition to Cabernets, it’s known for award-winning Pinots and Chardonnays as well as wine pairing educational experiences. 1 Kirkland Ranch Rd., 707.254.8673. Map 3, E8 JARVIS ESTATE

This Napa Valley winery is known for its estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon,

Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Jarvis is home to a 45,000 square foot wine cave, making it the first winery built entirely underground. Tasting tours bring you into the parabola-shaped cave for a glimpse into the winemaking process and end with samples of six Jarvis Estate and Reserve Collection wines.

2970 Monticello Rd., Napa, 707.255.5280. Map 1, F6 JCB

This tasing room and lounge located in St. Helena offers the JCB collection of rare, numbered-edition wines crafted by Jean-Charles Boisset. Embodying style and sophistication, the luxurious tasting room experience works to unite wine and fashion. 849 Zinfindel Lane, 707.473.9707.

JORDAN VINEYARD & WINERY

The quiet retreat of this 18th century French chateau-style winery (built in the 1970s) is the perfect setting for enjoying its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay—the only vintages it bottles.

By appointment only.

1474 Alexander Valley Rd., 800.654.1213.

KENDALL-JACKSON WINE CENTER

The property includes a demo vineyard where visitors can sniff and taste to learn about varietals, and learn about vegetables and herbs that resemble flavors in wine.

The tasting room features a selection of Kendall-Jackson wines. Tastings and tours open to the public. 5007 Fulton Rd., Fulton, 707.571.8100.

KENWOOD VINEYARDS

Founded in 1970 in a refurbished 1906 winery, Kenwood produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and other wines from grapes grown on the estate and elsewhere. Wines are produced

26 W H E R E I W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

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in small lots for high quality.

Tours by appointment. 9592 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, 707.282.4281.

KENZO ESTATE

Owned by a prominent Japanese businessman, Kenzo Estate is Napa’s only winery with a tasting menu from famed chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Restaurant.

Located on the high slopes of Mt. George, the winery produces beautiful varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon inside intricate caves that you can tour before relaxing with outstanding wine and food pairings. Tours and tastings by appointment. 3200 Monticello Rd., Napa, 877.977.7704.

KIEU HOANG WINERY

Formerly owned by the Michael Mondavi Family, this 20-acre property in the coveted Carneros region was purchased by American businessman Kieu Hoang in 2014.

The newly renovated winery makes Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Red Blends and Rose in vibrant packaged shaped bottles.

1285 Dealy Lane, Napa, 707.253.1615. Map 4, D7 KUNDE ESTATE WINERY & VINEYARDS

Located in the Sonoma Valley, the family’s scenic 1,850-acre sustainably farmed estate has been managed by five generations since 1904. The winery specializes in Chardonnay, Cabernet, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.

9825 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood 707.833.5501. Map 4, E5 LIANA ESTATES

Located among the rolling hills of Carneros with breathtaking views of the San Pablo Bay, this second-generation, family-owned and operated winery specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Liana Estates also offers brunch and yoga overlooking the San Pablo Bay, gourmet picnics in the vineyards, culi-

nary experiences and more.

2750 Las Amigas Rd., Napa, 707.302.1160. Map 3, D8 MATERRA, CUNAT FAMILY VINEYARDS

Roughly translated, Materra means Mother Earth. The Cunat Family Vineyards, where Materra wines are grown, combine terroir, hand-selected and planted vines, a cooler climate and the talents of a dedicated team to produce complex wines.

Materra wines are grown in the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley, a region well known for its deep, rich alluvial soil and excellent microclimates. The winery is known for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. 4326 Big Ranch Rd., 707.224.4900.

MEDLOCK AMES TASTING ROOM AND BAR

This unique wine country vineyard is dedicated to environmental sustainability as well as the production of premier quality wine. Medlock Ames vineyards are farmed organically, developing fresh rich wines. 3487 Alexander Valley Rd., Healdsburg, 707.431.8845.

MERRYVALE VINEYARDS

The first winery built in Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition, Merryvale’s tasting room offers the opportunity to try unique, limited production wines and a variety of menus to suit any palate. A newly renovated winemaking cellar showcases the latest equipment to craft its boutique wines. Tastings open to the public; tours by appointment. 1000 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.7777. Map 3, B3 MUMM NAPA

The famed Champagne house’s California winery produces top-of-the-line cuvees, including its premium DVX label. The on-site art gallery showcases photography, in-

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cluding a collection of Ansel Adams prints and rotating exhibits. 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, 707.967.7700.

Map 3, C4

for its high caliber Cabernets and contemporary design features including a living roof. 5998 Silverado Trail, 707.224.7533. Map 3, D5

NAPA CELLARS

OPUS ONE WINERY

Surrounded by picturesque Oakville vineyards and coastal mountains, Napa Cellars is home to a comfortable tasting room that pours varietals from three sister wineries: Napa Cellars, Folie à Deux and Ménage à Trois. Kick back on the winery’s relaxing patio, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy one of Napa Cellar’s award-winning varietals, the most popular of which is its Chardonnay. 7481 St. Helena Hwy., Napa, 800.535.6400.

A joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi in the 1970s led to the creation of Opus One, the highly prized, limited-edition wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Tastings and tours by appointment.

7900 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville, 707.944.9442.

ODETTE ESTATE

Set on 45 acres of land under the dramatic palisades of the Stags Leap District, this stylish new winery is known

PARADIGM WINERY

This winery represents five generations of agriculture in the Napa Valley, offering informative tours and tastings in a casual atmosphere.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cab Franc and Rose

wines are all produced on site. 1277 Dwyer Rd., Oakville,.

707.944.1683.

PATZ & HALL

This acclaimed artisan winery has been handcrafting its small-lot and single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs for more than 25 years. Sip in the modern and stylish tasting salon, which offers casual bar tastings in a convivial setting, as well as private tastings by appointment. Open Th-M. 21200 8th St. E., Sonoma, 707.265.7700. Map 4, F7 PEJU PROVINCE WINERY

For more than 30 years in the Napa Valley, this winery has been a garden oasis along Highway 29 in the famed Rutherford appellation.

Known for its legendary Cabernet Sauvignon, it produces many award-winning varietals, including Merlot,

Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Fifty/ Fifty, a Bordeaux blend.

Guests can make an appointment for a private wine tasting 50 feet up in the French Provincial tasting room tower. Tastings open to the public. 8466 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, 707.963.3600.

Map 3, C4 PETRONI VINEYARDS

Occupying 37 acres in the scenic Sonoma Mayacamas mountains, Petroni Vineyards is a boutique, family winery that produces hand-crafted wines from terraced, estate vineyards as well as organic, Tuscan-style olive oil and grappa. Signature varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Open by appointment only. 990 Cavedale Rd., Sonoma, 707.935.8311.

27

WINE COUNTRY GUIDE PLUMPJACK WINERY

RAVENSWOOD WINERY

The winery is best known for its highly rated Cabernet Sauvignons, though its other varietals are also worth a taste.

The visitors center includes a patio with scenic views.

620 Oakville Cross Rd., Napa, 707.945.1220.

Acclaimed for its Zinfandels and other big, bold red varietals, the winery’s motto—um Vinum Flaccidum (“No Wimpy Wines”)—characterizes its approach to winemaking.

Picnic tables on-site. Tours daily at 10:30 am and by appointment. 18701 Gehricke Rd., Sonoma 707.933.2332.

Map 4, F6

PROVENANCE VINEYARDS

Provenance produces fine Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes grown in Rutherford, plus highly-regarded Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, all of which reflect the distinctive vineyards from where they originate. The winery hosts a variety of tasting options and invites guests to enjoy wine on the patio looking out over the Napa Valley. 1695 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, 707.968.3633. Map 3, C4

RAYMOND VINEYARDS

Specializing in Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and GSM, Quivira affords scenic views from beneath the shade of its trees. Tours by appointment. 4900 W. Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, 800.292.8339.

In the heart of the Napa Valley, nestled between Rutherford and St. Helena, Raymond Vineyards is one of the early pioneering producers in the valley. A visit to the 90-acre estate is to return to Napa’s roots, surrounded by the beauty of two mountain ranges amid vineyards planted to Napa’s classic varietals.

A host of unique experiences await, from barrel tastings to food and wine pairings to the Theater of Nature—an excursion into the bounty of nature and an education on organic and biodynamic farming.

849 Zinfandel Way, St. Helena, 707.963.3141. Map 3, C3

QUIXOTE WINERY

ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY

The excellent Petite Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags’ Leap Ranch is matched by the eclectic design of Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Visits by appointment.

6126 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707.944.2659. Map 3, D5

At the winery founded by the man who put Napa Valley on the map, a full selection of Mondavi wines is available for tasting in the Le Marche room, while the To Kalon room pours reserves and limited-production wines.

Reservations strongly recommended. 7801 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville, 888.766.6328.

QUIVIRA VINEYARDS

RAM’S GATE WINERY

Just a 35-minute drive from San Francisco, this winery uncorks the best in wine, food, architecture and interior design. Its rustic yet elegant barn includes an open-air reception courtyard, a tasting pavilion, an open kitchen, a fireside lounge, a wine library, underground dining alcoves and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open to sweeping vineyard and bay views.

28700 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707.721.8700. Map 4, F8

RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS

Depending on the season, a tour of this estate might include pruning vines, sugar-testing grapes, or tasting from the barrel. Wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and old-vine Zinfandel. Picnic areas offer lovely views.

11455 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg 800.678.4763.

ROMBAUER VINEYARDS

Founder Koerner Rombauer’s great-aunt was Irma

28 W H E R E I W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

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Rombauer, author of The Joy of Cooking. This small-production winery produces ultra-premium Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, Zinfandels, and Merlots.

Tastings by appointment.

3522 Silverado Trail N., St. Helena 800.622.2206.

ROUND POND ESTATE WINERY

The winery joins a fabulous olive mill and features a stunning tasting room with dramatic views that complement the world-class Cabernet Sauvignons and Sauvignon Blancs. Tastings and tours by appointment. 875 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, 707.302.2575.

Map 3, C4 SCHUG CARNEROS ESTATE WINERY

This winery’s Pinot Noir is internationally acclaimed.

The picnic tables situated behind its German-style postand-beam chalet offer great views of the valley. Tours by appointment. 602 Bonneau Rd., Sonoma, 707.939.9363.

SCRIBE WINERY

Owned by two young brothers, Scribe Winery is a photographer’s dream, with sun-dappled hills, colorful wildflowers and even a wooden swing. The stylish and friendly staff knows their stuff, and the wine, made with yeasts, is solid. 2100 Denmark St., 707.939.1858.

SEGHESIO FAMILY VINEYARDS

This long-standing Italian family winery produces topnotch Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir on 400 acres of the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys.

700 Grove St., Healdsburg, 866.734.4374. Map 4, B3 SIMI WINERY

With vineyards in both the Alexander and Russian River valleys, Simi produces acclaimed Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and

Sauvignon Blanc at its charming winery. A picnic area is nestled in a scenic redwood grove. Tours daily at 11 am and 2 pm. 16275 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 800.746.4880.

Map 4, C3 ST. FRANCIS WINERY

Three tasting options include wine-and-food pairings.

Enjoy breathtaking views, small-lot wines, and gracious Wine Country hospitality.

100 Pythian Rd., Santa Rosa, 888.675.9463. Map 4, E5 ST. SUPERY ESTATE VINEYARDS & WINERY

Family-owned and sustainably farmed, this winery offers an art gallery, scenic grounds, tours and hands-on interactive wine experiences (offered daily by appointment). Two types of tastings are available at the tasting bar daily from 10 am-5 pm.

8440 St. Helena Hwy., Napa, 707.963.4507. Map 3, C4 STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS

Best known for its estate Cabernet Sauvignons, this family-owned winery gained international recognition in 1976, when its SLV Cabernet Sauvignon was judged the best red wine in the world at the famed Paris Tasting.

The winery takes its name from its location in the famed Stags Leap viticultural district.

5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707.944.2020. Map 3, D5 STAGS’ LEAP WINERY

Not to be confused with Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (the name and placement of the apostrophe were the subject of a legal battle between Stags’ Leap and its neighbor, Stag’s Leap), the winery produces Rhone varietals along with its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot in the growing district from which the winery takes its name. Tastings and tours Tu–Sa by appointment only.

6150 Silverado Trail, Napa, 800.395.2441. Map 3, D5

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STARMONT WINERY & VINEYARDS

Established in 2006 by the Schlatter family as a sister property to the Bordeauxfocused Merryvale Vineyards, Starmont Winery, with its distinctive terroir, thoughtful farming and hands-on winemaking, results in serious yet approachable wines.

1451 Stanly Ln., 707.252.8001.

Map 3, E7 STERLING VINEYARDS

Take in exceptional panoramic views of Napa Valley on a tram ride to this winery’s visitors center, perched atop a 300-foot-tall hillside overlooking the valley. The winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and more.

Tastings and self-guided tours open to the public; guided tours at 11 am. 1111 Dunaweal

Ln., Calistoga, 800.726.6136.

Map 4, E3 STONY HILL VINEYARD

Founded in the 1940s when white wine was a rarity in Napa Valley, this small, family-run winery high on the northeast slope of Spring Mountain continues to produce elegant and balanced Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Reisling and most recently, Cabernet. Tours and tastings by appointment. 3331 Saint Helena Hwy. N, 707.963.2636.

Map 3, B3

Valley estates, and sample delectable food and wine pairings. Discover the art of winemaking through behindthe-scenes barrel tastings in Trinchero’s wine cave. 3070 N. St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena, 707.963.1160. Map 3, B3 VIANSA WINERY

TRINCHERO NAPA VALLEY

One of the first wineries you’ll encounter on Hwy. 121 as you enter Sonoma County from the south, Viansa offers an endless variety of oils, dressings, and dips, in addition to its wines, at its marketplace.

25200 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 800.995.4740. Map 4, F7

The Trinchero family has been making wine in Napa Valley since 1948, and is best known for their Cabernet Sauvignon.

The tasting room is a unique and inviting space where visitors can taste small-lot, single-vineyard wines from Trinchero’s premiere Napa

The country’s oldest continuously operating family-owned winery offers wine tasting, vineyard and garden tours, educational workshops, an upscale restaurant and a scenic 18-hole championship

WENTE VINEYARDS

golf course. Visit the Vineyard Tasting Room to learn about the rich history of California winemaking, book a class at the Winemakers Studio to blend your own bottle or make an appointment for a private group tasting in the historic wine caves. The winery’s summer concert series features musical performances on the beautiful outdoor lawn. 5050 Arroyo Rd., Livermore, 925.456.2300.

WHITE OAK

This winery is a destination for a variety of tastings or a picnic with friends among the vines. The special events like the crab feast, harvest dinner or lobster fete New England style offer opportunities for mingling with fellow aficonados 7505 Hwy 128, 707.433.8429.

15+ Years of Lighting Experience in Wine Country and San Francisco Bay Area Audio and Video Services Available Call Jimmy at 415-420-0413 | E-mail jimmy@napalighting.com | www.napalighting.com 29

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F 31

MY WINE COUNTRY

Where do you send visitors to eat around here?

 Chef Charlie Palmer has proved himself to be a successful entrepreneur with a restaurant, hotel and retail empire spanning coast to coast. Here in Wine Country, he owns Harvest Table in St. Helena, Dry Creek Kitchen and Spirit Bar in Sonoma and the new Charlie Palmer Steak in downtown Napa, as well as two hotels.

For more great Wine Country advice visit wheretraveler.com

In Napa, Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch.

I love their charcuterie and cheddar biscuits.

And Copia at CIA. It’s a great concept of dim sum-style dining at the new Copia campus.

And you can't go wrong at Cook or Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen.

As for Sonoma, I live in Healdsburg, so I definitely eat out more on that side, so the list is a bit longer. Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar, where honestly, all the seafood is delicious. Diavola in Geyserville is my favorite for pizza. Dino [Bugica] does an amazing job in the kitchen there.

Campo Fina in Healdsburg also has great pizza, and it's a great place to bring visiting friends and

32 W H E R E W I N E C O U N T R Y I 2018

family. I also love Chalkboard for the incredible handmade pastas that Shane McAnelly puts out.

Lisa and my four boys.

We'd spend the afternoon at Iron Horse Vineyards and then go out to dinner at Diavola.

What’s your favorite local winery?

What local wines do you enjoy sipping?

This is like picking your favorite child. I have so many favorites, but my favorite wine is pinot noir, and Tom Rochioli [of Rochioli Vineyards] makes the best pinot in the world.

I love Mauritson Wines.

Clay [Mauritson] is a good friend, and his sauv blanc is a great, easy drinker. Some other favorites are Whitehall Lane, Rafanelli, Merry Edwards and Silver Oak.

What’s an overlooked Wine Country activity?

Where would you pick up a gift or souvenir?

My wife Lisa and I hike pretty often in Sonoma County, and I don't think the hiking spots get nearly enough recognition out here.

Oxbow Public Market in Napa is great for foodie gifts. I try to stop by whenever I'm down by Charlie Palmer Steak Napa. If you're looking for artwork or something longer lasting, try one of the Aerena Galleries locations.

Describe your perfect weekend in town.

I'd spend it with my wife

©PAIGE GREEN PHOTO

Where the locals sip and savor

©2017 TRIN C H ERO WI N ERY, ST. H ELENA , CA

E X PERIENCE THE PINNACLE OF NA PA VA LLE Y HOSPITA LIT Y The Trinchero family has been making wine in Napa Valley since 1948 and Trinchero Napa Valley serves to honor the legacy of founder Mario Trinchero. Our brand new tasting room is a truly unique and inviting space where visitors can gather for an unparalleled Napa Valley experience. Taste exclusive, small-lot, single-vineyard wines from our premier Napa Valley estates, sample delectable food and wine pairings, and discover the art of winemaking like never before through behind-the-scenes barrel tastings in our wine cave.

Today, we welcome visitors to be part of our extended family.

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