Fall/Winter 2011

Sonoma County Preferred Wine Country DAY TRIPS TRIPS

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ROBLAR RD. ERIC ROSS ARROWOOD Glen Ellen MOONDANCE B.R. 9 Wine Tasting Trips Pages 15-21 COHN

BODEGA Sonoma/CarnerosTomales HWY 7-14 MOUNTAIN 12 TERRACES GlenBay Ellen 15-21 WASHINGTON VINEYARDS

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San Pablo Bay Photo by Eric Luse/Eric Ross Winery. Copyrighted 2011. In the glass: Eric Ross Pinot Noir, Saralee's Vineyard. Fall/Winter 2011 Sonoma Country Preferred Wine Country

DAYNotes on Wine Tasting TRIPS4 Index 60-61 Heading to the Tasting Room 5 Varietals Poured 60-61 Destiny Wine Tours 6 Sonoma County Wineries Map 62-63 43 TASTING ROOM REVIEWS Armida Winery 42 DeLoach Vineyards 29 Arrowood Winery 18 Dry Creek Vineyards 52 B.R. Cohn Winery 17 Dutcher Crossing Winery 57 Balletto Vineyards 34 Dutton Estate Winery 35 Chalk Hill Estate 37 Eric Ross Winery 19 Charles Creek Vineyard 14 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 58 Chateau St. Jean 24 Forchini 56 Christopher Creek Winery 39 Freestone Vineyards 33 Cline Cellars 10 Haywood Winery 13 De La Montanya Estate 43 Hook & Ladder 28 Hop Kiln (HKG) 41 A Publication of JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar 47 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards 9 Kendall-Jackson Tasting Room 48 Kokomo Winery 54 Ledson Winery & Vineyards 26 Martin Ray Winery 30 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Matanzas Creek Winery 21 Meadowcroft Wines 11 669 Broadway, Suite B • Sonoma, CA 95476 P.O. Box 92 • El Verano, CA 95433 Medlock Ames Winery 50 707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674 Moondance Cellars 20 PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco Mountain Terraces Vineyard 16 Direct (707) 938-3734 [email protected] Peterson Winery 53 SALES REPRESENTATIVE Margaret Villarreal, 707-338-2894 [email protected] Rodney Strong Vineyards 38 MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 25 Phone 707-938-1783 • Fax 707-938-3674 [email protected] Schug Carneros Estate 12 OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Gore Sbragia Family Vineyards 59 Phone 707-938-3494 • Fax 707-938-3674 Email [email protected] Simi Winery 49 EDITORIAL Introductions by Abigail Zimmerman Sonoma-Cutrer 31 CONTRIBUTORS Michelle J. Baker James Marshall Berry Stephen & Walker Winery 46 Brendan Conroy Truett Hurst Winery 55 Ronda Giangreco Charles Neave VJB Vineyards & Cellars 23 Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Viansa Winery 8 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com 3 Notes on Wine Tasting It’s a good idea to plan to visit several wineries as every wine-tasting experience offered is different. With so many distinctive viticultural areas, one can easily taste many of the world’s best varietials and winemaking styles without learning the region. Listed below are five basic types of tasting experiences. The experience will vary in style from winery to winery. Wine Bar Tasting The most common tasting experience is a Wine Bar Tasting. You step up to the bar where typically a list of wines being poured is displayed. Expect to pay a tasting fee between $10-$40. Some tasting bars will offer you the option to taste a library or reserve wine. Exercising this option increases the fee, but will allow you to taste very unique, old or rare wines. Sit Down Tasting A Sit Down Tasting usually requires an appointment and there may be a slightly higher fee than a wine bar fee. Seated in an elegant room, you are poured several wines by your winery host. Expect your host to describe the unique characteristics of each wine and how it was made. Table Service Tasting A Table Service Tasting, popular at sparkling wine fa- cilities, is a tasting experience where you are seated at a ery to pour the first round. Then you move to another table and the tastings are brought to you. place within the winery to sample the next wine. This ex- Walk Around Tasting perience continues until all the wines are tasted. A Walk Around Tasting is a combination of a tour and Barrel Tasting a tasting. Your host brings along several bottles of wine on Another popular tasting experience that can be part your tour, and may take you to a garden area of the win- of a tour or a Walk Around is a Barrel Tasting. Your guide takes a “wine thief,” a special siphon placed into a hole in the top of a barrel to extract tasting samples of a matur- ing wine. The sample allows you to taste what the wine is like in the middle of developing its full potential. Why make an appointment? Some wineries are so small that they need to know when you are coming so someone will be there to greet you. Other wineries have permit restrictions that limit the number of guests that can visit each day. Others have sit-down tastings that start and end at specific times. It’s always a good idea to schedule your appointments well in advance of your visit because some of the more popular wineries fill up their appointments weeks in advance. WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM

4 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Heading to the Tasting Room Do not be intimidated for any car or on a plane, buy a card- reason. That is rule number one board box with Styrofoam wine (and there are very few real rules inserts. Fill it during the day and after that). For the most part, this keeps wine from rolling going wine tasting is about the around in the trunk. easiest thing in the world, espe- Check out the smaller winer- cially here in Northern California ies. It is a revelation. where wineries and tasting Take notes on the wines you rooms abound. You can find most enjoyed. wineries specializing in red Take advantage of tours wines of all types, those that are Twomey Cellars when the winery offers them, but famous for their white wines and keep in mind that they take any- others who pour sparkling wine. It is a matter of doing a where from 20 minutes to well over an hour, so one a day little research and planning your day. is plenty. Most tasting rooms open around 10 a.m. and close be- Buy wines that you can only find at the winery. These tween 4:30 and 6 p.m. As a rule sparkling wine houses are often include smaller (375 ml) bottles of limited produc- opened the latest. Before you start off pack a few essen- tion Ports or dessert wines. Don’t buy a wine you can get tials: Water (plenty of water) and something to snack on at a supermarket back home. You’ll pay more, and besides, – crackers or a baguette. Many wineries have picnic areas what’s the point? and there are plenty of delis and bakeries that can make up Look for tasting rooms in towns. Many of these are co- a lunch for you, or make your own. Which brings us to operative tasting rooms, where in one place you might find eating and drinking, the kind that doesn’t directly involve wines from a dozen or more small-to-medium premium wine. producers. They are scattered throughout the area and Be sure to nibble during the day and make sure you more are opening all the time. make time for lunch. Two tips: drink at least twice as much Don’t give too much thought to ratings and vintages. water as you do wine, and remember that you don’t have It’s like art: if you like it, it’s a good wine. It is as simple as to drink everything poured into your glass. There is a rea- that. son tasting bars have dump buckets and a pitcher of water Remember that you don’t have to do the driving. It to wash out your glass. takes no more than a phone call to rent anything from a That said, here are some tips that have proven to be Town Car or restored Packard convertible to stretch limos helpful and are designed to help make the sensory adven- and a 20-passenger bus. All have drivers that will stow ture of wine tasting all the more enjoyable. your wine for you and the local companies know the area. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Time and time again As to taking that wine home, ten people sharing one of I have heard knowledgeable winery workers say that there those impossibly long limousines is fine and fun, but if you is no such thing as a stupid question, and they mean that. all plan to buy a couple of cases the trunk – which is no You can drink what you want, in the order you want. bigger than a normal luxury cars – is going to fill up fast If you only like reds, say so; if you don’t like sweet wines, and you’re going to find yourself filling the interior floor speak up. But the idea of starting with whites, then going with boxes and using cases of Cabernet as footrest. on to reds and then sweet wines is a good guide. Tell the transportation company what you have in Zinfandel is red. I am sure you know that but it never mind and listen to their advice. They know the territory hurts to remind everyone. and the people and personalities. See next page. If there is a particular wine you want to try and it is Know your limits. If you get close to it let others taste not on the list, ask. There might be a bottle around that and you can listen. It beats ending the day in a blur, and if was opened for a trade tasting or by the winemaker. Most need be calling a taxi is cheaper than the alternative. tasting rooms are happy to pour a little if you show en- And if at a seated tasting, don’t be afraid to leave a gra- thusiasm. tuity. It’s more than worth the five or ten dollars to get If you plan to take wine home with you, either in the wisdom – and wine – and a great time. BY CHARLES NEAVE www.WineCountryThisWeek.com 5 I’ll tell you – the owner, Ray Hanson, is a real character and he’s passionate about what he does. He loves talking with LITTLE KNOWN FACT Destiny Wine Tours was founded in 2009 and Ray’s wife all kinds of people – young people, older people, people is credited with choosing the name for the company from all around the world, etc. One could say that Ray is a (great name, by the way!). real “people person.” He told me, “I meet my passengers as FUN FACT clients, and they leave as friends. I want to adopt them and Owner/Driver Ray Hanson says“after driving a big fire take them home with me.” Next thing you know, Ray will truck for all those years, driving my limo is like driving a own a bed & breakfast to accommodate all of his adoptees! sports car!”Not to worry, though, Ray is a true profes- sional and pilots his limo with great care. Ray is also a firefighter, so if some sort of unfortunate incident happened to occur during your adventure, he would PLANAHEAD know exactly how to handle it. If by chance Ray isn’t your At this point, Destiny Wine Tours has only one limo in their fleet (but they’ll be adding more soon), so make sure driver, his other drivers have all been through rigorous to book your trip well in advance! training to provide exemplary (and safe) service. KUDOSFORDESTINYWINETOURS Along with the wine tours, Destiny safely chauffeurs Five Star Rating on www.yelp.com! clients to the airport, concerts, shopping sprees, weddings, It doesn’t get any better than that! bachelorette parties, sporting events, proms, anniversaries and just about any kind of special event imaginable. Destiny Wine Tours The limo (which comfortably seats eight passengers) is a Tours are available seven days a week spotless black 2006 Lincoln Tiffany Town Car, and it comes 3295 Vichy Avenue, Napa fully stocked with Champagne and other adult beverages, water, sodas and more. It features a state-of-the-art sound 707-254-0442 www.destinywinetours.com system, which will sooth your ears or rock your world, depending on your mood. facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Destiny-Wine-Tours Your car is waiting – let Destiny Wine Tours take you to your travel destination! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench twitter: @destinywinetours Mention this story and get 20% off your adventure with Destiny Wine Tours.

6 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sonoma/Los Carneros Visitorsseekinganover-the-topultra-luxurywinecountryexperiencewouldbeststeerclearof FOOD idyllic,slowSonomaValley. Sure,doublewidetractorsgracethetwo-laneHighway12,wide-open Swiss Hotel Bar & Restaurant ranchlandsblanketthevalleybetweentowns,andwoolysheepkeepweedsandgrassesminimalin 18West Spain Street,Sonoma thevineyards. Butnodoubtyouwillalsofindcountlessaward-winningwineriesandworld-class (707) 938-2884, www.swisshotelsonoma.com restaurants throughout all of Sonoma. Located on the Plaza, this historic bar is a favorite among LivinginSonomaValleyisallaboutlife,abouttasteandenjoyingeachday. “Sonomans”arevery locals who can often be seen seated on the sidewalk patio proudoftheirheritageandtheirtown. Excellenceiswhattheydo…it’sjustdoneinbluejeans. enjoying modern renditions of classical Italian fare . Onthesouthendoftownisoneofthemostuniqueappellations,LosCarneros,thatbridgesboth Hopmonk Tavern NapaandSonomacounties.Colloquiallyknownassimply“Carneros”(or“ram”inSpanish), 691 Broadway, Sonoma Carneroshaslongbeenknownforitscool,coastalclimate,naturalbeautyandunparalleled (707) 935-9100, www.hopmonk.com Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays,Syrahs and sparklingwines. Large selection of beers; traditional and innovative THINGS TO DO Depot Museum pairings of beer and food. Check the website for live music. Downtown Sonoma 270 First St.West, Sonoma Girl&TheFig (707) 938-1762, www.vom.com/depot Picturesque city plaza boasts unique shops, 110West Spain Street, Sonoma Open 1-4:30 p.m.,Wednesday-Sunday award-winning restaurants and fine wines (707) 938-3634, www.thegirlandthefig.com available for tasting. Historic points in- Fine museum with historically significant “Country food restaurant with a French passion.” clude: Mission San Francisco Solano, collections. Admission is free. Barracks, Toscano Hotel and the home of Fremont Diner CornerStone Sonoma General Vallejo. 2698 Fremont Drive, Sonoma 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma (707) 938-7370 Sonoma TrainTown Railroad (707) 933-3010 Old-fashioned style roadside hamburger joint with updated 20264 Broadway, Sonoma www.cornerstonegardens.com menu. Fresh, local ingredients. Try the pulled-pork sandwich or (707) 938-3912, www.traintown.com “CornerStone Sonoma is an eclectic collec- grilled cheese with sage and be sure to splurge on the milkshakes! “The Most Well-Developed Scale Railroad tion of shops, wineries and a gourmet cafe in the Americas!” Steam and diesel scale set amidst nine acres of garden installa- LODGING railroad rides, petting zoo, miniature town, tions created by the world's leading ElDoradoHotel&Kitchen ferris wheel and carousel rides. landscape architects.” 405 1st StreetWest, Sonoma (707) 996-3220, www.eldoradosonoma.com 27-room contemporary boutique hotel located on the Plaza. E AV D 12 R O Restaurant is “sophisticated urban style with relaxed wine- N E . Not to scale A R K N E L V C I

D R country dining.” R H YA Depot Museum E E GROVE VIN G . R D Girl & The Fig Swiss Hotel TLE LOVELL CAS ORANGE Sonoma Hotel SPAIN ST. California Mission V ALLEY El Dorado Kitchen RD Sonoma Hotel THE PLAZA

CHARLES CREEK 4th E 110West Spain Street, Sonoma

7th ST EAST NAPA ST AVE PET ALUMA (707) 996-2996, www.sonomahotel.com

WEST HAYWOOD A 16-room, 19th-century hotel with modern amenities. MacArthur DENMARK ST

5th ST Place BROADWAY BROADWAY Located downtown on the plaza. Lodge at Carneros Traintown

Cellar Door NAPA ROAD 8th ST EAST

OAD I R Fremont MacArthur Place ON 12 TO VE R LE Diner 29 E. MacArthur Street, Sonoma PETALUMA BURNDALE 5th ST EAST 12 CARNEROS RD (707) 938-2929, www.macarthurplace.com 116 SCHUG 121 TO NAPA CARNEROS FREMONT 19th-century estate transformed into a luxurious inn and ESTATE spa featuring Saddles – Sonoma’s best steakhouse BONNEAU MEADOWCROFT Driving Time: 14 minutes TO at CornerStone Sonoma FromViansa TheLodgeatSonoma PETALUMA to Jacuzzi >1 mile 121 to Cline >1 mile Renaissance Resort & Spa to Meadowcroft 1.5 miles 1325 Broadway, Sonoma 101 CLINE JACUZZI to Schug 1 mile (707) 935-6600, www.thelodgeatsonoma.com VIANSA to Haywood 5 miles to Charles Creek >1 mile Spacious and luxurious accommodations; world-class TO Total 8 miles SAN FRANCISCO Raindance Spa; award-winning Carneros Bistro & 37 Wine Bar; excellent venue for weddings and corporate events. m www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sonoma/Los Carneros 7 Experience Italy in Sonoma Valley! CALIFORNIAWINE&FOODPAIRING: Viansa Winery & Marketplace is a true destination in wine Each Saturday we share special recipes created using Viansa country – a taste of Italy on a hilltop at the entrance to Sonoma food products specially paired with Viansa wines. A must for Valley. From the moment guests arrive, they’re greeted by rows any food and wine lover! Visit viansa.com for details or call 1- of grapevines, gnarled olive trees, Italian cypresses, manicured 800-995-4740 for reservations. gardens and Italian statues and fountains. At the end of the drive ITALIANWINE & FOOD PAIRING: sits the winery’s iconic Tuscan Villa, commanding views of Each Sunday we create special Italian-inspired recipes using Sonoma Valley and Carneros. Viansa food products and pair them with specially selected Viansa is best known for its Cal-Ital wines, New World wines Viansa Italian varietals. It’s a virtual trip to Italy! Visit crafted using Old World varietals and methods. Among the viansa.com for details or call 800-995-4740 for reservations. award-winning wines are Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Vernaccia, Barbera, WINESTOSAMPLEONYOURVISIT Sangiovese and more. Of course, the winery also produces 2009 Viansa Barbera – This food-friendly Italian-inspired California favorites like Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and red wine bursts with aromas and flavors of fresh berry, Cabernet Sauvignon. Viansa is also known for its interesting cherry, plum and oak spice. A perfect companion for blends – combinations of California and Italian grapes that you hearty Italian fare! won’t find anywhere else. In fact, all Viansa wines are available 2009 Viansa Vino Rosso – A tasty mix of Sangiovese, only at the winery, through Viansa’s Tuscan Club or at Primitivo, Zinfandel, Petite Verdot and Barbera, this red www.viansa.com. blend offers great flavors of cherry, berry, plum and even a hint of chocolate. A tasting of Viansa wines is best followed by a journey through the winery’s Marketplace, the largest in Sonoma Valley, with freshly JOINTHE CLUB! prepared foods, artisan cheeses and sweets. You’ll want to taste the Viansa’s Tuscan Club offers a wine country experience like no dozens of specialty foods created exclusively for Viansa to comple- other. You can tailor your shipments to meet your particular ment Viansa wines. You’ll also discover unique wine accessories taste. Find our more when you visit the property or at www.viansa.com. along with imported ceramics, wine country artwork and home décor. It’s so much more than your average tasting room! Viansa Winery Viansa also hosts special events, reserve tastings, wine and food Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. pairings and more. Visit viansa.com for details. 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma There are few better places to experience wine country! 1-800-995-4740 | www.viansa.com BRING A FRIEND FOR A FREE TASTING! Purchase one weekend Wine & Food Pairing, and we’ll treat you to a second one. Simply mention this offer when you make reservations and present this printed offer to your Viansa host to redeem. Limit of four guests per visit.

8 Sonoma/Los Carneros www.WineCountryThisWeek.com The sun is shining on an endless sea of vineyards. You’re sipping a luscious glass of Sangiovese and dipping fresh bread FUN FACT in a bowl of rich, buttery olive oil. A scene from a villa in Tus- Their first vineyards were planted in 1936 and consisted of Zinfandel, Carignane and Mourvedre grapes that they cany? No, just another perfect afternoon at the Jacuzzi Family sold for a mere $30-$35 a ton! Vineyards in Sonoma. The Jacuzzi family first emigrated from Italy in the early WINE TOURS 1900s to work on the railroad. Eventually however, the Jacuzzi While the tasting room is open daily for complimentary brothers would venture into the aviation business, the spa tastings, wine tours are available only by appointment. business and to the delight of visitors to the Sonoma Valley, the Please call (707) 931-7576 and they will gladly arrange wine business. to give you a guided tour of their remarkable winery. The vineyards lie primarily in the Carneros wine region that Food and wine pairings can also be arranged. stretches between Napa and Sonoma. Here, the winery sits on DON’TMISS one hundred and ninety acres of lush, fertile land that boasts The Jacuzzi Family museum. A fascinating collection rolling green hills and the historic flatlands of the San Pablo of photos and memorabilia documenting this amazing Bay. Concentrating on Italian wines, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Italian/American family’s history. produces Moscato Bianco, Dolcetto, Aleatico, Aglianico, Primi- tivo and the hard-to-find varietals, Lagrein and Vernaccia, one of Tuscany’s most historic wines, just to name a few. There is no Jacuzzi Family Vineyards need for a passport to be transported to the wine regions of Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Italy, just a short drive to Sonoma will provide all the charm, scenery and magnificent wines of the country without the time 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma and expense of overseas travel. (707) 931-7575 | www.jacuzziwines.com No visit to the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is complete without For tours & reservations, contact a stop by The Olive Press Olive Oil Tasting Room and Gift Teresa Hernando (707) 931-7576 Shop. Dedicated to anything and everything having to do with olives and olive oil, the shop offers samples of the Jacuzzi Fam- Follow them on Facebook: ily Vineyards’ award-winning olive oil that was inspired by the facebook.com/jacuzziwines rich olive oils of Italy and Southern France. – Ronda Giangreco and Twitter: @JacuzziWines

Join the Wine Club and receive special offers and discounts on wines. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sonoma/Los Carneros 9 Wine tasting is never just about the wine. A picturesque winery, warm and welcoming hosts and a bucolic setting in FUN FACT The vineyards were once the site of a Miwok village, as which to enjoy a picnic, all combine to produce the memo- well as the site of the original Sonoma Mission before it ries everyone hopes for when they set out to visit the wine was moved to downtown Sonoma. country. No place delivers all three better than Cline Cellars on the southern edge of Sonoma. MUSTSEE The California Missions Museum is a marvelous collection Fred Cline and his wife Nancy moved their winery from of to-scale models of all of the California missions. It was its original home in Oakley in order to enjoy the magnificent first debuted at the 1939 World’s Fair at Treasure Island. splendor of the Sonoma countryside, as well as to take ad- The models are acclaimed as an extraordinary and accu- rate depiction of California history. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. vantage of the long and fruitful growing season that the Carneros region offers. Their tasting room, located in an WINERY TOURS/TASTING 1850s farmhouse, is surrounded by lush green lawns, six Tours are available at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. daily. Compli- spring-fed ponds and a glorious array of flowers, including mentary tasting is offered daily. Food and wine pairing, wine blending and barrel tasting can be arranged by ap- more than five thousand rose bushes. The scene is the per- pointment. fect backdrop for an afternoon of wine tasting, a wedding or a special event. WHAT’S COMING UP Their historic 350-acre estate is planted to Syrah, Cline Cellars will host the 15th Annual Dixieland Jazz and Wine Festival on July 16th. A local favorite in the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, producing wines that have wine country, this event is the perfect way to spend a consistently garnered rave reviews. But it is Fred’s passion summer day. for the Rhone varietals that have made the winery famous. Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne flourish on the Cline Cellars estate and produce award-winning wines that have visitors Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. coming back time and time again to this quintessential 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma Sonoma winery. By Ronda Giangreco (707) 940-4030 | www.clinecellars.com Follow them at facebook.com/clinewine For tours & reservations, contact Eric Hansen and on Twitter @clinecellars. [email protected] or (707) 940-4061 Join the Wine Club and receive special offers and discounts on wines.

10 Sonoma/Los Carneros www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Meadowcroft Wines is truly a distinctive wine tasting destination. Sitting amid exclusive, one-of-a-kind shops, a UPCOMING EVENTS • Songwriters In Sonoma music series sculpture gallery, an Argentinean restaurant, a flower shop every 3rd Thursday of the month and more than 20 architectural gardens, this location offers • 1st Anniversary of the Tasting Room whimsy, imagination and quite literally, food and wine for October 1, 2011 thought! Tom Meadowcroft selected this location, Corner- • 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Party stone Sonoma, because of the uniqueness and matchless February 18, 2012 character of the property, not unlike his wines. • More wines than they can pour! Tom’s ascent from picking grapes in Bordeaux to his formal education at Napa College, as well as joining VARIETALS Buckland Vineyard Management, initiated and solidified Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, his knowledge and relationships with an elite list of wine- Viognier, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, makers throughout Napa Valley. Tom considers his wines Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and as a “marriage” between the European style of winemaking “All She Wrote”a Port-style red wine with the California style to create distinctive, enduring PLANAHEAD wines. • Bring a picnic and enjoy the wine garden In 1999 Tom bought his Mt. Veeder property, which he • Large groups by appointment only replanted and started anew. The first vintage from this new • Available for private parties vineyard was his 2005 Cabernet which garnered a 94 rating in Wine Enthusiast and was named in the Top 100 Wines of Meadowcroft Wines the Year as well as a Cellar Selection. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. While Tom is often in the vineyards, he 23574 Arnold Drive, Sonoma does stop by the tasting room, frequently (707) 934-4090 • www.meadowcroftwines.com and enjoys catching up with old friends and www.facebook.com/drinkmeadowcroftwines meeting new friends alike. http://twitter.com/#!/catchthebuzzz By Phyllis Hyland Complimentary 2-for-1 wine tasting with this story. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sonoma/Los Carneros 11 If you want to visit the Old World without a passport or plane fare, drive a mile or two off the highway to Schug VARIETALS Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Carneros Estate. Not only does the winery have a European air Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sparkling Pinot Noir about it, they also combine those sensibilities and tradition and Late Harvest Riesling with modern winemaking techniques. They source only the TOURS finest grapes and maintain high winemaking values, crafting As part of the Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures wines that are considered “contemporary classics.” This is what program, the winery offers free, self-guided tours of founder Walter Schug, a celebrated winemaker, had in mind the property year-round and for all ages. It is not when he founded the winery in 1980. strenuous, and it will provide memories (and probably photographs) to keep and to share. The location he chose in the Carneros region specializes in world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The CELEBRATE The winery also offers a Rouge de Noir Sparkling Bavarian-style winery is set atop a broad knoll and surrounded Pinot Noir for those special occasions when nothing by vineyards and the traditional rolling hills of Sonoma; on a will do but bubbles. clear day you can catch a glimpse of Mount Diablo off in the LOCAL TALENT distance. There are also strategically placed picnic tables Winemaker Michael Cox is a Sonoma native. available for use by visitors who want to enjoy lunch or some CAVES cheese and crackers in the sun, overlooking the winery chef’s Your first hint that is truly OldWorld is the cave private herb garden. entrance on the right as you drive in. It looks like a The tasting room warm and compact. The L-shaped tasting European movie location. bar is just the right size, the people knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. They are also very proud of the wines Schug Carneros Estate Winery they offer, and rightly so. There are usually up to ten available, Open daily 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. from a crisp coastal Sauvignon Blanc and a rich Chardonnay 602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma to a whole roster of reds from four carefully chosen varietals. (west at the intersection of Highways 116/121) All the work of some of the finest winemaking knowledge and (707) 939-9363 – www.schugwinery.com experience to be found anywhere. By Charles Neave Follow them on Facebook and Twitter Bring in this story for 2-for-1 tasting.

12 Sonoma/Los Carneros www.WineCountryThisWeek.com It is a new story with a long and distinguished past. The VARIETALS history is about winemaker and vintner Peter Haywood, a leg- Chardonnay, Single-Vineyard Zinfandel, Primitivo and end among Zinfandel lovers from around the country. Another Cabernet Franc part of the back story begins in 1973 and is about Sonoma’s Los Chamizal Vineyard and the Haywood Estate Winery, THE VINEYARD In addition to the varietals that make up the Haywood located in the hills high above this part of Wine Country. Estate labels, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also The new chapter in the Haywood story is their just-opened grown on the 190-acre estate. tasting room off the Sonoma Plaza. Down a beautiful and charming European “alley,” it is stylish and comfortable, with LOCATION The Haywood tasting room is just a few yards from the wide-board wood floors, a warm gray and beige color scheme, Historic Sonoma Plaza, which is full of California history, wine racks on either side and a compact U-shaped tasting bar. restaurants of every flavor and style, and dozens of There are a couple of café tables inside and two right outside unique and interesting shops, galleries and boutiques. the door, where you can take a glass of wine and relax and THENUMBERS imagine you are near the Mediterranean. Annual production is limited to 5,000 cases. Behind the bar is a large painting by the talented artist Tom Clark, and off to one side is an intimate room for private tast- PLANAHEAD ings and small groups. At times the entire space is taken over Sonoma is known for having a good time and throwing great parties, so be sure to go on the web to find out for small special events. Oh, and if the painting looks familiar, what is going on when you plan on visiting. take a look at the wine labels. Peter remains sole proprietor of the winery that bears his Haywood Estate name, and he still produces wine in the Old World manner. Open every day 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The wines available for tasting includes Single Vineyard Zinfan- dels; a clean, crisp, well-rounded Chardonnay; Primitivo (“an 25 East Napa Street, Suite C, Sonoma (707) 933-3001 – www.haywoodwinery.com Italian Zin”) and Cabernet Franc. The perfect wines to sample in this casual, laid-back spot. By Charles Neave Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

Check their website for special offers, www.haywoodwinery.com. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sonoma/Los Carneros 13 The wholesome, unpretentious charm of the Sonoma Plaza is undeniable. Fortunately for the Charles Creek Vineyard Tast- FUN FACTS: ing Room, it is also the view out their front door. • Charles Creek Winery’s Tecolote Wine Club is named Being located directly across from the historic stone city hall after his grandmother. It is Spanish for“owl”and was and leafy expanses of the famous Sonoma Plaza is certainly an his grandfather’s nickname for her. advantage, but having award-winning wines to pour is really • Bill Brinton is a direct descendent of John Deere, who the true measure of a tasting room’s draw for the wine lovers gained fame and fortune as the inventor of the self- who flock to the Sonoma Valley. scouring steel plow and started one of America’s most The Charles Creek Winery does not fail to deliver. Their successful companies. 2009 “Las Patolitas” Chardonnay was named the “Best • Charles Creek is named after Bill and Gerry’s son, Chardonnay of California” at the 2011 California State Fair Charley. with a score of 98 points and a double-gold medal, as well. Created when Bill and Gerry Brinton, the descendants of Charles Creek Vineyard Midwestern farm stock, took the step to expand their little Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. family vineyard into a real commercial winery. Charles Creek 483 First Street West, on the Sonoma Plaza Winery specializes in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, (707) 935-3848 | www.charlescreek.com but they also produce some marvelous smaller lots of Malbec, Find them on Facebook and Twitter. Tempranillo and Grenache. The Brintons are also dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists. One very eye-catching piece, however, is not for sale. “Ms. Moolot” a near-life-sized cow made entirely of wine corks graces the middle of the tasting room…in fact, she nearly takes over the space. But no one complains. She’s a whimsical addition to the tasting room and famous for happily posing with visitors. She has appeared in literally thousands of vacation pho- tos and has become an icon of the winery. By Ronda Giangreco

Show your “Day Trips” guide and receive complimentary tasting (up to 4 persons) and a special discount: 10% off 3 bottles or 20% off any case of 12. Does not combine with other discount offers.

14 Sonoma/Los Carneros www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Glen Ellen FollowHighway12,oncetherailwaysystem,throughtheValleyoftheMoontothebucolicbergof FOOD GlenEllen!GlenEllenismorethanjustatown. Itisthe“foodie”andwinedestinationforSonoma GlenEllenInnOysterGrill&MartiniBar locals. LocatednorthofdowntownSonomaonArnoldDrive,justwestofHighway12,GlenEllen 13670 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6409, www.glenelleninn.com restaurantsandtownmarketcelebratethebestoflocalwines,produceandservices. CheckoutGlenEllen’saward-winningwineriessuchasEricRoss,Benzinger,Audelssa,HKG,Mayo Fusion of local ingredients paired with French, Family,B.R.Cohn,ArrowoodandMoondanceCellars. Enjoyarejuvenatingspaexperienceinsidea Asian and Italian influences. large,historicwinecaskatMagicalMassage.WalkJackLondon’shillsidesandexplorethefamous Saffron ruinsofhisWolfHouse. Or,gatherwithfriendsandfamilyatlocalspotssuchasTheFigCafé,Glen 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen EllenInn,GardenCourtCafé,SaffronandYeti–thebestcurryyou’llhaveoutsideofIndia. (707) 938-4844, www.saffronrestaurant.com Whateveryourtaste,GlenEllenisonesweettownthatsatisfiestimeandagain. “The menu of California fusion cuisine constantly evolves, with the only constant entrée being Chris’s centerpiece dish, THINGS TO DO Paella.” Jack London State Historical Park Bouverie Preserve Yeti Restaurant 2400LondonRanchRd.,GlenEllen 13935Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 938-4554, www.egret.org 14301 Arnold Drive, Jack LondonVillage, Glen Ellen Half-mile-long trail cirlcles through Magnificent 535-acre property features a (707) 996-9930, www.yetirestaurant.com world-famous author, Jack London’s rich and distinct combination of plants Fusion of both Nepalese and Indian cultures. Beauty Ranch – features the remains and animals, including more than 130 of Jack London’s dream home destroyed species of birds, 350 species of flowering Garden Court Cafe by fire before moving in as well as a plants and numerous large mammals 13647 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen museum and the grave site of Jack and such as the bobcat, grey fox, and coyote. (707) 935-1565, www.gardencourtcafe.com Charmian London. A local favorite for breakfast, brunch and lunch. TheRedBarnStoreatOakHillFarm “If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault.” Quarryhill Botanical Garden 15101Highway 12, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6643, www.oakhillfarm.net Glen EllenVillage Market 12841Highway12, Glen Ellen Rustic 100-year-old dairy barn selling 13751 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6027, www.quarryhillbg.org fresh herbs, lettuce, heirloom vegetables, (707) 996-6728, www.sonoma-glenellenmkt.com Asian botanical gardens featuring one of flowers and ornamental greens, hand- Pack the perfect picnic at this wine country inspired the largest collections of documented, crafted wreaths, dried goods, bouquets and gourmet market with fresh, local products. wild-collected Asian plants in the world. gifts. LODGING p Gaige House Inn MATANZAS Driving Time: 32 minutes 13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen

D R From MountainTerraces CREEK S (707) 935-0237, www.gaige.com B E G N IN to B.R. Cohn 4+ miles N R E T P T S to Arrowood >1 mile Asian-inspired ambiance combined with modern luxury. V M A L R L A E to Eric Ross 2.5 miles

W Beltane Ranch Y Granite soaking tubs and private Japanese gardens perfect R D to Moondance >1 mile . D RD R for in-suite spa treatments. Michelin recommended. R TRINITY to Matanzas Creek >8 miles

A B Total 15+ miles Ranked as 18 in Conde Nast’s Top Small Hotels in the U.S. UN

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R R R R S Gaige G Beltane Ranch N I R House P MayoMMayy yoo FFamily S Inn

M 11775 Highway 12, Glen Ellen

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W ANCH W Saffron Quarry Hill Botanical Garden Jack London N R www.beltaneranch.com, (707) 996-6501 DO Glen Ellen Inn Garden Court Cafe ON State Park L Jack London Lodge Bouverie Preserve 1892 ranch house and cottage – walking trails lead past Glen Ellen Village HKG ESTATE Market ARROWOOD horses and cattle, through vineyards, olive orchards and ERIC ROSS Yeti organically farmed produce gardens. MOONDANCE BR COHN CELLARS The Red Barn Store Jack London Lodge at Oak Hill Farm 13740 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen www.jacklondonlodge, (707) 938-8510 MADRONE MOUNTAIN CAVEDALE TERRACES Situated on Sonoma Creek quiet, peaceful setting with

MOON MTN VINEYARDS a pool, heated spa and lovely gardens. Facility includes Not to scale Wolf House Restaurant and historic Jack London Saloon. m www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Glen Ellen 15 As one travels up the mountain, miles upon miles of ter- raced vineyards cascade in perfect symmetry down the OVERALL PHILOSOPHY “Don’t forget to stop and smell the vino.” summit while being juxtaposed to the cool, silk-like fog em- The overall message imparted by the Schaefer family bankment that highlights the terrain. Very few sites in the is very festive and emphasizes the celebration of life. area embody such aesthetic beauty as Mountain Terraces Vineyard. Located on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder, this SEEINGTHESIGHTS From Mountain Terraces Vineyard, one can see not only pristine masterpiece of agricultural artistry will leave any a beautiful slice of Sonoma Valley, but one can also see viewer with a sense of awe and appreciation. San Pablo Bay, San Francisco and the top of the Golden With 125 acres (80 of which are planted) as well as Gate Bridge.The true majesty of the view is nothing multiple elevations within the estate, it is no wonder that short of amazing. Mountain Terraces Vineyard is capable of growing a multi- BRING SOME SNACKS tude of Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. There are also 800 We would highly suggest packing some picnic items for Italian olive trees adding to the beauty of the property from the trip because once you see the view; you will not which absolutely lovely estate olive oil is made. want to leave for a very long time.There are also conve- The winery on the top of the estate is called Akóma niently placed picnic tables from which one can take in the charm of the mountainside. Don’t forget a loaf of Zoúme which is Greek and means “live on.” Thoughtfully bread for dipping in the estate olive oil. crafted from these premium mountainside grapes are truly delightful, complex and balanced wines. Mountain Terraces Vineyard Mountain Terraces Vineyard will offer the quintessential Open by appointment only. day trip experience. With such majestic views, one cannot help but to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a bright, sunny af- For tours or more information, contact Dan and Gloria Schaefer ternoon with friends and family in the heart of naturalistic (707) 481-7377 | [email protected] decadence. Vineyard tours are presented only by appoint- ment so that the guests may have the finest experience and Follow Mountain Terraces Vineyard on Facebook make a memory to last a lifetime. at www.facebook.com/MtTerracesVnrd By Brendan Conroy and also on Twitter @MtTerracesVnrd

“Check in” or “Tweet” about your visit and receive a gift while you are here!

16 Glen Ellen www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Rounding a curve on Highway 12, the sight of the pristine, white farmhouse that is home to the B.R. Cohn Winery looks like FUN FACTS: a postcard in the making. This small family-operated winery, sur- • Bruce Cohn sold his first crop of grapes to rounded by the Olive Hill Estate Vineyards, says “Sonoma” in a August Sebastiani. way that no other winery quite can. • Soon to be famous winemaker, Helen Turley, The vineyards are warmed by underground hot springs, while was an early member of the B.R. Cohn team and cool ocean breezes from the west swoop in to create the ideal wowed the wine world with stellar releases of growing conditions for the B.R. Cohn line of wines, including ex- B.R. Cohn’s first four vintages. ceptional Cabernets, Zinfandels, Malbec, Merlots and • Bruce Cohn’s favorite car is his classic 1933 Chardonnays. The Olive Hill designation is famous throughout Willys Roadster, one of only 98 built in Australia. the region for providing the highest quality of grapes and many of • Besides owning one of Sonoma’s most famous wineries, the region’s top winemakers have utilized fruit from these vine- Bruce Cohn is also the manager of the Doobie Brothers. yards in their production of premium wine. • The B.R. Cohn farmhouse was once used as a But magnificent wine is not the only draw of this popular win- stagecoach stop for Wells Fargo. ery. In 1990, Bruce Cohn began producing gourmet extra virgin olive oil from the 140-year-old Picholine olive trees that dot his land, as well as handcrafted vinegars. His B.R. Cohn Olive Oil is B.R. Cohn Winery now considered one of the finest examples of ultra-premium olive & Olive Oil Company oil in California. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music is another passion of this very Renaissance man. The Charity Fall Music Festival held at the winery, now in its 25th 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen year, has garnered a loyal following and helped to make the win- (707) 938-4064 | www.brcohn.com ery a primary destination spot for visitors to the area. Email: [email protected] Don’t miss the Gourmet Shop either, where you can sample their line of gourmet olive oils and hand-crafted vinegars. To schedule tours by appointment, call On the many sunny days that grace this beautiful corner of the 1-800-330-4064 ext. 124 world, their patio area provides the perfect location for a picnic and a chance to gaze out at the rolling vineyards surrounding the Look for B.R. Cohn on Twitter, estate. By Ronda Giangreco Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. 2-for-1 wine tasting when you mention this article. New food products in the Gourmet Shop: Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar & Fig Balsamic Vinegar! www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Glen Ellen 17 With a roaring fireplace in the tasting room and a wrap- around veranda offering sweeping views of Sonoma Mountain, PLANAHEAD Arrowood Winery is the perfect winery to visit anytime of year. For a more intimate and in-depth experience, call ahead to reserve a spot in the daily winery Tour and Private At Arrowood, the focus is squarely on great wine, and lead- Wine Tasting, held at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily ($20); ing the way is a slate of truly special Cabernet Sauvignons. for just $10 more visitors can add cheese pairing to the Arrowood is one of a scant few wineries that makes Cabernet Private Wine Tasting. Sauvignon from the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard, which was first planted all the way back in 1888. Arrowood’s Monte VARIETALS Rosso Cab, hailing from a small block of the vineyard planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, is classically dark and intense, with Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Syrah, Viognier, Côte de Lune beautiful aromatics, complexity and elegance, with a lengthy Blanc (white Rhône-style blend), Côte de Lune Rouge and soulful finish. (red Rhône-style blend) and a decadent Late Harvest Arrowood makes a vast selection of other varietals, includ- Riesling. ing three Syrahs that each show a different face of this versatile LITTLE KNOWN FACT and interesting varietal. The same is true for the winery’s vari- Arrowood has a by-the-glass wine list; it’s easy to stop by ous Chardonnays, and for white wine lovers Arrowood offers for a glass of wine and enjoy the roaring fireplace in the Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Viognier produced in very winter; in the summer, hang out on the wrap-around limited quantities. veranda and enjoy the spectacular view. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden took over winemaking duties in 2010 after three years as Arrowood’s assistant wine- maker. Heidi has the good fortune to work with fruit from Arrowood Winery some of the best vineyards in the area, including Arrowood’s Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. certified organic estate vineyard, Saralee’s Vineyard in the 14347 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen Russian River Valley and Monte Rosso Vineyard. For tours or more information, contact On your trip through Sonoma Valley, drop by Arrowood for 1-800-938-5170 | (707) 935-2600 a Classic Tasting, featuring the best of what Sonoma County www.arrowoodvineyards.com has to offer, or a Reserve Tasting, representing the best quality fruit selected for Arrowood wines. By Michelle J. Baker Become a fan on Facebook!

Mention “Day Trips” and receive a complimentary tasting of the Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% off your wine purchase!

18 Glen Ellen www.WineCountryThisWeek.com If one is charged with finding a perfect wine for the perfect meal, Eric Ross is the place to look. With a wide variety of dif- WINESNOTTOMISS 2010 Marsanne Roussanne – Lemon, citrus with a ferent grapes originally descending from such prestigious balanced acidity which would be perfect with shellfish. regions as France, Spain and even Croatia, any consumer can 2010 Saralee Pinot Noir – Light body with hints of discover a wine that would not only go with their favorite meal, bramble and raspberry. but also could be enjoyed on its own. Stylistically, each wine has 2009 Dry Creek Old Vine Zinfandel – Classic example of a bold, fruity front palate which only blossoms the longer one the 90 year old vines working hard to deliver smooth rich darker berry aromas with balanced smokey undertones. savors it and very elegantly finishes without bite or harsh tan- nin. The wine makes a statement without being abrasive. VARIETALS Marsanne-Roussanne, Albarino, Russian River Pinot Noir, As one is deciding on a preference between the different Tempranillo, Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Old Vine Zin Port wines (which is no easy feat), take a moment to experience the are available to taste and purchase by the case or the photography adorning the tasting room. The winemaker, Eric bottle during regular tasting room hours with 20% Luse, began his wine journey as a photographer for the San discounts available for wine club members. Francisco Chronicle. Fascinated by the wine and its lifestyle, LEARNMORE Luse began taking pictures of vineyard workers as they worked As stated earlier, each of Luse’s photos has a vivid story diligently day-by-day in the vineyards. Each one of his photo- behind it, so feel free to also inquire into the individual graphs has a story to be told, and yet the viewer can by lives of the vineyard workers that he has so eloquently depicted and memorialized. The beauty of some specific themselves relive life from moment to moment through the pictures stem from the minimalistic presentation of the eyes of these dedicated vineyard workers. photograph contrasted with the depths of emotion in the With a total annual production of roughly 3000 cases, Eric central point of focus. Ross does not distribute outside of the tasting room and thus is Eric Ross Winery very hard to come by. So plan a day at Eric Ross and make sure Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to think of your favorite meals because this truly premier win- 14300 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen ery will make any dinner exceptional. For more information, (707) 939-8525 | www.ericross.com visit ericross.com. By Brendan Conroy For private tastings, contact Dennis & Diane Become a Fan of Eric Ross Winery on Facebook! (707) 939-8525 or [email protected] Each wine from Eric Ross is unique and complex for one reason only, great wine is made in these quality driven vineyards, not the cellar. Once you “Taste The Vineyard” your palate will be forever spoiled! www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Glen Ellen 19 Not everyone in the wine industry takes themselves seriously. FUN FACTS Some have a blast doing what they love and enjoying the ride. Priscilla and David Cohen are two of the most friendly, • David’s pride and joy is his 1965 blown approachable vintners in Sonoma County. Their casual, candy brandy-wine Corvette. welcoming tasting room offers exactly the kind of personal, • David and Priscilla are ardent supporters of one-of-a-kind wine country experience that many people seek Canine Companions for Independence and are when visiting this famous region. partnering with them through the sale of the Moondance Cellars is truly a boutique winery, producing small Life Unleashed Moondance Merlot. lots of award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir • Priscilla likes to spend her days off exploring and Zinfandel from grapes grown in some of the most celebrated the beautiful back country of Sonoma astride vineyards of Napa, Sonoma, Russian River and Dry Creek Valley. her paint gelding, Jester. Located in historic Jack London Village, in the sleepy little vil- • In the tasting room, Sonoma Valley Portworks also lage of Glen Ellen, Moondance Cellars requires that you take a pours 3-5 Ports and dessert wines. And, guests can moment and step off the beaten path. You will be amply awarded step next door to watch the Wine Country Chocolate for your efforts. Either David or Priscilla themselves will likely be Chocolatiers hand-craft their delicious truffles. around to greet you and pour their marvelous wines, along with a • For the ultimate in wine country experiences, gather few tall tales sure to produce a hearty round of laughter at the together a group of your friends and make some tasting bar. This is where wine tasting means a darned good time. vino of your own at Moondance Cellars. It starts with David and Priscilla’s white wines are offered as Orchard Station a private tasting tour, lunch and even a serenade in wines. Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railroad ran through the West the gardens. Then your group will actually participate County hills until the 1940s. The stop “Orchard Station” was on in the bottling and labeling of approximately twenty- propety near Sebastopol that is now their home and winery. Or- five cases of your own custom-blended wine. chard Station wines are also award-winning, Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and an un-oaked Chardonnay from RRV, Moondance Cellars Sonoma Coast and Gold Ridge grapes. Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. David came by his skills as a winemaker through family con- 14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen nections. His cousin, Bruce Cohn, owns the famous B.R. Cohn Winery. With the assistance of such luminaries of the trade as (707) 823-0880 • [email protected] Helen Turley and the late John Speed, David was able to hone his For tours & reservations, call (707) 938-7550 craft and take his place alongside the best. By Ronda Giangreco Follow them on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter.

Complimentary tasting with mention of this magazine. 100%x Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back – LOL.

20 Glen Ellen www.WineCountryThisWeek.com This is what wine country is all about – leave the big town or the big highway, roll down the windows and let the fresh WHAT TO TASTE The Journey wines are crafted from the most pedigreed vine- country air flow as you meander the narrow, winding road past yard sites in Sonoma County. Try the Journey Chardonnay or horses, dairy cows and vineyards. All just to see where the the Journey Red Wine, a Bordeaux-style blend. road takes you. LAVENDER CLASS! In this case it will take you to Matanzas Creek Winery, a Matanzas Creek is hosting a series of lavender seminars for place that offers something for the wine lover, the green thumb fans of this aromatic and versatile plant. Learn how to plant, and most anyone in between. tend, harvest and dry lavender. For more details, check the Matanzas Creek, which put the bucolic east Santa Rosa winery’s website. neighborhood of Bennett Valley on the map, took its name SPECIAL TOURS AND TASTING OPPORTUNITIES from the creek that drains away the runoff in the valley. The Matanzas Creek offers private tours and tasting daily at area enjoys a unique microclimate among North Coast appella- 10:30 a.m. Choose from a Tour and Vintage Room Tasting or go all out with a Tour, Vintage Room Library Tasting and tions, with cooling influences from several fronts – the Russian Cheese Pairing! Reservations are required. River Valley and Petaluma Gap from the west and southwest, and the San Pablo Bay to the south and southeast. LITTLE KNOWN FACT You can take a free, self-guided vineyard tour during regular Matanzas Creek produces a wide range of wines that reflect tasting room hours. The walk is less than a mile and is de- the viticultural diversity of Bennett Valley and Sonoma signed for all ages and levels of wine experience. No County. The winery is perhaps best known for its Merlot and reservations required. Sauvignon Blanc. At Matanzas Creek, the cooling influences in Bennett Valley produce a Merlot that is not only great, but Matanzas Creek Winery wonderfully expressive and complex. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors flock to Matanzas Creek in the spring and early 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa summer when the lavender fields are in bloom. Lavender has www.matanzascreek.com long been the honored co-star here, and a section of the tasting For Tours and Reservations, call room is dedicated to the lavender products (soaps, scents, oils 1-800-590-6464 or (707) 528-6464 and more) that are made at the winery. By Michelle J. Baker or email: [email protected]

Mention “Day Trips” for a complimentary tasting of Journey Red Wine. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Glen Ellen 21 Kenwood/Highway 12 FirstdrivingintotheValleyoftheMooniscertainlyalushlysensoryexperience. Rollinghills,centuries-oldHeritageOaksandverdantvineyardsdrape theslopesandvalleyfloorbeneathSonoma’smajesticallycraggyMayacamamountainrange. Gracefuloldcountrymanorsandtheirlargelystillin-tact estatesdotthecountrysidewhilecozytownsstillspeaktoneighborlydaysgoneby. KenwoodboastssomeofthefinestartisanwineriesinallofnorthernCalifornia.TyCaton,MuscardiniCellars,VJB,MayoReserveRoom,KenwoodWin- ery,Kunde,DeerfieldRanch,Enkidu,theAnnadelEstate,Ledson,St.FrancisandChateauSt.Jeanareonlysomeoftheawardwinning,gorgeousWine CountryDestinationslocatedinandadjacenttoKenwood. Lookingforabreakfromwinetasting? EnjoyantiqueshoppingatVitaBellaorbrowse“Swede’sFeeds”forgardenandbothlargeorsmallpets’needs. Splurgeonanultra-luxuriousmassageorfacialattheKenwoodInn&Spa. Orsimplysitout,pickupaKenwoodPressnewspaperandunwindonthe patiosatCaféCitti,theKenwood,orDoceLunasrestaurants.

THINGS TO DO Kenwood Plaza Park FOOD Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Located onWarm Springs Road Kenwood Restaurant Highway 12 & Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood between Kenwood Depot and 9900 Highway 12, Kenwood, CA 95452 Hikes include views, bridges and impressive Kenwood Community Church (707) 833-6326, www.kenwoodrestaurant.com waterfalls. Home of Ferguson Observatory – This 5 acre park comes complete with a play A favorite restaurant for local winemakers, vintners largest in the western United States. structure and picnic tables. & celebrities. Fresh ingredients, great views, local/international wines. Kenwood Depot Kenwood Farmhouse 314Warm Springs Road, Kenwood 9255 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood Café Citti (707) 833-5190, www.kenwooddepot.com (707) 833-1212 9049 Highway 12, Kenwood Sonoma County Historic Landmark #46. Gift shop specializing in the works of local (707) 833-2690, www.cafecitti.com Now a venue for special events, this historic artisans and craftsmen. A trattoria style restaurant with landmark was once a working train station Look for them on Facebook. “great food, great value, great atmosphere.” and was built from locally cut basalt. Swede’s Feeds Pet Garden & Gifts Vineyards Inn Kenwood Community Church 9140 Highway 12, Kenwood 8445 Highway 12, Kenwood 9637 Channing Row, Kenwood (707) 833-5050, swedesfeedskenwood.com (707) 833-4500, www.vineyardsinn.com www.kenwoodcommunitychurch.com Gifts, garden art, unsual plants Creative, organic, authentic flavors of Spain Charming church built in 1888. and pottery. LODGING

C O Adler Fels R KenwoodInnAndSpa R Driving Time: 4 minutes IC K TO LN FromVJBVineyards & Cellars 10400 Highway 12, Kenwood SANTA ROSA to Chateau St. Jean >1 mile to St. Francis >2 miles (707) 353-6966, www.kenwoodinn.com LOS AMOS RD to Ledson 1 mile A secluded, luxury hotel; Mediterranean-inspired private LEDSON Total 3 miles restaurant; rated in the top three resort spas in the United PYTHIANP RD DRR ST. FRANCIS States – Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Poll, April 2009.

OAKMONT Sugarloaf Ridge State Park ANYON RD. BE C DO TO LAWNDALE A SANTA ROSA 12 Vineyards Inn T. J E AN R D U S TE A CHA Cafe Citti CHATEAU ST. JEAN VJB CELLARS Mayo Family Reserve Room Swede’s Feeds Kenwood Farmhouse Pets, Gardens & Gifts

WARM SPRINGS RDPark Depot Church Kenwood Restaurant Not to scale Kenwood Inn and Spa Photo courtesy of Kenwood Depot

22 Glen Kenwood/Highway 12 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com As one of the few family owned and operated wineries in Sonoma Valley, VJB emphasizes hospitality. Derived from STANDOUT WINES rich, Italian upbringing, the Belmonte family treats guests as The award-winning Estate Sangiovese has a nose full of red fruit, baked earth and cedar, with hints of dried or- if they were family. In fact, most of the time, one is even able ange peel. Soft and velvety on the palate, black cherry to meet the actual family members working diligently in the and ripe strawberry abound. Supple tannins, firm acid tasting room and appreciate their love of wine and people. and soft earth tones round out this“Classico-style” The idea for the winery originally stemmed from the Bel- Sangiovese. Pair this wine with a thin-crust pizza with monte family’s restaurant known as Caffe Portofino located basil and prosciutto for an authentic Italian meal! Other near the town square of Santa Rosa. They wanted to make standout wines include some unique Italian varietals, Aglianico (91points), Montepulciano (96 points) and our wine specifically to serve the patrons at their restaurant in super Tuscan blend, Dante (93 points). order to add a more personal connection to the meal. These customers were certainly in for treat with these wines. WINE CLUB CRUISE One of the best representations of VJB’s wine is the 2010 Join the Belmonte Family for their 3rd Annual Wine Club Barbera. It begins with ripe cherry, a hint of boysenberry, Cruise, June 22 through July 1, 2012. Spend nine days and ends with rich notes of cinnamon and a trace amount cruising from Barcelona, Spain to Venice, Italy complete of jamminess. This is from start to finish one of the best with winemaker dinners and receptions. Henry and Vit- Barberas in the valley. Montepulciano and Sangiovese are torio Belmonte, and the rest of the family, will lead you also Italian varietals from VJB that should not be missed. through the ultimate in wine, culinary fare and scenery. Now producing roughly 5000 cases annually, VJB’s For details, contact Alec Vance of Casa Bella Vista Travel, highly acclaimed and often sold-out wines are excclusively (707) 280-2712. To join the VJB wine club, visit the web- site at www.vjbcellars.com. sold at the tasting room and through the wine club known as “Club Enoteca.” The wines themselves are mostly grown VJB Vineyards & Cellars in Sonoma Valley on their estate vineyards and they use, for the most part, neutral oak in order to emulate the Italian Tasting available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily style of winemaking. Not only does VJB serve wine, but it Espresso bar opens at 7 a.m. weekends also offers exceptional Italian coffee and homemade biscotti 6 a.m. Monday-Friday so that patrons can enjoy the facility at all hours of the day. 9077 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood By Brendan Conroy (707) 833-2300 • www.vjbcellars.com

Mention this story for complimentary tasting + 15 % savings on any wine purchase! www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Kenwood/Highway 12 23 As patrons arrive at Chateau St. Jean they are greeted by an expansive European-inspired garden. The topiary is a true WHATNOTTOMISS spectacle which creates a defined ambiance of both grandeur and The gardens stand alone as truly a spectacular sight. sophistication. The adjacent patio allows patrons to fully admire The Vineyard Room tasting may be $10 more than the the garden even before they have had a chance to taste. regular, but one should invest in the experience itself Chateau St. Jean has two tasting room options. The main tast- and taste premium wines in the comfort of an outside patio overlooking beautiful hills and vineyards. ing room has one of the largest wine-related gift shops in Sonoma Valley and offers a well-balanced sampling of both whites and reds. STANDOUT WINES The Vineyard Room, located directly across from the main tasting The Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cépages, Merlot Re- room, focuses on Chateau St. Jean’s higher-end wines. serve, Reserve Chardonnay, Benoist Pinot Noir, With a total annual production of slightly under 400,000 Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Fume Blanc and for the sweet cases, consisting of 32 different wines (10 of which are wine drinker, the Gewurztraminer. distributed), Chateau St. Jean is well known in many wine circles. ONE STOP SHOPPING One of its most highly reputable wines is known as the Cinq Chateau St. Jean has an exquisite merchandise section Cépages. A winner of countless awards over the years, the Cinq with assorted cheeses, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, Cépages is arguably the most complex wine in Chateau St. Jean’s as well as anything one would need in order to create wine repertoire. In fact, for $75 per person, one can experience a superb picnic experience. With grounds as beautiful all of the different components that go into the wine with the as this, one can plan an entire day around the bounty Cinq Cépages blending seminar. It lasts roughly two hours and of Chateau St. Jean. the everyday wine drinker can feel like an expert as they create their own blend and compete with other tour members in the Chateau St. Jean “Best Blend” contest. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Another option is the Promenade Tour and Tasting – a relaxing 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood guided tour of the stunning estate that takes place daily at 11 a.m. www.chateaustjean.com and 1 p.m. For $15 per person an educated host will teach you the For tours & reservations, call rich history as well as the growing cycle and the fruit characteristics 1-800-543-7572 of several grape varieties while sipping on some of their finest wines. By Brendan Conroy Follow Chateau St. Jean on Facebook! – 2 for 1 wine tasting and 15% off wine purchases with this story. – ••• – $5 off the Promenade Tour and Tasting with this story. –

24 Kenwood/Highway 12 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com With so many different options for wine tasting in Sonoma Valley, it can be difficult to choose one over another. One win- PLANNINGASPECIALEVENT? ery may have great wine, and another may have a beautiful The St. Francis Visitors Center is perfect for events such as company meetings or wedding receptions. It’s a gorgeous view. For the best of everything, come to St Francis Winery & setting, ideal for all types of gatherings and celebrations. Vineyards. Start by admiring the majestic view surrounding the Visitor WINESTO ENJOY Center. With its plush foliage, acres upon acres of vineyards Zinfandel lovers will delight in St. Francis’selection of and intricate, Tuscan-inspired architecture, St. Francis Winery award-winning Zins. The 2008“Tres Viejos”(meaning is nothing short of breathtaking. Sit on the back patio taking in three old men) is a zesty, distinctive red, with pomegran- the view of 136 acres of estate vineyards as well as the grandeur ate, cherry and black licorice aromas and ripe, supple wild of Hood Mountain. berry, toasty dill and sage flavors. The 2008 Pagani Vine- yard Old Vines Zinfandel is a Sonoma Valley classic; spicy With three different tasting options, there is a selection of and brambly, with flavors of dark fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg wines for every palate. Visitors can select from a mixture of and clove, followed by a long, balanced finish. whites and reds. Zinfandel fanatics can even enjoy a tasting ex- clusively comprised of different, distinct Zinfandels. The vast FORTHE HOLIDAY SHOPPER majority of St. Francis’ grapes come from Sonoma Valley, with St. Francis offers a large selection of holiday gifts for the the rest coming from other top appellations in Sonoma County, wine lovers on your list, including an assortment of beau- such as Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley. tifully etched hand-painted bottles. These elegant For the ultimate culinary wine adventure, reserve a seat at showpieces make a unique gift, or use them to add flair to a festive holiday table. one of the daily wine and food pairings. The multi-course ex- perience costs $35 and pairs four premium wines with St. Francis Winery & Vineyards exceptional gourmet foods from the winery’s talented onsite Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Executive Chef David Bush. Availability varies by season. Call 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa for information or reservations: 1-888-675-WINE. Shopping for a great wine club? AOL’s Luxist recently 1-888-675-WINE named the St. Francis Patrons Society “one of the best wine www.stfranciswinery.com clubs in the U.S.” By Brendan Conroy Follow St. Francis on Facebook!

Present this story to receive two-for-one wine tasting. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Kenwood/Highway 12 25 Located in the heart of the picturesque Sonoma wine country rests a majestic castle known as Ledson Winery. The absolute grandeur of WINEMAKER PHILOSOPHY the Castle is simply stunning. Driving up the road to the winery, one “To make a bottle of wine for every person on Earth feels they are being welcomed into a world where wine and decadence for both the price point and palate.” meets. Whether exploring the scenery, sitting by the fountain and looking out over the estate vineyard, or combing through the seem- WHATNOTTOMISS ingly endless amount of corridors within the Castle, one is sure to feel The intricately detailed architecture of the building is a must see. It is designed so that even the smallest detail they’re in for an unforgettable wine country experience. On every on the walls or the floor creates an impact. level, Ledson Winery aims to create an experience for their guests which goes well beyond common expectations. Once inside, you are TASTING MENU greeted by a concierge and invited to visit any of the three downstairs Ledson has numerous different varietals as well as tasting bars or peruse the gourmet marketplace fully stocked with diversified growing regions on the menu, so there really is sandwiches, salads and artisanal cheeses – perfect for a picnic outside a wine for every preference. Specific standouts include on one of many benches overlooking the vineyards. Upstairs are mul- the Dry Creek Zinfandel, the Knight’s Valley Cabernet tiple private tasting suites that one can reserve ahead of time. If Sauvignon and the Cépage blend. visiting with a large group this is really a wonderful way to experience the winery and I recommend calling to check on availability. YOUMAYNOWKISSTHEBRIDE With a staggering 86 different wines produced Ledson offers a Ledson is one of the few Sonoma Valley wineries that wine tasting experience for all in both diversity and complexity. Not can be reserved for wedding ceremonies. There is truly one of the wines produced by Ledson Winery is distributed outside of nothing more magical than a wedding at the beautiful the tasting room. Steve Ledson, the winery’s owner and winemaker, castle in order to make a story book fantasy come true. says he prides himself on crafting wines for every palate. And to do so effectively, without compromising Ledson’s extraordinary attention to Ledson Winery & Vineyards quality, he limits his total case production to 40,000 cases a year. So if Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. you want to sample the incredible Ledson catalogue of wines, you must visit the Castle, in Kenwood. With such beautiful grounds, it’s no 7335 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood wonder this winery is constantly holding special events throughout (707) 537-3810 | www.ledson.com the year. The tickets for their annual Harvest Party, held every October For tours & reservations, contact for wine club members, go quickly. So when planning for you next va- (707) 537-3823 or [email protected] cation, or weekend excursion to the wine country, remember that Ledson Winery’s calendar is one you’ll want to check. By Brendan Conroy Follow Ledson on Facebook! Upgraded Tasting: Purchase a tasting of 6 wines and receive an upgrade to 9 wines.

26 Kenwood/Highway 12 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com RussianFormorethanacentury,theRussianRiverhasbeenatruegatewaytothegrandeurofCalifornia's River/Olivet FOOD wildnatureanddramaticcoast. Today,itisstilladestinationforallnaturalistsaswellasan JohnAsh&Co.Restaurant ,4330BarnesRoad,SantaRosa increasinglyhigh-profilewineregion–andrightlyso. RussianRiverwinesarequicklybecoming (707) 527-7687, www.vintnersinn.com someofthefinest,mostsought-afterwinesintheworldandartisanwinemakersarefinally Celebrate wine cuisine at its best. Cooking seasonally with fresh, gettingtheirdue. Comeforthefreshair,finewines,incomparablecuisinesandrelax! local foods and produce—and pairing these exceptional recipes with wines from the region, today the restaurant remains an THINGS TO DO Pacific Coast Air Museum icon of gourmet dining and wine country living. Safari West 2230 Becker Blvd., Santa Rosa Gilardi's Delicatessen, 810 Den Beste,Windsor, (707) 838-9869 3115PorterCreekRoad,SantaRosa (707) 575-7900 Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna (707) 579-2551, www.safariwest.com www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org and freshly baked sourdough garlic breads. Fun for all generations of your family! “Climb Aboard” vintage aircraft, Experience the spirit of Africa in the wine and learn about the history of where and LODGING country on a Safari Adventure or book a tent how it was used from the crew who has Vintners Inn,4350BarnesRoad,SantaRosa and sleep overnight in the Animal Kingdom. lovingly restored it. Currently, the (707) 575-7350, www.vintnersinn.com Riverfront Regional Park F-14 Tomcat, F-16N Viper & F-5 Tiger II A luxury, 44-room, 4 Diamond intimate hotel that is 7821 Eastside Road, Healdsburg are featured. designed to showcase the very finest in gracious hospitality (707) 565-2041 Windsor Golf Club that Wine Country provides. Relax in the spa, walk the Once a gravel quarry site, this park now boasts 1340 19th Hole Drive,Windsor grounds, even take a cooking class with famed chef John Ash! 2 sparkling lakes perfect for fishing and (707) 838-7888, www.windsorgolf.com Truly an exceptional hotel! non-motorized boating. Explore redwood grove Fountain Grove Inn Follow in the footsteps of the pros at this picnic areas and more than 2 miles of trails 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa par 72 championship course regarded by around Lake Benoist! (707) 578-6101, www.fountaingroveinn.com the regulars as a must-play course. Charles Schulz Museum For business or leisure travel, the Fountain Grove Inn Four tee options provide an appropriate 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa Hotel & Conference Center is a luxurious, but not ostentatious, (707) 579-4452, www.schulzmuseum.com challenge for any skill level. hotel that is convenient to all of Sonoma County wine country. Armstrong Redwoods A tribute to the wonderful man who Hilton SonomaWine Country brought so much joy to the world with the 17000 ArmstrongWoods Road, Guerneville 3555RoundBarnBlvd.,SantaRosa "Peanuts" cartoon strip. Finally, a fitting (707) 869-2015, www.parks.ca.gov (707) 523-7555, www.hilton.com place in Charles "Sparky" Schulz' The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living Enjoy 13 acres of landscaped grounds and views over hometown to preserve, display, and thing on our planet! Come see this stately Santa Rosa Valley in this resort-like, pet-friendly, interpret the Peanuts art. nature preserve of trees close to 1,000 years old! 100% non-smoking hotel.

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R RIV FOUNTAIN GROVE PKWY. A Vintners Inn SLUSSER Charles Schultz STEELE LN. PINER RD. Fountain Grove Inn DrivingTO Time: 18 minutes MARTIN HOOK & Museum W. OLIVETET RIVER RD.

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BOHEMIAN HWY OCCIDENTAL RD. TO SONOMA VALLEY TO 12 Freestone Vineyards TO HWY. 1 TO SAN FRANCISCO Guest Center HWY. 101 Not to scale www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Russian River/Olivet 27 Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Olivet Road has been home to the De Loach family for 35 years. Medal Time Hook & Ladder hit gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Cecil De Loach was a firefighter in San Francisco for 16 years Wine Competition: two Golds for Merlot and Zin; and in 1970, he and his wife Christine bought their first 24- Double Gold and Best of Class for Third Alarm Reserve acre vineyard in Sonoma County and started second careers as Pinot Noir; another Double for Sauvignon Blanc. winegrowers. Five years later they made their first wine and they went on to build one of the country’s most successful, The Land popular and iconic wine brands. On 375 acres situated in Russian River Valley, the Hook & Ladder vineyards produce cool climate grapes In 2003, with the De Loach Vineyards brand – one of the widely recognized as some of the finest in the world. biggest in the country, the De Loach family decided to start over. They sold their eponymous winery and concentrated on Fun Fact Hook & Ladder, which they’d started 20 years earlier with a Look for the shiny red Willy’s vintage fire truck near the Port. In 2004, they opened Hook & Ladder on Olivet Road driveway. on the first property the family purchased, next to the historic For Gourmets Barbieri Ranch. The long, cool growing season here yields hand-picked Cecil retired from firefighting in 1982, but there are lots of olives with the intense, ripe flavors for their extra-virgin firefighter themes at Hook & Ladder, including fire department olive oil. Made from mature Mission trees, the stone- patches and t-shirts from visiting firefighters decorating the crushed cold press master blend produces a richly tasting room. Now, three generations of the De Loach family flavored and beautifully colored oil. keep Hook & Ladder to just 35,000-case annually. As part of their philosophy of “keeping it simple to help Hook & Ladder Winery and Vineyards keep prices down,” the informal and friendly tasting room oc- Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily cupies a part of the winery itself. As to the wine? Medals, 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa loyal followers and enthusiastic newcomers to the wines are (707) 526-2255 further proof that the De Loaches are still making great wine www.hookandladderwinery.com after all these years. Look for them on Facebook and become a Fan! Complimentary wine tasting...and public service (fire/police, etc.) get a 20% discount.

28 Russian River/Olivet www.WineCountryThisWeek.com This is a great place to consider if you are looking for a quin- VARIETALS tessential Russian River Valley wine country experience. The Focused primarily on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and winery features a host of unique activities that take visitors be- Zinfandel, DeLoach also produces Sauvignon Blanc, yond the typical tasting room experience, with a particular Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. emphasis on education and exploration that brings people deeper into the wine world. A wonderful garden tour brings visitors a LITTLE KNOWN FACTS deeper understanding of Biodynamic farming and the role it plays DeLoach Vineyards became a certified Biodynamic in making great wines, all while enjoying fresh produce and treats estate in 2009, which is a method of beyond-organic from the winery chef while sipping sumptuous wines beside the farming that looks upon the farm as a self-contained vineyards. living organism, so all things on the farm are inter- connected. At DeLoach Vineyards, there are sheep that In the elegant, rustic guesthouse behind the tasting room, the keep the weeds under control in the vineyards and a walls are bedecked with gorgeous original art, created by stu- huge flower and vegetable garden that provides dents of the San Francisco Academy of Art. Book in advance to produce and flowers for special events. explore the finest terroirs of Burgundy with an exclusive guided tasting in the DeLoach Vineyards guesthouse. Enjoy a quiet, ele- DeLoach has a very unique Barrel to Barrel program gant retreat tucked amongst our vineyards while you discover where you can have your very own French oak barrel in the origins of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Boisset fam- your home, complete with an“eco-bag”inside that holds ily of wineries in Burgundy, including Domaine de la Vougeraie, three liters of wine, or four bottles. The barrel to barrel keeps the wine fresh while showcasing a very elegant, Bouchard Aine & Fils, Jean-Claude Boisset, and Louis Bouillot, unique way to serve wine. The winery offers new wines Burgundy’s premier producer of sparkling wines. Gorgeous pic- each quarter to help keep your barrel full & delicious! nic grounds in front of the winery invite guests to relax and enjoy Check out the fun website www.barreltobarrel.com. the wine country. The landscaped garden is the perfect spot for a picnic, and DeLoach will provide a picnic basket of special del- DeLoach Vineyards icacies, elegant linens, stemware, cutting board and knife along Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with your favorite DeLoach wine. While you’re here, schedule a tour of the grounds for $15 (in- 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa cludes a wine tasting), or simply enjoy the wine tasting, sans tour www.deloachvineyards.com for $10. Tours are at 11 a.m. Tasting fees are refundable with pur- For tours and reservations, chase. BySueStraight,TheWineWench call (707) 526-9111

Mention this story for one complimentary tasting. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Russian River/Olivet 29 Martin Ray Winery is an ambitious amalgam of labels and wines, all housed in one of Sonoma County’s most historic winer- VARIETALS ies. Courtney Benham is a third-generation San Joaquin Valley Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rosé, Pinot Noir, winemaker who knew he wanted to own a winery himself. In Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon 1990, he discovered a treasure trove of old library wines with the label of Martin Ray, a Santa Cruz Mountains winemaker. Courtney ONTHEVINE bought the rights to the Martin Ray name and in 2003 purchased The longer“hang time”(the time a grape cluster remains on the vine) means riper, richer fruit. the historic Martini-Prati Winery in western Sonoma County; they You can find the result right there in your glass. are now home to the Martin Ray line of wines. One common thread is the firm belief that vineyard location FUN FACT is crucial to character and quality. There is a special emphasis Martin Ray is one of the oldest historical winery sites in on mountain-grown wines, a conviction that mountain-side the Golden State – California – so take your time and elevation provides cooler nights during the growing season re- wander through the cellar and see the 10,000 gallon sulting superb fruit ripeness. Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley, old-growth redwood tanks. Sonoma Mountain in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south are three of the most prestigious vineyard PLANAHEAD locations for Martin Ray grapes. Allow extra time for a tour by appointment only of the Wines available include fruit-forward, picnic-friendly historic production facilities as well as extensive tasting. Angeline wines, while Martin Ray wines have more structure and The scenic drive there on winding roads is a fascinating vineyard character and the Reserves are all vineyard designate. combination of forests and vineyards. You’ll know you’ve Courtney Benham wines are limited-production offerings from reached the winery when you see the large water tower that dominates the skyline at the winery. some of California’s most interesting wine regions. At the winery, picnic tables and chairs outside the tasting room look over verdant hills and vineyards. Lush, colorful land- Martin Ray Winery scape and flowers surround the tasting room and the tasting Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily room staff can suggest interesting wines to taste side by side so 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa you can compare a Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Mountain (707) 823-2404 with one from Alexander Valley. It’s not only a great educational www.martinraywinery.com experience, it’s also lots of fun! Look for them on Facebook and become a Fan! 15% discount on your first purchase when you mention this story in the Tasting Room!

30 Russian River/Olivet www.WineCountryThisWeek.com What makes a tasting room visit special and memorable? Excellent wine? Charming location? Great staff? Yes, all of the VARIETALS Chardonnay and Pinot Noir above, and Sonoma-Cutrer, tucked away in the rural paradise of the Russian River Valley, has all of these. And here is proof: WHATTO TASTE They make Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a true French The winery was founded originally purely as a Chardonnay producer and added Pinot Noir only a Burgundian style. Yes, the vines are in Sonoma County, but the few years ago, though most of its production is still clones are French, and the winemaking is pure Burgundian in Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir is not distributed nationally: method and tradition. The result is delicious wine at a fraction a visit to the tasting room is the only way to sample this of the cost of its French counterparts. outstanding wine. The winery is located in the cool Russian River Valley, a GOODPRESS prime growing area for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. To This Chardonnay is so popular that it has been chosen as get there you drive past lush vineyards and then up a tree-lined the“Number One Most Requested”wine in restaurants for driveway to open lawns and panoramic vistas. Climb a flight of 19 of the past 20 years. broad stone steps to a spacious, trellis-covered patio with tables PLANAHEAD and chairs and expansive views toward the west. You’ll want to The winery has two gorgeous croquet courts and hosts sit and drink it all in, which you can do with a glass of major tournaments each summer. Ask about attending this Wine Country Classic event. Sonoma-Cutrer in hand. Great wine and a great location can still be diminished if TOURS They offer an extensive tour of the vineyards and the tasting room staff isn’t top notch. But the folks who work winemaking facility with a taste of six wines. here really love their jobs, and their energy and enthusiasm shines through. Most impressive is their understanding that Sonoma-Cutrer every visitor comes with a different degree of wine knowledge OpenThursday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tasting experience. Here there is no memorized cookie- Appointments recommended - Call ahead cutter patter. They listen to you, and tailor information to for tour reservations or make them online match your interests as they pour those outstanding wines. 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor By Charles Neave (707) 237-3489 • www.sonomacutrer.com Mention this story for one complimentary tasting. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Russian River/Olivet 31 Sebastopol Sebastopol – Equalpartshippiechicandrustic POINTSOFINTEREST elegance,Sebastopol is a true insider's favorite. Antique Row Gravenstein Highway Shop Downtown Sebastopol! LocatedatthemouthofRussianRiverwinecoun- Highway 116 from Cotati to Sebastopol Small town America meets hippie-chic try, Sebastopol offers authentically artisan (a.k.a Gravenstein Hwy) along this goldmine of a downtown. shopping,greatteahouses,brewpubsandrestau- Antiques, collectibles, glassware and furniture. Art and hand-hewn furniture galleries, rantsanddarlinghotelsallwithinaquaint Sonoma County Repertory Theater artisan clothiers and book sellers, tea houses one-street-downtown. Local families stroll the 104 N. Main St, Sebastopol, (707) 823-0177 and wine bars, high-end restaurants and sidewalks eating hand-made ice cream cones. Inspired, contemporary plays, top-notch perform- beer pubs, theater and live music venues, Visitorsstretchoutandrelaxinanyoneofthe ances and educational programs. ice cream parlors and yoga studios. outdoorcafes,pubsandbistros. Andthelocal theatreandlivemusicsceneisbeyondlively.Ifyou arelookingforanoff-beat(butstillfabulous)wine Freestone –FreestoneisSonoma’sfirsthistoricaldistrictanditiseasytoseewhy! Harkeningbacktodays country experience, Sebastopol is your place! ofwesternexpansionandruralcommunity,thissmallpatchofoldSonomaCountysitsattheappropriately namedintersectionsofBohemianHighwayandBodegaHighway. Drivealongsomeofthemostscenic LODGING stretchesofpastoralCalifornia. Rusticbakeries,artisanwineries,creativedayspasandroadsidegalleries Fairfield Inn & Suites andgardenshopsareamongtherelaxedstopstomakeinruralFreestone. 1101 Gravenstein Hwy. So., Sebastopol 1-800-465-4329 • www.marriott.com DINING POINTSOFINTEREST Fairfield Inn & Suites provides a high-end Mar- Wild Flour Bread Bakery Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary riott experience within the heart of Sebastopol and 140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) 823-8231 Russian River wine country. (707) 874-2938 Rejuvenate yourself in this one-of-a-kind Japanese- The Sebastopol Inn An over-the-top, sensory overload destination influenced cedar enzyme baths and massages. 6751 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol full to the brim with espresso, sticky buns, Enduring Comforts 1-800-653-1082 • [email protected] goat-cheese flat bread, seeded wheat breads – 142 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone, (707) 874-111 www.sebastopolinn.com all made by hand, all fresh and all delicious! Lush gardens & fresh water fountains, wrap- A sweet mix of hand picked delights from new around porches and veranda-style-lounging Howard’s Station Cafe hats, scarves, jewelry and cloths to antique fur- VineHillBed&Breakfast 3811 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental niture and an array of eclectic heirlooms. 3949Vine Hill Rd, Sebastopol (707) 874-2838, www.howardstationcafe.com LODGING (707) 823-8832 • [email protected] This was originally a railroad station Green Apple Inn www.vine-hill-inn.com in the 1870s. Now serves a healthy, 520 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) 874-2526 Enjoy relaxing accommodations in this award- organic breakfast and lunch stop. A classic five-room B&B. Enjoy freshly baked winning, stunningly remodeled 1890s Voted Best Breakfast. breads every morning! Victorian. Be pampered with a full breakfast, Egyptian towels and glorious views! DUTTON ESTATE RD HILL VINE Vine Hill B&B DINING Driving Time: 26 minutes GTO’s Seafood House From Dutton Estate GREEN VALLEY RD to BallettoVineyards 4 miles 116 234 South Main Street, Sebastopol to FreestoneVineyards 11 miles (707) 824-9922 FREI RD Total 15 miles GRAVENSTEIN HWY A taste of New Orleans here in wine country! GRATON Hopmonk Tavern BALLETTO VINEYARDS

230 Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol HIGHH SCHOOL RD OCCIDENTAL RD (707) 829-7300, hopmonk.com OCCIDENTAL RD This killer brew pub is an absolute local favorite. Go for a pint and stay for the live music out back 116 HEALDSBURG AVE on the patio or the fun crowd at the bar. Sushi Tozai 12 Sushi Tozai Occidentalccid d Peter Lowell’s West County Organic MAIN 7531 Healdsburg Avenue, Sebastopol Inn at Occidental Sonoma County Repertory Theater Hopmonk HoHoward’sow Station Cafe SEBASTOPOL AVE PETALUMA AVE (707) 824-9886 • www.sushitozai.com GRAVENSTEIN HWY Sebastopol GTO’s Inn Creative cuisine fused with fresh fish and local Seafood ingredients! Impressive Japanese woodcarvings and fine art. BODEGA HWY Fairfield Peter Lowell’s West County Organic Osmosis Day Spa Inn & Enduring Comforts Suites 7385 Healdsburg Avenue, Suite 101 Wild Flour Bakery 116 (707) 829-1077 • www.peterlowells.com BOHEMIAN HWY Green Apple Inn Feel good from the inside out after one of Peter Lowell's delicious dinners made entirely from FREESTONE VINEYARDS locally produced and organic foods. TO BODEGA /SONOMA COAST Not to scale

32 Sebastopol www.WineCountryThisWeek.com The hills and wizened old oaks give way to majestic redwood groves as you head toward the Pacific. And then you come to the WHATTO TASTE What else? Their memorable, delicious, hand-crafted Pinot historic and serene town of Freestone. Here you will find a vibe Noir and Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast vineyards. that is decidedly tranquil, a place of peace and calm. But it was the arrival of the Freestone Vineyards Tasting Room that has now el- PLANAHEAD evated the little village to a true destination. Special events are held the second Sunday afternoon of Located just minutes from the ocean, their vineyards enjoy the month and are the perfect opportunity to sample cool Pacific breezes that nurture and coax along the delicate na- wonderful wines (including new releases) and talk with the winemakers and vineyard staff, as well as enjoy delec- ture of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Planted in 2000, table food like crab cakes, local artisan cheese and listen they are the realization of a dream for the Phelps family,who pur- to live music. chased the property and began planting vineyards that took advantage of the favorable growing conditions of the region. At an LITTLE KNOWN FACT elevation of 500 feet, with rolling hills and views of the ocean, it The name of this picturesque town of about 50 dates back to 1853 and refers to a public sandstone quarry. is an ideal location to plant grapes. Starting in 1873, Freestone was a stop on the North The tasting room is housed in the middle of town. The Pacific Coast Railroad which eventually connected intimate space is perfect for enjoying the fine wines produced Cazadero to the Sausalito ferry. from the surrounding vineyards. Inside, you’ll be invited to take a seat while you’re poured a selection of their award-win- Freestone Vineyards ning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays; an outside seating area is OpenThursday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. perfect for enjoying not only the fabulous wines, but also the ocean breeze that the grapevines like. 12747 El Camino Bodega, Freestone “Because this is a relaxed, seated wine tasting experience,” (707) 874-1010 • www.freestonevineyards.com explains Brad Schenider, tasting room manager. “We usually take For groups of six or more you are an hour or so to pour our wines. This allows us time to explain encouraged to call ahead. what it is we do and why. We really enjoy not just pouring wine, Facebook: freestonevineyards but educating guests about the process and the art of winemaking.” Twitter: @freestonewine Join them each second Sunday of the month for special wine and food pairings, art and entertainment. Visit the website for the current schedule. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sebastopol 33 You know that you are in real farm country when you head WHAT TO TASTE to Balletto Vineyards. Sheep graze, veterinarian offices out- The winery offers a wide selection of hand-picked number those of physicians, orchards border acres of vines, varietals for tasting, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Balletto Vineyards sits in the middle of it all. Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Rose and Syrah The estate wines you will find at Balletto grow in the dis- tinct soils and climates of Sonoma County’s Russian River LITTLE KNOWN FACT The Ballettos started out as vegetable growers and Valley, and they invite you to come and, as they say, “Taste the transitioned into grape growers. Today, they farm 500 bounty that is Balletto” at their tasting room set in the middle acres of vines and sell off 90% of what they grow. John of a 200-acre vineyard. In all, they have a dozen vineyards in Balletto began farming in 1977 at the age of 17 and is a this world-famous appellation. As the grape-growing business big influence in this part of Sonoma County. grew, they decided to make wine instead of just selling grapes. FUN FACT As growers first, they have strong feelings that with good Be sure to ask them about their own “Field of Dreams.” grapes, good wine will follow. The answer will surprise you. To experience Balletto you can visit their comfortable and PLANAHEAD friendly tasting room or relax outside with your picnic lunch There are a number of delis and groceries nearby where where there is plenty of seating and the sound of trickling you can pick up a picnic lunch. The winery’s patio and its water from the fountain. fountain is a great place for a lunch al fresco, with a bottle “One thing I want our visitors to know is that we offer a of their wine, of course. self-guided vineyard tour. While not many wineries allow you Balletto Vineyards to walk thru their vineyards, we actually encourage it,” said tasting room manager Nancy Woods. “People who come to Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily the winery both appreciate and enjoy this option.” Just one 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa more reason to make the trip to this true “wine country” desti- (707) 568-2455 ext. 101 nation, where nature still dominates the landscape and the www.ballettovineyards.com wines will make you smile. By Charles Neave Look for them on Twitter & Facebook!

Bring in this story and receive complimentary wine tasting.

34 Sebastopol www.WineCountryThisWeek.com What makes visiting wine country so much fun is that provides grapevines the ideal combination of a nu- that, no matter how many times you visit, there’s always trient-poor yet a well-draining base to thrive. Not long a new winery to discover. For some visitors there’s even after the Duttons first planted grapes, the Dutton Ranch a whole new wine region to explore; all you have to do name became synonymous with great Chardonnay. is ignite your spirit of adventure, fire up the GPS or take Fast forward to today, and the Dutton family farms out a good map, and you’ll be richly rewarded. more than 1,100 acres of grapes in the Green Valley as Out in southwest Sonoma well as 250 acres of CCOF cer- County is one such area just Dutton Estate Winery tified organic apples. Warren’s waiting to be discovered – the Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily son, Joe, and his wife, Tracy scenic, rolling Green Valley 8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol Dutton, first started producing appellation. Green Valley is (707) 829-9463 • www.sebastopolvineyards.com wine in 1995 and opened their the foggiest and coolest wine boutique winery called Dutton appellation along the North Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Estate which showcases wines Coast. While summer days in Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel made from their best grapes. Green Valley are warm like the The Duttons hang their rest of wine country, the cool, foggy mornings and tasting room shingle at a quaint and cozy bungalow in evenings here create the perfect climate for Chardonnay front of the winery at the corner of Highway 116 and and Pinot Noir grapes. Green Valley Road in Sebastopol. Dutton Estate’s wines There’s no family more connected to the history of are exclusively from the Dutton family’s vineyard spread Green Valley than the Duttons, who began farming in out through the Green Valley. Sonoma County in 1881. Warren Dutton began his The tasting flight features a selection of single- farming endeavors out of downtown Graton growing vineyard estate wines with eye-popping ratings in the 90s apples and recognized before anyone else the viticulture from a variety of wine publications. The flight is only $10 potential of the Green Valley area. In 1967, Warren per person and is refunded with a purchase of wine. planted the first Chardonnay grapes in western Sonoma Dutton Estate focuses its production on Chardonnay County and the Green Valley. Green Valley turned out to and Pinot Noir, but also offers Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah be a world-class spot for Chardonnay due to the cool cli- and an occasional surprise such as Zinfandel and Late mate as well as the area’s special soil type, Goldridge, Harvest Zinfandel. By Michelle J. Baker

Present this story for a complimentary tasting for 2. Value $20. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Sebastopol 35 Eastside Bunch The"EastsideBunch"(astheycallthemselves)areeighttop- D R flight wineries located close together along the eastern stretch Y C R oftheRussianRiverinSonomaCounty. SpecializinginPinots, E E K R D cool-climate Syrahs, and that famous Zinfandel, the Eastside R . U S S Bunch represents some of the finest winemaking and culinary 101 IA N R 128 talentsinallofNorthernCalifornia. Don’tmisstheannual IV ER Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival in September!

THINGS TO DO W . D R CHALK HILL RD Powell’s Sweet Shoppe Y CREEK 322 Center St., Healdsburg Giorgi’s Restaurant (707) 431-2784, www.powelsss.com CHRISTOPHER CREEK Remember yesterday, today! An old time, old fashioned candy, ice cream and sweets shop sure to delight your child within!

L This is the first shop for Powell's now beloved franchise. LIMERICK O S

A Riverfront Regional Park M I G O 7821 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg, (707) 565-2041 RODNEY S ARATA Once an old quarry, Riverfront Regional Park is now home to W STRONG E O RussianRiv Rivervever r S L T D CHALKLKK HILL two sparkling lakes perfect for swimming and non-motorized S Valley Produceduceduce I R BROOKS D E E D

R W boating...or hike a trail through serene redwood groves! D O . O Rodney Strong Vineyards D H 101 W Y HEMBREE 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg .

LAKEWOOD PLEASANT 1-800-678-4763, www.rodneystrong.com WINDSOR RIVER RD O LD R ED Join visitors and locals alike on the lawn outside W O O Driving Time: 22 minutes D Rodney Strong Vineyards for warm summer evenings, CONDE H W From Chalk Hill Y good food, great wine, and a variety of musical guests. Gilardi’s . to Christopher Creek >8 miles Delicatessen Look for the summer 2011 online! to Rodney Strong 3 miles SHILOH RD. Total >11 miles Russian River Valley Produce

400 Grapevine Lane, Healdsburg, (707) 433-7933 AIRPORT BLVD A four-acre, family-owned ranch, Russian River Valley Produce farms top-notch vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers sure to Riverfront brighten any palate and table. Excellent farm tours Wohler Regional Park by appointment. The best of California farming! Bridge Not to scale FOOD Giorgi’s Restaurant 25 Grant Street, Healdsburg, (707) 433-1106 Great family-style Italian restaurant…pasta and hand-thrown pizzas. Has a full bar, open late and food available to go. Gilardi's Delicatessen 810 Den Beste,Windsor, (707) 838-9869 Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna and freshly baked sourdough garlic breads.

LODGING Country Garden Lodging, Healdsburg (707) 431-8630, www.hcountrygardens.com Three fully-equipped, affordable vacation homes located on a 25-acre wine country estate boasting spectacular gardens. Located just 1½ miles from charming downtown Healdsburg.

36 Eastside Bunch www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Perhaps no other winery captures the casual luxury of Sonoma County better than Chalk Hill Estate. Founded nearly four decades SPECIAL TOURS AND TASTINGS ago, this spectacular property features 1,300 acres of wilderness areas • Private tasting: $10 per person, daily interspersed with 300 acres of vineyards, winery, hospitality center, • Estate tour: $30 per person, Monday through Friday, culinary garden, residence, stables, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, includes tasting fishing and swimming ponds, and guest houses. • Cheese & Wine Tasting $40 per person, by appointment From the top of the Estate visitors can enjoy stunning views of the • Culinary tour: $75 per person, call for dates; Russian River Valley to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the includes estate tour, culinary garden tour and private east. food & wine pairings by Chef Didier Ageorges The property features 13 soil types ranging from ancient alluvial • Estate Trail Rides on Horseback: $100 deposits to young volcanic soils strewn with rocks and boulders. A dis- tinctive layer of volcanic ash lies under much of the topsoil inspiring PLANAHEAD the name “Chalk Hill.” The complex soils and climate allow Chalk Hill A“regular”wine tasting takes 30-45 minutes, the estate Estate to produce great wines from a wide range of grape varieties. tour takes about 1½ hours and the culinary tour takes The winery’s vineyards are thoughtfully woven through the native about 2½ hours. foliage and contoured to fit the intricate terrain. The vines are farmed using low-input, sustainable viticultural practices to preserve the long- LITTLE KNOWN FACT term viability of the ecosystem. All wines produced by Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & There are a number of memorable activities available to visitors of Winery are 100% estate grown. Chalk Hill Estate. First and foremost, is the wine tasting. Chalk Hill is also famous for its tours. The Estate Tour explores the history, viticul- Chalk Hill Estate ture and winemaking practices at the property. The Culinary Tour Vineyards & Winery examines the organic gardens and vineyards. The organically farmed produced is the inspiration for Chef Didier Ageorges’ culinary artistry. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour includes a sit-down tasting of estate wines paired with Di- 10300 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg dier’s menu of several small plates in the Pavilion – an extraordinary www.chalkhill.com conservatory overlooking the equestrian center. For tours and reservation, call (707) 657-4837 The newest tour addition is the guided Estate Vineyard Trail Rides on horseback. Guests begin their journey at the magnificent Equestrian or go to www.vinovisit.com. Center located on the property and ride through the vineyards with re- Friend them on Facebook spected polo professional, Rafael Hernandez. or follow them on Twitter! Mention this story for 2-for-1 tasting. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Eastside Bunch 37 Rodney Strong Vineyards is a Sonoma County histori- Geyserville with Rockaway then all the way north to the cal treasure, dating back to 1959. Over the years, the hottest spot in Sonoma County, Cloverdale, where Broth- winery has offered an array of consistent, high-quality ers Ridge vineyard is located. Each of these wines is distinct wines. Recently, though, the winery took on a bit of a dif- unto itself, but all are rich and opulent and definitely worth ferent persona, if you will. Winery owner Tom Klein upped visiting the tasting room. If you find that you like them, the ante, wanting to raise the level of awareness of his best to buy on the spot or sign up for the winery’s new team’s attention to detail and club, Symmetry Society, which quality poured into every bottle. Rodney Strong Vineyards will secure you a bottle of each Since the early 2000s, the march (more if you choose) along with Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily has been set to the drum beat of some reserves and the namesake small-lot winemaking with an 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg Symmetry, Rodney Strong’s red emphasis on capturing the very 1-800-678-4763 • www.rodneystrong.com Meritage. The single-vineyard best Sonoma County vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernets are allocated, they are and crafting grapes harvested Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port not cheap ($75 each) and the from small blocks, sometimes winery doesn’t offer discounts rows, within those estate vine- FUN Look for the huge rebate check from PG&E for on them, club member or oth- yards into highly acclaimed, FACT $2,164,403.00 for the installation of the largest erwise. sought after wines, the most no- solar electric system ever realized by a winery. As we move into harvest sea- table of which are their three son, sneak through fall and into single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from Alexander Val- winter, Rodney Strong’s big reds will pair nicely with all ley. sorts of comfort food. Their tasting room staff is keen to As a Sonoma County local or visitor, one of the best pour tastes of them all as well as lead you on tours of the things about Rodney Strong’s new trio of single-vineyard facility twice daily,at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. And, if you’re the Cabernets is that you can taste all three of them at their type who prefers to avoid the shopping malls for your hol- Healdsburg tasting room. It’s a unique experience to be iday shopping, Rodney Strong’s team can help there, too, sure, taking you on a tasting journey from southern with lots of wine country gifts to choose from. There might Alexander Valley with their Alexander’s Crown, which is even be someone on your list deserving of one of those located near the Jimtown Store, up to mid-valley near single-vineyard Cabernets.

38 Eastside Bunch www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Quietly charming and rustic. quality of the grapes. “The best It’s a good phrase – perhaps the Christopher Creek Winery wines in the world are made in the perfect one – to describe Christopher Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily vineyard. The main job of the wine- Creek Winery. maker is to take care of the grapes The winery is owned by the 641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg and protect what Mother Nature has Wasserman family who, in addition (707) 433-2001 given us in such abundance. That is to their grape growing and wine- www.christophercreek.com the philosophy here, and you’ll find making venture, have a long history Become a Fan on Facebook! the proof is in the bottle, and in your of farming in California’s Central glass.” Valley where they have farmed oranges for the past 38 To taste their superb wines, just head to the tasting years. They adamantly believe that that growing the room. Christopher Creek’s is cozy, comfortable and in- highest quality grapes possible must be the main focus disputably and proudly rustic. As a result, it’s if you want to produce truly great wines. sometimes tough to tell where the tasting room ends They, and their winemaker, Texas native Todd and the serious business that constitutes a working Crowell understand and appreciate the fine balance be- winery begins, all of which happily adds to the charm. tween the agricultural practices they employ and the Join the Cellar Club to enjoy wines at special prices.

RECENTAWARDS CABERNET ZINFANDEL 2007 Finlay's Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Cabernet 2009 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel • Gold Medal – Best of Class • Gold Medal – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011 – Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, April 2010 • Gold Medal – New World Wine Competition, May 2011 • Gold Medal – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011 PETITESIRAH VIOGNIER 2008 Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Reserve Petite Sirah 2009 Catie's Corner Russian River Valley Viognier • SWEEPSTAKES WINNER – Best Red in Show • Double Gold – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011 – Riverside International Wine Competition, May 2010 • Gold Medal – Sonoma County Harvest Fair, September 2010 • Gold Medal – North of the Gate Wine Competition PETITESIRAHPORT SYRAH 2008 Petite Sirah Port 2007 Russian River Valley Estate Bottled Syrah • Gold Medal – Sonoma County Harvest Fair, September 2010 • Silver Medal – Riverside International Wine Competition, April 2009 • Gold Medal – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2011

For lovers of Petite Sirah, Cab, Viognier, Zin & Syrah...enjoy award-winning, estate-bottled andvineyard-designagedwinesfromtheRussianRiverandDryCreekvalleys. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Eastside Bunch 39 Westside Road WestsideRoadis,quiteliterally,oneofthemostrecommendedroutestotakeforwinetasting THINGS TO DO inthisRussianRiverValleyAVA. WestsideRoadisslowandwinding,filledwithredwoodtrees, Shoffeitt’s off the Square heritageoakswithmossbeardsandfamousvineyards. Shouldyouwishtoslowdownand 208 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg experience wine country up-close-and-personal,Westside Road is your road. (707) 433-5556 • www.shoffeittsoffthesqure.com This is a shopping mecca of antiques, collectibles, local arts and gifts, as well as fine & custom jewelry. “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” ... the building goes on forever!

Dragonfly, 425Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) 433-3739, www.dragonflyfloral.com By appointment only, this is a unique botany and flower- lover's destination. They can custom pick and arrange flowers.

Wohler Bridge, 9765Wohler Road, 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.

R U S DaVero, 766Westside Road, Healdsburg S IA N (707) 431-8000 ,www.DaVero.com RI VE W R . D Driving Time: 8 minutes Guided tastings of wines, olive oils and jams — as well as R Y HEALDSBURG AVE From Hop Kiln C fresh produce. It's also a great spot for a picnic, or just to wan- R E Shoffeitt’s to Armida 3.5 mile E K RD Off the Square to De La Montanya .5 miles der the field. Check the website for hands-on cooking clases. . Total 4 miles Madrona Dragonfly 128 Manor Mill Street Mill Street Antiques DaVero Farms Antiques 44 Mill Street, Healdsburg, (707) 433-8409 DE LA Take the time to seek out the treasures here - ARMIDA MONTANYA there’s sure to be something for everyone! LODGING HOP KILN .

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

O SHILO RD. L D Representing the finest level of Sonoma inns, restaurants R E D W O and Spas, sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food, and seasonal O D H W body treatments come together for one unforgettable experi- Y . D Sonoma County R AIRPORT BLVD E D ence. Wohler SI ST Airport Bridge EA W O G H R U DINING L B E S R D

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T (707) 887-3300, www.farmhouseinn.com N RD. E ER R RIV T Tucked into one of the smallest, lovely towns in wine country, Farmhouse PINER RD. Inn the Farmhouse Inn boasts an exquisite restaurant. Each plate

LAGUNA Not to scale by Chef Litke tells the story of Sonoma's diverse agriculture MIRABEL RD. and artisan producers.

40 Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com In the words of the very nice people at Hop Kiln Chuck chose the vines in the bridge block area Winery, it is all about “Honoring the past, and hand- planted alongside a meandering creek for their Six crafting the future.” When you start with a 250-acre Barrel Bridge Chardonnay, which exhibits lusciously piece of prime property located within Sweetwater concentrated aromas of apple, Asian pear and ripe, Springs Historic District, add a structure that dates back juicy apricot. This perfect example of Russian River to 1905 (California Historic Landmark # 893), and Valley Chardonnay finishes with a creamy mouth feel then you have it positioned in Sonoma County’s fabled thanks to the finish of French oak barreling. Russian River Valley, well, you pretty much have it all. The tasting room has a wonderful array of award- Today, the majestic hop winning gourmet products kilns are a definite attraction; Hop Kiln Winery to purchase, from locally however guests make Hop made mustards to grapeseed Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kiln Winery a destination oil, chocolate wine truffles, because of the wines crafted 6050 Westside Road, Healdsburg pesto sauces and more … under the HKG label by (707) 433-6491 every one of them first-rate. up-and-coming young wine- hopkilnwinery.com Hop Kiln Winery makes maker, Chuck Mansfield. HKG Estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio for a perfect way to spend a HKG Russian River Valley leisurely afternoon, and think Estate portfolio includes a FUN Hop Kiln’s Winemaker, 27-year-old Chuck Mansfield, about how things have classic Pinot Noir, a complex FACT is one of Sonoma County’s youngest vintners. changed over the last century Chardonnay and a bright at this historic property. Pinot Grigio. In addition to the Healdsburg winery, HKG Estate With a very limited production, most of the wines wines are available at their Glen Ellen Tasting Room are sold at the winery or through their very popular near the town of Sonoma. This quaint town is the per- wine clubs, including the HKG Collection with its long fect host to their newest endeavor, which pairs lists of benefits and access to some spectacular bottlings. sumptuous food by Chef Khambay Khamsayvoravong, The HKG Pinot Noir exemplifies the award-winning from their sister property, the Kenwood Inn and Spa, characteristics of the Russian River Valley with silky with their finest vintages. Guests are welcome to enjoy textures, soft tannins and perfect balance. Their vine- food and wine flights, alongside cheese and chocolate yard designated Bridge Selection Pinot Noir was chosen pairings, sweet desserts and savory hand pies, or take from un-racked barrels, with aromas and flavors of their pick of decadent temptations to-go for an after- cherry, cocoa, dried herbs and fig. noon picnic or delicious after dinner delight. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Westside Road 41 Located not far from Healdsburg on Westside Road, ArmidaWinery sits atop a vineyard-striped knoll. Wend your way up the driveway and PLANAHEAD you are in for a real treat! To start with, the views from the oak-shaded Bring a picnic, or purchase your cheese, crackers deck/picnic area and bocce court are unforgettable – the Russian River and other snacks here. Play a little bocce and relax Valley unfolds before your eyes in a glorious patchwork of vineyards, a while. This is one of the best places in Sonoma trees and hills, the Mayacama range a majestic backstop. County to have a picnic! The whole atmosphere at Armida Winery is one of delicious fun, with a bit of mischief thrown in. The wines are seriously good, but the WHATTO TASTE folks at Armida Winery are serious about anti wine-snobbery Don’t miss their single vineyard Zins and Pinots, in- The tasting room is light, bright and airy feeling, with an octagonal cluding PoiZin,“the wine to die for!” shaped wooden bar that is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable servers, all of whom have been at Armida for many years. PoiZin FUN FACT themed gifts are placed everywhere in the artfully merchandised tasting Armida Winery is family owned and they make room. A full-sized wooden Indian gazes solemnly at visitors as they sip, sure all of their guests feel like family, too! swirl and shop. Against the back wall, a glass-fronted refrigerator is well stocked with cheeses, hummus and other picnic fare. VARIETALS Armida Winery is a popular stop along the wine road because the Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, tasting room is unique, the views are stunning, these folks really know “PoiZin”and“Antidote” how to show visitors a good time, there is no tasting fee and the wines ROCK. About the wines – I just had to taste the 2008 PoiZin. It is a classic Sonoma Zinfandel, loaded with aromas and flavors of ripe black- Armida Winery berry, plum, caramel, vanilla and peppery spice, with a big, rich mouthfeel and long, juicy finish. It’s a great deal at $25! Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. I also tasted their 2008 Durrell Vineyard Pinot Noir ($45), which 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg was another delicious, varietally correct wine. The nose drew me in, www.armida.com • (707) 433-2222 with mouthwatering hints of rose petal, violet, cherry and baking For tours & reservations, spices. These aromas continued as flavors in the oh-so-silky mouth and e-mail: [email protected] on through the finish. Be sure to visit this unforgettable place and tell them The Wine Follow Armida on Wench sent you! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Twitter and Facebook.

Bring in this story for one complimentary reserve tasting. (No fee for regular tasting.)

42 Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com How does the idea of a picnic and a glass of Pinot, in a pri- vate peaceful setting outside of a beautiful little redwood barn VARIETALS located in one of the most idyllic spots in Dry Creek sound? If Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, it’s a taste of fine wine and casual luxury that you’re looking for, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Tempranillo and unique blends then search no further than the De La Montanya Tasting Room in its Felta Creek Vineyard, just a few minutes from central PHILOSOPHY Healdsburg on secluded Foreman Lane. Fine winemaking may be serious business, not least when “If you’re looking to taste some of the most unique red wine producing 4,500 cases that range from offerings of just 25 in Sonoma County, you’re in the right place,” said Dennis to 250 cases per year. Yet De La Montanya and his tight- De La Montanya, whose wines have yielded an impressive knit winery team take equal pride in their shared dedication to the art of a laugh and the craft of good liv- collection of gold medals. ing. “We’re small, quaint, hard-to-find and well worth the effort,” said De La Montanya, one of Dry Creek Valley’s most FUN FACTS celebrated hosts and champion of the art of understated Several“rock star”special signature bottlings for bands winemaking. Their meticulously crafted wines are bottled from like Journey and Whitesnake have raised thousands of dollars for a variety of worthy charities. And their limited the best of the winery’s premium, estate-grown, hand-selected edition wines include a rather cheeky range of“pin-up” grapes: 15 varieties from five distinctive appellations with ideal wines for wine club members. soils and microclimates. Visit the bucolic “barn” style tasting room in the vineyards De La Montanya Estate and discover the secrets of their success. It’s the unmistakable Vineyards & Winery spirit, charm and attention to detail on three acres of Zinfandel Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and an acre of Primitivo surrounding a vintage apple orchard Monday-Thursday, by appointment only that provides a leafy, shaded canopy over inviting lawns and 999 Foreman Lane, Healdsburg patios, rose arbors, a fire pit, outdoor pizza oven, pathways (707) 433-3711 • www.dlmwine.com and a bocce court. There is even a private two-bedroom Look for them on Facebook cottage on the property available for wine club members. and become a Fan!

Mention this article and receive a special taste of the De La Montanya Whitesnake Zinfandel. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Westside Road 43 DowntownHealdsburgischarming. Everybrick,everyflowerbox,everyelegantshopandeclecticgallery,everyfive-starrestaurantandcozycafeoneverysinglecornerspeakto Healdsburg thistown'sgenuineindividualityanddown-to-earth-treasures. DowntownHealdsburgmaybesurroundedbybucolicrollinghillsandpicturesquevineyards,but aroundthisage-oldsquare,itshardtoimaginebeinganywhereelsemoredelightful. Nomatterwhattimeofyear,Healdsburgisatownforeveryseason.

THINGS TO DO Zin Restaurant &Wine Bar, 344 Center Street Cyrus Restaurant Raven Theater Reservations recommended, (707) 473-0946 29 North Street, Healdsburg 115 North Street, Healdsburg Dinner served daily, lunch Monday-Fridays (707) 433-3311, www.cyrusrestaurant.com (707) 433-6335, www.raventheater.org Zin features delicious seasonal cuisine with Consistently reviewed as one of THE best restau- Where would we be without performing arts? produce grown especially for them. rants in all of wine country by Wine Spectator, A big, dark nowhere, that's where. It’s thanks to cultural Wine industry locals often gather here for Gourmet, Food & Wine, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast, theaters like the Raven, that publics can experience a little nourishment and “shop talk.” and Wall Street Journal. entertainment that is beyond a moment's blip of distraction. Enjoy wonderful performances and expand your world. 128 Segway Tours 128 (707) 953-3477, www.segwayofhealdsburg.com Take a fun tour of Healdsburg on a rented Segway. MEDLOCK Getaway Adventures AMES Santa Rosa, (707) 568-3040, www.getawayadventures.com Healdsburg Sip 'n Cycle: Visit the sites and learn local wine Driving Time: 11 minutes facts throughout downtown Healdsburg and into the vineyards From Stephen &Walker on this innovative, healthy tour! Tours include a picnic and to JCBTasting Room >1 mile ALEXANDER VALLEYVALLE RRD to Kendall-Jackson >1 mile bocce. to Simi >2 miles Sonoma CountyWine Library to Medlock-Ames 4 miles 139 Piper Street, Healdsburg Total 6+ miles (707) 433-3772, www.sonomalibrary.org/wine SIMI A free visit with a wealth of information! The library has more than 5,000 books dealing with all aspects HEALDSBURGHEALDSB RG AVE. AVE. Raven Theater of making wine, some of them date even back to 1512! NORTH ST

Knowledgeable librarians are on hand to help guide you. SBUR Zin Restaurant LODGING HealdsburgInn on the Plaza 112 Matheson Street, Healdsburg Ferrari-Carano’s Ericksonsoson SEASONS OF POWELL’S SWEET SHOPPE (707) 433-6991, www.healsburginn.com Fine Art GalleryGaaller r THE VINEYARD Built in 1901, this classic California inn is located right on the JCB TASTING ROOM Healdsburg Plaza. From summer concerts to holiday tree lightings, KENDALLLLL & WINE BAR PLAZA ST the town's best events take place right here. Guests are also sur- JACKSONN Historic Homes Walking Tours rounded by shops, galleries, tasting rooms and restaurants. Hotel Healdsburg MATHESON 25 Matheson Street, Healdsburg Dry Creek Plazaa Kitchen 1-800-889-7188, www.hotelhealdsburg.com Options Gallery Chic, beautifully appointed Hotel Healdsburg is located on the Hotel Healdsburg MATHESON historic square and is one of the premier Wine Country luxury Healdsburg Inn

lodgings in all Sonoma County. on the Plaza EAST ST

CENTER FOOD STEPHEN Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen & WALKER Hotel Healdsburg, 317 Healdsburg Avenue (707) 431-0330, www.charliepalmer.com Celebrating Sonoma's pioneering wines and spirits, celebrated Shoffeitt’s MILL Chef Charlie Palmer takes the best of our farm-fresh produce and off the Square culinary cradle and infuses it with his passion and trademark style.

44 Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com to Alexander Valley Healdsburg Ridge Hiking Trail EntrygateatArabianWayandBridlePath. (Sorry, no pets allowed). 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! FOOD Jimtown Store, 6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg (707) 433-1212, www.jimtown.com Literally tucked into the vineyards in the Jimtown store. For more than 100 years, Jimtown has provided Healdsburg with fresh baked goods, hot coffee, and local products. Linger over the eclectic American antiques and old-fashioned toys. Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria 21021 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 814-0111, www.diavolapizzeria.com Diavola is not only a great stop for picnic items such as house-cured salumi and olives but also features traditional Italian cooking including gourmet pizzas from brick ovens and delicicious pastas. VETERANSMEMORIALBEACH•WWW.HEALDSBURG.COM Diavola uses the most locally available ingredients combined with centuries old recipes. OnlyanhournorthoftheGoldenGateBridge,theAlexanderValleyisleapsandboundsawayfrom anyhustleandbustle.Visitorslookingforamorerelaxed,authenticwinecountryexperience,will Hoffman House Restaurant behappyhere. Brimmingwithhospitality,thisstunningcorneroftheworldishometo40winer- 21712 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville ies, each boasting distinctive, unassuming wines. (707) 857-3264, www.hoffmanhousegeyserville.com Built more than 100 years ago by the Hoffman family, this THINGS TO DO cafe serves healthy breakfast and lunch with striking views of Veterans Memorial Beach, Bosworth & Son General Store the majestic mountains nearby. Seasonal dinners, call first. 13839 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg 21060 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville LODGING (707) 433-1625 (707) 857-3463, www.bosworthandson.com Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg Truly one of Healdsburg’s most favorite Once a mortuary and even a buggy store – (707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com riverside beaches! Bring a picnic, kick off the buggy paint still stains the floor – Bosworth A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape your shoes, or even borrow an inner tube. & Son General Store is an old-fashioned store Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques. Nothing to do here but relax, breathe deeply meeting the Western-inspired needs of today’s Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, and listen to the river roll on by. customer. romantic environment. BelledeJourInn, 16276 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) 431-9777, www.belledujourinn.com A single-story Italiante built in the 1870s, Belle du Jour nestles on six acres of hilltop overlooking rolling hilltops and valleys. HopeMerril&HopeBosworthB&B 21253 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 857-3356, www.hope-inns.com Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly restored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with open arms. Truly where wine and romance intertwine! Geyserville Inn, 21714 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) 857-4343, www.GeyservilleInn.com First class accomodations at more affordable prices in the heart of wine country! www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley 45 The tasting room at Stephen & Walker Winery is home to Nancy Walker’s celebrated, limited production wines, some of VARIETALS the most praised wines in Sonoma. The tasting room is just Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, down the street from Healdsburg’s plaza, midway between two Sauvignon Blanc, the new and award-winning Muscat world-class hotels. It offers a wonderful flight of wines show- Canelli, Late Harvest Chardonnay and a very special Port casing her elegant, signature style. The charming tasting room, called, rather cleverly, ‘Portentous’ with its big windows, long bar, polished floors and high ceiling A NICE TOUCH is a great complement to the wine being offered by a most You can expect to sample a small bite with your flight. hospitable staff. “We’re a small, artisanal, family-owned winery located in GOOD TO KNOW the heart of wine country,” Nancy says. “We started our label in Unlike most tasting rooms, they stay open until 7 p.m., 2004 and are proud and passionate to bring you wines made which means you can drop by for a guided tasting and from the remarkable vineyards we tend with our growers in then head out to dinner. Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Monterey counties.” “We craft our wines to showcase the grapes and their PLANAHEAD vineyard provenance that allows for the subtle nuances of the Since these are rare wines you’ll seldom find elsewhere, appellation to shine. And and with only a few hundred case leave some room in your suitcase (or buy a wine shipper of each wine produced, we can control the wines for the most and check them as luggage if you are flying - or have optimum result.” them shipped) and buy some bottles to take home and “This philosophy allows us to create wines that are truly an share this discovery with family and friends. Which, after expression of our style. Every bottle we produce has our com- all, is what savoring wine is all about. mitment and unique perspective, to bring you the true flavors realized from the terroir. We believe each wine is a specific, Stephen & Walker Winery individual expression of the fruit from our vineyards and of the Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily winemaker’s craft.” 243 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg One thing you can be assured of is that you will long (707) 431-8749 • www.trustwine.com remember the quiet, unhurried experience, and, of course these very special, lovingly handcrafted wines.

Recentwinsatthe2011SFChronicleWineCompetition: DOUBLEGOLD–2008HowellMountainCabernetSauvignon, GOLD–2009GreenValleyofRussianRiverSauvignonBlancandGOLD–2004Portentous

46 Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Founded by Jean-Charles Boisset, this über-chic wine tast- ing salon is an unforgettable place where you may taste JCB, a VARIETALS Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and personal collection of limited-edition wines that he has curated bubbles from Burgundy and selected from the best wines from his family collection of wineries. PLANAHEAD JCB embraces style and fashion in equal measure to excep- Truly enjoying the variety of wines offered here takes time – give yourself at least an hour to relax and enjoy tional wines, and the tasting room here perfectly embodies this a flight or two. union of luxury, fashion and wine, where the wines are defined by a number, rather than a vineyard or a particular terroir. Ask FUN FACT about the numbers… Each has a fascinating story! The friendly, knowledgeable staff of JCB Tasting Room & Also while here, ask for one of the gems from the family’s Wine Bar actually opens bottles of bubbly by slicing off the tops with a saber. amazing collection of wineries in Burgundy or Sonoma. In addition to the JCB collection of wines, the staff always has a LITTLE KNOWN FACT few wines open to enhance your experience from DeLoach The tasting room showcases the wines of JCB, a collection Vineyards, Domaine de la Vougeraie or even Raymond that shuns the whole idea of terroir to instead embrace style! Rather than being named with a vineyard or a Vineyards, Boisset’s Napa winery. village (like they do in Burgundy, France), the wines are The large white marble table that spans the middle of the “named”with a number that corresponds to a moment, room invites guests to enjoy a convivial tasting and communal an emotion, or a particular time in life meaningful to the atmosphere; sometimes the concierge-like staff even sits to winery’s founder, Jean-Charles Boisset. guide and educate guests as they taste through the flights. There is a small tasting bar across the back of the room, JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar which is painted black and decorated with the numbers and Open Sunday-Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. descriptors of the JCB wines. Displays of wine and Baccarat Thursday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. crystal are artfully set up around the room. Tres chic! 320 Center Street, Healdsburg JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar is simply an experience not www.jcbwines.com to be missed! For more information, call (707) 473-9707

Enjoy one complimentary glass of JCB bubbles when you mention this story. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley 47 Kendall-Jackson wines are known to virtually every wine lover. And the historic Sonoma County town of Healdsburg is VARIETALS Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, rapidly becoming a destination in itself. In every way this is a Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and perfect place to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself to the Cabernet Sauvignon. portfolio of Kendall-Jackson wines. Near the northwest corner of the Healdsburg Plaza, the rich FUN FACT and varied world of Kendall-Jackson wines seems to shrink Taste small-production, vineyard-designated wines down to an intimate, unhurried scale that wraps each visitor available only in the tasting room. in a unique welcome. It’s not intimidating – you’re simply WALK TO… encouraged to enjoy the limited production wines and the Healdsburgs’bistros, bars (wine and otherwise) and grills, incredible surroundings. bed and breakfasts and small inns, some of the nation’s You’ll be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable staff and finest restaurants plus galleries, shops and some soon find yourself discovering unexpected dimensions of the first-class hotels. Or just stroll through the historic 19th-century plaza. winery. With hand-crafted wines and exceptional vineyards, this is one of the must-see attractions in Sonoma County. DID YOU KNOW Many visitors admit that they’ve never seen this side of Jess Jackson, winery founder, also has some of the world’s Kendall-Jackson. The “Eureka” moment comes with the look most famous and successful racehorses in his stable. on the faces of visitors becoming acquainted with the more exclusive Kendall-Jackson wines they will find only in the Tasting Rooms. Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Visitors can choose either the Classic tasting which features Tasting Room wines available only at the winery, or a Reserve tasting focusing Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily on exclusive single-vineyard wines. No matter which route 337 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg you choose, you can be assured that it will be both a memo- (707) 433-7102 • www.kj.com rable and enjoyable experience here in the heart of wine Follow Kendall-Jackson country. on Facebook and Twitter.

48 Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com It was more than 75 years ago when Isabelle Simi Haigh announced to her workers that she wanted them to convert a VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and huge, unused wine vat into a tasting room. Since then, Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Winery has built a reputation for offering visitors not just tastes of superb wine, but also a comfortable and unique set- TOURS ting where you can taste. When the days are warm tours Tours of the historic stone cellar, built in 1850, are offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. often begin in the redwood grove by the tasting room. The grove also serves as the focal point for events and food and FUN FACT wine pairings. In the redwood grove nearly everyone in- The Simi Winery tasting room was originally from a huge volved with the winery loves to tell the story of this historic wine vat. Definitely a story you can take home to tell your friends over a glass of Simi wine, of course. family and the teenage girl who kept the winery operating profitably when both her father and her uncle died unex- SIMIINTHEKITCHEN pectedly within weeks of each other. Even the stones used in Visit the website and find Perfect SIMI Wine Pairings the waterfall’s construction have a story to tell. For instance, with recipes. Select a dish and watch as Executive Chef all the materials that went into the creation of this idyllic Eric Lee demonstrates how SIMI wines pair perfectly with his Sonoma twists on classic recipes. Look here before spot were recycled from earlier structures, or they were natu- planning your holiday menu. Chef Eric Lee will show you ral stones found on the property as, over the years, more and how to make the perfect holiday prime rib roast paired more land was cleared for vineyards. with Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the long communal tables are where wine fanciers from everywhere sit down as perfect strangers and rise as friends, were crafted from staves of old fermentation tanks. Simi Winery If it is early recycling that you want to find, look no further Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily than this innovative, eco-sensitive winery on the outskirts 16275 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg northeast of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, where fine wine (707) 473-3232 • www.simiwinery.com is served along with a bit of wine country history. Follow Simi Winery on Facebook

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley 49 When I first noticed the shiny new Medlock Ames Tasting Room & Bar sitting proudly where the old Alexander Valley VARIETALS Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Store and Bar used to be, it made me a little melancholy. Cabernet Sauvignon, a Red Blend and Rosé Change is inevitable, but the old store and bar was another local hangout that had gone by the wayside. Or so I thought… PLANAHEAD This is a great place to have a picnic and play pétanque! Turns out that Medlock Ames has lovingly restored the Purchase your picnic supplies from nearby Jimtown bar (the best of old-meets-new) and the tasting room is gor- Store or from Medlock Ames’selection of cheeses. geous. This place is industrial chic done really, really well! Occasionally, on warm Saturdays, the pizza oven At the Bar, Thursday is local’s night and it’s a really cool cranks out a variety of delicious thin crust pizzas, topped with organic produce from the property. place to hang out! You’ll find this Wine Wench there! After 5 p.m., the full bar is open. May through October Let’s start outside – olive trees surround the perimeter of enjoy live music Saturdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. the grounds, which are neat and orderly, with raised herb and FUN FACT vegetable beds, there is a pétanque court for those who like The original building was constructed during the 1860s. to play and a copper pizza oven sits off to the side. A large If only those walls could talk! shaded patio off the back of the tasting room is dotted with LITTLE KNOWN FACT picnic tables. In the season, Medlock Ames sells organic veggies and The tasting room is inviting, with lots of windows and olive oil, all grown on their property. light wood floors. The tasting bar is an island in the middle Medlock Ames Winery of the room, lit with stylish drop-down light fixtures and a galvanized pipe around the bottom of the bar serves as a foot Tasting Room is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rail. There is also a long table next to the bar and a few tables Bar is open Sunday-Thursday 5 to 9 p.m. along the walls and windows where visitors may enjoy their Friday & Saturday 5 to 11+ p.m. tasting experienced while seated. 3487 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg The wines are great, the staff is friendly and the place is www.medlockames.com gorgeous! Don’t miss Medlock Ames Winery! (707) 431-8845 By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Become a Fan on Facebook!

Try out the old-fashioned photo booth in the bar – it actually works!

50 Downtown Healdsburg to Alexander Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley DryCreekwinecountryisoneofthesmallestenclosed AmericanViticulturalAreasinthenation,only16mileslong andtwomileswide. With9,300acresofvineyardalongthis beautifulvalley’sfloor,DryCreekisa“mustsee”forfirst-time andveteranwinelovers. DryCreekboasts63wineries producingadiverserangeofwinesfromthefamedZinfandel to Bordeaux and even Mediterranean varietals. Don’tletitssmallsizefoolyou… DryCreekwinemakers havebeengrowinggrapesandmakinggreatwinesformore than135years!

THINGSTODO 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 Whileyou’rehere – don’tmiss the beautifulgardensof Ferrari-Caranothistime of year! land rich in history. Here, visitors can observe the operation of the hatchery and see displays which describe the life TO cycle of the coho salmon, steelhead and chinook. MENDOCINO TO COAST EUREKA DryCreekOliveOil,4791DryCreekRoad,Healdsburg Cloverdale (707) 431-7200, www.DryCreekOliveCompany.com 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. R A U S SS TI IA

D R N R D. R K IV E E E R PICNIC FARE R

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E H 101 Oakville Grocery, 124 Matheson Street, Healdsburg SBRAGIA C T U (707) 433-3200, www.OakvilleGrocery.com FAMILY D “Little Country Store” with overflowing shelves and a Lake VINEYARDS CHIANTI RD Hope Merrill/ Sonoma Hope Bosworth deli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items, House the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST. 128 FERRARI-CARANOI-CARACARA WALLING N RD YO Dry Creek General Store, (707) 433-4171 N A 3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg Lake C TO Sonoma DUTCHER CROSSING FORCHINI So much more than just a corner store, established in 1881, COAST Hatchery PETERSON/KOKOMO this is also a full-service deli and beer garden with live TEWART’S POINT Dry Creek music occassionally, spectacular views and a wealth of TRUETTT YOAKIM BRIDGE Olive Oil R U information on wine tasting, tours and even fishing! HURST S G S E IA D Y N R SOUVERAIN S Y E R R C I V V R I E E L R LODGING E L K E W R A

D V . D . E Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg RY . C RE Dry Creek EK R (707) 433-8140, www.grapeleafinn.com D General RD. . AL. E YTTON S GS DER V IDG L PRIN XAN Driving Time: 16 minutes BERT BR Store LE A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, M A From Dry CreekVineyard LA the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor to Peterson Family 1.5 miles DRY CREEK with timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best to Kokomo 0 miles VINEYARD to Forchini >0.5 mile hospitality in this relaxing, romantic environment. toTruett Hurst >0.5 mile to Dutcher Crossing 2.5 miles HopeMerrill&HopeBosworthB&B to Ferrari-Carano 2 miles to Sbragia Family 1 miles 21253 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville Total 8 miles (707) 857-3356, www.hope-inns.com Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly Not to scale restored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with open arms. Truly where wine and romance intertwine!

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley 51 Dave Stare, Don & Kim Wallace

Dave Stare, founder of Dry Creek Vineyard, can be charac- terized as a man of tenacity and vision, unafraid to experiment VARIETALS to create a new future. A lover of Loire Valley French wines, Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Dave’s vision was to make excellent Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Petite Zin Rosé, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc) and Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley style in California. and Meritage His new winery, founded in 1972, was the first to be built in the Dry Creek Valley since the era of Prohibition. He had no GOOD TO KNOW one else’s expertise or experience to draw on, and many pre- Do-not-miss wines include the highly acclaimed dicted that he would fail, but failure was not in Dave Stare’s 2007 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel and the delicious makeup. His young daughter Kim was with him to help turn over the first shovel of dirt for the winery’s foundation, and she 2009 Fumé Blanc. Chilled wines are available for your is still side-by-side with her father as she and husband Don after-tasting picnic on the lawn. Also remember many Wallace have become the second generation of the family to of their wines are available only at the tasting room. carry on the tradition of fine wines made from Sonoma County grapes. CELEBRITY FACT Although the winery’s flagship wines are still the outstand- You might notice glamorous photos in the tasting room ing Fumé Blanc and Chenin Blanc (the only wine whose grapes of Kim Stare Wallace in the company of A-list movie stars. come from outside Sonoma County), Dry Creek now makes That’s because for eleven years (and counting), Dry Creek many other varieties, including excellent Chardonnay, Mer- Vineyard has been the official wine poured at the annual itage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel as well as a few red-carpet Screen Actors’Guild award ceremonies. single-vineyard-designated wines. Many of these wines are available only at the tasting room, so treat yourself to a visit to the pioneer winery of Dry Creek Valley. Dry Creek Vineyard After 39 years, the winery’s stone walls are covered with soft Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily ivy and clinging vines, stately and serene. Inside the tasting room, you’ll see many photos and illustrations of sailing boats. 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg Sailing boats are the primary illustration on the winery’s la- (707) 433-1000 • www.drycreekvineyard.com bels, reflecting a life-long passion for sailing shared now by Follow Dry Creek Vineyard three generations of Stares and Wallaces. on Facebook and Twitter!

Mention “Day Trips” and receive one complimentary tasting, valued at $5.

52 Dry Creek Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Fred Peterson (grape grower and father) has been grow- ing wine grapes and making wine in Dry Creek Valley for VARIETALS Zinfandels, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon more than 20 years. Jamie Peterson (winemaker and son) Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignons & blends has been around wine and the wine business his whole life. These guys work hard, yet they don’t take themselves PLANAHEAD too seriously. The result of their labors is delicious, reason- Open for tasting Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., ably priced wines with a casual, comfortable environment to Tuesday-Thursday by appointment. When available, Jamie loves giving visitors tours of the winery and enjoy them in. offering sips straight from the barrel. Give yourself at The Petersons call their approach to grape growing and least an hour to visit this special place. winemaking “Zero Manipulation,” meaning that they cap- ture the essence of vintage and vineyard with a low-tech, LITTLE KNOWN FACT yet high-touch methodology. It’s all about the vineyards at Peterson Winery releases as many as twelve different wines annually, and sometimes more. Currently they have Peterson Winery (which Fred farms in a sustainable man- four different Zinfandels, two Cabernet Sauvignons, a ner). Simply put, they let the grapes do the talking. Bordeaux blend, plus several other current releases. Let’s talk about the wines. I tasted a handful of excellent wines during my visit. The following were my favorites: FUN FACT 2007 Zinfandel Tradizionale, Dry Creek Valley ($29): Friendly winery cats, Red & Whitey are always nearby Mouthwatering aromas and flavors of blackberry and rasp- for a pet – they love visitors! berry are enhanced by a touch of savory herbs. Balanced and juicy in the mouth. This is a big, rustic, friendly Zin. Peterson Winery 2007 Syrah, Gravity Flow Block ($48): This wine is big, Open Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. balanced and intense, with abundant aromas and flavors of Tuesday-Thursday by appointment blackberry, plum, coffee and peppery spice, all wrapped up 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg in a luscious mouthfeel. www.petersonwinery.com Don’t miss Peterson Winery! Tell ’em The Wine Wench sent you! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench For tasting appointments, call (707) 431-7568 Mention this story for a 10% discount on your wine purchase. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley 53 A tip for the wise wine taster – do NOT stroll into Kokomo Winery’s tasting room singing that Beach Boy’s song. You know, PLANAHEAD Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine and relax at one the one that goes “Aruba, Jamaica, oh I wanna take ya, to of the many outside picnic tables. There is a gourmet Bermuda, Bahama…” The friendly, knowledgeable staff at food truck on site that makes a wonderful variety of tasty Kokomo Winery has heard that one before. Several times. And foods to pair with the wines. the winery is named after Kokomo, Indiana, where Owner/Wine- maker, Erik Miller grew up, not some fictional beach town in LITTLE KNOWN FACT Owner/Winemaker Erik Miller’s business partner in the Brian Wilson’s head. Be cool. Restrain yourself, and you will be winery is Randy Peters, a fourth generation Sonoma treated to one of the best tasting experiences in wine country. County farmer. Randy farms world-class wine grapes in Kokomo Winery’s tasting room is part of the winery, so the Alexander, Russian River and Dry Creek Valley. sights, sounds and smells of a working small winery are the back- VARIETALS drop to your visit. The overall vibe here is laid-back, casually hip Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and genuine. The floors are utilitarian concrete, the tasting bar is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, made of wooden planks laid across wine barrels and big stacks Petite Sirah &“Cuvee 4791,”a red blend. of wine barrels behind the bar create a warm, rustic atmosphere. KUDOS FOR KOKOMO! T-shirts emblazoned with “Peace, Love & Pinot” and “Inspira- Best Red Wine of the Year! tion Through Fermentation” are casually displayed on the barrels At the 2011 Indy International Wine Competition, behind the bar. Kokomo Winery’s 2008 Cabernet Franc was awarded Owner/ Winemaker, Erik Miller, and Assistant Winemaker, Best Red Wine & Best of Class. Josh Bartels, are making some fantastic wines! I tasted a few dur- Kokomo Winery ing my visit, loved them all, but I have room to review only one Open daily 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. wine, so here goes… 4791 Dry Creek Road at The 2008 Timber Crest Vineyard Zinfandel rocked my world! Timber Crest Farms, Healdsburg Mouthwatering aromas of blackberry pie, cigar box and peppery www.kokomowinery.com | 707-433-0200 spice continue as flavors in the richly textured mouth. The wine is spicy, rich and dangerously good. facebook: www.facebook.com/kokomowinery By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench twitter: @kokomowinery

Mention this story for complimentary tasting for two adventurous souls. Tell ‘em The Wine Wench sent you!

54 Dry Creek Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Set in the heart of Dry Creek Valley is a special estate called Truett Hurst. As you drive in, the sheep and goat pasture is the VARIETALS Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir first indication that this is not in any way your average winery. Vineyards are flanked by habitat islands for birds and beneficial PLANAHEAD insects, and there are bluebird and owl boxes. Maintaining On most Saturdays they have live music from some fine biodiversity and habitat are part of the farming philosophy local musicians who deliver everything from a jazz- here. Their commitment to responsible stewardship of this swing vibe to a third-world groove to Americana and some classic tunes from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. There property is matched by the passion with which they handcraft may even be something from the grill to munch on award-winning Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir. while you take it all in. The wines are made by fermenting grapes in small, open- top stain fermenters. The grapes are punched down during SPECIAL TASTING fermentation, rather than pumped over, allowing for gentle ex- Tell them in the tasting room that Luci the black goat sent you and you can taste the special Zinfandel that’s traction of color and flavor components, while avoiding bitter named after her. tannins. Then wines are barrel aged in approximately 30% new French oak, until the flavors and structure of the wine perfectly FUN FACT balance. The result: big, bold, textured wines with lots of spice A 60-year-old olive grove, a four-acre chef’s garden and and jammy fruit. the beautiful Dry Creek (which, by the way, is never dry) are all part of the estate. You can savor these wines in one of the most comfortable and relaxing wineries in the valley. You have a choice of Adirondack chairs down by the creek where you may see Steel- Truett Hurst Winery head or Coho salmon. Or hang out on the patio and listen to Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily music while enjoying the sublime scenery of Dry Creek, or 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg enjoy a picnic or a slow lunch in the olive grove. If this is not (707) 433-9545 • www.truetthurst.com enough, you’ll always be served by the friendly wine pourers who will make you feel right at home in this inviting tasting Follow Truett Hurst Winery room. on Facebook and Twitter. Mention “Day Trips” and receive a complimentary tasting valued at $5. www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley 55 Just north of Healdsburg, a few miles out Dry Creek of the tasting room. Road is a very special place, where you’ll feel like part of Forchini Vineyards has been growing premium vari- the family.Turn at the Bacchus sign, drive up the narrow, ety wine grapes since 1971. There are two properties – winding, rosemary-edged driveway and you’ve arrived at the Dry Creek Bench (where the winery and tasting room Forchini Vineyards & Winery. You’ll be greeted by at least are located) is comprised of 67 acres and is planted to two happy, tail-wagging dogs, which will escort you to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Petit the tasting room. Verdot and Zinfandel with 13 Forchini Vineyards & Win- Forchini Vineyards & Winery acres of 100-year-old Zinfandel ery is a family-run winery that remaining. The Russian River produces only estate grown Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Terrace is comprised of 24 acres and bottled wines. Owned by or by appointment and is planted to Chardonnay, Jim and Anita Forchini, Jim is 5141 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and the winemaker, Andrew For- (707) 431-8886 • www.forchini.com Zinfandel with four acres of 90- chini is the vineyard manager, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, year-old Zinfandel remaining. Michael and Carla Forchini Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel The winery was built in 1996 lend a hand with marketing, and produces 3000 cases per special events and in the tast- Bring a lunch to compliment your tasting and be year. surrounded by the beautiful vineyards, rose gardens, ing room. You can’t get more Italian fountains and exceptional views. Let’s talk about the wines – I family-operated than that! tasted two wines during my visit The building, surrounding picnic area and vineyards and they were both excellent! The 2007 Pinot Noir, Pro- look as if they are right out of an Italian landscape – prietor’s Reserve is a classic, with aromas and flavors of stucco walls, tile roofs, splashing fountains, flower gar- black cherry, strawberry, baking spices and vanilla, all dens and vineyard-striped hills delight the senses. Just wrapped up in a silky-smooth mouthfeel. The 2006 Old wait until you taste the wines – then your senses will be Vine Zinfandel, Proprietor’s Reserve is also wonderful, delighted even further! with abundant blackberry, raspberry, bramble and pep- Once inside the main building, you feel as if you are pery spice aromas and flavors. It is big and bold in the in someone’s comfortable home. There is a large dining mouth and almost too easy to drink! room, with a table ready to serve eight, a fully appointed You really should visit this beautiful, comfortable, kitchen, an office and the tasting room which is deco- delicious winery! The tasting room is open 11 a.m. 4 p.m. rated in warm tones with faux-painted walls, wood Friday – Sunday and by appointment. For more infor- flooring and a granite-topped oak bar. Behind the bar, a mation, call (707) 431-8886 or visit their website at portrait of Bacchus, the god of wine, is the central focus www.forchini.com. BySueStraight,TheWineWench

56 Dry Creek Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dutcher Crossing Winery has everything a wine-loving visitor could hope for – delicious, reasonably priced wines, a PLANAHEAD beautiful tasting room staffed with friendly and knowledgeable The picnic area is lovely and its views of the employees, a gorgeous picnic area with stunning views of Dry Creek Valley are breathtaking. There are Dry Creek Valley and a winery dog to welcome you. six picnic tables under a wisteria-covered arbor. Let’s start outside – you pull into the parking lot and notice The colorful, fragrant landscaping and manicured the beautiful landscaping surrounding the brown, barn-like lawns will make you want to kick off your shoes building that is the winery and tasting room. A flagstone path and stay a while. leads you through a riot of colorful flowers to a breezeway that separates the winery from the tasting room. Glass doors pro- VARIETALS vide a view into the barrel room and winery. Most likely, you’ll Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, be greeted by Dutchess, a sweet, tail-wagging yellow Labrador Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port Retriever, owned by Dutcher Crossing Winery’s Proprietor, Debra Mathy. ANOTHER FUN FACT The tasting room is large, bright and airy, with high Winemaker, Kerry Damskey is known as ceilings, glossy wood floors and tasteful décor. A vintage “the Indiana Jones of the wine world.” high-wheeled bicycle (used as the winery’s logo) sits against a wall, beckoning to be ridden (well, I was tempted to try to ride LITTLE KNOWN FACT it, but I restrained myself). A selection of non-wine items is Dutcher Crossing’s self-appointed greeter and available for browsing as you sip and stroll around the room. mascot Dutchess is a rescue dog. Owner, Debra Mathy During the week, there is a $5 tasting fee (waived for wine transported her all the way back from Taiwan! club members) to sample a variety of six wines, and on week- ends a $10 reserve tasting is available as well. Dutcher Crossing Winery Winemaker Kerry Damskey does a wonderful job crafting Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. these wines! I tasted a few wines during my visit and they were 8533 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg all excellent! www.dutchercrossingwinery.com Taste some great wines, pet a friendly dog, relax and stay a (707) 431-2700 while! By Sue Straight, The Wine Wench Look for Dutcher Crossing on Facebook.

For a perfectly sweet pairing, enjoy the custom-made chocolates with the Port. Yum! www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley 57 Inside Villa Fiore, the magnificent Italian-style villa that serves as Ferrari-Carano’s hospitality center, guests DIDYOU KNOW... Ferrari-Carano has a tasting bar and boutique on the Healdsburg will find a world of tasting opportunities. On the main Plaza?“Seasons of the Vineyard”features wines from Ferrari- floor wine shop and tasting room, guests may taste many Carano and Lazy Creek … fantastic Anderson Valley Pinot Noir! brand new releases of Ferrari-Carano’s Classic Wines in addition to the Villa Fiore wines, which are only avail- SPECIAL TOURS AND PRIVATE TASTINGS able at the winery. Take your sample and browse the Winery tours are by appointment, Monday through Saturday, shop’s extensive selection of gifts and souvenirs, 10 a.m., based on availability. Seven different private tasting opportunities are available by appointment, seven days a week including many great wine and cookbooks, housewares at 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m, also based on availability. and wine country home décor. Downstairs in the cellar, the luxurious Enoteca offers WHATTOTASTE guests Ferrari-Carano’s Limited Release and Reserve For the classic tasting, Pinot Grigio, Fumé Blanc, Chardonnay, Wines. Try a flight of lovely Russian River Valley Bella Luce (aromatic white blend), Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnays, or compare the two delicious PreVail Cabernet Sauvignon and Siena (Tuscan-inspired red blend). In the Enoteca , Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignons that hail from the winery’s two PreVail and dessert wines. mountain ranches in Alexander Valley. Guests are welcome to stroll the enclosed garden, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery which has a meandering path and foot bridges along a Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rippling stream that empty into fish-filled ponds. The 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg garden has more than 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, www.ferrari-carano.com all marked with informative identification tags, including For tours and private tastings, call (707) 433-6700 some of the few successfully growing Portuguese cork trees in the area. Art lovers will also find bronze sculp- Seasons of the Vineyard tures from world-renowned artists such as Dennis Smith, OpenTuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Douglas Van Howd and Jane DeDecker throughout the 113 Plaza Street, Healdsburg • (707) 431-2222 gardens. By Michelle J. Baker Look for them on Facebook and Twitter! Mention this story and receive one complimentary Classic Wine tasting when you purchase one at regular price. ($5 tasting fee refunded with purchase of any single bottle.)

58 Dry Creek Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Ed and Adam Sbragia

If you are planning a visit to Sonoma County and Healdsburg in particular, do not miss a visit to Sbragia Family Vineyards! PLANAHEAD It’s less than 10 miles out on Dry Creek Road from downtown Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine by the glass (or Healdsburg. This is a very special place; well worth the trip! by the bottle), pick out some snacks from the deli case and relax at one of the many outside picnic tables. The cellar is downstairs, with large windows providing a view into the inner workings of the winery. The tasting room is LITTLE KNOWN FACT upstairs, with a large covered patio that wraps around the back, Owner/founder Ed Sbragia is the only winemaker to have providing a breathtaking view of the Dry Creek Valley’s vine- won awards for crafting both the best red wine and the yards and redwood studded hills. best white wine in the world! The tasting room is bright with windows looking out onto the valley. There is a vast assortment of tastefully displayed VARIETALS wine-related merchandise. Freshly cut flowers from the family’s Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and garden are artfully arranged around the tasting room. As well Cabernet Sauvignon as growing beautiful flowers they also have a wonderful PRIVATE EVENTS produce garden too! Sbragia’s event center can accommodate up to 350 There is a $5 tasting fee to taste four wines and a $10 guests. There is a state-of-the-art professional kitchen, tasting fee to taste four of the reserve Cabernet Sauvignons. which is a caterer’s dream, not to mention the stunning Tasting fees are refundable with your purchase. The wines are views and world-class wines which will make it an event wonderful! no one will forget! Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. Sbragia Family Vineyards has a lovely private tasting room, PRIVATE TOURS “The Ark,” which is named after their historic family Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. bar/restaurant on the Russian River in Healdsburg, where visitors can enjoy wine and food pairings, vertical flights and Sbragia Family Vineyards other memorable experiences. Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The saying here at Sbragia is, “The only thing better than the view is the wine!” Come see for yourself! 9990 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg BySueStraight,TheWineWench www.sbragia.com • (707) 473-2992

Mention this story for complimentary tasting. Tell ‘em The Wine Wench sent you! www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Dry Creek Valley 59 Find Your Favorite Varietals Chardonnay Gewurztraminer Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris/ Pinot Grigio Riesling Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Other

Armida Winery – Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-433-2222 P42  Arrowood Winery – Glen Ellen, daily 10am-4:30pm P18    B.R. Cohn Winery – Glen Ellen, daily 10am-5pm, 707-938-4064 P17   Balletto Vineyards – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 707-568-2455 x101 P34    Chalk Hill Estate – Healdsburg, daily 10am-4pm, 707-657-4837 P37    Charles Creek Vineyard – Sonoma, daily 11am-6pm, 707-935-3848 P14    Chateau St. Jean – Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 1-800-543-7572 P24     Christopher Creek Winery – Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-433-2001 P39   Cline Cellars – Sonoma, daily 10am-6pm, 707-940-4030 P10   De La Montanya Estate – Healdsburg, open by appointment, 707-433-3711 P43    DeLoach Vineyards – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 707-526-9111 P29    Dry Creek Vineyard – Healdsburg, daily 10:30am-4:30pm, 707-433-1000 P52    Dutcher Crossing Winery – Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-431-2700 P57   Dutton Estate Winery – Sebastopol, daily 10am-5pm, 707-829-9463 P35   Eric Ross Winery – Glen Ellen, daily 11am-5pm, 707-939-8525 P19 Ferrari-Carano – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-6700 P58    Forchini – Healdsburg, Fri-Sun 11am-4pm, 707-431-8886 P56  Freestone Vineyards – Freestone, daily 11am-5pm (Winter:Thu-Mon), 707-875-1010 P33  Haywood Winery – Sonoma, open daily 11am-6pm, 707-933-3001 P13  Hook & Ladder – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-526-2255 P28   Hop Kiln (HKG) – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-6491 P41  HKG  JCB Tasting Room & Wine Bar – Healdsburg, daily (check hours), 707-473-9707 P47  Jacuzzi Family Vineyards – Sonoma, daily 11am-5:30pm, 707-931-7575 P9  Kendall-Jackson Tasting Room – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-7102 P48      Kokomo Winery – Healdsburg, daily 11am-4:30pm, 707-433-0200 P54   Ledson Winery & Vineyards – Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-537-3810 P26    Martin Ray Winery – Santa Rosa, daily 11am-5pm, 707-823-2404 P30   Matanzas Creek Winery – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-4:30pm, 707-528-6464 P21   Meadowcroft Wines – Sonoma, daily 11am-6pm, 707-934-4090 P11      Medlock Ames Winery – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-8845 P50   Moondance Cellars – Glen Ellen, daily 11am-5pm, 707-823-0880 P20    Mountain Terraces Vineyard – Glen Ellen, by appointment only, 707-481-7377 P16 Peterson Winery – Healdsburg, Fri-Mon 11am-4:30pm or by appt, 707-431-7568 P53  Rodney Strong Vineyards – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-431-1533 P38   St. Francis Winery & Vineyards – Santa Rosa, daily 10am-5pm, 1-888-675-WINE P25  Schug Carneros Estate – Sonoma, daily 10am-5pm, 707-939-9363 P12   Sbragia Family Vineyards – Healdsburg, daily 11am-5pm, 707-473-2992 P59   Simi Winery – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-473-3232 P49   Sonoma-Cutrer – Windsor,Thu-Mon 10am-4pm, 707-237-3489 P31  Stephen & Walker Winery – Healdsburg, daily 11am-7pm, 707-431-8749 P46  Truett Hurst Winery – Healdsburg, daily 10am-5pm, 707-433-9545 P55 VJB Vineyards & Cellars – Kenwood, daily 10am-5pm, 707-833-2300 P23  Viansa Winery – Sonoma, daily 10am-5pm, 707-935-4700 P8  

60 Wine Varietals www.WineCountryThisWeek.com Barbera Cabernet Franc Cab Sauvignon Carignane Grenache Malbec Merlot Petite Sirah Petit Verdot Pinot Noir Sangiovese Syrah Tempranillo/ Primotivo Zinfandel Other Sparkling Rosé Port Dessert Wines

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StateState Park Park

SugarSugar Loaf Loaf

T E. 8TH T E. 8TH

Kamen Kamen

Bartholomew Park Bartholomew Park

T E. 7TH T E. 7TH Tin Barn Tin Barn TO VALLEJOTO VALLEJO LOVALL VALLEYLOVALL VALLEY

E NAPA STE NAPA ST

Kaz Kaz

MacRostie MacRostie

Ravenswood Ravenswood

Kunde Kunde

12 12

Sebastiani Sebastiani

NAPA RD NAPA RD 121 121

MOUNTAIN TERRACES VINEYARD MOUNTAIN TERRACES VINEYARD /AKOMA ZOUME /AKOMA ZOUME

Petroni Vineyards Petroni Vineyards

CHATEAU ST. JEAN CHATEAU ST. JEAN

Imagery Imagery

Kenwood Winery Kenwood Winery

ARROWOOD ARROWOOD

Hanzell Hanzell

Landmark Landmark

Spann/Sojourn Spann/Sojourn

Eric K James Eric K James

Hwy 12 Winery Hwy 12 Winery

Roessler Roessler Enoteca Enoteca

Mayo Family Mayo Family Sonoma Sonoma

BR COHN BR COHN

ST. FRANCIS ST. FRANCIS

Little Vineyards Little Vineyards

R2 R2

12 12

LEDSON LEDSON

YHA RD. PYTHIAN YHA RD. PYTHIAN Loxton Loxton

Roche Roche

Hawkes Hawkes

HKG ESTATE HKG ESTATE

Enkidu Enkidu

Larson Family Larson Family

Door Door

Cellar Cellar

Wellington Wellington

Deerfield Ranch Deerfield Ranch

CORNERSTONE SONOMA MEADOWCROFT WINES CORNERSTONE SONOMA Foyt Family Wines MEADOWCROFT WINES Keating Wines Foyt Family Wines Keating Wines

Adobe Road Adobe Road

HAYWOOD HAYWOOD

Family Wineries Family Wineries

Paradise Ridge Paradise Ridge ORANGEORANGE RD. RD.

JACUZZI JACUZZI

Paint Horse Paint Horse

12 12

VJB CELLARS VJB CELLARS

Bonneau Bonneau

Robert Hunter Robert Hunter

Mayo Reserve Room Mayo Reserve Room

121 121

Anaba Anaba

VIANSA VIANSA

ERIC ROSS Audelssa Estate ERIC ROSS Audelssa Estate

Family Family

Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Bucklin Old Hill Ranch

Robledo Robledo

Ram’s Gate Ram’s Gate

Clarbec Clarbec

CHARLES CREEK CHARLES CREEK

Benziger Family Benziger Family BONNESSBONNESS RD RD

Muscardini & Ty Caton Cellars Muscardini & Ty Caton Cellars

Valley of the Moon Winery Valley of the Moon Winery

SCHUG SCHUG

Parmelee Hill Parmelee Hill Gloria Ferrer Gloria Ferrer

MOONDANCE CELLARS MOONDANCE CELLARS

CLINE CLINE

37 37

Valley Valley BENNETTBENNETT VALLEY VALLEY RD. RD.

Pavo Wines Pavo Wines

Sonoma Sonoma

Westwood/Haywood Westwood/Haywood

San Pablo Bay San Pablo Bay

116 116 STAGE GULCHSTAGE GULCH

Bevan Bevan

Cellars Cellars

Keller Keller

CREEK CREEK

Estate Estate

MATANZAS MATANZAS LAKEVILLELAKEVILLE RD. RD.

6 6

Sable Sable

Ridge Ridge

11 11

FRATES FRATES

GRANGEGRANGE

Road Road

Adobe Adobe

Winery Winery

101 101

EAUAHL ROAD HILL PETALUMA EAUAHL ROAD HILL PETALUMA 101 101

Kastania Kastania

Vineyards Vineyards

Port Works Port Works

Sonoma Valley Sonoma Valley TO WASHINGTON WASHINGTON TO

. . D D R R SAN FRANCISCO RD RD SAN FRANCISCO FO FO Y Y E E L L L L

116 116 A A V V

ROBLARROBLAR RD. RD. A A

Clary Ranch Clary Ranch

M M

U U

L L

A A

T T

E E

P P Corda Corda TO TO

HWY HWY

Wines

Coast Coast SAN FRANCISCO SAN FRANCISCO

Sonoma Sonoma

BODEGA BODEGA

FF FF TRAVEL TIME OO TT UU CC

DD 1 1 RR O FF MILES MAverage) (Peak) Y E L L A V

Bay Bay

Tomales Tomales Travelling around Sonoma County Golden Gate Bridge to SebastopolSebastopol to Santa Rosa 49Downtown Santa Rosa to Healdsburg 60Healdsburg 16 to Geyserville 80 20 30 7 12 8 20 15 15