Two daughters (27 and 24) and I wanted a quick trip to wine country without all of the stress of Napa. We chose Northern Sonoma. We drove from San Francisco Friday morning with no problems. We stoppped at our hotel the Best Western Dry Creek Inn to check in and get the winery coupons. They let us check in even though our room wasn't ready (it was 10:30am). Our first stop was an appointment at Jordan Winery. The tour and guide were outstanding, just what we were looking for, as the book says not for the partyers. Includes small snack with the tasting. Next stop was an appointment at Dutcher Crossing as the owner is from our hometown in Wisconsin. Had a private tour and lunch it was great to see a very small boutique winery, excellent wines.
They recommended Bella next door. Their wines were good with lovely picnic grounds.
We were glad we did not do the biking tour of Dry Creek as it ended up to be 90 degrees. Decided on the way back to hotel to use the Simi coupons. Nice wine tasting easy to find. After we walked around Healdsburg Square. Very quiant town with a beautiful square and plenty of shopping.
Had dinner at Barndiva. Also exactly what were looking for. Great food in an outdoor setting. Casual but quite. The bar area looked fun. With a mix of vegetarians and not we easily found fresh, local for everyone.
Saturday went to Rodney Strong and J as they are together. Then tried to go to La Crema (served at our daughters wedding) but didn't know the tasting room as in Healdsburg as it is on the wine map. On to Arista and then J Rochoili. We found out that
J R had turned into Tomey a brand of Silver Oak. Spent a while at Tomey on their beautiful deck overlooking the valley.
On the way back to SF the girls wanted to do one more and read bout Buena Vista being the oldest winery. The traffic there was bad as we were back in Sonoma. Not that great of tasting but beautiful old building.
Went back to SF and had dinner at Greens restaurant. It is vegetarian and on the water in Fort Mason. It was very fun, casual but great food and fabulous service.
Pretty much packed alot in and had the relaxing trip we were looing for. My favorite tasting rooms were probably J and Tomey