Would you visit Napa or Sonoma wine country?
Mar 31st, 2003, 04:32 PM
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Would you visit Napa or Sonoma wine country?
I have done a search and am confused as to which route to take. We will have a car and will be coming from SF in April. Don't know if we should head toward Napa or Sonoma or which wineries to visit at either destination. We would like to find a winery or some scenic place for lunch. We will be there for the day and then back to SF. Please help with suggestions! Thank you.
Mar 31st, 2003, 05:32 PM
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We have been to both locations. It depends on what you prefer. Napa is more touristy. We enjoyed Sonoma Valley. It was less touristy. Enjoyed the wineries that we toured. We brought our own lunch (cheese, fruit, etc.) to one of the wineries that we toured, and ate in their garden with a bottle of their wine. Great place, great town, etc.
Mar 31st, 2003, 07:25 PM
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I'd go to Sonoma County, in particular, take the 101 north to Healdsburg,or Gyersville, the Russina River Valley is a good drive, many wineries have picnic areas. Also, look at the Dry Creek or Alexandar valleyw, lots to choose from, easy drive from SF and less crowded than Napa.
Apr 1st, 2003, 06:54 AM
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What is great about the area is that it is all pretty close together. The towns of Sonoma and Napa are only about 30 minutes aprt, less if the traffic is light. I guess the choice of wineries might have to d with what types of wines you like or what you'd like to taste. Since you're only going for a day (hope it's a weekday) then you'll probably want to head toward Sonoma. Take a picnic lunch to the Benzinger Winery. The grounds are beautiful.
Apr 1st, 2003, 08:59 AM
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In California, the term means whatever the vineyard wants it to mean. There is no legal requiremnet as in an Italian Chianti Reserve.
It can mean:
Special handling
better grapes
nicer wine
held back for special release
prettier label
purely marketing gimmick
Unfortunatley, there is no way to know without getting further info from the vineyard as to what it means ont THEIR label.
It can mean:
Special handling
better grapes
nicer wine
held back for special release
prettier label
purely marketing gimmick
Unfortunatley, there is no way to know without getting further info from the vineyard as to what it means ont THEIR label.
