We haven't visited them, but we've had wines from Kistler that we thought were pretty good; and we went to Winemaker Night at Scopa (in Healdsburg) with Ross Hallek and as I recall found the wines good, hearty, likable, though I don't remember specifics.

otherfootloose, did you know that the wine list at The Girl & the Fig (in Sonoma) features exclusively (I think) Rhone varietals? If not "exclusively", then there are a whole, whole lot of them. If you take a look at their website, you should be able to identify some local producers to check out.

We're going back to Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino in December, can't wait!

I was not aware of the girl and the fig's wine list- believe it or not we've not been there in all of our visits! But sounds like I may need to make that a "must do" for the next trip. Thanks, NewbE

I'm sure your trip be fun- how could it not be, right? ;) Do you care to share your itinerary?

I don't even have a vague idea of when I will be returning, but its still fun to keep track of what's happening. There is certainly a trend toward sophistication in the region- lots of food pairing options and seated tastings . I hope that the simplicity of Sonoma isn't being pushed aside altogether!

The only name on your list that I am aware of is Meeker. I tasted some of their wines last month, and talked with Molly Meeker. I think they're up in Geyserville. They have some good, robust reds, including syrahs made from Dry Creek Valley grapes. However, the one of theirs that stuck in my mind was a nice Dry Creek Chardonnay.

Our itinerary is very rough right now: two nights in Napa (at the El Bonita, which looks...interesting??); two nights in Booneville (at the Boonville Hotel, which we adore); and three nights in Healdsburg (at the Hotel Healdsburg, where I snagged a phantom bargain rate--a funny story).

We will be in Healdsburg over New Year's, so I'm worried about finding things to do (and eat!) on New Year's Day--suggestions appreciated.

Wineries we know we're going to are Pride, Unti and Merry Edwards, b/c they are favorites for us and/or the friends we're going with. We also want to check out The Barlow (in Sebastopol) b/c it will be new to us. And we insist on a meal at Scopa in Healdsburg :-) Beyond that, we're compiling lists of wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants--far more than we can ever visit, lol.

We've never traveled with this couple before, so have a bit of trepidation about that, but we have separate hotel rooms and cars booked so can split up if need be; we've agreed that there would be no hard feelings about that, and both couples are more than capable of going it alone.

That said, we're considering alternating days between us: one couple calls the shots one day, the other the next. Maybe?? It's a work in progress..

There's no way not to have fun out there :-)

Thank you for your input Dave. That is good to know.

NewbE, you are right about there being no way to Not have fun...its all good, as the kids say. ;)

Pride is not really very well known to us, as we don't generally go to Napa, but we had the great pleasure of attending a wine dinner which was hosted by the owner, about 2 years ago, and MY! what FUN. We will have to put them on our list for the next visit.

Please give a report about The Barlow when you return. I've been reading about it for about a year and have yet to encounter anyone outside the tourist industry who could share an opinion.

If you haven't visited the estate at Pezzi King, may I suggest them to you? We are huge fans of the winemaker and found the wines to be well balanced and not unreasonable in price. If there is any of the Botyrized Sauvignon Blanc that won the Harvest Fair prize a few years back still available, definitely at least taste it. WONDERFUL stuff!!

testing

Does anyone know when Kaz was sold?

We have been wine club members at Stryker in the Alexander Valley for years. Gorgeous tasting room, and terrific zins.


((H))

I'm familiar with Stryker, and it is a lovely place, for sure.

I have to say, however, that we've found the wine quality to be somewhat inconsistent over the last few years- we actually gave up our membership because of that. Do you know if there has been a change in winemakers or something?

We stumbled upon Preston Vineyards Faux Rhone some years ago. They no longer make it, but if I were in the area, I'd visit their place on W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg.

Is Preston the one that has delicious fresh bread and olive oil (as well as good wine)?? Well worth a stop, I agree.

Yes, that's the one.

"I'm familiar with Stryker, and it is a lovely place, for sure. I have to say, however, that we've found the wine quality to be somewhat inconsistent over the last few years- we actually gave up our membership because of that. Do you know if there has been a change in winemakers or something?"

I'm not sure (I'll heck with my wine buddies who live up there), but I still like their wines. The price point is what might make me want to cancel, but it's still a great place to visit. We had a wonderful dinner in the vineyard a few years ago. Stunning.

((H))

Unti is a favorite of ours too, NewbE, and we always combine it with a stop at Amphora just up the road in the hopes that Rick will be pouring in the tasting room. That is always a guaranteed good time.

I don't know anything about Amphora--do tell, Suki!

...me either, Suki! Please, DO tell...