Coming to the Wine Road this weekend for Barrel Tasting. Your comments/recommendations on this proposed itinerary. Arriving late Fridiay evening.

Saturday morning, up Dry Creek Road to Nalle and Mauritson - Zins, Pinots, and Petite Sirah.

Crossing over to West Dry Creek Road to Lambert Bridge. Their last year's Merlot was great. Up to Rafanelli. This is where I'm going to stock up. I still have a bottle of their Zin from last year. Zins & Cabs - yeah!! Great wines.

From there, up to Bella. Should I stop by Raymond Burr on the way? Pedroncelli? Are they worth a stop?

Crossing over to the Alexander Valley to Clos Du Bois for sentimental reasons. It was my first wine tasting room in Sonoma 3 years ago. Then on to Stryker Sonoma, White Oak, and Hanna.

Lunch at the Jimtown Store.

In the afternoon, Downtown Healdsburg to Arista - I want to try their Gewurztraminers and Pinots. Then on to Camellia Cellars, Davis Family, and Sapphire Hill. Some mention Rosenblum Cellars -- if that's the tasting room next door to the Oakville Grocery, I wasn't too fond of their wines.

Sunday - Brunch with family, then I'm going to try to make it to some Russian River wineries -- Porter Creek, Moshin, LaCrema, Korbel, and Lynmar prior to heading back to SF for the evening and an early morning flight out.

I know this is an aggressive itinerary, but I'm not going to be drinking wine -- just tasting.

P.S. My wonderful wife will be the designated driver.

One of our favorites on Dry Creek Road - David Cafaro. Gave us barrell tastings last year in June. Very laid back, cool staff, and best of all, GREAT wine, esp. their zin. Tho we had a hard time picking a favorite.

David Cafaro is about 3 doors down from Ferrari Carrano. (Same side of the street)

Have fun. Look forward to the review!

Can I come too Budman????

May I ?

Budman, can this be? We're both going to CA and Switzerland in a matter of 3 months? Gasp! I can't believe you didn't like Rosenblum! Give them another try, please! Also, take a side trip to Roshambo for fun. In Russian River Valley, find Amphora on the map and give Rick Hutchison a call. Arrange for a tasting in his basement! He's a great winemaker and a cool guy. Also try to get to Foppiano and try their Petite Syrah. Let me know what you like this year, we'll be there in 5 weeks! Enjoy!

Budman...so jealous! Have a great time!! Trish

Topping for locals... I know another Fodorite will be in the area on the same weekend, so if you want to know WWW infor (who, when, where) send me your addy to [email protected]

FainaAgain, would love to hook up, but I'm just doing a drive-by shooting and meeting up with my cousin and his family.

LLindaC, are you following me? I know you want to take a peak at those legs, but it is supposed to be cold and rainy -- I'm wearing long pants

I'll put Amphora on the list -- it's just up the road from Rafanelli. I like tasting out of a basement. We did Roshambo last year and enjoyed it.

How much wine did Rafanelli let you buy? I've always found them to limit purchases. Two of my favorites you've left out are Michele Schlumberger and David Bynum. (you haven't missed much!) Fingers crossed for good weather for you.

Cat - two for me & two for my wife (who doesn't drink wine). I'll put Michele-Schlumberger on the list. If I make it to Amphora, it's right up the street. Thanks for the tip.

Hey Budman, how did cha make your title red? Or am I the only one seeing that?????

...for your trouble

It gets red after too many beers

You must have a high tolerance level! I can't do more than 4 or I pass out!

I think you should do two trip reports, one that night and one after you are sober!

8-)

Buen viaje, mi amigo!
M

A few thoughts for you, Budman...
Do know that you can only access the Alexander Valley via Alexander Valley Road as the Hwy 128 Bridge at Geyserville is wiped out due to the NY Day floods. This should be easy access for your visit to the Jimtown Store. While over in that neck of the woods consider a visit to Sausal and Strkyer.

As we are Liquid Assests members at Lambert Bridge, you know we love their
wine. See if you can try their 2003 Dry Creek Petit Syrah, the release was limited but maybe...

In downtown Healdsburg, do try to stop in at Thumbprint. R bought a bottle of
2004 Carignane Rouge and I went with their 2003 RR Valley Pinot. I think these kids may be on to something...

Have fun & bring your own boat !
R5

Tiff, it's like my newest signature which goes along with the

R5, Thanks for the heads up with the 128 bridge. I'll reroute. That may even work out better.

Stryker's on my list, and I see Sausal is nearby. Yes, Lambert Bridge was memorable from last trip, so I'll try their Petite Syrah, and I heard great things about Thumbprint.

So much wine, so little time.

Yeh, but way better values elsewhere.
M

AAAwww mikemo, not everything can be a Chilean Chardonnay or Australian shiraz,
nor should it be. You once spent youth and your dollars here, so why not just let us have our fun now ? and it IS fun
for now !
R5

Wow, I didn't know about the bridge!It will change our travel plans a bit- do you think it will be fixed before April 1? No trip to CA is complete without a stop in Geyserville to see Cynthia at Meeker. It is a tasting for the not faint at heart. You need to eat a big breakfast before and a big lunch afterward. The reds get bigger and bolder vertically, and you feel as if your mouth, throat and teeth are all deep purple, LOL.
when the deep purple falls.....

Hi LLindaC:
You can still access the main drag in Geyserville from Hwy 101, you just cannot cross the Russian River into Alexander Valley on Hwy 128. The bridge will be out indefinetly. I'm certain you will hear opinions on this from the locals when you visit.
R5