How/Where to spend a few days in CA wine country
Dec 29th, 2012, 05:45 PM
#21
Just re-read your original post. In March the vineyards will still be dormant, if that matters to you. The hills will be green and there could be some wild flowers, depending on the rains and what part of March you are visiting.
One thing you could do is from SFO, head up to Bodega Bay. Then continue to Jenner and head east on Hwy. 116, stopping at Korbel for sparkling wine tasting. The Armstrong Redwoods are off Hwy. 116. You can then turn off on the Westside Road, and head up to Healdsburg . There small wineries along the Westside Road, West Dry Creek Road, Lambert bridge Road, and The Dry Creek Valley. The Alexander Valley also has lots to offer.
One thing you could do is from SFO, head up to Bodega Bay. Then continue to Jenner and head east on Hwy. 116, stopping at Korbel for sparkling wine tasting. The Armstrong Redwoods are off Hwy. 116. You can then turn off on the Westside Road, and head up to Healdsburg . There small wineries along the Westside Road, West Dry Creek Road, Lambert bridge Road, and The Dry Creek Valley. The Alexander Valley also has lots to offer.
Dec 29th, 2012, 05:50 PM
#22
If you like Pinot, have you thought about visiting the Santa Ynez Valley, flying to Santa Barbara? This is also a very nice wine appellation to visit. Not sur how connection to LV or CO would work out. Sants Ynez was where the movie "Sideways" was shot.
Dec 29th, 2012, 05:51 PM
#23
Dec 29th, 2012, 09:30 PM
#24
You're definitely not a pest Michelle, quite the opposite! I really appreciate all the great ideas and your driving route is particularly helpful.
I realize the vines will be dormant; we're off season travelers by choice. We live at the doorstep of three wine regions, and there's no shortage of lush green vines, particularly right now, as it's summer.
A bigger issue might be closures...are wineries generally open in the middle of the week in early March?
I realize the vines will be dormant; we're off season travelers by choice. We live at the doorstep of three wine regions, and there's no shortage of lush green vines, particularly right now, as it's summer.
A bigger issue might be closures...are wineries generally open in the middle of the week in early March?
Dec 30th, 2012, 11:42 AM
#25
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Wineries are indeed usually open midweek, but they often choose one day to close, like a Tuesday; thing is, there are so many in Napa and Sonoma, you'll have no trouble finding enough great ones to visit to fill your time.
We were in Sonoma last spring, stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg. Lovely hotel, with a lavish full breakfast that may help justify the cost. Its sister hotel, which is called something like the H2Hotel, is just down the street and looked good to us from the outside, and it's less expensive. We love the Dry Creek AVA in particular, so Healdsburg is our ideal location, and there are great restaurants, although that's true of the entire area, really. I suggest you sample zinfandels while you're there, as CA makes excellent zins, but Unti in Sonoma makes great Syrah, Schug makes lovely pinot, and Hartford Family is not to be missed for chardonnay, pinot and zin. These are all in Sonoma County.
I think you need to decide, somehow, between Napa and Sonoma, and then proceed to narrow down a town and hotel. You really can't go wrong, if that helps
We were in Sonoma last spring, stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg. Lovely hotel, with a lavish full breakfast that may help justify the cost. Its sister hotel, which is called something like the H2Hotel, is just down the street and looked good to us from the outside, and it's less expensive. We love the Dry Creek AVA in particular, so Healdsburg is our ideal location, and there are great restaurants, although that's true of the entire area, really. I suggest you sample zinfandels while you're there, as CA makes excellent zins, but Unti in Sonoma makes great Syrah, Schug makes lovely pinot, and Hartford Family is not to be missed for chardonnay, pinot and zin. These are all in Sonoma County.
I think you need to decide, somehow, between Napa and Sonoma, and then proceed to narrow down a town and hotel. You really can't go wrong, if that helps
Dec 30th, 2012, 12:07 PM
#26
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The first two weekends in March are very busy in Northern Sonoma County near Healdsburg. They are the Barrel Tasting weekends:
http://www.wineroad.com/events/barrel_tasting/5
These are events you want to avoid if you dislike crowds. However, they are also wonderful opportunities to try the new wines that are still in barrels. In many cases, you will taste with the winemaker or owner. We go every year and consider it a highlight of the season.
http://www.wineroad.com/events/barrel_tasting/5
These are events you want to avoid if you dislike crowds. However, they are also wonderful opportunities to try the new wines that are still in barrels. In many cases, you will taste with the winemaker or owner. We go every year and consider it a highlight of the season.
Dec 30th, 2012, 01:24 PM
#27
We have decided on Sonoma NewbE, just need to decide where exactly.
Thanks for the heads up on the Barrel Tasting Supercilious...looks like we'll be arriving on a Mon or Tues, which should work in our favor.
Thanks for the heads up on the Barrel Tasting Supercilious...looks like we'll be arriving on a Mon or Tues, which should work in our favor.
Dec 30th, 2012, 03:16 PM
#28
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WEll Napa is very tiny - and their is basically one long road from Napa (the city) through the other little wine towns. YOu can see pretty much everything in one or two days.
In Napa you'll be on one main road heading north through the city of Napa, then the smaller cities of YOuntville, St. Helena and Calistoga. (Not in the that order).
Sonoma is larger but (as I recall doesn't have the cute charm that Napa has). However you can easily do both areas, visit lots of winerys and the wonderful restaurants.
If you are into foods/wines you might enjoy Per Se and The French Laundry (both owned by Thomas Keller). However for the French Laundry you'll need reservations several months in advance. We did not eat there but did dine at Per Se and enjoyed it very much.
http://www.frenchlaundry.com/
In Napa you'll be on one main road heading north through the city of Napa, then the smaller cities of YOuntville, St. Helena and Calistoga. (Not in the that order).
Sonoma is larger but (as I recall doesn't have the cute charm that Napa has). However you can easily do both areas, visit lots of winerys and the wonderful restaurants.
If you are into foods/wines you might enjoy Per Se and The French Laundry (both owned by Thomas Keller). However for the French Laundry you'll need reservations several months in advance. We did not eat there but did dine at Per Se and enjoyed it very much.
http://www.frenchlaundry.com/
Dec 30th, 2012, 03:37 PM
#29
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Per Se moved to Yountville? I hope it doesn't put Ad Hoc or Addendum out of business. 
Love Yountville as a central location. Hurley's still our "under the radar" fave resto, esp in the Spring/Summer and early Fall when they have their patio open.
Several hotels w/in walking distance to Bottega, Bouchon's, Bouchon Bakery, Redd Wood, Bistro Jeanty, Redd, Pacific Blues Cafe.
City of Sonoma fave: Della Santina's esp when their patio garden is open. Their wine bar is also "well equipped".
Love Yountville as a central location. Hurley's still our "under the radar" fave resto, esp in the Spring/Summer and early Fall when they have their patio open.
Several hotels w/in walking distance to Bottega, Bouchon's, Bouchon Bakery, Redd Wood, Bistro Jeanty, Redd, Pacific Blues Cafe.
City of Sonoma fave: Della Santina's esp when their patio garden is open. Their wine bar is also "well equipped".
Dec 30th, 2012, 05:38 PM
#33
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For pinot noir, consider a visit to Failla, on Silverado Trail. We needed to make a reservation, and we were the only visitors at the scheduled time, conversing with a knowledgeable staff member, sipping, relaxing in easy chairs in the rustic lounge. Nice wine, nice experience. (My daughter asked us to include a few bottles of their chardonnay in our order.)
Failla is not far from Joseph Phelps, with its beautiful outdoor tasting area overlooking rolling hills planted with vines.
Failla is not far from Joseph Phelps, with its beautiful outdoor tasting area overlooking rolling hills planted with vines.
Dec 30th, 2012, 06:48 PM
#34
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Laid back is Sonoma town, Glen Ellen and the rest of the Valley of the moon.
There are a lot of great restaurants there, without the pretentiousness of the French Laundry. "This is Thomas' interpretation of a beet salad" while serving me one slice of beet about the size of a u.s. quarter.
If you want really laid back, then head north to Mendocino County and Philo or Booneville. You can learn the language of Boontlin', or trade lingo with wines like Mollydooker.
There are a lot of great restaurants there, without the pretentiousness of the French Laundry. "This is Thomas' interpretation of a beet salad" while serving me one slice of beet about the size of a u.s. quarter.
If you want really laid back, then head north to Mendocino County and Philo or Booneville. You can learn the language of Boontlin', or trade lingo with wines like Mollydooker.
Dec 31st, 2012, 08:12 AM
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Meknq8, good luck! Now that I know you've settled on Sonoma (which I think you'll love), I can firmly suggest Healdsburg. Sonoma town looked lovely, too, we just didn't stay there. But both have that classic California town square, cute shops, great restaurants, and oh yeah, loads of good wineries nearby. Let us know what you decide!
Dec 31st, 2012, 11:55 AM
#39
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Personally, I like Healdsburg. Is it a bit too twee? Sure, but it is nice and convenient and some decent restaurants are about. Most importantly, it puts you within relatively easy access to Napa AND Sonoma + Anderson Valley.
As for wineries... Knowing that you like Pinot would mean you might want to focus a bit more on Sonoma or, assuming you are willing to drive a bit and get off the beaten path, you really should hit the Anderson Valley. Among my favorites in each of the areas:
Anderson Valley (this area is very rural, very laid back):
Drew
Foursight - great staff at the tasting room
Goldeneye
Londer
Sonoma:
Papapietro Perry
Williams Selyem (I think this is only open to mailing list members, but worth seeking out at restaurants)
Bella
Dry Creek Vineyard
Kosta Browne
Patz & Hall
Rafanelli (requires appointment, but easy to schedule even same day) - Zinfandel and Cab
Seghesio - Zinfandel and Italian varietals
Twomey
David Coffaro - the least pretentious winery I have EVER been to. The wine is only okay, but if David is around it is a blast.
Ridge
Napa:
Miner - seek out the Garys' Vineyard Pinot from them and their Stagecoach Merlot is a great Merlot. Great staff.
Pine Ridge - Cab, Merlot, and Malbec. No Pinot.
James Cole - big, bold wines. No Pinot. My favorite atmosphere of any winery in the area (tied with Miner).
Robert Sinskey
Twomey (they have tasting rooms in both Napa and Sonoma)
Nickel & Nickel - the tasting fee is prohibitive unless you buy 6 bottles
Whitehall Lane
Cakebread - ask if they have any Rubyiat
For restaurants, do try to eat at French Laundry if you can. Some like to pooh-pooh it in what I suspect is a bit of reverse snobbery, but Thomas Keller is easily one of the most influential chefs in the world, one who refuses to rest on his laurels, and it is an experience you will never forget. For something more casual, I LOVED Redd. Fantastic, friendly service, a great wine list and exceptional food. While tasting in Napa, I like to stop at Gott's - overpriced, but excellent quality "fast food".
We'd prefer unpretentious, if that's even possible.
Anderson Valley will give you what you are looking for, I think.
But don't assume too much pretension, even in Napa. Talk to the people pouring. Ask questions. If you are interested in the wines, they will be interested in you and you will have some great experiences. Remember that most of the people working the tasting rooms at the better wineries work there because they are passionate about wine. They aren't so much pretentious as they are jaded by the parade of folks coming through looking to see how much wine they can drink.
As for wineries... Knowing that you like Pinot would mean you might want to focus a bit more on Sonoma or, assuming you are willing to drive a bit and get off the beaten path, you really should hit the Anderson Valley. Among my favorites in each of the areas:
Anderson Valley (this area is very rural, very laid back):
Drew
Foursight - great staff at the tasting room
Goldeneye
Londer
Sonoma:
Papapietro Perry
Williams Selyem (I think this is only open to mailing list members, but worth seeking out at restaurants)
Bella
Dry Creek Vineyard
Kosta Browne
Patz & Hall
Rafanelli (requires appointment, but easy to schedule even same day) - Zinfandel and Cab
Seghesio - Zinfandel and Italian varietals
Twomey
David Coffaro - the least pretentious winery I have EVER been to. The wine is only okay, but if David is around it is a blast.
Ridge
Napa:
Miner - seek out the Garys' Vineyard Pinot from them and their Stagecoach Merlot is a great Merlot. Great staff.
Pine Ridge - Cab, Merlot, and Malbec. No Pinot.
James Cole - big, bold wines. No Pinot. My favorite atmosphere of any winery in the area (tied with Miner).
Robert Sinskey
Twomey (they have tasting rooms in both Napa and Sonoma)
Nickel & Nickel - the tasting fee is prohibitive unless you buy 6 bottles
Whitehall Lane
Cakebread - ask if they have any Rubyiat
For restaurants, do try to eat at French Laundry if you can. Some like to pooh-pooh it in what I suspect is a bit of reverse snobbery, but Thomas Keller is easily one of the most influential chefs in the world, one who refuses to rest on his laurels, and it is an experience you will never forget. For something more casual, I LOVED Redd. Fantastic, friendly service, a great wine list and exceptional food. While tasting in Napa, I like to stop at Gott's - overpriced, but excellent quality "fast food".
We'd prefer unpretentious, if that's even possible.
Anderson Valley will give you what you are looking for, I think.
But don't assume too much pretension, even in Napa. Talk to the people pouring. Ask questions. If you are interested in the wines, they will be interested in you and you will have some great experiences. Remember that most of the people working the tasting rooms at the better wineries work there because they are passionate about wine. They aren't so much pretentious as they are jaded by the parade of folks coming through looking to see how much wine they can drink.
Jan 1st, 2013, 04:12 PM
#40
Any suggestions for off airport car rentals at SFO? Maybe taxi/shuttle to an off airport location (not sure which locations to look for online as I'm unfamiliar with the area).
SFO car rental prices are ridiculous. Even Payless, which is off airport accessed via a secondary shuttle from the SFO rental car center seems high.
Current thoughts are to pick up rental car, drive to Sonoma via undetermined route, spend three nights in Healdsburg (Tue-Thurs nights) then take our time driving back to SFO on Friday and stay in a hotel near the airport. This saves a very expensive Friday night in Sonoma (possibly made worse by the barrel tasting festivities over that weekend) and lets us use some Marriott points for the last night. Not sure the flights work though, still sorting those.
SFO car rental prices are ridiculous. Even Payless, which is off airport accessed via a secondary shuttle from the SFO rental car center seems high.
Current thoughts are to pick up rental car, drive to Sonoma via undetermined route, spend three nights in Healdsburg (Tue-Thurs nights) then take our time driving back to SFO on Friday and stay in a hotel near the airport. This saves a very expensive Friday night in Sonoma (possibly made worse by the barrel tasting festivities over that weekend) and lets us use some Marriott points for the last night. Not sure the flights work though, still sorting those.
