We are planning a day touring wineries in the north end of Sonoma Valley - the Dry Creek Valley area I believe. We want to visit Ferrari-Carano, Preston, Chateua Souverain, and Clos Du Bois. Where would be the best place to picnic in that area - winery or otherwise. Thanks for your help!

K,
Lake Sonoma is absolutely gorgeous. You can eat on top of the lookout if you wish.Also, Lake Sonoma winery has a large patio overlooking a lovely valley. We got a fabulous carry-out at Hoffman House in Geyserville and headed over there. Opened a nice Lake Sonoma merlot and spent a couple hours there.Ferrari has beautiful grounds,no picnic area.(they were the ones, though , who sent us to Hoffman and Lake Sonoma.)

Linda,
Thanks for the idea, it sounds lovely. Where is Lake Sonoma? What is it near? I have a wine country map with the wineries on it, but I don't see the lake. I'm sure we'll pick up a better map once we are there if you could give me a general idea. Thanks again.

K,
Lake Sonoma Winery is on Dry Creek Road (way north). I have misplaced my map, but I remember following that road north towards the lake.It was well marked by road signs.This is in the Geyserville area. It's an incredible view from the lookout. Enjoy- I'm jealous!

I finally found the map! It is about 11 miles north of Healdsburg outside Geyserville. Follow Dry Creek Road.Be sure to stop in Geyserville at Meeker winery. Their temporary tasting room is in an old bank in town. Cynthia, the wine steward, is a HOOT! They have the best reds in the valley.We bought a case of them. Here's the site of lake Sonoma.http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/lakeso...%20Sonoma2.htm

If you're going to Ferrari-Carano winery it will be easy to find Lake Sonoma Winery because it is just up Dry Creek Road on the right. It is a great place to take a picnic - you can't beat the view. Chateau Souverain has a wonderful restaurant with a fabulas view as well.
Enjoy!!