If we want to focus on pinot noirs, which wineries in Sonoma county would you recommend?
Thanks.

To get you started:

Holdredge
La Crema
Papapietro Perry
Sapphire Hill
MacMurray Ranch
Gary Farrell
Hartford
David Coffaro
Joseph Swan
Armida
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Many on the list are from the Russain River area and can be found at http://wineroad.com

R5

Thanks razzledazzle:

I have been using the wineroad website (learned about it here from earlier postings.)

Of those on your list--any particular favorites?--for the wine itself, and/or for the winery experience? We don't want to do too much so we will have to narrow it down.

When I researched this awhile back kosta browne's website indicated arranging visits by appointment but now it shows no visiting--I am sure that they were inundated after the Wine Spectator article a few months back. MacPhail does not have visitors--has a Healdsburg business address but does not appear to be tastings.

Any other insights would be greatly appreciated.

Kosta Browne is accomodative as long as you provide enough lead time, regardless of whether you are on their mailing list or not.

Try contacting Dan Kosta or Tony Velebil directly - they should have their email addresses on the website.

Unfortunately, even before the most recent Wine Spectator accolades, they have continuously sold out on their wines and, unless you are willing to pay a huge premium in the secondary retail market, the only way to get their wines is through their mailing list. From what I heard, there's a 1 year wait.

Deloach has a pretty winery. Gary Farrell and Harford both make outstanding pinots so search them out.

thanks bill boy and no name:

I should have sent the email to KB a few months ago, so probably not enough notice, but it is worth a try. I also noticed that the language on the website had changed from saying it was possible to saying that it was not.

try murphy-goode, in sonoma. ;-)

thanks for the suggesion otto.
For those who might be interested, kosta browne indicated that they hope to be able to resume visits in November--after they move their facility and the crush.