We're spending a couple of days in the Sonoma valley and saw a reference to some Sonoma wineries that offer food-wine pairings (Mayo Family and St Francis were mentioned). Does anybody have any information or recommendations? Are reservations necessary?
Thanks, Kathy

Kathy, the top one I can recommend is J. It was so filling, we didn't have lunch! in fact, we're returning this spring.
http://www.jwine.com/

Arrowood and Imagery are wonderful wineries. Arrowood has terrific wines, view and a wonderful sever who is originally from Hawaii and really knows the wines she is pouring and Imagery has great wines and beautiful art. We were just in the Sonoma area two weeks ago and definitely enjoyed the above two wineries the most. For lunch or dinner The Girl and The Fig is terrific.
Enjoy your visit.

Imatery is very nice and I'll second the girl and the fig. Cafe La Haye, Harmony Club and the Swiss Hotel are also all good in this area and are located right around the Sonoma plaza. Happy New Year! ***kim***

My favorite vienyard in Sonoma is Viansa...

>-

Thanks everyone. I spent some time looking up the recommendations that you all noted.

LLinda-J winery sounds perfect. The paring is exactly what I had in mind and will go right to the top of my list.

Chico-The art at Imagery is wonderful (on the website) and although the site doesn't talk about food-wine parings, I'd still like to go there. Also had thought about The Girl and the Fig. Everyone here highly recommends it.

Kim- I looked up the Harmony club restaurant and that one is certainly another good choice. Ineresting food selection.

cwojo- Viansa might be our first vineyard on the way into Sonoma. Some one on a previous post mentioned that it was literally on the route there from SF. So, can't pass it up.

...And a Happy New Year to you all, too. Kathy

Try the Eldorado Kitchen in Sonoma, it is excellent.

The El Dorado Kitchen used to be Piatti for many years, located at the Hotel El Dorado. We were there in March when it was being renovated. The chef, Ryan Fancher used to be the sous chef for the French Laundry.

It's on my list for an upcoming trip to Sonoma in March. Sounds like a great place! ***kim***

Kathleen, while Viansa has a fun tasting room, they don't really do "pairings." However, they sell loads of spreads, dips and goodies and there are so many samples that it's possible to "do lunch" without spending a cent. You can also order inside the place and picnic. Agreed, it's not to be missed.Big, loud and fun. J is ultra modern, sleek and contemporary. very cool and we loved it. Have fun!

Local Update:
Viansa is the Pits these days. The hordes of tour buses tell the story and it's sale by the Sebastiani's family fued to a NY corporation points further to a slide downhill.

You would be better served to drive up the road a mile to Cline, enjoy a taste there, and purchase a bottle to take along on a picnic suppllied by Angelo's
Deli accross the way.

J (up at the Northern end of the county
a 45min-1 hr. drive) is still good buy at around $12 for a flight of their wine paired with tasty tidbits.

The El Dorado Kitchen is panned on Trip Advisor and the SF Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...MGMQDFMBA1.DTL

Too bad, and sad because we like Piatti.

Imagery is part of Benziger, which gives a nice tour (Benziger that is).
KAZ is realy a blast !

Welcome to Sonoma County!
R5