Hi Everyone!

My husband and I will be staying at the Vintner's Inn over Memorial Day weekend. Are there any wineries in the area that are "must-sees" that also require reservations? We plan on going all over ... Sonoma ... Russian River Valley,,etc. etc.

Thanks so much in advance. We'd hate to miss out on someplace just because we didn't have a reservation.

Here's a link to the Sonoma wineries. Click on the Winery tab and check them out. http://www.wineroad.com/

They're in alphabetical order. First one on the list, A. Rafanelli Winery, does require an appointment. Their Cabs and Zins are Outstanding!!!

Budman,
What are your favorites?

I haven't hit all 105 wineries in the Sonoma area, but here are a few that I really liked.

Downtown Healdsburg -- Sapphire Hill for Pinot Noir. Good but a little pricy -- directly across the street, Davis Family Winery -- Just released their 2003 Pinot. I liked it so much I bought 1/2 a case to bring back. Camillia Cellars is in the same area. I bought 1/2 case of their Sangioveise futures to be released next March.

Right outside of town is Pezzi King. Their tasting room was in the Madrona Manor, but I think they have since moved to downtown Healdsburg. Their 2000 Zin is fantastic.

Nalle on Dry Creek Road has some great Zins, and of course A. Rafanelli has Superb Cabs & Zins. Make an appointment to go taste there. They are a Class Act in my opinion.

Lambert Bridge was barrel tasting their Merlot when we where there. After seeing Sideways, I hesitated in tasting because of the "No Merlot" scene, but I must say, their Merlot was really good and should be a "winner" when it is bottled.

La Crema has some great Pinot, and even their 2002 Syrah was fantastic. Picked up some of those also.

Of course, everyone's taste in wine is different, but those were some that I found extraordinarily good.

I'd have all sorts of reservations going into a winery with B'man.

Budman,
I like the heavier reds myself - zins and petites in particular. I haven't been to a few on your list but will try to on my next trip to Sonoma in May.

May I reccomend Christopher Creek for zins and Stryker for great zins and reserve cabs.

Drink up!

I second Rafanelli's. Bring cash or check, they don't take credit cards.

I also enjoy Michele Schlumberger, which requires reservations.

By the way, since you're dreaming of Italy, be sure to go to Ferrari-Carano. It's a great Italianate villa.

Thanks everyone. Some great suggestions. We can't wait!