Fodor's Expert Review Chenoweth Wines

Distinguished producers like Patz & Hall and Kosta Browne make wines from grapes farmed by the Chenoweth family, whose ancestors settled in the redwood-studded hills northwest of Sebastopol in the mid-1800s. In 2000, Charlie Chenoweth converted apple orchards to vineyards, in recent years reserving some of the grapes for his wife, Amy, to craft the namesake Chardonnay, rosé of Pinot Noir, and Pinot Noirs. Uniformly excellent, they alone warrant a visit to the 600-acre property, but the down-home hospitality and hardworking but fun-loving family vibe elevate the experience exponentially. For lofty Russian River Valley perspectives few other wineries can supply, book the ATV Tasting Tour, stopping for sips where the wines' grapes are grown. As with the other appointment-only sessions, the gregarious Amy sometimes hosts these herself. If you can't make it to the ranch, Region in The Barlow pours some Chenoweth wines.