Sonoma Wine Country. off Highway 101 PREFERRED. 7 Wine Tasting Trips plus 37 Tasting Room Reviews. Fall/Winter Eastside Bunch.

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1 Fall/Winter 2010 PREFERRED Sonoma Wine Country DAY TRIPS off Highway Wine Tasting Trips plus 37 Tasting Room Reviews A publication of Eastside Bunch

2 1 Northern Sonoma BODEGA HIGHWAY VALLEY FORD CUTOFF BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY 116 Russian River FREESTONE VINEYARDS STEWART S POINT RD RIVER RD. Green Valley Travelling around Sonoma County Travel Time miles (average) (Peak) Golden Gate Bridge to sebastopol sebastopol to santa rosa Downtown santa rosa to Healdsburg Healdsburg to Geyserville OCCIDENTAL RD. GRATON RD. Lake Sonoma FERRARI-CARANO DUTCHER CROSSING Dry Creek FERRARI-CARANO S SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD KENDALL-JACKSON PROHIBITION STEPHEN & WALKER TOPEL DUTTON ESTATE DUTTON-GOLDFIELD Sonoma Coast SBRAGIA FAMILY Dry Creek Pages 7-13 Westside Road Pages WESTSIDE RD. TRUETT HURST 116 DUTCHER CREEK W. DRY CREEK RD. 101 MILL CREEK FOPPIANO DE LA MONTANYA ACORN ARMIDA RODNEY STRONG TWOMEY MERRIAM ROBLAR RD. RIVER RD. LAGUNA RD. OCCIDENTAL RD. DRY CREEK RD. WESTSIDE RD. MARTIN RAY SUNCÉ BALLETTO Sebastopol/ Freestone Pages GUERNEVILLE RUSSIAN RIVER SILVER OAK CANYON RD. DRY CREEK VNYD JOHN TYLER FORCHINI by Bacigalupi Vineyard OLIVET FULTON RD. Alexander Valley LYTTON SPGS DE LOACHSLUSSER HOOK & LADDER 101 MEEKER SIMI Downtown Healdsburg Pages RUSSIAN HILL ESTATE SONOMA CUTRER PETALUMA HILL ROAD PINER ALEXANDER 128 VALLEY CHRISTOPHER CREEK KENDALL-JACKSON WINE CENTER GRANGE VINTNERS SIGNATURES FIELD STONE Chalk Hill MARK WEST SPRINGS RD. SAUSAL Eastside Bunch Pages Russian River /Olivet Pages Gateway to Alexander Valley Pages BENNETT VALLEY RD. Sonoma Valley Knights Valley

3 DAY TRIPS PREFERRED Sonoma Wine Country off Highway Wine Tasting Trips Dry Creek 7-13 Downtown Healdsburg Westside Road Alexander Valley Eastside Bunch Russian River/Olivet Sebastopol/Freestone Index & Contact Information On the cover: Armida Winery, Healdsburg 669 Broadway, Suite B Sonoma, CA P.O. Box 92 El Verano, CA Fax PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco Direct (707) mike@winecountrythisweek.com SALES REPRESENTATIVE Margaret Villarreal, winecountrytw@comcast.net MANAGING EDITOR OFFICE MANAGER EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS A Publication of Chandra Grant Phone Fax chandra@winecountrythisweek.com Cathy Gore Phone Fax cathy@winecountrythisweek.com Introductions by Abigail Zimmerman Michelle Baker Charles Neave Nan Reiley Sue Straight, Wine Wench 37 Tasting Room Reviews Acorn Winery 34 Armida Winery 21 Balletto Vineyard 48 Christopher Creek Winery 35 De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery 24 DeLoach Vineyards 45 Dry Creek Vineyards 8 Dutcher Crossing Winery 11 Dutton Estate Winery 49 Dutton-Goldfield Winery 50 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 9 Field Stone Winery & Vineyard 32 Foppiano Vineyards 36 Forchini Vineyards & Winery 12 Freestone Vineyards 51 Hook & Ladder Winery 43 John Tyler by Bacigalupi Vineyard 22 Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg 16 Kendall-Jackson Wine Center 40 Martin Ray Winery 46 Meeker 29 Merriam Vineyards 37 Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery 23 Prohibition The Speakeasy Wine Club 17 Rodney Strong Vineyards 38 Russian Hill Estate 41 Sausal Winery 31 Sbragia Family Vineyards 10 Silver Oak 28 Simi Winery 27 Sonoma-Cutrer 42 Stephen & Walker Trust Winery 19 Suncé Winery 44 Topel Tasting Room 18 Truett Hurst Winery 13 Twomey Cellars 25 Vintners Signatures 30 3

4 Notes on Wine Tasting It s a good idea to plan to visit several wineries as every wine-tasting experience offered is different. With so many distinctive viticultural areas, one can easily taste many of the world s best varietials and winemaking styles without learning the region. Listed below are five basic types of tasting experiences. The experience will vary in style from winery to winery. Wine Bar Tasting The most common tasting experience is a Wine Bar Tasting. You step up to the bar where typically a list of wines being poured is displayed. Expect to pay a tasting fee between $10-$40. Some tasting bars will offer you the option to taste a library or reserve wine. Exercising this option increases the fee, but will allow you to taste very unique, old or rare wines. Sit Down Tasting A Sit Down Tasting usually requires an appointment and there may be a slightly higher fee than a wine bar fee. Seated in an elegant room, you are poured several wines by your winery host. Expect your host to describe the unique characteristics of each wine and how it was made. Table Service Tasting A Table Service Tasting, popular at sparkling wine facilities, is a tasting experience where you are seated at a table and the tastings are brought to you. Walk Around Tasting A Walk Around Tasting is a combination of a tour and a tasting. Your host brings along several bottles of wine on your tour, and may take you to a garden area of the winery to pour the first round. Then you move to another place within the winery to sample the next wine. This experience continues until all the wines are tasted. Barrel Tasting Another popular tasting experience that can be part of a tour or a Walk Around is a Barrel Tasting. Your guide takes a wine thief, a special siphon placed into a hole in the top of a barrel to extract tasting samples of a maturing wine. The sample allows you to taste what the wine is like in the middle of developing its full potential. Why make an appointment? Some wineries are so small that they need to know when you are coming so someone will be there to greet you. Other wineries have permit restrictions that limit the number of guests that can visit each day. Others have sit-down tastings that start and end at specific times. It s always a good idea to schedule your appointments well in advance of your visit because some of the more popular wineries fill up their appointments weeks in advance

5 Do the Math One of the questions most asked when it comes to wine is how much of this does it take to make that, and so on. We won t pretend that it s simple, but here are some industry statistics that will give a pretty good answer to that query. as with anything agricultural, of course, they are all based on countless variables when it comes to acre yields, but this is a good starting point. The rest of the information varies little if at all. = A single bottle contains: 750 ml of wine which is 25.6 ounces made from about 2.4 pounds of grapes (39 oz.) and is enough for four or maybe five glasses. A case of wine includes: a dozen 750 ml bottles (or 24 half bottles) or ounces total, which comes from 30 pounds of grapes. One standard oak barrel of wine holds: 295 bottles of wine (or 59 gallons) made from 740 pounds of grapes which works out to almost but not precisely 30 cases of wine. An acre of vineyard land can give the grower: five tons of grapes (though it is also less, depending on a variety of farming and winemaking practices, and on the varietal and the vineyard location) which will give you 797 gallons of juice (or thirteen-and-a-half barrels) which is pretty close to four thousand bottles of wine. XYZ Winery RESERVE Dry Creek Sonoma County ZINFANDEL 2002 Produced and Bottled by XYZ winery, Healdsburg, California ALCOHOL 14.6% BY VOLUME What does all that information on a wine label mean? The U.s. Department of alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms regulates wine labels and requires that information be given in a straightforward way. Basically, you will want to look for the types of grapes grown, where the grapes are grown and when the grapes were picked. Brand name Designation for a special wine Vineyard or appellation known for its grapes might be designated Location where the grapes used were grown Grape Variety used Vintage year in which the grapes were picked Location where the wine was made and/or bottled (Not to be confused with the area the grapes are grown.) Alcohol content may be stated or the the label may simply say "Table Wine 5

6 Heading to the Tasting Room Do not be intimidated for any reason. That is rule number one (and there are very few real rules after that). For the most part, going wine tasting is about the easiest thing in the world, especially here in Northern California where wineries and tasting rooms abound. You can find wineries specializing in red wines of all types, those that are Twomey Cellars famous for their white wines and others who pour sparkling wine. It is a matter of doing a little research and planning your day. Most tasting rooms open around 10 a.m. and close between 4:30 and 6 p.m. As a rule sparkling wine houses are opened the latest. Before you start off pack a few essentials: Water (plenty of water) and something to snack on crackers or a baguette. Many wineries have picnic areas and there are plenty of delis and bakeries that can make up a lunch for you, or make your own. Which brings us to eating and drinking, the kind that doesn t directly involve wine. Be sure to nibble during the day and make sure you make time for lunch. Two tips: drink at least twice as much water as you do wine, and remember that you don t have to drink everything poured into your glass. There is a reason tasting bars have dump buckets and a pitcher of water to wash out your glass. That said, here are some tips that have proven to be helpful and are designed to help make the sensory adventure of wine tasting all the more enjoyable. Don t be afraid to ask questions. Time and time again I have heard knowledgeable winery workers say that there is no such thing as a stupid question, and they mean that. You can drink what you want, in the order you want. If you only like reds, say so; if you don t like sweet wines, speak up. But the idea of starting with whites, then going on to reds and then sweet wines is a good guide. Zinfandel is red. I am sure you know that but it never hurts to remind everyone. If there is a particular wine you want to try and it is not on the list, ask. There might be a bottle around that was opened for a trade tasting or by the winemaker. Most tasting rooms are happy to pour a little if you show enthusiasm. If you plan to take wine home with you, either in the 6 car or on a plane, buy a cardboard box with Styrofoam wine inserts. Fill it during the day and this keeps wine from rolling around in the trunk. Check out the smaller wineries. It is a revelation. Take notes on the wines you most enjoyed. Take advantage of tours when the winery offers them, but keep in mind that they take anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour, so one a day is plenty. Buy wines that you can only find at the winery. These often include smaller (375 ml) bottles of limited production Ports or dessert wines. Don t buy a wine you can get at a supermarket back home. You ll pay more, and besides, what s the point? Look for tasting rooms in towns. Many of these are cooperative tasting rooms, where in one place you might find wines from a dozen or more small-to-medium premium producers. They are scattered throughout the area and more are opening all the time. Don t give too much thought to ratings and vintages. It s like art: if you like it, it s a good wine. It is as simple as that. Remember that you don t have to do the driving. It takes no more than a phone call to rent anything from a Town Car or restored Packard convertible to stretch limos and a 20-passenger bus. All have drivers that will stow your wine for you and the local companies know the area. As to taking that wine home, ten people sharing one of those impossibly long limousines is fine and fun, but if you all plan to buy a couple of cases the trunk which is no bigger than a normal luxury cars is going to fill up fast and you re going to find yourself filling the interior floor with boxes and using cases of Cabernet as footrest. Tell the transportation company what you have in mind and listen to their advice. They know the territory and the people and personalities. Know your limits. If you get close to it let others taste and you can listen. It beats ending the day in a blur, and if need be calling a taxi is cheaper than the alternative. And if at a seated tasting, don t be afraid to leave a gratuity. It s more than worth the five or ten dollars to get wisdom and wine and a great time. BY CHARLES NEAVE

7 Dry Creek Valley Dry Creek wine country is one of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas in the nation, only 16 miles long and two miles wide. With 9,300 acres of vineyard along this beautiful valley s floor, Dry Creek is a must see for first-time and veteran wine lovers. Dry Creek boasts 63 wineries producing a diverse range of wines from the famed Zinfandel to Bordeaux and even Mediterranean varietals. Don t let its small size fool you Dry Creek winemakers have been growing grapes and making great wines for more than 135 years! THINGS TO DO Lake Sonoma Hatchery 3333 skaggs springs road, Geyserville (707) , Located in the beautiful coastal foothills of Northern California, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by vineyards and land rich in history. Here, visitors can observe the operation of the hatchery and see displays which describe the life cycle of the coho salmon, steelhead and chinook. Open year round. Dry Creek Olive Oil, 4791 Dry Creek road, Healdsburg (707) , Rooted in traditions as rich as the Dry Creek Soil, Dry Creek Olive Oil Company is your destination for artisan, very fine, extra-virgin olive oils. PICNIC FARE Oakville Grocery, 124 matheson street, Healdsburg (707) , Little Country Store with overflowing shelves and a deli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items, the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST. Dry Creek General Store, (707) Dry Creek road, Healdsburg So much more than just a corner store, established in 1881, this is also a full-service deli and beer garden with live music occassionally, spectacular views and a wealth of information on wine tasting, tours and even fishing! Lake Sonoma TO COAST STEWART S POINT TO MENDOCINO COAST Cloverdale FERRARI-CARANO Lake Sonoma Hatchery SBRAGIA FAMILY VINEYARDS TO EUREKA DUTCHER CREEK RD WALLING DUTCHER CROSSING Driving Time: 16 minutes From sbragia Family to Ferrari-Carano 1 mile to Dutcher Crossing 2 miles to Truett Hurst 2.5 miles to Forchini >0.5 mile to Dry Creek 2 miles Total 8 miles Not to scale ASTI RD. 101 CHIANTI RD CANYON RD TRUETTT HURST YOAKIM BRIDGE W. DRY CREEK RD. RUSSIAN RIVER FORCHINI LAMBERT Dry Creek Olive Oil RD. CREEK DRY BRIDGE DRY CREEK VINEYARD Hope Merrill/ Hope Bosworth House 128 Dry Creek General Store SOUVERAIN GEYSERVILLE AVE. LYTTON SPRINGS RUSSIAN RIVER ALEXANDER VAL. RD LODGING Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson street, Healdsburg (707) , A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, romantic environment. Hope Merrill & Hope Bosworth B&B Geyserville avenue, Geyserville (707) , Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly restored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with Dry Creek Valley 7

8 Dave Stare, Don & Kim Wallace Dry Creek Vineyard When you drive through beautiful Dry Creek Valley in northern Sonoma County, you will see that the entire valley floor is covered with vineyards. It s quite obvious what the economy here is all about! But if you were passing through in 1972, you d have found a few prune orchards and not much else in the way of agriculture. One man changed all that well, at least he started the wave of Dry Creek Vineyard Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg (707) Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Zin Rosé, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Mention Day Trips off the 101 and receive FACT one complimentary bar tasting. (value: $5) change in the valley to wine-grape growing. Dave Stare, founder of Dry Creek Vineyard, can be characterized as a man of tenacity and vision, unafraid to experiment to create a new future. A lover of Loire Valley French wines, Dave s vision was to make excellent Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) and Chenin Blanc in Loire Valley style in California. His new winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, was the first to be built in the valley since the era of Prohibition. He had no one else s expertise or experience to draw on, and many predicted that he would fail, but failure was not in Dave Stare s makeup. His young daughter Kim was with him to help turn over the first shovel of dirt for the winery s foundation, and she is still side-by-side with her father as she and husband Don Wallace have become the second generation of the family to carry on the tradition of fine wines made from Sonoma County grapes. Although the winery s flagship wines are still the outstanding Fumé Blanc and Chenin Blanc (the only wine whose grapes come from outside Sonoma County), Dry Creek now makes many other varieties, including excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel as well as a few single-vineyard-designated wines. Many of these wines are available only at the tasting room, so treat yourself to a visit to the pioneer winery of Dry Creek Valley. The path to the winery s tasting room meanders through shady lawns dotted with picnic tables. After 35 years, the winery s stone walls are covered with soft moss and clinging vines, stately and serene. Inside the tasting room, you ll see many photos and illustrations of sailing boats, and sailing boats are the primary illustration on the winery s labels, reflecting a life-long passion for sailing shared now by three generations of Stares and Wallaces. You might also notice glamorous photos of Kim Wallace in the company of blockbuster movie stars, because for the past 10 years, Dry Creek Vineyard has been the official wine poured at the annual red-carpet Screen Actors Guild award ceremonies. Do-not-miss wines include the highly acclaimed 2008 Fumé Blanc and the delicious 2006 Somers Ranch Zinfandel. Chilled wines are available for your after-tasting picnic on the lawn. BY NAN REILEY 8 Dry Creek Valley

9 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery Now you have two choices when tasting Ferrari-Carano wines visit Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Dry Creek Valley, or taste the wines in Healdsburg at Ferrari- Carano s new Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique! Visit the beautiful home of Ferrari-Carano wines, the spectacular Italianate hospitality wine center, Villa Fiore, set in the midst of the 70-acre Dry Creek Valley estate vineyard. Here you may taste the critically-acclaimed Classic Wines at the Tasting Bar in the Villa Fiore Wine Shop, or head downstairs to sample Limited Release and Reserve Wines in the Enoteca located in the underground cellar. Stroll five acres of beautiful gardens at your leisure, and be sure to browse the Wine Shop where you ll find wine country s most distinctive gift selections, gourmet gift and wine packs, and of course, the entire portfolio of Ferrari-Carano wines. If you d like an in-depth look at Ferrari-Carano, reserve your spot for the free winery tour. You will stroll through renowned gardens, see vineyards up close, perhaps catch one of the winemaking team or cellar crew hard at work, view Don and Rhonda Carano s personal wine cellar, and visit the Enoteca Lounge and Villa Fiore tasting rooms. After the tour, you are invited to taste Ferrari-Carano wines at the Tasting Bar or in the Enoteca Lounge. Winery tours are by appointment, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. To schedule your tour, tourinformation@ferrari-carano.com, or call the Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, (707) Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique Tuesday-sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed mondays 113 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, (707) FUN Plan extra time for this stop there s too FACT much to see, taste and explore to be rushed! Hospitality Department at (707) Private wine tastings in the PreVail Room are also available by appointment. Each tasting is designed to highlight the many nuances of wine in a fun and informative style, and include The Matchmaker wine and food pairing, Chardonnay Lovers, The King of Reds, The PreVail Tasting and Scentiments, to name a few. Private tastings are $20 to $35. To schedule a private tasting, call (707) or privatetasting@ferrari-carano.com. Ferrari-Carano s Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique, located on the Healdsburg Plaza, offers visitors hand-picked wine flights from the Ferrari- Carano and Lazy Creek Vineyards portfolio of wines. Here, customers may enjoy the easy, relaxed atmosphere of tasting wines as well as shopping for unique home décor gifts from California s wine country. Featuring exclusive collections including Sandra Jordan Soft Peruvian Prima Alpaca and whimsical ceramics by Carlo Marchiori, as well as classic Italian ceramics from Vietri, Fortunata and Modigliani, decorative table runners and pillows, and other home accessories, visitors will certainly find something to remind them of their time spent in wine country. If you re looking for a venue for a private group tasting, the beautiful Back Room is perfect for up to 30 people. Your tasting may be customized to include chocolates, cheeses or small bites. Dry Creek Valley 9

10 Ed and Adam Sbragia Sbragia Family Vineyards If you are planning a visit to Sonoma County and Healdsburg in particular, do not miss a visit to Sbragia Family Vineyards! It s less than 10 miles out on Dry Creek Road from downtown Healdsburg. This is a very special place; well worth the trip! The wines are wonderful! In fact, Owner/Founder Ed Sbragia is the only winemaker in the world to have won awards for crafting both the best red wine and the best white wine! The cellar is downstairs, with large windows providing a view into the inner workings of the winery. The tasting room is upstairs, with a large covered patio that wraps around the back, providing a breathtaking view of the Dry Creek Valley s vineyards and redwood studded hills. The tasting room is bright with windows looking out onto the valley. There is a vast assortment of tastefully displayed wine-related merchandise. Freshly cut flowers from the family s garden are artfully arranged around the tasting room. As well as growing beautiful flowers they also have a wonderful produce garden, too! Visitors are encouraged to purchase wine by the glass (or by the bottle), pick out some snacks from the deli case and relax at one of the many outside picnic tables. There is a $5 tasting fee to taste four wines and a $10 tasting fee to taste four of the reserve Cabernet Sauvignons. Tasting fees are refundable with your purchase. Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. Sbragia Family Vineyards has a lovely private tasting room, The Ark, which is named after their historic family bar/restaurant on the Russian River in Healdsburg, where visitors can enjoy wine and food pairings, vertical flights and other memorable experiences. If you or someone you know is planning a wedding or special event, this is a great place to consider they can accommodate 150 seated guests or 350 standing (cocktail style). There is a full commercial kitchen that is a caterer s dream, not to mention the fabulous views and world-class wines which will make it an event no one will forget! The saying here at Sbragia is, The only thing better Sbragia Family Vineyards Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville (707) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Mention this story for complimentary tasting. FACT Tell em the Wine Wench sent you! than the view is the wine! Come see for yourself! BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH 10 Dry Creek Valley

11 Debra Mathy and Dutchess Dutcher Crossing Winery Dutcher Crossing Winery has everything a wine-loving visitor could hope for delicious, reasonably priced wines, a beautiful tasting room staffed with friendly and knowledgeable employees, a gorgeous picnic area with stunning views of Dry Creek Valley and a Dutcher Crossing Winery Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 8533 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc FUN Indulgent dark chocolates are offered with the FACT Cab-Syrah Port and it's a truly divine duo: Yum! winery dog eager to welcome you. Let s start outside you pull into the parking lot and notice the beautiful landscaping surrounding the brown, barn-like building that is the winery and tasting room. A flagstone path leads you through a riot of colorful flowers to a breezeway that separates the winery from the tasting room. Glass doors provide a view into the barrel room and winery. Most likely, you ll be greeted by Dutchess, the sweet, tail-wagging yellow Lab owned by Dutcher Crossing Winery s Proprietor, Debra Mathy. The picnic area is lovely and its views of the Dry Creek Valley are breathtaking. There are six picnic tables under a wisteria-covered arbor. The colorful, fragrant landscaping and manicured lawns will make you want kick off your shoes and stay a while. The tasting room is large, bright and airy, with high ceilings, glossy wood floors and tasteful décor. A vintage highwheel bicycle (the original antique was given to Debra by her late father) sits against a wall, beckoning to be ridden (well, I was tempted to try to ride it, but I restrained myself). A good selection of non-wine items are available for browsing as you sip and stroll around the room. During the week, there is a $5 tasting fee (waived for wine club members) to sample a variety of six wines, and on weekends a $10 reserve tasting is available as well. Winemaker Kerry Damskey does a wonderful job with these wines! I really enjoyed all the wines I tasted, but the following two wines were my favorites: 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, $22: Wow! This is one aromatic, tasty white wine! Aromas of peach, pear, apple, melon and white flowers continue as flavors in the crisp, clean mouth and linger through the finish Proprietor s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $29: This is a $60 Cabernet Sauvignon in a $29 dress! It s a classic! Aromas and flavors of black cherry, mocha, vanilla, cedar and spice abound, all wrapped up in a plush mouthfeel. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH Dry Creek Valley 11

12 Forchini Vineyards & Winery Just north of Healdsburg, a few miles out Dry Creek Road is a very special place, where you ll feel like part of the family. Turn at the Bacchus sign, drive up the narrow, winding, rosemary-edged driveway and you ve arrived at Forchini Vineyards & Winery. You ll be greeted by at least two happy, tail-wagging dogs, which will escort you to the tasting room. Forchini Vineyards & Winery is a family-run winery that produces only estate grown and bottled wines. Owned by Jim and Anita Forchini, Jim is the winemaker, Andrew Forchini is the vineyard manager, Michael and Carla Forchini lend a hand with marketing, special events and in the tasting room. You can t get more family-operated than that! The building, surrounding picnic area and vineyards look as if they are right out of an Italian landscape stucco walls, tile roofs, splashing fountains, flower gardens and vineyard-striped hills delight the senses. Just wait until you taste the wines then your senses will be delighted even further! Once inside the main building, you feel as if you are in someone s comfortable home. There is a large dining room, with a table ready to serve eight, a fully appointed kitchen, an office and the tasting room which is decorated in warm tones with faux-painted walls, wood flooring and a granite-topped oak bar. Behind the bar, a portrait of Bacchus, the god of wine, is the central focus of the tasting room. Forchini Vineyards & Winery Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment 5141 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) Forchini Vineyards has been growing premium variety wine grapes since There are two properties the Dry Creek Bench (where the winery and tasting room are located) is comprised of 67 acres and is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel with 13 acres of 100-year-old Zinfandel remaining. The Russian River Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel FUN Bring a lunch to compliment your tasting and FACT be surrounded by the beautiful vineyards, rose gardens, Italian fountains and exceptional views. Terrace is comprised of 24 acres and is planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel with four acres of 90- year-old Zinfandel remaining. The winery was built in 1996 and produces 3000 cases per year. Let s talk about the wines I tasted two wines during my visit and they were both excellent! The 2007 Pinot Noir, Proprietor s Reserve is a classic, with aromas and flavors of black cherry, strawberry, baking spices and vanilla, all wrapped up in a silky-smooth mouthfeel. The 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel, Proprietor s Reserve is also wonderful, with abundant blackberry, raspberry, bramble and peppery spice aromas and flavors. It is big and bold in the mouth and almost too easy to drink! You really should visit this beautiful, comfortable, delicious winery! The tasting room is open 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Friday Sunday and by appointment. For more information, call (707) or visit their website at BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH 12 Dry Creek Valley

13 Truett Hurst Winery Nestled in the heart of Dry Creek Valley is a very special estate called Truett Hurst. As you drive in, the permanent sheep and goat pasture, complete with an under the road tunnel, are the first indication that this is not your average winery. The vineyards, flanked by little habitat islands for birds and beneficial insects, contain lots of occupied bluebird and owl boxes. Maintaining biodiversity and habitat are part of the philosophy underlying Biodynamic farming, which they adhere to. The orchard, featuring beautiful 60-year-old olive trees, the four-acre chef s garden and pristine creekside land all contribute to both the aesthetic and biodiversity of the estate. Their commitment to responsible stewardship of this property is matched by the passion with which they handcraft award-winning Zinfandel and Petite Sirah wines. The wines are made by fermenting grapes in small, open top stainless steel fermentors. The grapes are punched down during fermentation, rather than pumped, to minimize shearing of the skins and seeds. This allows for gentle extraction of color and flavor components, while avoiding extraction of bitter tannins. The wines are then barrel aged in approximately 30% new French oak, until the flavors and structure of the wine come into a perfect state of balance. Their style big, bold, textured wines with lots of jammy fruit and spice. You can savor these wines in one of the most comfortable and relaxing wineries in the valley. You have a choice of Adirondack chairs down by the creek where you may be lucky Truett Hurst Winery enough to see Steelhead or Coho Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily salmon. If you prefer, you can 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg hang out on the patio and listen (707) to music while viewing the sublime scenery of Dry Creek. You Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and a few other treats. may want to enjoy a picnic or a FUN A 60-year-old olive grove, 4-acre chef s garden slow lunch in the olive grove. If FACT and a beautifu Dry Creek (which is never dry) this is not enough, you can be are all part of the estate. served by the friendly wine pourers who will make you feel right at home in their inviting tasting room. Most Saturdays they have live music from some of the finest local musicians who deliver everything from a jazzy-swing vibe, to a third-world grove to Americana to some of your favorite classic tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s. There may even be something from the grill to munch on while you take in the whole experience. The tasting room is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tell them in the tasting room that Luci the black goat sent you and you can taste the special Zinfandel that s named after her. Dry Creek Valley 13

14 Downtown Healdsburg Healdsburg is charming. Every brick, every flower box, every elegant shop and eclectic gallery, every five-star restaurant and cozy cafe on every single corner speak to this town's genuine individuality and down-to-earth-treasures. Downtown Healdsburg may be surrounded by bucolic rolling hills and picturesque vineyards, but around this age-old square, its hard to imagine being anywhere else more delightful. No matter what time of year, Healdsburg is a town for every season. LINCOLN 101 GROVE ST Seghesio HEALDSBURG AVE. CENTER ST GRANT ST JOHNSON GRAPE LEAF INN Sonoma County Wine Library PRINCE PIPER ST FITCH ST Raven Theater NORTH ST Cyrus PROHIBITION Zin Restaurant KENDALL JACKSON Hand Fan Museum Erickson Fine Art Gallery Bear Republic Brewing Co. Dry Creek Kitchen Hotel Healdsburg Ferrari-Carano s SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD PLAZA ST Plazaa MATHESON Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza POWELL S SWEET SHOPPE TOPEL Options Gallery OAKVILLE GROCERY Historic Homes Walking Tours MATHESON PLAZA ST FITCH ST STEPHEN & WALKER CENTER Shoffeitt s off the Square MILL EAST ST Not to scale 14 Downtown Healdsburg

15 THINGS TO DO Erickson Gallery 324 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg (707) Local and international artists are featured in the gallery. Works for sale include contemporary paintings, sculpture and works on paper. Sonoma County Wine Library 139 Piper street, Healdsburg (707) , A free visit with a wealth of information! The library has more than 5,000 books dealing with all aspects of making wine, some of them date even back to 1512! Knowledgeable librarians are on hand to help guide you. Raven Theater 115 North street, Healdsburg (707) , Where would we be without performing arts? A big, dark nowhere, that's where. It s thanks to cultural theaters like the Raven, that publics can experience entertainment that is beyond a moment's blip of distraction. Enjoy wonderful performances and expand your world. Healdsburg Museum & Historic Homes Walking Tour 221 matheson street, Healdsburg (707) , Don t miss From Cabins to Craftsmans: 100 Years of Healdsburg s Architecture on now through June 13, Sign up for a guided tour of the town's unique, architecture and history! Hand Fan Museum 327a Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg (707) , Explore geography, art and history in this unusual museum of actual hand fans from around the world. Shoffeitt s off the Square 208 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg (707) This is a shopping mecca of antiques, collectibles, local arts and gifts, as well as fine & custom jewelry. Don t judge a book by its cover... the building goes on forever! Segway Tours, (707) Take a fun tour of Healdsburg on a rented Segway helmets included, $69 per person. Getaway Adventures santa rosa, (707) Healdsburg Sip 'n Cycle: Visit the sites and learn local wine facts throughout downtown Healdsburg and into the vineyards on this innovative, healthy tour! Tours include a picnic and bocce. Options 126 matheson street, Healdsburg (707) , Beautiful unique, creations of art for you to wear, use or admire in your home. LODGING Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza 112 matheson street, Healdsburg (707) , Built in 1901, this classic California inn is located right on the Healdsburg Plaza. From summer concerts to holiday tree lightings, the town's best events take place right here. Guests are also surrounded by shops, galleries, tasting rooms and restaurants. Hotel Healdsburg 25 matheson street, Healdsburg , Chic, beautifully appointed Hotel Healdsburg is located on the historic square and is one of the premier Wine Country luxury lodgings in all Sonoma County. FOOD Bear Republic Brewing Co. 345 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg (707) , Sonoma County's premier brewpub, brewery, and restaurant! Real beer, microbrewed and real cold! Perfect after a day of tasting wine. Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen Hotel Healdsburg, 317 Healdsburg avenue (707) , Celebrating Sonoma's pioneering wines and spirits, celebrated Chef Charlie Palmer takes the best of our farm-fresh produce and culinary cradle and infuses it with his passion and trademark style. Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar, 344 Center street reservations recommended, (707) Dinner served daily, lunch monday-fridays Zin features delicious seasonal cuisine with produce grown especially for them. Wine industry locals often gather here for a little nourishment and shop talk. Cyrus Restaurant 29 North street, Healdsburg (707) , Consistently reviewed as one of THE best restaurants in all of wine country by Wine Spectator, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast, and Wall Street Journal. Splurge on the Tasting Menu or the Vegetarian Tasting Menu. Oakville Grocery 124 matheson street, Healdsburg (707) , Little Country Store with overflowing shelves and a deli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items, the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST. Downtown Healdsburg 15

16 Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg The wines of Kendall-Jackson are known to virtually every wine lover anywhere in this country and far beyond. And the historic Sonoma County town of Healdsburg is rapidly becoming a destination in itself, with a constantly growing collection of shops, boutiques, some first-class hotels and restaurants, bars and grills, bed and breakfasts and small inns, bistros, galleries and more. Very near the northwest corner of the Healdsburg Plaza, the rich and varied world of Kendall- Jackson wines seems to shrink down to an intimate, unhurried scale that wraps every visitor in a unique welcome. You are not intimidated in the least, simply encouraged to enjoy the wines, the tasting room, the surroundings. Guests from all over the world, greeted by the veteran Kendall- Jackson tasting room staff, soon find themselves discovering an unexpected dimension of this renowned winery. The design of the tasting room invokes browsing among wines and gifts chosen personally by the manager ceramics, books, glassware, olive oil and more. Many, if not most, visitors to the tasting room admit that they have never seen this side of Kendall-Jackson, or K-J as it is called. Will Alexander, the Tasting Room Manager, loves what he calls that Eureka look on the faces of guests just getting acquainted with the more exclusive Kendall-Jackson wines they will find there. Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 337 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Taste small-production, vineyard-designated FACT wines available only in the tasting room. Sure we re Kendall-Jackson, and you can find our great Vintner s Reserve that you know from home, Will noted. But what thrills me is meeting people who come here and discover a whole new world of hand-crafted, limited-production wines. Visitors can approach wine tasting in two ways: a selection of four wines, or a tasting focusing on Stature and Highland Estates. Employees are happy to serve the needs of every guest, whether a wine aficionado or a complete newcomer. Grand Reserve is their superlative blend of terroir from key vineyards, the harmony of appellation and winemaking skill. Then there are the bottlings from Highland Estates which are the wines that best showcase Kendall-Jackson s estate properties on mountains and ridges in California s cool coastal regions. Stature, the highest level of Kendall-Jackson winemaking, is produced in very small lots from the finest estate vineyards. With its unmatched blend of a welcoming staff, handcrafted wines, and its exceptional and easily accessible location makes the Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room one of the must-see attractions in this part of the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country. BY CHARLES NEAVE 16 Downtown Healdsburg

17 Photos by Barbara Bourne Prohibition The speakeasy Wine Club Of all the wine bars in all the towns in all the world, I had to walk into his. Richard Rosenberg looked up at me from behind the black, semi-circular bar as I settled myself on one of the padded black leather bar stools. Richard asked me, What s on your mind beside your hat, doll-face? I told him, I haven t lived a good life I ve drank bad wines, worse than you can imagine. He replied, Well, sweetheart, you ve come the right joint here at Prohibition, you ll never have to drink another bad wine. I cased the speakeasy, taking in the brick walls, polished wood and tables scattered around the spacious interior. A large flat screen TV showed Jimmy Cagney getting tough with some G-man as twenties music filled the air. The gat sitting front and center on the back bar didn t scare me I took it as a warning My Grandfather owned and operated a real speakeasy during Prohibition and I was always intrigued by his stories of the fake facades, bootleggers and revelry of the time, said co-owner Richard Rosenberg when I asked him about how this came about. We wanted to recreate the incognito speakeasies of the 1920s and the camaraderie people felt during the Prohibition era, yet incorporate an authentic wine country atmosphere. Designed by Kae Rosenberg, Richard s wife and Prohibition co-owner, this snazzy speakeasy is sure to be a Healdsburg hot spot. The location can t be beat it sits right in the middle of downtown Healdsburg, on the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and North Street. You enter through the wine shop in the front (which looks like it s right out of the 1920s) barn siding and corrugated tin are the backdrop to tasteful wine-related items and some carefully chosen wine selections. There s a phone booth in the corner of the shop that opens into the back, then Prohibition ring-a-ding-ding! you find yourself in an authentic looking, 1920s era speakeasy. This place has such an authentic 1920s- 1930s feel that you almost expect to see a group of flappers and their guys doing the Charleston in the corner. A generous selection of hardto-find wines and Prohibition style beers are available by the glass, by the bottle and by the case. Wine cocktails are also available. If you are a wine-loving dame like me, or a Joe who likes his wines and beers, this is the joint for you. There is also a Prohibition Wine Club in the works, where lucky Joes and dames can get a choice selection of wines shipped conveniently to their offices or homes. Take a trip back in time and check out Prohibition in downtown Healdsburg. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Knock on the phone booth and tell em The Wine Wench sent me. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH The Speakeasy Wine Club 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily 340 Healdsburg Avenue at North Street in Healdsburg (707) 473-WINE (9463) FUN You ll need to sneak in The Speakeasy FACT through the phone booth! Downtown Healdsburg 17

18 Topel Tasting Room Known as the hidden jewel of Mendocino s Duncan Peak, Topel Winery is a far cry from the well-trodden highways and byways of California s most visited wine country. A haven of spiritual sustenance for owners Mark and Donnis Topel, the former sheep ranch and craggy 14-acre mountain Hidden Vineyard that produces many of the winery s most sought-after wines is a world away from the chic downtown address of Topel s trendy and attainable Healdsburg tasting room. Just off the Plaza and across the street from the Oakville Grocery, Topel Tasting Room opened to wine aficionados in September 2008, offering winter discounts Sunday through Thursday, and tastings of the winery s Biodynamic handcrafted wines for a minimal fee of $5 for a choice of four wines, $8 for a choice of six and $11 for all nine wines $5 is refundable with purchase. Topel wines are gently crafted to reveal a unique evolution of each varietal, as minimalist techniques have transformed the grapes into world-class, soulful wines that reflect the steep, rocky soil and foggy climate of their origin. Topel Cabernet Sauvignon, Hidden Vineyard is the flagship wine poured alongside a limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain in Napa, two Pinot Noirs; two Chardonnays, a Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine blend called Birdsong, Mark s Blend, a Meritage, a Gamay, a Zinfandel and a lovely Orange Muscato. Compact and cozy, the Topel Tasting Room was artfully designed with comfort and style as commanding elements in the details of its copper countertops, sleek black Topel Tasting Room fixtures and cherry wood library Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily seating area with digital slideshow of the compelling vineyard cycle. A snug and attractive estate room tasting area off the main room is a regular hot spot for blending parties with the Topels frequently hosting special events. Estate room tastings are available for private groups of four to 12 people by appointment only, and a fee of $20 per person is refundable with a minimum purchase of a (six bottle) half case per person. Private tasting includes all Topel Flight wines, plus at least two library wines and a selection of cheeses, breads and light appetizers. As owner/winemakers, Mark and Donnis Topel infuse a wealth of aesthetic senses and experiences into their wines. Leading a dual life, Mark Topel is a prominent criminal defense attorney handling some of this country s most complex criminal and civil litigation. BY FRANCES RIVETTI 125 Matheson Street, Healdsburg (707) Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Meritage, Super Tuscan Blend, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, White Wine Blend and Orange Muscato FUN Topel publishes a calendar every year Topel Wine Tails FACT a benefit for the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. 18 Downtown Healdsburg

19 Stephen & Walker Trust Winery The tasting room at Stephen & Walker Trust Winery is home to Nancy Walker s celebrated, limited production wines. Some of the most awarded and praised wines in Sonoma, her family s tasting room is just a couple of hundred feet from Healdsburg s historic plaza. It s also midway between two first-class hotels, surrounded by restaurants and, being open daily, offers both the locals and visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with these lovely wines. Situated on Healdsburg Avenue, the tasting room offers a wonderful flight of wines, from Dry Creek Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc to Howell Mountain Cabernet and more. Nancy s elegant, signature style abounds in her 90+ point wines, and her new Muscat Canelli is just delicious, as is the finale of Portentous, their late harvest Port, which is a wonderful surprise! Also, expect to sample a small bite with your flight a nice touch as well. Their charming tasting room, with its big street-facing window, long bar, polished floors and high ceiling is a great complement to the good crystal and fine people behind the bar pouring. We are a small, artisanal family-owned winery located in the heart of the California wine country in Healdsburg. We started our own label in 2004 and are proud and passionate to bring you wines made from the remarkable vineyards we tend with our growers in Sonoma, Napa, Stephen & Walker Trust Winery Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily 243 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg (707) Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Port FUN Six Double Golds, 12 Golds, two Best of Class, FACT and two, 90+ wines and that s just this year! Mendocino and Monterey counties, said talented veteran winemaker Nancy Walker, a graduate of the winemaking program at the University of California at Davis, and who, with her husband and partner, Tony Stephen, combined their names for this adventure. We craft our wines to showcase the grapes and their vineyard provenance that, we trust, also allows for the subtle nuances of the appellation to shine through. And, with most less than 650 cases, we can really control the wines for the most optimum result. This philosophy allows us to create wines that are truly an expression of our style. Every bottle of wine we produce has our commitment and unique perspective, and that is to bring you the true flavors realized from the terroir. Based on our experience, we believe each wine is a specific, individual expression of the fruit from our vineyards and the craft of the winemaker. No doubt about it, these are rare wines you will seldom find elsewhere. Which means they are perfect to enjoy on your visit to Healdsburg, and to take home and share this discovery with family and friends. Which, after all, is what savoring wine is all about. Oh yes, they also stay open until 7 p.m., which means you can drop by for a guided tasting and then head to dinner, most likely with a bottle in hand! BY CHARLES NEAVE Downtown Healdsburg 19

20 CHALK HILL RD. LAGUNA Westside Road Westside road is, quite literally, one of the most recommended routes to take for wine tasting in this russian river valley ava. Westside road is slow and winding, filled with redwood trees, heritage oaks with moss beards and famous vineyards. should you wish to slow down and experience wine country up-close-and-personal, Westside road is your road. THINGS TO DO Shoffeitt s off the Square 208 Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg (707) This is a shopping mecca of antiques, collectibles, local arts and gifts, as well as fine & custom jewelry. Don t judge a book by it s cover... the building goes on forever! Dragonfly, 425 Westside road, Healdsburg (707) , By appointment only, this is a unique botany and flowerlover's destination. They can custom pick and arrange flowers. Wohler Bridge, 9765 Wohler road, Forestville A true Sonoma County landmark, Wohler Bridge is one of the few old-old-old bridges left in California. This steel truss bridge crosses the Russian River at quite a beautiful spot, too. LODGING Madrona Manor, 1001 Westside road, Healdsburg , A world-class destination for guests seeking gracious service and luxurious accommodations in the heart of wine country. Oh yes... "Rated #1 in Napa & Sonoma" by Travel & Leisure... Need we say more? W. DRY CREEK RD. Madrona Manor MILL CREEK ARMIDA JOHN TYLER by Bacigalupi Vineyards Shoffeitt s Off the Square Dragonfly DE LA MONTANYA TWOMEY WESTSIDE RD. RUSSIAN RIVER 101 OLD REDWOOD HWY. WINDSOR RIVER RD Driving Time: 9 minutes From mill Creek to De la montanya 1.5 miles to armida.75 miles to Twomey >1 mile to John Tyler > mile Total 4.75 miles Not to scale Farmhouse Inn, 7871 river road, Forestville (707) , www. Farmhouseinn.com Representing the finest level of Sonoma inns, restaurants and Spas, sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food, and seasonal body treatments come together for one unforgettable experience. DINING Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, 7871 river road, Forestville (707) , Tucked into one of the smallest, lovely towns in wine country, the Farmhouse Inn boasts an exquisite restaurant. Each plate by Chef Litke tells the story of Sonoma's diverse agriculture and artisan producers. MIRABEL RD. Wohler Bridge WOHLER RD Farmhouse Inn TRENTON-HEALDSBURG EASTSIDE RD Sonoma County Airport RIVER RD. AIRPORT BLVD SHILO RD. FULTON RD PINER RD. OLD REDWOOD HWY. 20 Westside Road

21 Armida Winery Wines to remember in a place you ll never forget That s how the folks at Armida Winery describe what they re all about. I must agree I ve been a fan for years. Armida Winery is definitely an unforgettable place! Located not far from Healdsburg on Westside Road, Armida Winery sits atop a vineyard-striped knoll. Wind your way up the driveway and you are Armida Winery Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Barbera, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and PoiZin in for a real treat! To start with, the views from the oak-shaded deck/picnic area and bocce court are unforgettable the Russian River Valley unfolds before your eyes in a glorious patchwork of vineyards, trees and hills. The winery itself is a geodesic dome, the practical reason, according to Buckminster Fuller, would be that The sphere uses the doing more with less principle in that it encloses the largest volume of interior space with the least amount of surface area, thus saving on materials and cost. The Armida reason is cause it looks cool. The tasting room is light, bright and airy feeling, with an octagonal shaped wooden bar that is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable servers. PoiZin (Armida s signature Zinfandel) is everywhere in the artfully merchandised tasting room casket-shaped cases and numerous displays offer a wide array of PoiZin T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other non-wine goodies. A full-sized wooden Indian gazes solemnly at visitors as they sip, swirl and shop. Against the back wall, a glass-fronted refrigerator is well stocked with cheeses, hummus and other picnic fare. This is a really great place to have a picnic! Armida Winery is a popular stop along the wine road, because the tasting room is unique, the views are stunning, these folks really know how to show visitors a good time and the wines ROCK! Let s talk about the wines I just had to taste the 2008 PoiZin The wine to die for. It is a classic Zinfandel, loaded with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, caramel and peppery spice, with a big, rich mouthfeel and long, juicy finish. The bottle is really cool, too it s black, with a red skulland-crossbones label. I also tasted their 2006 Durrell Vineyard Pinot Noir, which was another delicious, varietally correct wine. The nose drew me in, with hints of rose, violet, cherry and baking spices. These aromas continued as flavors in the ohso-silky mouth and on through the finish. Yum! Be sure to visit this unforgettable place and tell them The Wine Wench sent you! Armida Winery is located on Westside Road, just outside of Healdsburg. Check them out on Facebook or Twitter. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH FUN Take advantage of the bocce courts overlooking FACT rosebeds, ponds, vineyards and the valley below. Bring a picnic and enjoy it with Armida wines. Westside Road 21

22 John Tyler Wines Just over the border of the Dry Creek Appellation into the heartlands of the Russian River Valley a gem of a brand-new, custom built, family-run tasting room has been over 50 years in the making. Take an excursion along the spectacular twists and turns of Westside Road and you will be amongst the first wine aficionados to set foot through the wide, double doors of a celebration in the making. For the Bacigalupi family, farming these rolling, cool climate estate vineyards for the past five decades has been second nature. Alongside a wealth of shared history with the closely related Heck Family, a new and distinctive premium, small-lot wine label has been created as a realization of a long held dream. John Tyler Wines is a threegenerational collaboration of two world-class winemaking families that is named after John Bacigalupi, who was raised on the same ranch that he farms today and fourth-generation winemaker, nephew Tyler Heck. A charming wine country farm cottage-style tasting room now welcomes visitors to the ranch to experience a sampling of the two family s outstanding estate and vineyard designate Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah wines. The Bacigalupi family first gained major recognition during the famous 1976 Paris tasting when the 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena with premium Bacigalupi fruit triumphed over many renowned French wines as undisputed winner, said Katey Bacigalupi. Katey and her twin sister Nicole were raised within the wine industry and together with their mother, Pam Bacigalupi, have been the gentle, guiding force behind the creation of a cozy tasting room, complete with custom, handcrafted wooden bar, fireplace and patio seating. After graduating studies in John Tyler Wines enology, viticulture and ag business at both Fresno State by Bacigalupi Vineyard University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, winemaker, Tyler Heck traveled the globe to acquire an extensive knowledge of diverse wine industry practices and techniques. Moderate temperatures through harvest in the Russian River appellation, bordering Dry Creek allow for the development of deep, rich flavors and color in a typically lush, likeable Zin, brimming with wild berry, leather, tobacco and pepper spice flavors and firm, dry tannins. Soils with a rocky, volcanic, sandy loam produce bright fruit for Pinot Noir balanced by minerality and intriguing earth tones. We plan to offer vineyard tours and wine club special events, explained Bacigalupi, but the highlight of a visit to this new kid on the block will undoubtedly be the unlocking of the family secrets in tasting the meeting of minds of deeprooted tradition and the winemaker s boutique mastery. BY FRANCES RIVETTI Open currently by appointment only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) johntylerwines.com Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah FUN Another John Tyler Jr. was the 10th President FACT of the United States and the first president to be born after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Mention this story for a complimentary library wine tasting. by Bacigalupi Vineyard 22 Westside Road

23 Mill Creek Stroll up to the rustic tasting room at Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery on a sunny day in Dry Creek Valley, and you ll be tempted to kick off your shoes and socks and dip your toes into the refreshing blue waters of a millpond. Although tempted, you d be rather satisfied grabbing a bottle of the winery s stunning Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Westside Road, Healdsburg Just a two to three minute drive from the center of town, from the south take Hwy 101 to the Central Healdsburg exit. Turn left at 2nd light onto mill street that becomes Westside road. Travel a little over one mile to mill Creek Winery on your right. From the north take 101 to the Westside road exit. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Westside road. Travel about 1 mile to mill Creek Winery on your right. double gold collection of award winning wines and then finding yourself a comfy seat next to the working water wheel and pond. Beyond and up into the hills above the 36-year-old winery s redwood tasting room, an upper terraced picnic area provides spacious seating and superb views, spanning the Kreck family-owned vineyards for as far as the eye can see. In fact, What you see is what you taste, said tasting room manager Kim Collins, who frequently pours according to the tastes and preferences of her first customers of the day. We don t believe in opening the same offerings each day, she explained. If you are a big Zin fan, I ll likely pour in that particular direction. No appointments are necessary to pop into Mill Creek. First time visitors often become wine club members, joining in the creative winemaking process at custom blending parties and memorable food and wine affairs. We get a lot of first timers here, said Collins. We can be your first or final stop along Westside Road, depending upon your direction of approach. A walking vineyard tour and tasting with barrel samplings takes place every Saturday at 11 a.m. Reservations are required for this activity and should be made by calling the tasting room before 10 a.m on the Saturday of choice. Space is limited. Sonoma County Harvest Fair gold medal and double gold medal winning 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Kreck Family Vineyards bursts with blackberry jam and leathery spice, captivating fans of the valley s big, bold reds, along with a 2006 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley, another multiple medal winner at the Harvest Fair as well as the San Francisco and Pacific Rim International wine competitions. Prefer a white? You won t be disappointed at Mill Creek tasting best of class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. BY FRANCES RIVETTI Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Dessert Wine FUN The working wheel and millpond of Mill Creek FACT Vineyards and Winery Tasting Room was fashioned as a replica from vintage photographs of several long lost mills along the Mill Creek Road area in which owners, the Kreck family were raised. Vineyards & Winery Westside Road 23

24 De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery How does the idea of a picnic and Pinot tickle your fancy, shared in a private, peaceful setting outside of a beautiful little redwood barn located in one of the most idyllic spots of the inner Dry Creek Valley? If it s a taste of quiet caliber and casual luxury that you re pining for in a truly outstanding day trip to the Dry Creek appellation, search no further than a well appointed stop at De La Montanya Winery s Tasting Room in its Felta Creek Vineyard, some three miles and a short, five minute drive south of central Healdsburg on secluded Foreman Lane. If you are looking to taste some of the most unique red wine in Sonoma County, you are in the right place, said Dennis De La Montanya, whose 16 different wines have yielded an impressive fleet of top notch, gold medal wins at Sonoma County s prestigious annual Harvest Fair. We re small, quaint, hard to find and well worth the effort for the dedicated day tripper, said De La Montanya, one of Dry Creek Valley s most celebrated hosts and champion of understated winemaking mastery. For each of De La Montanya s wines meticulously crafted by sister-in-law Tami Collins is bottled from the pick of the crop of the best of the winery s premium estategrown, hand selected grapes from some 15 varieties that De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. monday-thursday, by appoinment only (707) Foreman Lane, Healdsburg Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Tempranillo and unique blends! FUN Several rock star special signature bottlings FACT for bands like Journey and Whitesnake have raised thousands of dollars for charities. Mention this article and receive a special taste of Whitesnake Zinfandel span five distinctive appellations of ideal soils and microclimates. Visit the bucolic barn style tasting room set amidst the winery s Felta Creek Vineyard in hidden Dry Creek Valley and discover the secrets of De La Montanya s winemaking success. It s the unmistakable spirit, charm and fine attention to simple detail apparent in and around this tidy, tucked away property. Some three acres of Zinfandel and one acre of Primitivo surround a vintage Golden Delicious apple orchard that provides a leafy, shaded canopy over inviting lawns and patios, rose-tangled arbors, a fire pit, outdoor pizza oven, pathways and a bocce court. Fine winemaking may be serious business, not least when producing 4,500 cases that range from offerings of just 25 to 250 cases per year, depending upon the varietal. Yet De La Montanya and his tight-knit winery team take equal pride in their shared dedication to the art of a laugh and the craft of good living. De La Montanya has one of the areas largest wine clubs with nearly 2,000 members with only a limited number of spots available. How can this not be fun? asked De La Montanya, whose limited edition wines include a rather cheeky range of pin-up wines for and featuring emboldened wine club members. BY FRANCES RIVETTI 24 Westside Road

25 Twomey Cellars When I visit Twomey in the town of Healdsburg, thoughts of flight come to mind. Maybe it s the almost organic design of the winery itself, with a wall of glass that runs the length of the winery and looks down and across the Russian River Valley with its hundreds of acres of perfect rows of grapes. Perhaps it begins with the water feature across from the entrance as you walk down the winding path to the front, possibly the roof that reminds me of the wing of a huge bird, a hawk perhaps, made of light wood. Or the indoor-outdoor effect inside that takes you seamlessly from the tasting room to the curves and plantings of the patio. What I do know for sure is that it all comes together and makes visiting a sensory experience on so many levels, from design, to the vines, to the wines. Twomey Cellars has two tasting rooms, you need to know that right away. One is here in Sonoma County, the other in Napa Valley just a few miles south of Calistoga. But the wines are the same at each stylish (and completely different looking) facility. The other thing to note is that they are part of the fabled Silver Oak family, known around the world for their Cabernet Sauvignon. As they explain, Twomey is an evolution of our creativity and innovation with varietals other than Cabernet Sauvignon. To that end they have made a strong and continuing Twomey Cellars summer: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. sunday, 11 a.m to 4 p.m Westside Road, Healdsburg Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot FUN Twomey Cellars is owned by the FACT Duncan family of Silver Oak Cellars. commitment to making exceptional Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. They currently offer four Pinot Noirs, from vineyards not just in the Russian River Valley, but also in Anderson Valley to the north, Sonoma Coast to the west and, to the south, Santa Barbara County. They also, for the past two years, have been making one crisp, fresh white wine, the Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, using grapes from their 12 acre vineyard at the Calistoga winery. For each wine, clones, climate, trellising, soil and many other factors have all been chosen to create the finest example of the varietals possible, all crafted by Winemaker, Ben Cane and Director of Winemaking Daniel Baron. Both of them are seasoned industry veterans whose philosophy and skill perfectly match that of the family. Tasting these wines, from different areas, is a revelation, and no where better to do it than at this beautiful site. As Tasting Room Manager Romana Behrens said lately, The views here truly are spectacular, the building and tasting room decidedly modern, comfortable and friendly, the wines world class. We hope you ll visit us to taste, perhaps picnic, while you look out over our beautiful valley. One additional note is that the winery offers tours Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday by appointment. BY CHARLES NEAVE Westside Road 25

26 Gateway to Alexander Valley Only an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Alexander Valley is leaps and bounds away from any hustle and bustle. Visitors looking for a more relaxed, authentic wine country experience, will be happy here. Brimming with hospitality, this stunning corner of the world is home to 40 wineries, each boasting distinctive, unassuming wines. THINGS TO DO Bosworth & Son General Store Geyserville avenue, Geyserville (707) , Once a mortuary and even a buggy store the buggy paint still stains the floor Bosworth & Son General Store is an old-fashioned store meeting the Western-inspired needs of today s customer. DUTCHER CREEK RD SILVER OAK ASTI RD CHIANTI RD. CANYON. D 101 Driving Time: 36 minutes From silver Oak to meeker 4 miles to vintners signatures 4 miles to sausal 4 miles to Field stone 3 miles to simi 8 miles Total 21 miles Healdsburg Ridge Hiking Trail entry gate at arabian Way and Bridle Path. (sorry, no pets allowed). One of Sonoma s favorite nature preserves, take the Ridge Hiking Trail to the Fox Pond Run and Fox Pond Overlook. A wonderful place to get some fresh air and exercise in wine country! Geyserville Inn\Hoffman House Restaurant Bosworth & Son General Store Hope Merrill/Hope Bosworth House Diavola Pizzeria MEEKER ER VINEYARDS DRY CREEK CHIQUITA GEYSERVILLE RD. LYTTON SPRINGS SIMI GROVE LYTTON HEALDSBURG AVE VINTNERS SIGNATURES ALEXANDER VAL. RD. PARKLAND FARMS Not to scale Jimtown Store Healdsburg Ridge Hiking Trail SAUSAL FIELD STONE Veterans Memorial Beach, Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg, (707) Truly one of Healdsburg s most favorite river side beaches! Bring a picnic, kick off your shoes, or even borrow an inner tube. Nothing to do here but relax, breathe deeply, and listen to the river roll on by. FOOD Jimtown Store, 6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg (707) , Literally tucked into the vineyards in the Jimtown store. For more than 100 years, Jimtown has provided Healdsburg with fresh baked goods, hot coffee, and local products. Linger over the eclectic American antiques and old-fashioned toys. Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria Geyserville avenue, Geyserville (707) , Diavola is not only a great stop for picnic items such as house-cured salumi and olives but also features traditional Italian cooking including gourmet pizzas from brick ovens and delicicious pastas. Diavola uses the most locally available ingredients combined with centuries old recipes. Hoffman House Restaurant Geyserville ave, Geyserville (707) , Built more than 100 years ago by the Hoffman family, this cafe serves healthy breakfast and lunch with striking views of the majestic mountains nearby. Seasonal dinners, call first. LODGING Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnson street, Healdsburg (707) , A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, the Grape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timeless antiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this relaxing, romantic environment. Belle de Jour Inn, Healdsburg avenue, Healdsburg (707) , A single-story Italiante built in the 1870s, Belle du Jour nestles on six acres of hilltop overlooking rolling hilltops and valleys. Hope Merril & Hope Bosworth B&B Geyserville avenue, Geyserville (707) , Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly restored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with open arms. Truly where wine and romance intertwine! Geyserville Inn, Geyserville avenue, Geyserville (707) , First class accomodations at more affordable prices in the heart of wine country! 26 Gateway to Alexander Valley

27 It was more than 75 years ago when Isabelle Simi Haigh announced to her work crew that she wanted them to convert a huge, unused wine vat into a unique tasting room. Since then, Simi Winery has built a reputation for offering visitors not just tastes of superb wines but comfortable and unique settings in which to try the wines. In the warm visiting days of summer, tours often begin in the redwood grove that shelters the tasting room. The grove also serves as the focal point for events and for special food and wine explorations. This summer many Simi guests may be seen, heads raised, making gentle sniffing sounds and remarking that they think they smell pizzas. And they are right. Each Friday 2 p.m. till 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m., the redwood grove is transformed into an exotic sort of pizza cafe, offering a menu of exotic pizzas created by Chef Eric Lee. The pizzas are made in the East Coast thin-crust style, but the toppings are all strictly local, with generous use of fresh-from-the-farm greens that Eric selects for the pizza he calls Forage. Even the Italian sausage (salsicce) is made by Eric in the winery kitchen. As delicious as the pizzas are, the winery staff eagerly points out that they taste even more tempting when consumed in the setting of the redwood grove, and nearly everyone involved with the winery loves to tell the story of Simi Winery Simi Winery Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Simi Winery tasting room was originally FACT made from a huge wine vat. this historic family and the teenage girl who kept the winery operating profitably when both her father and her uncle died unexpectedly within a few weeks of each other and left her to carry on. Even the stones used in construction of the waterfall in the grove have a story to tell, since all the materials that went into the creation of this idyllic spot were recycled from earlier structures or were natural stones found on the property as land was cleared for vineyards over the years. The long communal tables where wine fanciers from everywhere sit down as perfect strangers and rise as friends trading their own recipes for special pizzas, were crafted from staves of old fermentation tanks. Many pizza lovers swear that the only wine to consume with their favorite pizzas, no matter which crust is made or what toppings are sprinkled over the top, is Cabernet Sauvignon, The hearty, beautifully balanced 2006 Alexander Valley Cabernet and the 2005 Reserve Cabernet just released by Simi Winery will only reinforce that belief, and the more daring suggest that they have found a new combination to savor, quaffing the gold medal winning 2009 Sauvignon Blanc with the Forage and Sausage pizzas. This trio of wines are available in the tasting room, so while the pizzas bake, visitors may want to sample these three elegant newcomers. Gateway to Alexander Valley 27

28 The name is synonymous with some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon ever made. Since it was founded in 1972, bottles of Silver Oak Cellars extraordinary wines have been coveted by wine lovers and collectors on every continent, and with good reason. What they craft are two wines and two wines only: an Alexander Valley Cabernet, the other from Napa Valley. Both wines are aged for extended periods in American Oak barrels and then in the bottle before release. But perhaps the feature that has most endeared them to consumers is that, while they can be aged in the cellar for years, they are also ready to drink upon release. It is deft juggling that goes back to the beginning, when Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer began the journey that came to help define Silver Oak Cellars. As director of winemaking Daniel Baron says, For its time, Ray and Justin s idea particularly the length of time in bottle was almost revolutionary for California. But he also emphasizes that creating a drinkable upon release wine begins in the vineyard. The fact that the wine is blended before it goes in the barrel is a major component as well. You can visit the French chateau-like facility and tasting room in Geyserville to discover this bottled magic. Silver Oak There are vineyards on three sides, the trademark white water tower on the top of a hill, a manicured lawn and a tall archway that leads into a traditional and spacious courtyard. The winery is a welcome blend of sophisticated and stylish, friendly and relaxed. Just sitting in the courtyard near the fountain with a glass of their Cabernet is a vacation in itself. Or go into the tasting room, with its Silver Oak view through glass doors into the temperature-controlled cellar where the library wines and large format bottles are kept. Many are available only at the winery and it s a treasure trove for collectors looking for a rare vintage or a 3.0 liter (or larger) bottle for a special celebration. Our Geyserville winery is off the beaten track, but when you arrive you feel like you ve found one of the area s hidden gems. Guests often tell us they go out of their way to visit the tasting room because they know they ll get the ultimate Sonoma County experience when they arrive. The light-filled tasting room where everyone gets personal attention features a bar designed to resemble the American Oak barrels that are the signature of Silver Oak wines. Like the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon itself, Geyserville is friendly and approachable and we would love to have you experience it for yourself. BY CHARLES NEAVE summer: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Chianti Road, Canyon Road Exit, Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Silver Oak has been family owned since its FACT establishment in 1972 and has been making only Cabernet Sauvignon since that time. 28 Gateway to Alexander Valley

29 The Meeker Vineyard If going to the bank gives you the blues these days, prepare to have that mindset turned upside down. After a visit to The Meeker Vineyard Tasting Room, you will never again think about financial institutions in the same way. Meeker s tasting room is located in a historic Geyserville bank building that was built in The original teller windows, the tiled floor, even the old vault are all a part of one of Sonoma County s most celebrated and unique tasting rooms. But don t expect to encounter a stuffy banker s attitude here. This also happens to be one of the most unaffected and light-hearted wine tasting experiences you will ever encounter. The Meeker family takes pride in their downto-earth approach to wine. With the soulful sound of blues wafting in the air, this tasting room just naturally emits a relaxed vibe that other tasting rooms have to strive to achieve. As Lucas Meeker relates, We ve been in this business for over twenty years. These days so many wineries attempt to portray themselves as unpretentious. We don t have to try. It s just simply who we are. Given that their original tasting room was located in a forty-six-foot-tall tepee, it s not surprising that this affable winemaking family has never been accused of putting on airs. In the late eighties nobody around here had a tasting room. When people started showing up at our winery wanting to taste our wines, we were surprised. What was The Meeker Vineyard 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except major holidays Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Zin, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache and Chardonnay FUN The tasting room is in the 100+ year old FACT Bank of Geyserville, with the original vault! going on here? Our winemaker at the time bought the tepee and we decided to open up a tasting room. But when the old bank building became available, we jumped on it. It has so much character, a little quirky perhaps, but very much who we are. The Meeker family prescribes to the old adage, do one thing and do it well. They make red wine...big, lush, proud red wines that are perfect examples of what good fruit can produce in the hands of great winemakers. At the tasting room bar, planed from a California Oak branch that had fallen on their property, guests are treated to the red wines that have made this winery famous Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot. (You can also try a Pinot from Lucas own label, Lucas J. Cellars.) But don t expect the big price tags that usually go hand in hand with these varietals. Meeker wines are exceptionally approachable cost-wise. It is no surprise that The Meeker Vineyard can boast a wine club membership of more than sixteen hundred loyal followers. We are really proud of our concept. We pour big reds and play the blues. Those are the two things we love and people seem to agree with us. Expect to sample from five to six of their twenty different red wines. If we re having fun, we usually open even more! says Lucas. And fun is something that is never in short supply at Meeker Vineyard. BY RONDA GIANGRECO Gateway to Alexander Valley 29

30 Vintners Signatures Being a grape grower isn t as romantic as you may think it is. Basically, a grape grower is a farmer, dancing to the capricious tunes of Mother Nature and the economic climate as well. Many grape growers don t have wineries of their own and rely on local wineries to buy their grapes. That s where Vintners Signatures comes in. They have formed a unique partnership with local grape growers. This partnership showcases the magic that happens when you combine the right grape grower, variety and location with an experienced winemaking team. Located on Highway 128 in the picturesque Alexander Valley, Vintners Signatures is a very special place. The tasting room is expansive, airy and well lit, with a large window, inviting a view of the cellar and inner workings of the winery. The long tasting bar spans the back of the room, providing plenty of space for visitors to relax and enjoy the delicious wines (more on the wines in a minute ). Dark wood display racks offer a tasteful array of non-wine items, such as glassware, clothing and wine-related books. A large picnic area is in the works for the back of the building and a smaller picnic Vintners Signatures Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 4001 Highway 128, Geyserville (707) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Proprietor s Red (blend), Old Vine Zinfandel, Soon to be added Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Bring in a copy of this article and become FACT a Wine Club member for a day. (Valid for one person in a group only.) area is planned for just outside the front doors. The staff at Vintners Signatures is friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. In fact, winemakers Mike Draxton and Randy Meyer are close at hand and happy to chat with visitors about their wines, winemaking and the grape growers that they partner with. Let s talk about the wines I had the pleasure of tasting a few during my visit and they were all fantastic! The following were my favorites: 2009 El Roy Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley $15: One sniff and you know you re in for a treat! Mouthwatering aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, cut hay and green herbs lure the taster into a crisp, juicy mouthful of consistent flavors. Yum! 2006 El Roy Proprietor s Red Alexander Valley $18: El Roy s unique blend of classic Bordeaux varietals is combined with traditional hillside-grown Rhone varieties to form a dark, rich wine with flavors of black currant, strawberry and spice. Vintners Signatures is all about great wines and partnership. Don t miss it! BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH 30 Gateway to Alexander Valley

31 Sausal Winery in Alexander Valley no world-famous architect built it, no priceless art collection is housed in it, and no sumptuous gardens with waterfalls and statuary are to be found in it. What visitors will find at Sausal is the Demostene family, who has lived and worked in the Alexander Valley for generations and who make some of California s finest Zinfandel wines. The family purchased the Sausal Ranch (named for the creek that flows through it into the Russian River) in The next generation of Demostenes founded the winery in 1973, in large part to take advantage of the existence of Zinfandel grape vines that had been producing high quality grapes since That s not a typographical error, and you can prove that for yourself when you visit the winery to taste living history Zinfandel wines that are made from vines that are 50, 90 and 130+ years old. Follow Hwy. 128 along the eastern edge of the Alexander Valley to the winery, then down the winery s driveway to a rustic, barn-red wooden building with a trellised porch that houses the tasting room. Simple, like the rest of the winery, the tasting room is not a mini-mall teeming with wine country merchandise. There is only some nice logo clothing and some sleeping and scratching stations that Sausal Winery Sausal Vineyard & Winery Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily 7370 Highway 128, Healdsburg Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Sausal s Century Vines Zinfandel is from FACT their estate vineyards planted in Complimentary Tastings exist for the pleasure of the two winery cats, Sophie and Gypsie, who wander in and out as the mood takes them. What you re there for is a treasure trove of old-vine- Zinfandels, plus some Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, all from estate-owned vineyard that surround the winery. All the Zinfandels are dry-farmed for added fruit intensity and the oldest vines are head trained in the traditional manner, as you would expect. The 2007 Family Zinfandel recently received 92 points and Editors Choice in the Wine Enthusiast August issue. The 2007 Private Reserve also was awarded 92 points in the same issue. You will have to taste for yourself to see which is your favorite none will disappoint you. The 2007 vintage Centruy Vines Zinfandel will make you a true believer in the mystique surrounding old-vine Zinfandel. These ancient vines yield less than ½ ton to the acre Century Vines received 90 points in Robert Parker s February issue of Wine Advocate. The Sausal Vineyard & Winery tasting room is wheelchair accessible. Picnickers are welcome to enjoy themselves on a trellised patio shaded by luscious grape vines, a traditional Italian touch. The winery is located just a few miles east of the charming town of Healdsburg. BY NAN REILEY Gateway to Alexander Valley 31

32 Field Stone Winery & Vineyard It is one of the prettiest drives in all of the Sonoma County wine country. From the charming town of Healdsburg with its historic town plaza and a growing restaurant, arts and entertainment scene, into the Alexander Valley. Go over the river on the old bridge where below canoes and kayaks are pulled up out the water, past the Jimtown Store, then the long stretch of two lane road that passes more vineyards than you can count. They stretch off onto the flat land to the west that doesn t end until it meets the river. To the east they climb up the hillsides in the distance. Just as the road, Highway 128, starts to descend down into a series of turns that will eventually take you to the Napa County line and Calistoga, on your right you ll see some very old trees oaks probably and a sign that says Field Stone Winery. Turn in. Around the biggest of the trees are well-used wooden picnic tables on an expansive lawn. Next to them, built into the hillside, is a building that looks like it might have been built in the Civil War. There s a stone front, big wooden door and a window or two. You have arrived at the Field Stone Winery tasting room and barrel storage and more, all built, it might come as a surprise, not in Field Stone Winery & Vineyard Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Highway 128, Healdsburg (707) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Port FUN Mention this article and receive a FACT complimentary logo glass to remember your visit. the year 1867 but in Though it should be noted that on the property there are Petite Sirah vineyards that do go back a hundred years. On the estate, which was officially founded in 1894, there are also family plantings that go back to On the 50 acres, 38 in vineyards, the varieties also include Viognier, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. With less than 10,000 cases produced, all of their wines, including a new Gewürztraminer and a rich Port, are produced in small but delicious and much soughtafter lots, usually 500 cases each or far less. With the Staten Family Reserve Vintage Port, for instance, only 165 cases were crafted. So what you do is pick up a picnic lunch before you arrive, then go into the cellar past the oak barrels and make a left into the compact tasting room. The bar is not big but the staff is helpful and friendly. Let them walk you through their list, then wine in hand head out to that big tree and enjoy food and wine and the wonderful feeling of being surrounded on every side by vines. But make time, don t hurry; the setting and the wines are meant to be savored, not rushed through. You will be amply rewarded for your time. BY CHARLES NEAVE 32 Gateway to Alexander Valley

33 Eastside Bunch The "eastside Bunch" (as they call themselves) are eight topflight wineries located close together along the eastern stretch of the russian river in sonoma County. specializing in Pinots, cool-climate syrahs, and that famous Zinfandel, the eastside Bunch represents some of the finest winemaking and culinary talents in all of Northern California. Don't miss the annual summer Fest open house for a kick-butt good time! DRY CREEK RD. 101 RUSSIAN RIVER Driving Time: 6 minutes From rodney strong to acorn >1 mile to Foppiano >1 mile to Christopher Creek >1 mile to merriam 1 mile Total >3 miles THINGS TO DO Powell s Sweet Shoppe 322 Center st., Healdsburg (707) , Remember yesterday, today! An old time, old fashioned candy, ice cream and sweets shop sure to delight your child within! This is the first shop for Powell's now beloved franchise. Riverfront Regional Park 7821 eastside rd, Healdsburg, (707) Once an old quarry, Riverfront Regional Park is now home to two sparkling lakes perfect for swimming and non-motorized boating...or hike a trail through serene redwood groves! Rodney Strong Vineyards Old redwood Highway, Healdsburg , Join visitors and locals alike on the lawn outside Rodney Strong Vineyards for warm summer evenings, good food, great wine, and a variety of musical guests. Look for the summer 2010 line-up in May! Russian River Valley Produce 400 Grapevine lane, Healdsburg, (707) A four-acre, family-owned ranch, Russian River Valley Produce farms top-notch vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers sure to brighten any palate and table. Excellent farm tours by appointment. The best of California farming! W. DRY CREEK WESTSIDE RD. Wohler Bridge FOPPIANO ACORN RODNEY STRONG Riverfront Regional Park Giorgi s Restaurant CHRISTOPHER CREEK LIMERICK OLD REDWOOD HWY. AMIGOS A LOS Russian River Valley Produce MERRIAM 101 WINDSOR RIVER RD ARATA LN. CONDE Gilardi s Delicatessen SHILOH RD. AIRPORT BLVD OLD REDWOOD HWY. Not to scale FOOD Giorgi s Restaurant 25 Grant street, Healdsburg, (707) Great family-style Italian restaurant pasta and hand-thrown pizzas. Has a full bar, open late and food available to go. Gilardi's Delicatessen 810 Den Beste, Windsor, (707) Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna and freshly baked sourdough garlic breads. LODGING Country Garden Lodging, Healdsburg (707) , Three fully-equipped, affordable vacation homes located on a 25-acre wine country estate boasting spectacular gardens. Located just 1½ miles from charming downtown Healdsburg. Eastside Bunch 33

34 Bill & Betsy Nachbaur Acorn Winery Estate-grown, sustainably-farmed, field-blended wines is the slogan at Acorn Winery. In my humble opinion, they should also add unpretentious, friendly, educational and delicious to their descriptive notes. This small, family-owned and operated winery produces some excellent wines. And they are really nice folks, too! Located just south of Healdsburg on Old Redwood Highway, Acorn Winery is easy to find. Turn onto the driveway and wend your way past a few houses, through some wellkept vineyards and you ve arrived at a very special place. Really. Acorn Winery s owners (and founders), Bill and Betsy Nachbaur truly enjoy sharing their wines and educating people about the vineyards and the fruits of their labors. You ll need to call to make an appointment no crowded, bustling tasting bar here, folks! A visit with them is an up-close, personal experience that you won t soon forget. In fact, if you visit at harvest time, Bill or Betsy will take you out in the vineyard, put a refractometer (sugar meter) in your hand, have you check sugar levels and create your own field-blend. Talk about hands-on! The tasting bar is a barrel in the winery. Period. No gift shop, no restaurant and no self-guided tour this place is all about function wine grape growing and crafting excellent wines is the focus here. That said, take it from me do not miss a visit to this jewel of a winery! Alegria is the vineyard name at Acorn the Spanish translation is happiness, and the name Acorn comes from the majestic oak trees on the property meaning from small beginnings comes mighty results. I must tell you from personal experience, the wines are mighty fine at Acorn! I had Acorn Winery the pleasure of tasting a few wines during my visit. They were all excellent, but my particular favorites were: 2006 Sangiovese, Alegria Vineyards, $26 This is the best California Sangiovese I have ever tasted (and I ve tasted a bunch.)! Aromas of red cherry, strawberry, vanilla, spices and a hint of fresh green herbs meld seamlessly and continue as flavors in the bright, juicy mouth. This wine has a long, delicious finish and is entirely too easy to drink Zinfandel, Heritage Vines, Alegria Vineyards, $32 Wow! Aromas and flavors of raspberries, blackberries, caramel, chocolate and peppery spice delight from the first sniff, all the way through the finish. Yum! For a truly unique, personalized, delicious winery experience, be sure to make an appointment to visit Bill and Betsy at Acorn. Call (707) or visit the website at BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH Hours are by appointment only, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. allow an hour for your visit to acorn Winery Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg (707) Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto and Rosato Wines are all field blends from estate-grown grapes. FUN They grow 40+ different varieties of grapes. FACT Grapes have been grown here since the 1880s. 34 Eastside Bunch

35 Christopher Creek Winery Charming. It s a good word almost the perfect word to use when you describe Christopher Creek Winery. The winery is owned by the Wasserman family who, in addition to their grape growing and winemaking venture, have a long history of farming in California s Central Valley where they have farmed oranges for the past 37 years. They adamantly believe that that growing the highest quality grapes possible must be the main focus if you want to produce truly great wines. They, and their winemaker, Todd Crowell a Texas native and graduate of Texas A&M understand and appreciate the fine balance between the agricultural practices they employ and Christopher Creek Winery Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg (707) Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Port, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier Cellar Club: 3 shipments/year, choice of wines, 20% off FUN 2008 Estate Bottled Reserve Petite Sirah FACT Red Sweepstakes Winner Best of 1000 Wines Riverside International Wine Competitions the quality of the grapes. The best wines in the world are made in the vineyard, says Crowell. The main job of the winemaker is to take care of the grapes and protect what Mother Nature has given. That s our philosophy... and the proof is in the bottle. To taste their superb wines, head to the tasting room. Christopher Creek is comfortable even cozy and indisputably rustic. As a result, it s sometimes tough to tell where the tasting room ends and the serious business that constitutes a working winery begins which merely adds to the charm. BY CHARLES NEAVE Recent Awards These wines are all available for purchase. TASTERS GUILD WINE COMPETITIONS 2006 Dry Creek Finlay's vineyard Cabernet sauvignon DOUBle GOlD (all JUDGes voted GOlD) 2007 russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah GOlD 2007 russian river Catie's Corner viognier GOlD 2007 Dry Creek Zinfandel GOlD 2006 russian river Zinfandel GOlD 2006 russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah DOUBle GOlD (all JUDGes voted GOlD) PACIFIC RIM WINE COMPETITIONS 2007 Dry Creek Finlay s vineyard Cabernet sauvignon BesT OF Class (all JUDGes voted GOlD) russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah BesT OF Class (all JUDGes voted GOlD) 2008 russian river Catie s Corner viognier GOlD RIVERSIDE INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITIONS 2008 Dry Creek Zinfandel Chairman s award 2007 russian river estate Bottled reserve Petite sirah Chairman s award 2006 Dry Creek Finlay s vineyard Cabernet sauvignon GOlD 2006 russian river estate Bottled reserve syrah GOlD SONOMA COUNTY HARVEST FAIR 2006 russian river estate Bottled syrah GOlD 2007 russian river Catie's Corner viognier GOlD NEW WORLD INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITIONS 2005 russian river estate Bottled syrah BesT OF Class (all JUDGes voted GOlD) Eastside Bunch 35

36 Foppiano Vineyards Through its 113 years of winemaking history in the Russian River Valley of northern Sonoma County, the Foppiano family has played a significant role in the making of the American wine industry story. As Sonoma County s oldest family-owned winery, Foppiano Vineyards represents an authentic family tradition, which is not only rich with history but also confirms the value of perseverance and commitment. The winery was founded in 1896 by Giovanni Foppiano, a young immigrant who came to the United States from Genoa, Italy in the 1850s. After the gold rush, Giovanni imagined a future in farming and winemaking and settled in Sonoma County. He bought the Riverside Farm Winery, establishing it as Foppiano FUN FACT Vineyards in Soon, Giovanni s son Louis A. joined the family business, producing and selling Foppiano wines and creating a family line of participants, including his son Louis J. Foppiano, who was born in 1910 and just celebrated his 99th birthday in November. Louis J. s son Louis M. Foppiano is the fourth generation and third Louis Foppiano at the helm of one of the country s few six-generation family operations. Today, the Foppiano family has renewed that same ingenuity and dedication that the winery was founded on all those years ago. Recognizing that the first chapter of the family history was written, Louis M. Foppiano wanted to lay Foppiano Vineyards Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and Rosé the way for the sixth generation by bringing on top winemaking and management talent. We re updating our estate vineyards, which are located in one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. What s more, our new winemaker Natalie West, who joined our team during veraison in 2008, has added key pieces of new equipment that enable gentle handling of fruit at harvest. This, combined with our commitment to quality ensures our ability to move the legacy forward as we make world-class wines that reflect our core family values, said Louis M. Foppiano. Foppiano Vineyards sits on 170 acres of Russian River bench land, of which 140 acres are planted to vineyards. Guests who visit Foppiano can take a selfguided tour of the estate vineyards at their own pace enabling them to see grape vines up close. The friendly and knowledgeable staff in the tasting room pours current releases every day with a focus on the flagship Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir. Conveniently located just south of the popular town of Healdsburg on Old Redwood Highway, Foppiano Vineyards is one of the few wineries that does not require an appointment or charge for tastings. Open seven days a week it s the perfect place to step back in time, learn a bit of history while enjoying handcrafted Russian River Valley wines made with today s state-of-the-art technology. During Prohibition, federal agents emptied 140,000 gallons of the family s 1918 vintage into the local stream. People came from miles around with cups and jugs hoping to get a sample of the Foppiano wine. 36 Eastside Bunch

37 Merriam Vineyards One of Russian River Valley s newest wineries, Merriam Vineyards is perched on a knoll at the far eastern edge of the valley, so far to the east that it actually backs up to the Chalk Hill appellation. And that s a good thing, because it means that the climate here is warm enough to produce richly ripe Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Winery owners Peter and Diana Merriam are both New Englanders transplanted to California. Their honeymoon in France led to a lifetime love of fine wines, and Peter s career as a wine retailer in New England reinforced their knowledge of and love for Bordeaux wines. As is often the case, their interest in wine led them to purchase vineyard property in 2000, in this case an 11-acre parcel called Windacre Vineyard, the soils of which are uniquely suited to these Bordeaux varietals. The second 12-acre vineyard property was purchased in 2002, winery construction followed in 2007 and the tasting room was opened just this past year. The exteriors of both buildings are reminiscent of a New England farmhouse, a tip of the hat to Peter and Diana s origins. And the presence of one huge, stately palm tree gives a nod to California and the generous warmth of this location. Magnificent views to the west show off the rolling hills and vineyards of the Russian River Valley proper. A terrace dotted with tables and chairs invites visitors to linger, taste wine and take in the view. The well-respected veteran winemaker Margaret Davenport is now crafting the Merriam offerings. Of all the varietals she excels Merriam Vineyards Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Los Amigos Road, Healdsburg (707) Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend and Rosé of Cabernet FUN Cheese and wine pairings by appointment. FACT $20 per person. at, Merlot may be the wine she is best known for, so the Merriam portfolio is a great match for her talents. Merlot from Windacre Vineyard, for instance, has great depth and balance, with rich dark fruit flavors and smooth tannins. Merriam s 2005 Miktos (from the Greek, meaning to blend well together), a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is a huge wine with plum and cassis flavors and powerful but tamed tannins. For the white wine lover, Merriam offers a Chardonnay from the Simoneau Ranch vineyard in Alexander Valley. Fermented in French oak barrels, it is aged for 10 months in the barrel with a regular stirring (sur lies) regime for a silky, creamy mouthfeel. Its sweet fruit shines through with pineapple flavors and a toasty, nutty character from the oak. The Stainless Steel Chardonnay was just released. It is from the same vineyard, Simoneau Ranch, made from five different fruit clones it tastes like a tropical vacation! Because of the very limited production of Merriam wines, they are available mostly at the tasting room, in local restaurants or to wine club members. Thanks to Peter s New England wine sales career, you can find limited distribution in some New England states. But why not just enjoy a beautiful day in Sonoma County and visit the winery? The tasting room plans to offer gourmet picnic lunch items like paté, cheese, crackers, tapenades, salami and cookies, so you can enjoy a snack on the terrace with your favorite Merriam wine. BY NAN REILEY Eastside Bunch 37

38 Rodney Strong Vineyards Rodney Strong Vineyards is an historical, architectural treasure of a winery, located just south of Healdsburg. Built in 1970, the winery building is somewhat pyramid shaped and was constructed as a tribute to beauty and efficiency. The front entrance to the winery is a treat for the senses; a fountain burbles merrily at the base of the steps, the air is scented with roses and jasmine from planters lining the walkway, and the building is just so danged cool. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Rodney Strong Vineyards because the wines are always wonderful, Rodney Strong was a wine industry pioneer, as well as being a scholar and a gentleman, and well, I started my career there more than 28 years ago. Geez that s a long time! Things have certainly changed over the past 27 years. When I started my wine industry career at Rodney Strong Vineyards, the winery was under different ownership and called Sonoma Vineyards. Windsor Vineyards shared the space. Back then, the tasting room was set up with several small tables and the apron-clad staff (myself included) ran around the busy room, pouring a generous selection of wines from both wineries. Sonoma Vineyards specialized in estate grown, vineyard designated wines and Windsor Vineyards (which also featured estate grown, vineyard designated wines) specialized in wines with personalized labels. Rodney Strong Vineyards Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Port These days, the tasting room is still very busy. Tours are offered by appointment and a variety of wines is available for tasting. Tasting fees are either $10 or $15, depending on the wines. The room is bright and airy, the staff is cheerful and informative and a tasteful selection of wine-related gifts is artfully displayed around the room. The atmosphere is one of understated elegance, with a splash of education thrown in for good measure. Rodney Strong Vineyards continues to evolve over the years. One development is what proprietor Tom Klein calls a winery within a winery. Rodney Strong Vineyards has always owned excellent vineyards. Now the focus is on site-specific vineyards and making small lots of vineyard-designated wines that reflect their own unique terroir. This season, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Omega Events present the 20th Annual Summer Concert Series. Enjoy breathtaking views, wine tasting and sizzling jazz! Surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests will be treated to some of the top performers in contemporary music while picnicking at the winery s intimate concert venue, The Green. The Collectors Circle, Rodney Strong Vineyards wine club, has more than 2000 happy members that receive quarterly wine shipments and discounts on wines and events. FUN Look for the huge rebate check from PG&E for FACT $2,164, for the installation of the largest solar electric system ever realized by a winery. Club members also enjoy special receptions at the summer concert series. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH 38 Eastside Bunch

39 LAGUNA RD. Russian River/Olivet For more than a century, the Russian River has been a true gateway to the grandeur of California's wild nature and dramatic coast. Today, it is still a destination for all naturalists as well as an increasingly high-profile wine region and rightly so. Russian River wines are quickly becoming some of the finest, most sought-after wines in the world and artisan winemakers are finally getting their due. Come for the fresh air, fine wines, incomparable cuisines and relax! THINGS TO DO Safari West 3115 Porter Creek road, santa rosa (707) , Fun for all generations of your family! Experience the spirit of Africa in the wine country on a Safari Adventure or book a tent and sleep overnight in the Animal Kingdom. Riverfront Regional Park 7821 eastside road, Healdsburg (707) Once a gravel quarry site, this park now boasts 2 sparkling lakes perfect for fishing and nonmotorized boating. Explore redwood grove picnic areas and more than 2 miles of trails around Lake Benoist! Charles Schulz Museum 2301 Hardies lane, santa rosa (707) , A tribute to the wonderful man who brought so much joy to the world with the "Peanuts" cartoon strip. Finally, a fitting place in Charles "Sparky" Schulz' hometown to preserve, display, and interpret the Peanuts art. Pacific Coast Air Museum 2230 Becker Blvd., santa rosa (707) Climb Aboard vintage aircraft, and learn about the history of where and how it was used from the crew who has lovingly restored it. Currently, the F-14 Tomcat, F-16N Viper & F-5 Tiger II are featured. Windsor Golf Club th Hole Drive, Windsor (707) , Follow in the footsteps of the pros at this par 72 championship course regarded by the regulars as a must-play course. Four tee options provide an appropriate challenge for any skill level. Armstrong Redwoods armstrong Woods road, Guerneville (707) , The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on our planet! Come see this stately nature preserve of trees close to 1,000 years old! FOOD John Ash & Co. Restaurant, 4330 Barnes road, santa rosa (707) , Celebrate wine cuisine at its best. Cooking seasonally with fresh, local foods and produce and pairing these exceptional recipes with wines from the region, today the restaurant remains an icon of gourmet dining and wine country living. Gilardi's Delicatessen, 810 Den Beste, Windsor, (707) Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagna and freshly baked sourdough garlic breads. LODGING Vintners Inn, 4350 Barnes road, santa rosa (707) , A luxury, 44-room, 4 Diamond intimate hotel that is designed to showcase the very finest in gracious hospitality that Wine Country provides. Relax in the spa, walk the grounds, even take a cooking class with famed chef John Ash! Truly an exceptional hotel! Fountain Grove Inn 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, santa rosa (707) , For business or leisure travel, the Fountain Grove Inn Hotel & Conference Center is a luxurious, but not ostentatious, hotel that is convenient to all of Sonoma County wine country. Hilton Sonoma Wine Country 3555 round Barn Blvd., santa rosa (707) , Enjoy 13 acres of landscaped grounds and views over Santa Rosa Valley in this resort-like, pet-friendly, 100% non-smoking hotel. SHIL TO BODEGA BAY TO HWY. 1 Armstrong Redwoods MAIN ST. RIVER RD. BOHEMIAN HWY ARMSTRONG WOODS RD. Freestone Vineyards Guest Center 116 GRATON RD. SONOMA Riverfront Regional Park CUTRER RUSSIAN HILL ESTATEE MARTIN RAY MIRABEL RD. VINE HILL RD. RD. RIVER GUERNEVILLE RD. MARK WEST SPRINGS STEELE LN. Driving Time: 27 minutes From Kendall-Jackson to sonoma-cutrer 5 miles to russian Hill >1 mile to martin ray >4 miles to Deloach >4 miles 12 to suncé >1 mile to Hook & ladder >1 TO mile TO SANTA ROSA/ HWY. 101 Not to scale Total 14 miles SAN FRANCISCO FREI RD. SLUSSER SUNCÉ W. OLIVET DeLOACH OLIVET OCCIDENTAL RD. Sonoma County Airport Pacific Coast Air Museum AIRPORT BLVD PINER RD. OLD REDWOOD HWY. KENDALL-JACKSON 101 WINE CENTER Hilton Sonoma Wine Country John Ash & Co. Vintners Inn HOOK & Charles Schultz Museum LADDER FULTON RD FOUNTAIN GROVE PKWY. Fountain Grove Inn 101 Safari West TO SONOMA VALLEY Russian River/Olivet 39

40 Kendall-Jackson Wine Center Kendall-Jackson Wine Center Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 5007 Fulton road, Fulton (707) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Don t miss the Wine Sensory Gardens for FACT white and red wines with plantings that represent the aroma and/or flavor in the wines. In the vineyards of Kendall-Jackson it has always been about the fruit. Ask any good vineyard manager or winemaker and that is a mantra that rings true, as it has since the art of turning grapes into wine began, thousands of years ago. As they say at Kendall-Jackson, One of the truths we live by here at the winery is that outstanding wines can only be made from exceptional fruit. Our Estate Vineyards are found atop cool coastal mountains, rocky ridge tops and rolling hillsides. Places where the climate, soil and vines come together to create remarkable grapes. In each glass, you will taste our family s commitment to crafting extraordinary Sonoma County wines from California s best vineyards. At this magnificent château, set on 120 acres in the heart of Sonoma County, wine and food lovers gather to experience the flavors of the region. Depending upon your mood, you can enjoy seated wine and food pairing, visit the tasting bar (a must), browse for gifts and limited-edition wines, and tour the vineyards and extensive herb, flower and vegetable gardens that surround the château. Or you can wander through the White Wine Sensory Garden or the Red Wine Sensory Garden. These two innovative and lovingly tended gardens have been designed and planted to show your senses the terms that wine writers and educators have used to describe what we smell and taste in the glass. These gardens allow visitors to experience the fruits, flowers, herbs and vegetables that are used to describe wine. Each garden also features the produce that pairs well with red or white wines. Guides encourage guests to smell the herbs and flowers, crush the leaves between their fingers and experience the similarities to the aromas found in wine. The Culinary Garden also features a wide array of seasonal produce, with varieties of basil, and dozens of different types of squash and lettuce from all over the world. Edible flowers and more than 180 varieties of heirloom tomatoes are also key components. Heirloom tomatoes in every color of the rainbow are undoubtedly the highlight of the garden, and the winery celebrates them each year during its annual Heirloom Tomato Festival. This year s event takes place on September 11 and is always a sellout. But the garden tours are available three times a day at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. (weather permitting). There are many choices for tasting when you visit. The Classic Tasting is $5 you can choose four out of eight wines to taste. Or, for $15, you can try the Reserve Wines that are only available in the tasting room. But the most extravagant choice of all is the Wine & Food Pairing. This is a not-to-bemissed occasion. Meet the Chef, taste the wines and learn more about wine and food pairing. All are a fun and educational experience in a beautiful setting. BY CHARLES NEAVE 40 Russian River/Olivet

41 Russian Hill Estate Russian Hill Estate Winery is a family-owned and operated newcomer to Russian River Valley. Husband-and-wife team Edward Gomez and Ellen Mack began searching for property in the area in the mid-1990s, knowing they wanted to make Pinot Noir and well aware that Russian River Valley had already established an outstanding reputation as the premiere region for growing these grapes. In 1997, they purchased a property that had a home on it, but no vineyards. In the ensuing years, they have planted vineyards, built a winery and, under the winemaking leadership of their nephew Patrick Melley, have created their own reputation for excellence in Pinot Noir and, perhaps uniquely, for a delicious cool-climate Syrah. You owe it to yourself to visit Russian Hill Winery to sample Patrick s award-winning wines. A second good reason to visit is to enjoy the stupendous views of one of Sonoma County s most enchanting regions. Why not bring your lunch to enjoy here? Russian Hill is set in the midst of rolling hills with panoramic views in all directions, but it is isolated in the sense that there are no delis or restaurants nearby, and you won t want to hurry away once you ve arrived. Drive up a winding driveway lined with olive trees to the tasting room and winery. The stately, pale-yellow buildings sit atop a hill covered with vineyards, and the tasting room has windows that let you admire the scenery while you sip your wine. You will probably be met by the de rigeur winery dog Russian Hill Estate Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily 4525 Slusser Road, Windsor (707) Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay FUN Did you know that Russian Hill's tasting room FACT was originally a dog kennel? Maybe that is why Russian Hill is so dog friendly! and cat, Kiri and Ruska. (Both animals, by the way, have official job functions at the winery aside from acting as greeters: they are in charge of the Integrated Pest Management program, specializing in chasing birds away from the ripening grapes and catching little critters that could damage the vines.) Inside the tasting room, although you may be entranced by the views, you ve come to taste Patrick s delicious wines. The winery is dedicated to Pinot Noir and Syrah, but Patrick also makes two excellent white wines Chardonnay from one of the prestigious Dutton Ranch vineyards, and an estate-grown Viognier. Now for the Pinot Noirs! Patrick currently has five Pinots from different Russian River Valley vineyards. This is an outstanding opportunity to taste the difference that vineyard location makes in the wine. All are classic Pinot Noirs, however, with rich cherry-raspberry and sweet spice flavors. The real surprise of the tasting may well be Patrick s coolclimate Syrah. This red Rhône grape has become very popular in the last few years, and in style tends almost always to be a big, ripe, jammy fruit bomb. The Russian Hill offering is much more elegant and restrained, exhibiting a characteristic ripe, black fruit and spice flavor, but smooth and deeply rich, with soft tannins that come from extended bottle ageing before release. Choose your favorite wine and enjoy a bottle with your picnic on the covered outdoor patio while you revel in the beauty of Russian River Valley. BY NAN REILEY Russian River/Olivet 41

42 What makes a tasting room visit special and memorable? The excellent wine? The charming location? The great staff? Yes, all of the above, and Sonoma-Cutrer, tucked away in the rural paradise of Russian River Valley, has all of these. I offer you the following proofs: Sonoma-Cutrer makes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and its stated, unique goal is to produce these wines in a true French Burgundian style. Yes, the grapevines are in Sonoma County, but the vine clones are French, and the winemaking is pure Burgundian in method and tradition. The result is delicious wine at a fraction of the cost of its French counterparts. The winery was founded originally purely as a Chardonnay producer, and added Pinot Noir to its portfolio only a few years ago, Sonoma-Cutrer so most of its production is still Chardonnay, This Chardonnay is so popular that it has been chosen as the Number One Most Requested wine in restaurants for 19 of the past 20 years, according to the annual, well-respected poll conducted by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Until now, Sonoma-Cutrer s Pinot Noir has not been distributed nationally: a visit to the tasting room is still the only way to sample this outstanding red wine. The winery is located in the cool Russian River Valley, now known to be the prime growing area for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Take River Road to Slusser Road, and drive through the serene fields, past lush vineyards and then up a curving tree-lined driveway to the sweep of open lawn and vistas of low rolling hills where the winery rises in its severe, minimalist angles and brown-painted wooden walls. You ll climb a flight of broad stone steps (an adjacent ramp makes the tasting room readily disabled-accessible) to a spacious, trellis-covered patio with tables and chairs and expansive views toward the west. This vast expanse of greenery will make Sonoma-Cutrer you want to just sit and drink it Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. monday-thursday in, which you can do with a glass appointments recommended of Sonoma-Cutrer in hand Slusser Road, Windsor Great wine and great location (707) can still be diminished if the tasting room staff isn t top notch. I Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have to assume that the folks who FUN Sonoma-Cutrer has two gorgeous croquet courts work here really love their jobs, FACT and hosts major tournaments each summer. because energy and enthusiasm Ask about attending this wine country classic event. shine through in everything they do. Most impressive is their understanding that every visitor comes with a different degree of wine knowledge and tasting experience, and their goal is to customize your visit to meet your needs and wishes. There is no memorized cookie-cutter patter here: they actually listen to you, and tailor information to match your interests. You can enjoy Sonoma-Cutrer s Traditional Tasting of four wines for $10 per person, or you can opt for an extensive tour of the vineyards and winemaking facility and taste six different wines for $20 per person. (Please call ahead for tour reservations or hurrah you can make reservations any time on-line at BY NAN REILEY 42 Russian River/Olivet

43 Hook & Ladder Winery Olivet Road is a two-mile strip running through the heart of the Russian River Valley just 10 minutes west of Highway 101. For the directionally challenged, make your way over to Olivet Road in west Santa Rosa and you can spend a day visiting great wineries with an easy blink left or right. One family has called Olivet Road home for more than 35 years the DeLoaches. Cecil DeLoach was a firefighter in San Francisco when, in 1970, he and wife, Christine, bought a 24-acre vineyard just west of Santa Rosa. The DeLoaches wanted to start second careers as winegrowers, and by 1975 the DeLoaches had made their first wine. The rest, of course, is history: the DeLoach family went on to build one of the country s most successful wine brands. In 2003, with the DeLoach Vineyards brand producing 300,000 cases annually, the DeLoach family decided to start over. They sold the brand to the Boisset family of Burgundy, keeping 375 acres of prime Russian River Valley vineyards and a second brand, Hook & Ladder, they had started 20 years earlier with a Port. At the beginning of 2004, Hook & Ladder opened their doors north on Olivet Road, fittingly on part of the first property the family purchased in 1970, the Barbieri Ranch. The Hook & Ladder name came from Cecil DeLoach s many years as a San Francisco firefighter operating the back end of the fire truck as The Tillerman. Cecil retired in Hook & Ladder Winery and Vineyards Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa (707) Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN Look for the shiny red vintage fire truck, FACT a Willy s circa 1961, near the driveway. There s lots of firefighter themes at Hook & Ladder, from the classic, fully-restored shiny red fire truck circa 1960 that sits along Olivet Road near the winery s main driveway, to the fire department patches and t-shirts from firefighters who stop and decorate the tasting room. Cecil DeLoach is still involved with the daily operations of Hook & Ladder Winery, but the second and third generation DeLoaches are now taking the reins. Cecil s son, Michael, is the winery s president, Cecil s grandson, Jason, is the winemaker and Michael s son, Joshua, is Public Relations and Sales Director. The DeLoaches keep Hook & Ladder to just 35,000-case annual production; they sell a portion of the grapes they grow, keeping just the best of the best for Hook & Ladder Winery. Hook & Ladder carved out a section of their winery for the tasting room, keeping it simple to help keep our prices down, says Michael DeLoach. What s great at Hook & Ladder is that prices are wallet-friendly and quality is sky-high. Hook & Ladder hit gold big at this year s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, winning two Gold Medals for Merlot and Zinfandel and Double Gold and a Best of Class for their Third Alarm Reserve Pinot Noir and Double Gold for their Sauvignon Blanc. Those medals, among others, affirm that the DeLoaches are still making great wine after all these years. BY MICHELLE J. BAKER Russian River/Olivet 43

44 Suncé Winery Suncé, meaning sun in Serbo-Croatian, is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley appellation where open pastures and olive trees once dominated the landscape, old head-pruned Zinfandel vines now quietly assert their beauty. Nestled in this serene setting, Suncé Winery is the ideal place to take a picnic, play some bocce, stroll the estate Pinot Noir vineyard then chat with the winemaker, Frane Franicevic. Franicevic is much more than satisfied these days to be able to make wine at his Olivet Road winery. When he was 17 the family moved to Louisiana, where an uncle ran a shrimp boat a la Forrest Gump. When the uncle was killed in a tragic accident, Frane and his father took over the boat for a couple of years. Frane then attended West Georgia University then moved to San Francisco to take his PhD in East-West Philosophy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. I practiced hypnotherapy here in Santa Rosa it s a great way to open one s receptivity to healing but was always making wine at home. I grew up in Croatia, in the small fishing village of Sucuraj, on the northern tip of the island of Hvar in the Adriatic Sea, says Suncé Frane. That s on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, and I helped my father pick grapes and olives for as long as I can remember. My parents made wine for the family, but my grandparents were in the trade. They had a boat there is a painting of it [pointing to the wall behind the tasting counter] with no motor, just oars, to take barrels of wine to market. It was hard work, but satisfying. Once inside their cozy tasting room, a wide array of vineyard-designated wines await you, beginning with the un-wooded Sauvignon Blanc steeped with ripe Asian pear fruit and clean, crisp acidity. Moving into the reds, start with the Russian River Valley Zora s Estate Pinot Noir (named after the Suncé Winery Franicevic s oldest daughter), a Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily bold Burgundy-style Pinot full of 1839 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa cherry cola, allspice and raspberries. Also not to be missed are the (707) Check the website to get on their wine club waiting list. old-vine Zins, especially since Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel, Frane shares his origins with this Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, varietal, both of them Croatian Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Tempranillo born. The Bastoni Vineyard Zinfandel is reminiscent of its old FUN Suncé tasting room features a cozy picnic area world origins, brimming with FACT with bocce courts. Perfect to come stay for a while. brambly, luscious blackberries and laced with cracked black pepper. Not to be missed is the four-time Double Gold Medal winning Nebbiolo (something of a domestic Barrolo) a collector s wine that Suncé Winery owner and manager Janae Franicevic says: touches places on the palate that have not been touched, statistically speaking that is, if it ever makes it out of the vineyard (it s more difficult to grow than Pinot Noir) it can have the perfect balance of acid, tannins and ph. Nearly all of Sunce s highly sought after releases are limited to cases (12-16 barrels) each and are sold directly to wine club members, through the tasting room, or right out of the barrel before they re ever bottled. 44 Russian River/Olivet

45 DeLoach Vineyards DeLoach Vineyards is a very special place that you don t want to miss! Here s why: The grounds are beautiful, the wines are delicious, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the chickens and sheep are really cute. Got your attention there, huh? No, they haven t added a petting zoo at DeLoach Vineyards, but the winery was recently licensed as biodynamic, hence the chickens and sheep (and also a big vegetable and flower garden). Biodynamic farming is a method of organic farming that looks upon the soil and farm as living organisms, so all things on the farm are interconnected. For example, the sheep are used for weed control in the vineyards, the chickens provide fertilizer for the vineyards and eggs for the kitchen and the vegetable and flower garden provides produce and flowers for the events at the winery. This is a great place to consider if you are planning a private party. Behind the tasting room is the guest house, a large rustic wooden building with lots of glass to let in the Russian River Valley sunshine. There is an elegant great room with comfortable furniture scattered about, a large dining room with a long table at the ready for private tastings and dinners, a commercial kitchen (complete with in-house chef) and three bedrooms for overnight guests. The walls are bedecked with gorgeous original art, created by students of the San Francisco Academy of Art. Visitors may schedule a tour of the grounds for $15, which includes a wine tasting. For those who wish to forgo the tour, a regular wine tasting is $10 to sample a selection of five wines (refundable with purchase). There is also a very special tour happening from September 18 October 31 on Saturdays and Sundays. For $25 ($20 for wine club members), visitors may sip wines as they stroll through the DeLoach Vineyards organic gardens, then relax by Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily the fountain and enjoy gourmet 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa garden-fresh nibbles, paired with five wines. The tasting room is spacious and comfortable. My first impression was of bottles, bottles everywhere! The whole wall behind the tasting bar and one other wall are covered with horizontally stacked bottles. There is a tasteful selection of wine-related merchandise artfully displayed around the room. I was very impressed by the wines I tasted 2007 Hawk Hill Chardonnay, $50: Big, intense and loaded with aromas and flavors of buttered toast, spiced baked apple and crisp pear from the first sniff, through to the long, luxurious finish Le Roi Pinot Noir, $60: This Pinot made me weak in the knees. It is a gorgeous wine with a silken texture and balanced aromas and flavors of cherry and rose petals with a hint of earthiness and spice. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH (707) deloachvineyards.com Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay FUN DeLoach Vineyards produces more than 17 FACT Vineyard Designate wines, most available only in the tasting room. Russian River/Olivet 45

46 Martin Ray Winery The Martin Ray Winery is an ambitious amalgam of labels and wines, all housed in one of Sonoma County s historypacked winemaking facilities. Here s its story in a nutshell, related because it helps you understand the different labels and the winemaking philosophy behind each. (There s a lot of good stuff to taste at Martin Ray, so you will need to pick and choose.) The man behind it all is Proprietor Courtney Benham, a third-generation San Joaquin Valley winemaker who knew he wanted to own a winery himself. In 1990, he discovered a treasure trove of old library wines with the label of Martin Ray, a Santa Cruz Mountains winemaker. Courtney bought the rights to the Martin Ray name and later, in 2003, purchased the historic Martini-Prati Winery in western Sonoma County; these buildings and property have become home to the Martin Ray line of wines. One common thread that has run consistently through all of the history of these wines is the acknowledgement that vineyard location is crucial to the character and quality of wine. At Martin Ray, there is a special emphasis on mountain-grown wines, because of Benham s conviction that mountain-side elevation provides cooler nights during the growing season and therefore results in longer hang time on the vines for superb fruit ripeness. Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley, Sonoma Mountain in Sonoma County and the Martin Ray Winery Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa (707) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon FUN One of the oldest historical winery sites in FACT California wander through the cellar and see 10,000 gallon old-growth redwood tanks. Santa Cruz Mountain to the south are three of the most prestigious vineyard locations for Martin Ray grapes. As you plan to visit Martin Ray, try to allow extra time for a tour of the historic production facilities as well as extensive tasting. The scenic drive there on winding roads is a fascinating combination of forests and vineyards. You ll know you ve reached the winery when you see the large water tower that dominates the skyline at the winery. Picnic tables and chairs outside the tasting room look over verdant hills and vineyards. Colorful flower boxes surround the tasting room. Here s what s available: Angeline-label wines, modestly priced, fruit-forward wines with screw caps for picnic ease; Martin Ray wines, with more structure and vineyard character; Martin Ray Reserve wines, all vineyard designates; and Courtney Benham wines, limited-production offerings from some of California s most interesting wine regions, such as Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County and Lucca, a big red wine from Paso Robles. All the classic wine varietals are represented here, from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot, Riesling, Malbec and Pinot Noir. The friendly tasting room staff can suggest interesting wines to taste side by side so you can compare the difference between, say, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Mountain and one from Alexander Valley. BY NAN REILEY 46 Russian River/Olivet

47 Sebastopol/Freestone Sebastopol Equal parts hippie chic and rustic elegance, Sebastopol is a true insider's favorite. Located at the mouth of Russian River wine country, Sebastopol offers authentically artisan shopping, great tea houses, brew pubs and restaurants and darling hotels all within a quaint one-street-downtown. Local families stroll the sidewalks eating hand-made ice cream cones. Visitors stretch out and relax in any one of the outdoor cafes, pubs and bistros. And the local theatre and live music scene is beyond lively. If you are looking for an off-beat (but still fabulous) wine country experience, Sebastopol is your place! LODGING Fairfield Inn & Suites 1101 Gravenstein Hwy. so., sebastopol Fairfield Inn & Suites provides a high-end Marriott experience within the heart of Sebastopol and Russian River wine country. The Sebastopol Inn 6751 sebastopol ave., sebastopol sebastopolinn@yahoo.com Lush gardens & fresh water fountains, wraparound porches and veranda-style-lounging Vine Hill Bed & Breakfast 3949 vine Hill rd, sebastopol (707) innkeeper@vine-hill-inn.com Enjoy relaxing accommodations in this awardwinning, stunningly remodeled 1890s Victorian. Be pampered with a full breakfast, Egyptian towels and glorious views! DINING GTO s Seafood House 234 south main street, sebastopol (707) A taste of New Orleans here in wine country! Hopmonk Tavern 230 Petaluma avenue, sebastopol (707) , hopmonk.com This killer brew pub is an absolute local favorite. Go for a pint and stay for the live music out back on the patio or the fun crowd at the bar. Sushi Tozai 7531 Healdsburg avenue, sebastopol (707) Creative cuisine fused with fresh fish and local ingredients! Impressive Japanese woodcarvings and fine art. Peter Lowell s West County Organic 7385 Healdsburg avenue, suite 101 (707) Feel good from the inside out after one of Peter Lowell's delicious dinners made entirely from locally produced and organic foods. POINTS OF INTEREST Antique Row Gravenstein Highway Highway 116 from Cotati to sebastopol (a.k.a Gravenstein Hwy) Antiques, collectibles, glassware and furniture. Sonoma County Repertory Theater 104 N. main st, sebastopol, (707) Inspired, contemporary plays, top-notch performances and educational programs. Freestone Freestone is Sonoma s first historical district and it is easy to see why! Harkening back to days of western expansion and rural community, this small patch of old Sonoma County sits at the appropriately named intersections of Bohemian Highway and Bodega Highway. Drive along some of the most scenic stretches of pastoral California. Rustic bakeries, artisan wineries, creative day spas and roadside galleries and garden shops are among the relaxed stops to make in rural Freestone. DINING Wild Flour Bread Bakery An over-the-top, sensory overload destination full to the brim with espresso, sticky buns, goat-cheese flat bread, seeded wheat breads all made by hand, all fresh and all delicious! 140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone (707) BOHEMIAN HWY TO BODEGA /SONOMA COAST DUTTON ESTATE GREEN VALLEY RD DUTTON-GOLDFIELD Driving Time: 26 minutes From Dutton estate to Dutton-Goldfield >1 mile to Balletto 3 miles to Freestone >9 miles Total 12 miles OCCIDENTAL RD Shop Downtown Sebastopol! Small town America meets hippie-chic along this goldmine of a downtown. Art and hand-hewn furniture galleries, artisan clothiers and book sellers, tea houses and wine bars, high-end restaurants and beer pubs, theater and live music venues, ice cream parlors and yoga studios. Freestone Country Store This 1876 building is filled with local wines, artisan cheeses and gourmet picnic items. Historic redwood grove is nearby. 500 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) POINTS OF INTEREST Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary Revel in this one-of-a-kind day spa. Rejuvenate yourself in Japanese-influenced cedar enzyme baths and massages. 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone (707) LODGING Green Apple Inn A classic five-room B&B. Enjoy freshly baked breads every morning! 520 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, (707) Vine Hill B&B GRATONFREI RD BODEGA HWY Osmosis Day Spa Freestone Country Store Wild Flour Bakery Green Apple Inn FREESTONE VINEYARDS VINE HILL RD 116 GRAVENSTEIN HWY HIGH SCHOOL RD 116 Sushi Tozai Peter Lowell s West County Organic Sonoma County Repertory Theater Hopmonk GTO s Seafood HEALDSBURG AVE BALLETTO VINEYARDS GRAVENSTEIN HWY OCCIDENTAL RD 116 Sebastopol/Freestone MAIN PETALUMA AVE SEBASTOPOL AVE 12 Sebastopol Inn Fairfield Inn & Suites Not to scale 47

48 Balletto Vineyards You know that you are in real farm country when you head to Balletto Vineyards. Sheep graze, veterinarian offices outnumber those of physicians, orchards border acres of vines, and Balletto Vineyards sits in the middle of it all. With 500 acres of land planted to grape vines, John Balletto, who began farming in 1977 at the age of 17, is a major force in this part of Sonoma County. The estate wines of Balletto grow in the distinct soils and climates of Sonoma County s Russian River Valley, and they invite you to come Taste the bounty that is Balletto at their tasting room set in the middle of a 200-acre vineyard. In all, they have 12 vineyards in the famous Russian River Valley. As the grape-growing business grew, they decided to make wine instead of just selling grapes. As growers first, they have strong feelings that with good grapes comes good wine. Their grapes are picked by hand and they use only French oak barrels from a variety of barrel makers. In all, they offer an excellent representation of Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Pinot Gris. Winemaker Anthony Beckman came into the wine industry later in life. While taking a variety of jobs in the wine industry, he also managed to find time to get a degree from Balletto Vineyards Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa (707) ext Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Syrah FUN FACT UC Davis world-famous Viticulture and Enology program. He has been with Balletto Vineyards since 2007 when he was hired as the assistant winemaker, and then was promoted to winemaker two years later. It is an ambitious and ultimately successful continuation of a life-long passion for food and wine. Of course you need to visit the comfortable, friendly tasting room to see just how well he has done his job. You can stand at the tasting bar, or sit outside on a new and beautiful patio with plenty of seating and tables. Here you can enjoy a bottle of their wine with a picnic lunch while you watch the workings of a busy winery and listen to the fountain. One thing I want our visitors to know is that we have a program that offers a self-guided vineyard tour. While not many wineries allow this, we actually encourage it, said tasting room manager Nancy Woods. People who come to the winery both appreciate and enjoy this option. Just one more reason to make the visit, and be sure to ask them about their Field of Dreams. The answer will surprise you and make you smile, as will the wines they pour. BY CHARLES NEAVE The Balletto s started out as vegetable growers and transitioned into grape growers. They have 500 acres of vines and sell off 90% of what they grow. 48 Sebastopol/Freestone

49 Dutton Estate Winery What makes visiting wine country so much fun is that, no matter how many times you visit, there s always a new winery to discover. For some visitors there s even a whole new wine region to explore, and all you have to do is ignite your spirit of adventure, fire up the GPS or take out a good map, and you ll be richly rewarded. Out in southwest Sonoma County is one such area just waiting to be discovered the scenic, rolling Green Valley appellation. Green Valley is the foggiest and coolest wine appellation along the North Coast. While summer days in Green Valley are warm like the rest of wine country, the cool, foggy mornings and evenings here create the perfect climate for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. There s no family more connected to the history of Green Valley than the Duttons, who began farming in Sonoma County in Warren Dutton began his farming endeavors out of downtown Graton growing apples and recognized before anyone else the viticulture potential of the Green Valley area. In 1967, Warren planted the first Chardonnay grapes in western Sonoma County and the Green Valley. Green Valley turned out to be a world-class spot for Chardonnay due to the cool climate as well as the area s special soil type, Goldridge, that provides grapevines the ideal Dutton Estate Winery Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol (707) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel FUN Tracy Dutton s mother is co-owner of the multi- FACT generation Kozlowski Farms who are well known for producing and growing specialty foods since 1948 and is located only 1 mile north from Dutton Estate Winery. combination of a nutrient-poor yet well-draining base to thrive. Not long after the Duttons first planted grapes, the Dutton Ranch name became synonymous with great Chardonnay. Fast forward to today, and the Dutton family farms more than 1,100 acres of grapes in the Green Valley as well as 250 acres of CCOF certified organic apples. Warren s son, Joe and his wife, Tracy Dutton, first started producing wine in 1995 and started their boutique winery called Dutton Estate which showcases wines made from their best grapes. The Duttons hang their tasting room shingle at a quaint and cozy bungalow in front of the winery at the corner of Highway 116 and Green Valley Road in Sebastopol. Dutton Estate s wines are exclusively from the Dutton family s vineyard spread out through the Green Valley. Two tasting flights are available in the tasting room, Reserve and Estate tastings, both featuring selections of single-vineyard estate wines with eye-popping ratings in the 90s from a variety of wine publications. Dutton Estate focuses its production on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also offers Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and an occasional surprise such as Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel. BY MICHELLE J. BAKER Sebastopol/Freestone 49

50 Dutton-Goldfield Winery Only great things can happen when an acclaimed fifthgeneration farmer teams up with a passionate and experienced winemaker to start a new winery. Steve Dutton, the farmer, first met Dan Goldfield, the winemaker, in the early 1990s when Goldfield was making wine at La Crema and sourcing grapes from Dutton Ranch. Steve Dutton s pioneering family started farming here in 1881, and first planted Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley in Dan Goldfield, a University of California at Davis graduate with a master s degree in enology, honed his winemaking skills with stints at Robert Mondavi, Schramsberg, La Crema and Hartford Court. In 1998, the pair decided to team up on their own label focused on producing wines from the cool regions along California s north coast. Both men knew the area well: Steve Dutton from the back of a tractor and Dan Goldfield from the seat of a bicycle. Steve and his family manage 1,300 acres of vineyard in the Russian River Valley, and Dan has worked with grapes from here for nearly 20 years. Dutton-Goldfield received great critical acclaim from the start, and now counts dozens of 90-plus point rated wines in its 10 years of releases. The winery has always focused on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, including several single-vineyard wines that showcase the difference place makes even within the cool coastal region. There s also an eclectic supporting cast Dutton-Goldfield Winery Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 3100 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol (707) of cool-climate wines including delicious Pinot Blanc, lovely Gewurztraminer, bold Syrah and luscious Zinfandel. In April, Dutton-Goldfield moved out of a smaller shared tasting room into fabulous new digs at the intersection of Highway 116 and Graton Road in Sebastopol. The familiar green building on the northwest corner was formerly Ace Cider, but now Dutton-Goldfield has spruced up the place into a classy yet comfortable place to visit. The friendly and attentive staff at Dutton-Goldfield have created a great vibe for visitors to the new tasting room. The spacious bar is a proper white so you can see the glorious color of these wines, and the staff has some fun sensory props to help you learn to identify the aromas in the wine. Hang out at the bar or plop down in the living room, a space that feels much like home complete with fireplace, cushy chairs and couches. Either way, you ll end up tapping your feet to the tunes, which could be anything from Al Green to Chris Isaaks to the Stones. When you visit Dutton-Goldfield on Friday and Saturday, you ll find the Fork Catering truck parked in the lot, offering restaurant quality lunches such as local wild salmon BLT with meyer lemon aioli or handmade fettucini with Stornetta Farms short rib ragout. Dutton-Goldfield offers wine by the glass or bottle, so you can pick up lunch, pair it with the perfect glass Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Syrah and Zinfandel SPECIAL Mention this article and receive OFFER 10% off your wine purchase. or bottle of wine and enjoy it all out on the winery s sunny enclosed patio. BY MICHELLE J. BAKER 50 Sebastopol/Freestone

51 Freestone Vineyards There are few Northern California drives more scenic than the back roads of Sonoma County. Rolling hills studded with gnarly old oak trees give way to majestic redwood groves as you meander towards the Pacific Ocean. Along this bucolic route is the historic and serene town of Freestone. Here you will find a vibe that is decidedly tranquil, a place of peace and calm. The famous Osmosis spa anchors the town, but it is the arrival of the Freestone Winery Tasting Room that has now elevated the little village to a true destination. Freestone Vineyards encompasses three distinct properties; the Pastorale vineyards, the Quarter Moon vineyard and the Ferguson vineyard. Located just eight miles from the ocean, the vineyards enjoy cool pacific breezes that nurture and coax along the delicate nature of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown there. Planted in 2000, the vineyards are the realization of a dream for the Phelps family. They, along with JPV management, purchased the property and began planting vineyards that took advantage of the favorable growing conditions of the region. Says Director of Winemaking, Damian Parker, At an elevation of 500 feet, with its rolling hills and views of the Pacific Ocean, this is one of the greatest vineyard sites I ve ever seen. The tasting room itself is housed in the middle of picturesque Freestone. The intimate space is perfect for Freestone Vineyards Thursday-monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m El Camino Bodega, Freestone (707) Pinot Noir and Chardonnay FUN Special events are held the second FACT Sunday of the month. enjoying the fine wines produced from the surrounding vineyards. It is open to the public Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but groups of six or more are encouraged to call ahead as this is a tasting room that prides itself on the individual attention given to each visitor. Brad Schneider, manager of the guest center, and his welcoming staff, will invite you to take a seat while they pour the winery s great Pinots and Chardonnays. An outside seating area is perfect for enjoying not only the fabulous wines, but also those famous ocean breezes that the grapevines like so well. Because this is a relaxed, seated wine tasting experience, explains Brad, we usually take an hour or so to pour our wines. This allows us time to explain what it is we do and why. We really enjoy not just pouring wine, but educating guests about the process and the art of winemaking. Freestone is now offering visitors a series of special events every Second Sunday of the month. This is the perfect opportunity to sample these wonderful wines and to talk with the winemakers and vineyard staff while enjoying the offerings of some of Freestone Winery s neighbors as well. Tasty food samples like crab cakes and handmade cheeses from local producers, live music and a chance to taste new releases make this a perfect Sunday afternoon adventure. BY RONDA GIANGRECO Sebastopol/Freestone 51

52 Winery Index Acorn Winery 34 Hours are by appointment only, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. allow an hour for your visit to acorn Winery Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg (707) Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto and Rosato Wines are all field blends from estate-grown grapes. Armida Winery 21 Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg (707) Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Barbera, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and PoiZin Balletto Vineyards 48 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa ext Contact: Nancy Woods, nancy@ballettovineyards.com Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Syrah Christopher Creek Winery 35 Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg (707) Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Port, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery 24 Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., monday-thursday, by appoinment only 999 Foreman Lane, Healdsburg Contact: Patrick Brown, patrick@dlmwine.com Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Tempranillo and unique blends! DeLoach Vineyards 45 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa (707) deloachvineyards.com Contact: Ellen Springwater, Tasting Room Manager ellen.springwater@deloachvineyards.com or (707) x118 Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay Dry Creek Vineyard 8 Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg (707) Contact: Visit the website to schedule tours Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Zin Rosé, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Dutcher Crossing Winery 11 Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 8533 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg Contact: Midge Bast, Tasting Room Manager Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Dutton Estate Winery 49 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol (707) Contact: Chelsea Draper, chelsea@duttonestate.com Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel Dutton-Goldfield Winery 50 Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 3100 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol (707) Contact: Sarah Kelley/David Hewitt Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 9 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) Contact: Ask for Hospitality Field Stone Winery & Vineyard 32 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Highway 128, Healdsburg Contact: Tom Prosapio, tastingroom@fieldstonewinery.com Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Port Foppiano Vineyards 36 Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg Contact: Darci Feigeo, darci@foppiano.com Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and Rosé Forchini Vineyards & Winery 12 Open Friday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment 5141 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) Contact: Tastings by appointment Monday-Thursday, Anita Forchini Tours by appointment Monday-Friday, Jim Forchini Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel Freestone Vineyards 51 Thursday-monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m El Camino Bodega, Freestone (707) Contact: Brad Schneider, bschneider@freestonevineyards.com Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Hook & Ladder Winery and Vineyards 43 Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa (707) Contact: Candance Mick or Kate Mann Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon John Tyler Wines by Bacigalupi Vineyard 22 Open currently by appointment only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Westside Road, Healdsburg johntylerwines.com Contact: Nicole Bacigalupi, nicoleb@johntylerwines.com Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room 16 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 337 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) Contact: Will Alexander, (707) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon 52

53 Plus contact information for tours & appointments Kendall-Jackson Wine Center 40 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton (707) Contact: Tom Reinero or Robin Calkins Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon Martin Ray Winery 46 Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa (707) Contact: tastingroom@martinraywinery.com Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Meeker Vineyards 29 Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville (707) Contact: Tasting Room Merriam Vineyards 37 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Los Amigos Road, Healdsburg (707) Contact: Camille Pope or Susan Cook Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend and Rosé of Cabernet Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery 23 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 1401 Westside Road, Healdsburg Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Dessert Wine Prohibition The Speakeasy Wine Club a.m. to 9 p.m. daily 340 Healdsburg Avenue at North Street in Healdsburg (707) 473-WINE (9463) Rodney Strong Vineyards 38 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg Contact: hospitality@rodneystrong.com, (707) Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Port Russian Hill Estate 41 Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily 4525 Slusser Road, Windsor (707) Contact: John Peterson Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay Sausal Vineyard & Winery 31 Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily 7370 Highway 128, Healdsburg Contact: Angela Romano Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon Sbragia Family Vineyards 10 Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville Contact: Robbyn Graddy Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon Silver Oak 28 summer: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter: monday-saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Chianti Road, Geyserville Contact: Samm Wong Cabernet Sauvignon Simi Winery 27 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg (707) Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma-Cutrer 42 Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor (707) Contact: Mark Elcombe, (707) Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Stephen & Walker Trust Winery 19 Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily 243 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg Contact: Debra Chambers Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Port Suncé Winery 44 Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 1839 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa (707) Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Tempranillo Topel Tasting Room 18 Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily 125 Matheson Street, Healdsburg (707) Contact: Donnis Topel Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Meritage, Super Tuscan Blend, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, White Wine Blend and Orange Muscato Truett Hurst Winery 13 Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg (707) Contact: Cindi Howley Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and a few other treats. Twomey Cellars 25 summer: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter: monday-saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., sunday, 11 a.m to 4 p.m Westside Road, Healdsburg Contact: Samm Wong Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot Vintners Signatures 30 Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 4001 Highway 128, Geyserville (707) Contact: Michael Monahan, ext. 110 Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Proprietor s Red ( blend), Old Vine Zinfandel, soon to be added Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon 53

54 Rockpile RUSSIAN RIVER DUTCHER CREEK Lake Sonoma FERRARI-CARANO DUTCHER CROSSING David Caffaro Bella Vineyards Preston Vineyards Zachichi Yoakim Bridge Talty Martin Raymond Burr Vineyards Göpfrich Alexander Valley 101 Kachina Frick J Rickards Pedroncelli Geyser Peak Amphora Terroirs Papapietro Perry Kokomo Mercury Family* Rued Francis F. Teldeschi Ford Coppola Vinwood Cellars CANYON RD. Dry Creek Route 128 Winery Trione delorimier Clos du Bois DRY CREEK RD. Michel-Schlumberger SBRAGIA FAMILY Quivira Passalacqua Mounts A Rafanelli Fritz STEWART S POINT RD TRUETT HURST Unti SILVER OAK FORCHINI DRY CREEK VNYD 128 Robert Young Stryker Sonoma Hawkes Knights Valley Mauritson SAUSAL Stonestreet Lambert Bridge Pasterik Ridge Amista Deux Amis Nalle Mazzocco Everett Ridge Duchamp Grove Street Wilson Palmeri MEEKER Trentadue SIMI LYTTON SPGS ALEXANDER W. DRY CREEK RD. VALLEY Jordan Stuhlmuller VINTNERS SIGNATURES White Oak Russian River MILL CREEK FOPPIANO DE LA MONTANYA ACORN ARMIDA RODNEY STRONG TWOMEY MERRIAM Matrix C. Donatiello Alderbrook MacPhail J Wine Meitz Christie CHRISTOPHER CREEK Limerick Lane Johnson s FIELD STONE Alexander Valley Vineyards Hanna Lancaster Estate Archipel/Vérité STSIDE RD. Northern Sonoma

55 WE 116 Korbel CHALK HILL MARK WEST SPRINGS RD. 116 Rochioli 101 KENDALL-JACKSON WINE CENTER RIVER RD. OLIVET Green Valley Gary Farrell Chateau Felice LAGUNA RD. BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY GRATON RD. Marimar Torres Occidental Road Atascadero Creek Graton Ridge FULTON RD. OCCIDENTAL RD. Taft Street Winery OCCIDENTAL RD. BODEGA HIGHWAY VALLEY FORD CUTOFF Sonoma Coast Hartford Family Emtu Peters Family Bradford Mtn Arista Porter Creek MARTIN RAY House Lynmar Merry Edwards Sheldon Thomas George Joseph Swan Hanna Pellegrini DeNatale Vine Tastings Harvest Moon Cellars of Sonoma D Argenzio Sable Ridge Chalk Hill WINDSOR RIVER RD Russian River Vnyds Iron Horse Moshin River Road Dehlinger Copain Mueller Chalk Hill EASTSIDE PLEASANT OLD REDWOOD HWY Martinelli Carol Shelton Battaglini GUERNEVILLE FREESTONE VINEYARDS DUTTON ESTATE DUTTON-GOLDFIELD Emeritus JOHN TYLER by Bacigalupi Vineyards BALLETTO Hop Kiln SONOMA CUTRER SUNCÉ Inman Family RUSSIAN HILL ESTATE Woodenhead DE LOACHSLUSSER HOOK & LADDER Inspiration Grey Stack Paradise Ridge FERRARI-CARANO S SEASONS OF THE VINEYARD KENDALL-JACKSON PROHIBITION STEPHEN & WALKER TOPEL Artiste Downtown Wine Front Street Wineries: Camellia Cellars Davis Family Sapphire Hills Holdredge Hauck Hawley Tasting Room & Gallery Hudson Street Wineries Bluenose Wines Grove Street Owl Ridge Sadler-Wells Rocking Z Vineyard Teira Gallo Family La Crema Lake Sonoma Longboard Vineyards Murphy-Goode Optima Rosenblum Cellars Seghesio Selby Thirty Four North Wine Merchant Thumbprint Toad Hollow Waterfront Tasting Room J. Keverson Christie Hart s Desire Williamson INDUSTRIAL Novy PINER Siduri FOUNTAIN GROVE GRANGE Matanzas Creek PETALUMA HILL ROAD BENNETT VALLEY RD. 1

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