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Sonoma,CA wine country advice

Posted on 5/29/14 at 5:37 am
Posted by Deaux-nut
Madisonville
Member since Oct 2004
135 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 5:37 am
Headed to Sonoma for a trip to the wine country with the wife. Any recommendations for a rookie? Recommended vineyards to tour?
Posted by Traffic Circle
Down the Rabbit Hole
Member since Nov 2013
4282 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 6:32 am to
Bring your ID. Can do a mud bath? Wine is ok, but they all taste the same after a while.
Posted by jbgleason
Bailed out of BTR to God's Country
Member since Mar 2012
18928 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 6:35 am to
Pick a couple of high end wineries (Nickel and Nickel, Cakebread) for early in the day. Make reservations way in advance for your tour. Ask for recommendations on small unknown/new wineries while out there and hit those right after lunch. Cap off day at the big name places and get hammered at those. Eat lunch at the Mustard Grill. Don't drive, use a taxi or shuttle.

ETA. Just realized you said Sonoma. I need to finish my coffee. The three places I listed by name are in Napa. Rest of advice stands.
This post was edited on 5/29/14 at 6:43 am
Posted by Mung
NorCal
Member since Aug 2007
9054 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 6:35 am to
Sonoma Valley has best breweries in the country. Hit Bear Republic in Healdsburg, Russian River in Santa Rosa and Lagunitas in Petaluma. Idk abt the wines as I stick to Napa.
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98347 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 6:39 am to
Log in to Sonomadroppings for DUI checkpoint reports.
Posted by hedgehog
Prairieville
Member since Oct 2006
2276 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 6:42 am to
Stop by the visitor's bureau and get a sticker that says "I love Sonoma valley," and you get 1/2 off at a lot of wineries.

If you buy a few bottles, stop by UPS and get a wine bottle box/package to bring your wine home. Then label it with your name and pay like it is an extra checked bag. $35 to check it is cheaper than shipping it
Posted by Emteein
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2011
3892 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 7:46 am to
Cannot recommend Ravens Wood enough, out the 4 wineries we went to it was the most laid back and friendly. We were early for our tour, and they gave us several extra tastings, in all close to a full bottle. I really liked their Teldeschi Zinfandel, wish I would have brought more than one bottle home. I haven't seen it anywhere else but at the winery.

Also B.R. Cohn was really good too, they had my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon, the wife really liked their Sauvignon Blanc. Also B.R. Cohn had some really good olive oil they make on site and some really good balsamic vinegar. We brought home some 25 yo balsamic.

Wish we would have stayed a bit longer on our trip, hope the info helps. Also what time of year are you going? I hear October is a good time to go, lots of activity and the weather is nice. We went in August, froze our asses off in San Fran then sweated to death in Sonoma.
Posted by ColdDuck
BR via da Parish
Member since Sep 2006
2772 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 8:04 am to
I'll see you there. We are going in about a week. My wife has every detail planned out. Already has all the tours reserved. You need to get on the ball because the better private wineries are by appointment only. The public ones are always crowded and does not give you the true experience.
Posted by DonChowder
Sonoma County
Member since Dec 2012
9249 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 8:27 am to
You going to the town of Sonoma or Sonoma County in general?

My advice: Russian River Valley for Pinots, Alexander Valley for Zinfandels, Dry Creek Valley for SB and Cabs and if you come to Healdsburg...stay the hell off my lawn!!
Posted by whatshisface
Westside
Member since Jun 2012
273 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 8:29 am to
O'brien Estates Winery is about 25 min. away. It was excellent, the Yelp reviews were helpful on our last trip.
Posted by SlidellBammer
Member since Oct 2008
2380 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 8:44 am to
michel schlumberger
lancaster estate
williamson in downtown healdsburg
russian river brewery
Posted by upgrayedd
Lifting at Tobin's house
Member since Mar 2013
134887 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 9:02 am to
I liked Imagery, Artesa (between Napa and Sonoma) and Gundlach Bundchu.

The Girl and the Fig is a good restaurant as well.
Posted by LT
The City of St. George
Member since May 2008
5151 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 9:30 am to
Go eat the macaroni and cheese at a restaurant called Market.

1347 Main street
ST Helena, CA


Oh and order a flaming groovy

You can thank me later
Posted by Jon Bovi
South Louisiana
Member since Sep 2012
142 posts
Posted on 5/29/14 at 9:38 am to
Was there earlier this month.....best advice I have is to change your destination to Napa.
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