We had friends from Florida visiting recently who were interested in tasting Pinot Noir wines, in particular Papapietro Perry. It has been several years since we were there so we were looking forward to a return. Their tasting room is off Dry Creek Road, north of Healdsburg alongside several tasting rooms as well as winemaking facilities. Their tasting room is what I would call “casual … Continue reading Papapietro Perry
Gundlach Bundschu Winery is an institution. It’s been around forever! About 35 miles from San Francisco the winery sits at the southern end of the Sonoma Valley. Referred to by many as “GunBun”, it is one of the oldest wineries in the state. It’s also one of the most diverse for visitors, offering venue experiences unlike any other winery I know – from cave tastings, … Continue reading GunBun!
Sojourn Cellars tasting room is just a block off Sonoma’s Square next to a favorite restaurant – Edge. Situated in an old house, the tasting room is intimate and comfortable. We were there for an afternoon appointment, interested specifically in trying their Pinot Noirs. Jennifer, Sojourn’s Senior Wine Specialist,was our terrific host. We started off with a taste of Sojourn’s newest addition to their wine … Continue reading Just off the Square
Tasting on a Monday can almost guarantee you a less crowded experience. Tasting on Halloween absolutely did! Truett Hurst was our choice for a morning tasting and picnic. Their winery is on Dry Creek Road outside of Healdsburg. The property borders on the creek and has beautiful, expansive vegetable and flower gardens as well as a crew of goats and a variety of chickens, all … Continue reading Halloween tasting
Located on Highway 12 in the village of Kenwood is Hamilton Family Wines. It’s relatively new to Kenwood. It’s the love of Greg & Lindsay Hamilton, a young couple who are making their dream come true – making wine. They’re definitely a very small producer. The most of any one wine they are making is 175 cases. After some major renovations to a former tasting … Continue reading Hamilton Family Wines
We headed to Napa’s Howell Mountain AVA which produces some of the very best grapes for Cabernet Sauvignon. Our appointment was at Neal Family Vineyards, high on the mountain in Angwin and a bit tricky to find. Alex Kefalos met us with glasses of the 2021 Rutherford Dust Vermentino (which we found to be excellent and a varietal you don’t often see in Napa Valley) … Continue reading Back on Howell Mountain
We visited Lancaster Estate a year ago and had an exceptional tasting in their cave. Returning a few weeks ago we reserved an outdoor tasting and lucked into perfect weather and the perfect host. Lancaster is on Chalk Hill Road in Alexander Valley. The drive up Chalk Hill Road from Windsor is gorgeous but you can also drive in from Geyserville which is just as … Continue reading Return Visit to Lancaster Estate
Tucked away in Bacchus Landing is a unique tasting room –13th & Third. This boutique winery produces their Rhone style wines in Paso Robles but their tasting room is here in Healdsburg. Gregg Rothenberg and wife Julie are the passion behind the wine. They’re New Yorkers who met on 13th & Third in the city, married, and made the move to California to follow their … Continue reading Paso Wines in Healdsburg
In 2015 Comstock Wines opened its doors on a 17 acre site along Dry Creek Road. Kelly Comstock Ferris is the General Manager and Chris Russi the winemaker. Together they have created a wonderful array of experiences with great wines. The tasting room is expansive offering both indoor and outdoor tastings. There is a bocce court for those who require more than wine and a … Continue reading On Dry Creek Road…….
Just about halfway between the town of Healdsburg and the Hacienda Bridge in Forestville is Arista Winery. 36 acres in what is known as the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley. Here they focus on making exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from their estate grapes and from a handful of the areas finest growers. The McWilliams family and winemaker Matt Courtney are responsible … Continue reading Tasting at Arista
John's Wine Cellar 