All things Wine Time!
Napa & Sonoma - California
A trip to Wine Country always starts off in the fabulous city of San Francisco. The seals, the bridge, the fisherman's wharf, Alcatraz...the sourdough bread. San Francisco is a true San Francisco treat in itself. For those of you who haven't made the trip from San Fran on into Sonoma/Napa - make sure you stop off after you cross over the bridge for this great opportunity to view the city and of course the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Sonoma - The Quiet Neighbor to Napa
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| October in the Wine Country |
We had a fab group of 12 ladies in our group on this trip. My favorite site for booking vacation homes is www.airbnb.com. I personally like Airbnb over VRBO and HomeAway due to the fact they verify their owners and hold all $ till you check in. To check out the 12 person home we stayed in see the link below:
Bora - the owner of the home was very easy to work with and the house was perfect.
(Note: Sonoma has a noise ordinance - this peaceful town doesn't like the partiers so just know the party has to come in by 10pm) Wine-Sleep-Repeat!
Okay okay... On to the WINE!
Here are a few tips when traveling in a large group...
*Plan Ahead... Plan an Itinerary...Make Reservations at ALL Wineries you plan to visit.
*Coordinate Transportation - We Hired a Limo Bus
*Plan at least 2 Hours at Each Winery
*Map the distance between each winery and give a copy of the itinerary to your driver in advance
Day 1 - First Stop 10:00am - Domaine Carneros
1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559 | (707)257-0101
This hillside estate is the perfect way to begin your day. Most known for its sparkling wine otherwise known as "California Champagne" - Domaine Carneros won't disappoint. The abundance of sunshine and stunning views makes this patio perfection.
Next stop:
Lunch at Auberge de Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 94573 | (707) 967-3111
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| Take all opportunities to have some fun (this is in the courtyard as you enter Auberge de Soleil) |
The food here is to die for! I had the Halibut... yum. Make sure you call WAY in advance for reservations - they only take reservations so far in advance so call and ask when the first opportunity is for you to make one and mark it on your calendar. You won't be disappointed. Request a table on the terrace - the views of neighboring vineyards makes the ambiance match the award winning food.
Raymond Vineyards - My #1
849 Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena, CA94574 | (707) 962-3141
I fell in love with this vineyard on my last trip here...So thankful I have a wine rep friend Stacie that recommended this to me so long ago. Hands down the most whimsical vineyard I have ever been to... from its picture frames dangling in the front vineyard, to the dog kennels (frenchies) and on to the mischievous Red Room.
The barrel room is an amazing setting for a tasting for your group. When you call for your appointment you can request it - for non-club members it is $50 a person and well worth it! They will even personalize a tasting menu as a take away for each person in your party.
Yep - the Red Room... Red Velvet Everywhere. If you are lucky enough to get in this room you will know what I am talking about. It is gorgeous and so rich in a mixture of textiles from top to bottom!
Before I Die... I Must Visit Sterling Vineyards!
1111 Dunaweal Lane, Callistoga, CA 94515 | (800) 726-6136
This vineyard is one that you don't need to make a reservation for... Just head on over and get a ticket and jump on the tram that takes you up to the castle. The tram ride to the castle offers stunning views. This vineyard has a self-guided tasting tour that takes you through the various parts of the castle while sampling their abundance of delicious wines.
We ended our tasting with a group tasting and cheese pairing in a private room. You just can't go wrong with fabulous friends and yummy wine & cheese!
Whew - that was the end of one day... Remember it's a marathon not a race!
A few of the many reasons I loved staying in the quaint town of Sonoma:
- Beautiful walking trails and hiking trails - I love exploring new cities and finding new adventures.
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| Sonoma Overlook Trail |
- The Square! Sonoma square is covered with fun boutiques and restaurants and bars.
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| Basque Boulangerie Café |
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| Steiners Tavern - Best Dive Bar in Sonoma |
Day 2 - Exploring Sonoma & Napa Wineries
Buena Vista Winery (Raymond's Sister Winery)
18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, CA 95476 | (800) 926-1266
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| Meet "The Count" |
Like Raymond - Buena Vista also has a VIP room - called the Champagne Room. Another exclusive to club members - this room offers the opposite of Raymond's Red Room with its white leather and dripping Crystals. Buena Vista was founded in 1857 and was California's first premium winery. This experience offers the best of old meets new.
Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery
389 4th Street E., Sonoma, CA 95476 | (707)933-3230
We loved our little pop in to this gem in the heart of Sonoma. Fantastic wine! They were so gracious to let us take over an area for our boisterous group!
STOP THE CAR - Silver Oak Cellars!
915 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville, CA 94562 | (707) 942-7022
A few of us made a special trip to go see this one... A Deb G. Favorite!
I left with a very special (and pricy) bottle of wine safe guarded in a mound of bubble wrap... This is a great special occasion wine and delicious!
And we set out for yet another day... Day 3
Francis Ford Coppola - Rustic
300 Via Archimedes, CA. 95441 | (707) 857-1485
Some days you just need to start off with lunch... We started our day with the limo bus driving us up to Geyserville to the Francis Ford Coppola Estate. You would think the vine covered hills never end up this way. Another place where the patio seating is a must. Francis has his movies and quirky since of charm written all over the inside of this stunning vineyard. Don't miss taking the time to tour around while you are here. This is a place you could easily spend 3 hours eating, tasting and touring.
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| The view from the terrace at Rustic |
Mazzocco Vineyards
1400 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg, CA. 95448 | (800) 501-8466
This boutique winery is known for its Zinfandels. I am growing my pallet for red wine and fell head over heals for their Maria Zin. I shipped some home and have already made another order. Do it! Do it! Do it! The Flight Lounge Experience is a great way to taste their offerings.
Kunde Estate Winery & Vineyards
9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA. 95452 | (707) 282-1537
The Hilltop Tasting was the best reservation we made... Upon arrival you board a limo bus that takes you up the winding trail to the top. At the top, a tasting area is set up with chairs and stools and of course - the wine! There isn't much out there to me that beats this and the fun we had a Kunde. Our fabulous host showed us an amazing time and allowed us to have a bit of fun (ok - a lot of fun)!
B.R. Cohn Winery
15140 Highway 12, Glen Ellen, CA 95442 | (707) 938-4064
I treasure this place! Who can't fall in love with string lights, magical nights, great music, fabulous wine with an amazing wine country backdrop. I felt like I was in a movie here... Like a RomCom but with all my girlfriends. Haha! If you are ever here on a Saturday night take advantage of their concert series and join in on a night under the stars at B.R. Cohn Winery.
My final thoughts as I put a wrap on this episode of Pin Your Map...
I came across this quote that was on a brick bench on the hike up Sonoma's Overlook Trail.
I dont know who Charles Lemme is, but what I do know is that this quote spoke to me and was a gentle reminder to be just "you". I imagine that Charles left his legacy on the hearts of those he left behind. So this "me" that's being "me" is wishing "you" that's being "you" a lifetime of love and adventure.
Now get out there and Pin Your Map!
~Crystal
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