sonoma county day trips off hwy. 101

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Eastside Bunchwww.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Spring/Summer 2010

The Magazine of California Wine Country

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

A publication of

7 Wine Tasting Trips plus35 Tasting Room Reviews

from Geyserville to Petaluma

DAY TRIPS

PREFERREDSonoma Wine Country

off Highway 101


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3www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

669 Broadway, Suite B Sonoma, CA 95476

P.O. Box 92 El Verano, CA 95433

707-938-3494 Fax707-938-3674

PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco

Direct (707) 938-3734

[email protected]

MAnAGInG EDIToR Chandra Grant

Phone 707-938-1783 Fax 707-938-3674

[email protected]

oFFICE MAnAGER Cathy GorePhone 707-938-3494 Fax 707-938-3674Email [email protected]

EDIToRIAL Introductions by Abigail ZimmermanConTRIBUToRS Michelle Baker

Charles NeaveNan ReileySue Straight, Wine Wench

LooK FoR US on FACEBooK!

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Cver Pht curtesy f Rdey StrgVieyardsCrw Vieyard AlaCampbellPhtgraphy2010

A Publicati f

Acorn Winery 19Alderbrook Winery 11

Armida Winery 12Christie Vineyards 22Christopher Creek Winery 18Clos du Bois 25deLorimier Winery 28Dry Creek Vineyard 7Dutton Estate Winery 40Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 6Foppiano Winery 21Forchini Vineyards & Winery 9Geyser Peak Winery 27

Hook & Ladder Winery 39Hop Kiln Winery 14Keller Estate Winery 45Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room 32Kendall Jackson Wine Center 38Martin Ray Winery 42Matrix Winery 13Merriam Vineyards 20Moshin Vineyards 15Papapietro Perry 5

Prohibition The Speakeasy Wine Club 34Rodney Strong Vineyards 17Russian Hill Estate 43Sausal Winery 29Seghesio Vineyards 35Selby Winery 36Simi Winery 24Sonoma Valley Portworks 46Sunc Winery 41Topel Winery Tasting Room 33Truett Hurst 8

Trentadue 26

Dry Creek 5Westside Road 10Eastside Bunch 16

Alexander Valley 23Downtown Healdsburg 30Russian River 37Petaluma 44

Index 47

35 Tasting Room Reviews fromGeyserville to Petaluma

7 Wine Tasting TripsDAY TRIPS

PREFERREDSonoma Wine Country

off Highway 101


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4 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Dry Creek Valley

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Dry CreekGeneralStore

Dry Creek wine country is oneof thesmallest enclosed American

Viticultural Areasin the nation, only 16 mileslong and twomiles

wide. With 9,300 acres of vineyard along thisbeautiful valleys

floor, Dry Creek is a mustsee for first-time and veteran wine

lovers. Dry Creek boasts 63 wineries producing a diverse rangeof winesfromthe famed Zinfandel to Bordeauxand even

Mediterranean varietals. Dont let its small size fool you

Dry Creek winemakers have been growing grapes and making

great winesfor more than 135 years!

THINGS TO DO

Lake Sonoma Hatchery

3333 skgg spng rod, Gy

(707) 433-9483, www.pk.ono.nt

Located in the beautiful coastal foothills of Northern Califor-nia, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by vineyards and land rich

in history. Here, visitors can observe the operation of the hatch-ery and see displays which describe the life cycle of the cohosalmon, steelhead and chinook. Open year round.

Dry Creek Olive Oil, 4791 Dy Ck rod, Hdbug

(707) 431-7200, www.DyCkOCopny.co

Rooted in traditions as rich as the Dry Creek Soil, Dry CreekOlive Oil Company is your destination for artisan, very fine,extra-virgin olive oils.

PICNIC FARE

Oakville Grocery, 124 mthon stt, Hdbug

(707) 433-3200, www.OkGocy.co

Little Country Store with overflowing shelves and adeli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items,the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST.

Dry Creek General Store, (707) 433-4171

3495 Dy Ck rod, Hdbug

So much more than just a corner store, established in 1881,this is also a full-service deli and beer garden with live musicoccassionally, spectacular views and a wealth of informationon wine tasting, tours and even fishing!

LODGING

Grape Leaf Inn, 539 Johnon stt, Hdbug

(707) 433-8140, www.gpfnn.co

A picturesque Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast, theGrape Leaf Inn seamlessly blends modern decor with timelessantiques. Gracious staff provide the best hospitality in this re-laxing, romantic environment.

Hope Merrill & Hope Bosworth B&B

21253 Gy anu, Gy(707) 857-3356, www.hop-nn.co

Once an early stage-coach stop, these now two strikingly re-stored Queen Anne Craftsman homes welcome you with openarms. Truly where wine and romance intertwine!

Not to scale


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6 Dry Creek Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

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-

Caranos new Seasonsof the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique!

Visit the beautiful home of Ferrari-Carano wines, the spec-

tacular 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 inthe Villa Fiore Wine Shop, or head

downstairs to sample Limited Re-

lease and Reserve Wines in the

Enoteca located in the under-

ground cellar. Stroll five acres of

beautiful gardens at your leisure,

and be sure to browse the Wine

Shop where youll find wine coun-

trys most distinctive gift selections,

gourmet gift and wine packs, and

of course, the entire portfolio of Ferrari-Carano wines.If youd 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 Caranos 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 appoint-

ment, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. To schedule your

tour, email [email protected], or call the

Hospitality Department at (707) 433-6700.

Private wine tastings in the PreVail Room are also avail-

able 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) 433-6700 or [email protected].

Ferrari-Caranos Seasons of

the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Bou-

tique, located on the Healdsburg

Plaza, offers visitors hand-picked

wine flights from the Ferrari-

Carano and Lazy Creek Vineyards

portfolio of wines. Here, cus-

tomers may enjoy the easy,

relaxed atmosphere of tasting

wines as well as shopping for unique home dcor gifts fromCalifornias wine country. Featuring exclusive collections in-

cluding Sandra Jordan Soft Peruvian Prima Alpaca and

whimsical ceramics by Carlo Marchiori, as well as classic Ital-

ian ceramics from Vietri, Fortunata and Modigliani,

decorative table runners and pillows, and other home ac-

cessories, visitors will certainly find something to remind

them of their time spent in wine country. If youre 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.

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & WineryOpndy10..to5p..

8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, (707) 433-6700

SeasonsoftheVineyardTastingBar&BoutiqueTudy-sundy 11 .. to 6 p.., cod mondy

113 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, (707) 431-2222

www.ferrari-carano.com

FUN Plan extra time for this stop theres tooFACT much to see, taste and explore to be rushed!

Ferrari-Carano

Vineyards& Winery


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7Dry Creek Valleywww.WineCountryThisWeek.com

When you drive through beautiful Dry Creek Valley in

northern Sonoma County, you will see that the entire valley

floor is covered with vineyards. Its quite obvious what the

economy here is all about! But if you were passing through in

1972, youd 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

change in the valley to wine-grape

growing.

Dave Stare, founder of DryCreek Vineyard, can be character-

ized as a man of tenacity and

vision, unafraid to experiment to

create a new future. A lover of

Loire Valley French wines, Daves

vision was to make excellent Fum

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. Hehad no one elses expertise or experience to draw on, and

many predicted that he would fail, but failure was not in Dave

Stares makeup. His young daughter Kim was with him to

help turn over the first shovel of dirt for the winerys foun-

dation, 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 winerys flagship wines are still the out-

standing Fum 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 winerys tast-

ing room meanders throughshady lawns dotted with picnic

tables. After 35 years, the winerys

stone walls are covered with soft

moss and clinging vines, stately

and serene. Inside the tasting

room, youll see many photos and

illustrations of sailing boats, and

sa il ing boats are the primary

illustration on the winerys labels, reflecting a life-long passion

for sailing shared now by three generations of Stares and Wal-laces. You might also notice glamorous photos of KimWallace

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

Fum Blanc and the delicious 2006 Somers Ranch Zinfan-

del. Chilled wines are available for your after-tasting picnic on

the lawn. BY NAN REILEY

Dry Creek VineyardOpndy10:30..to4:30p..

3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg(707) 433-1000 www.drycreekvineyard.com

Chenin Blanc, Fum Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc,Chardonnay, Petite Zin Ros, Zinfandel,

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

FUN Check the website for a downloadableFACT two-for-one tasting coupon.

Dry Creek Vineyard

Dave Stare, Don & Kim Wallace


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8 Dry Creek Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

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 tun-

nel, 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 habi-

tat are part of the philosophy

underlying Biodynamic farming,

which they adhere to. The orchard,

featuring beautiful 60-year-old

olive trees, the four-acre chefs

garden and pristine creekside land

all contribute to both the aesthetic

and biodiversity of the estate.

Their commitment to responsi-

ble 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 shear-

ing 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 approxi-

mately 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

enough to see Steelhead or Coho

salmon. If you prefer, you can

hang out on the patio and listen to

music while viewing the sublime

scenery of Dry Creek. You may

want to enjoy a picnic or a slow

lunch in the olive grove. If this is

not enough, you can be 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 thats named

after her.

Truett Hurst WineryOpnDy10.. to5p..

5610DryCreekRoad,Healdsburg

(707) 433-9545 www.truetthurst.com

Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and a few other treats.

FUN A 60-year-old olive grove, 4-acre chefs gardenFACT and a beautifu Dry Creek (which is never dry)

are all part of the estate.

Truett Hurst Winery


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9Dry Creek Valleywww.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Just north of Healdsburg, a few miles out Dry Creek

Road is a very special place, where youll feel like part of

the family. Turn at the Bacchus sign, drive up the narrow,

winding, rosemary-edged driveway and youve arrived at

Forchini Vineyards & Winery. Youll 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 pro-

duces only estate grown and

bottled wines. Owned by Jim and

Anita Forchini, Jim is the wine-

maker, Andrew Forchini is the

vineyard manager, Michael and

Carla Forchini lend a hand with

marketing, special events and tast-

ing room. You cant 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 foun-tains, 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

someones 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 gran-

ite-topped oak bar. Behind the bar, a portrait of Bacchus,

the god of wine, is the central focus of the tasting room.

Forchini Vineyards has been growing premium varietal

wine grapes since 1971. 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 Caber-

net Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Petit Verdot

and Zinfandel, with 13 acres of 100-year-old Zinfandel re-

maining. The Russian River

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.

Lets talk about the wines I

tasted two wines during my visit

and they were both excellent!

The 2007 Pinot Noir, Propri-

etors Reserve is a classic, with aromas and flavors of black

cherry, strawberry, baking spices and vanilla, all wrappedup in a silky-smooth mouthfeel. The 2006 Old Vine Zin-

fandel, Proprietors 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 infor-

mation, call (707) 431-8886 or visit their website at

www.forchini.com. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH

Forchini Vineyards & WineryOpen Fiday-sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. o by appointment

5141DryCreekRoad,Healdsburg(707) 431-8886 www.forchini.com

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel

FUN Bring a lunch to compliment your tasting andFACT be surrounded by the beautiful vineyards, rose

gardens, Italian fountains and exceptional views.

Forchini Vineyards & Winery


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10 Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Westside Road

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THINGS TO DO

Shoffeitts off the Square

208 Hdbug anu, Hdbug

(707) 433-5556 www.hoffttoffthqu.co

This is a shopping mecca of antiques, collectibles, local arts andgifts, as well as fine & custom jewelry. Dont judge a book byits cover ... the building goes on forever!Dragonfly, 425 Wtd rod, Hdbug

(707) 433-3739, www.dgonfyfo.co

By appointment only, this is a unique botany and flower-lover's destination. They can custom pick and arrange flowers.Wohler Bridge, 9765 Woh rod, Fot

A true Sonoma County landmark, Wohler Bridge is one of thefew old-old-OLD bridges left in California. This steel trussbridge crosses the Russian River at quite a beautiful spot, too.

LODGING

Madrona Manor, 1001 Wtd rod, Hdbug

1-800-258-4003, www.mdonmno.co

A world-class destination for guests seeking gracious serviceand luxurious accommodations in the heart of wine country.Oh yes... "Rated #1 in Napa & Sonoma"by Travel & Leisure... Need we say more?Farmhouse Inn, 7871 r rod, Fot

(707) 887-3300, www. Fhouinn.co

Representing the finest level of Sonoma inns, restaurants andSpas, sublime guestrooms, farm-fresh food, and seasonal bodytreatments come together for one unforgettable experience.

DINING

Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, 7871 r rod, Fot

(707) 887-3300, www.fhounn.co

Tucked into one of the smallest, lovely towns in wine country,the Farmhouse Inn boasts an exquisite restaurant. Each plateby Chef Litke tells the story of Sonoma's diverse agricultureand artisan producers.

Not to scale


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11

The scene is the corner of Westside Road and Kinley

Drive in Healdsburg, on the edge of Dry Creek Valley. An

array of red-colored flags line the southwest corner, marking

the spot where some of Sonoma Countys best Zinfandel is

flowing.

The spot is Alderbrook Winery, a family-owned venture

that has been flying its welcome

flags at this well-traveled corner for

many years.

Alderbrook is something of a

nirvana for Zinfanatics who want as

many different Zins as there are

days in the week. Alderbrook offers

a selection of five vineyard-desig-

nated Zinfandels, each with itsown

personality. For the seventh day,

Alderbrook has a snazzy Zin/Syrah

blend called Confluence, and for

dessert, a Zin Port.

All of the Alderbrook Zins come from Dry Creek Valley,

which has a history of growing and producing Zinfandel thatis 135 years long. Many of the earliest immigrants to Sonoma

County who settled in Dry Creek Valley after the Gold Rush

brought with them grapevine cuttings, including Zinfandel.

Most of the oldest vines in Dry Creek Valley are Zinfandel,

and some are as much as 125 years old. In fact, driving

through Dry Creek Valley you can see some of these old

vines, easily distinguishable for their appearance as bushy

shrubs in the summer and barren stumps in the winter.

Winemaker Bryan Parker, now heading into his seventh

harvest at Alderbrook, has the luxury of working with Zin-

fandel from several different vineyards in Dry Creek, plus es-

tate and old vine fruit. Parker uses just 25-30% new French

oak, saying I dont want the oak flavors dominating the pro-

files. By keeping all the things the same for the most part, I

want the vineyard site to show through.

If you are tracking your wine buying more closely in this

soft economy, the quality to price

ratio at Alderbrook is sky high.

Factor in the savings after you

leap into the Alderbrook wine

club (with 20% off wine ship-

ments and a staggering 30% off

when you reorder in the first 45

days after your club shipment ar-

rives), and youre covered for

everyday wines at less than $15 a

bottle as well as highly-rated

weekend or special occasion

wines for about $20 to $25 per

bottle. These winery-exclusive wines are available in the tast-

ing room and through the wine club only.Alderbrook has a fantastic porch out front or a verdant

lawn out back with picnic tables and umbrellas where you

can enjoy a picnic and a bottle of one of Alderbrooks Zins.

If you dont want to lug around your own picnic all morn-

ing, check out the tasting rooms supply of lunch munchies:

prosciutto and other deli meats, a selection of cheeses and

crackers, and an assortment of dips. After your picnic, dont

miss the fabulous array of housewares and unique wine gifts

to take home as mementos of your wine country vacation.

BY MICHELLE J. BAKER

Alderbrook WineryOpn10..to5p..

2306 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg

(707) 433-9154www.alderbrook.com

Carignane, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Zin Port

FUN Alderbrook Tasting Room carries deliciousFACT picnic goodies as well as elegant gift items.

Alderbrook Winery

Westside Roadwww.WineCountryThisWeek.com


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12

Wines to remember in a place youll never forget

Thats how the folks at Armida Winery describe what theyre

all about. I must agree Ive 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

in for a real treat! To start with, the

views from the oak-shaded

deck/picnic area and bocce courtare unforgettable the Russian

River Valley unfolds before your

eyes in a glorious patchwork of

vineyards, trees and hills. The win-

ery 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 en-

closes the largest volume of interiorspace 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 (Armidas signatureZinfandel)

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 good-

ies. 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, be-

cause the tasting room is unique, the views are stunning,

these folks really know how to

show visitors a good time and the

wines ROCK! Lets talk about the

wines I just had to taste the2008 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 its black, with a red skull-

and-crossbones label. I also tasted

their 2006 Durrell Vineyard PinotNoir, 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 oh-

so-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

Armida WineryOpndy11..to5p..

2201Westside Road, Healdsburg

(707) 433-2222www.armidawinery.com

Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Barbera,Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, PoiZin

FUN Take advantage of the bocce courts overlookingFACT rosebeds, ponds, vineyards and the valley below.

Bring a picnic and enjoy it with Armida wines.

Armida Winery

Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com


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13

Ken and Diane Wilson, the prolific proprietors of Matrix

Winery and other premier Sonoma wineries, founded Matrix

Winery so they could expand their well-documented passion

for Stuhlmuller Reserve Chardonnay, two different Zinfan-

dels (Russian River and Dry Creek), Pinot Noir (five of them),

and the classic Matrix Bordeaux Blend, Dry Creek Valley. The

grapes they source come from the

winerys estate vineyards on the

western edge of the Dry Creek Val-

ley, often mountainous land that

produces grapes with intense yet

balanced fruit.

The Wilson family and this is

very much a family operation

ownsa total of 280 acres of planted

vineyards and are committed to

sustainable farming, which they

believe adds significantly to the

wines that bear their labels.

The Wilsons started planting grapes in Sonoma almost

three decades ago and the vineyards, as they are today, areboth unexpected and diverse. This diversity offers the wine-

makers of Matrix the ability to hand-select grapes from estate

vineyards, and not just vineyard block by vineyard block, but

sometimes even row by row. For a winemaker committed to

quality, this is the ultimate gift.

As they say at the winery Passion and excellence are in-

tertwined and essential for any winerydedicated to producing

premiumquality wines. And, by the way, these are wines that

continually, consistently and deservedly won medals in virtu-

ally every wine competition in which they are entered.

Combining the talents of winemakers Diane Wilson and An-

toine Favero, Matrix wines have the chance to experience that

balance.

But of course you must taste those wines to fully under-

stand. Matrix is one of those wineries that makes Sonoma

County so special and, at the same time, delightfully sur-

prising. Set at the top of a rise

perhaps a hundred yards from

one of the countys most scenic

wine trails, Westside Road, about

ten or maybe 15 minutes from

my favorite town of Healdsburg,

it is a discovery, a find, a little

treasure you simultaneously want

to share as much as you want to

keep it all to yourself.

In the tasting room itself

a building that might best be

described as designed in the very

stylish barn style (a compliment; this is an agricultural area

after all) the panoramic views encompass hills and vines tothe right, a pond and more hills and trees below the sweep-

ing terrace in the front, and off to the left the famed wine

region known as the Russian River Valley.

Tastings whether inside at the bar with the wall of win-

dows behind or out on the terrace beneath the brightly

colored umbrellas are fun, informal and informative. Ask

about the hula-hoops. They may have nothing to do with the

art of making fine wine, but they are another small expression

of what makes a visit to this winery so unique.

BY CHARLES NEAVE

Matrix WineryOpndy11..to5p..

3291Westside Road, Healdsburg

(707) 433-1911 www.matrixwinery.com

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,Bordeaux Blend, Zinfandel

FUN At Matrix, guests have been seen hula hooping,FACT blowing bubbles, picnicking, even picking fruit!

Matrix Winery



14/48

14

In the words of the very nice people at Hop Kiln Winery,

it is all about Honoring the past, and handcrafting the fu-

ture. When you start with a 250-acre piece of prime

property located within Sweetwater Springs Historic

District, add a structure that dates back to 1905 (California

Historic Landmark # 893), and then you have it positioned

in Sonoma Countys fabled

Russian River Valley, well, you

pretty much have it all.

The ranch property became aviticultural mecca in 1975, when

grapes, not hops (as in beer, the

original crop that was mainly

shipped to the brewmasters of

Washington State) became the

crop and the original kilns be-

came working space for a winery

and a comfortable, casual tasting

room. An enlargement of the tast-

ing bar, to be unveiled this

spring, will provide an exciting personalized experience.Every weekend throughout the year there are up to 60

of their award-winning gourmet products to sample, from

a staggering array of locally made mustards to grapeseed

oil, chocolate wine truffles, pesto sauces and more every

one of them first-rate.

But of course you go there first for the wines produced

from Hop Kilns prime real estate under the HKG label. Both

unfiltered, there is the complex Sonoma Chardonnay and a

delicious, classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that recently

took a Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine

Competition. With a very limited production, most of the

wines are sold at the winery or through their very popular

wine clubs, including the new HKG Collection with its long

lists of benefits and access to some spectacular bottlings,

many of them in very limited production.

You may also enjoy the Hop Kiln Chardonnay,

Sauvignon Blanc, the pleasantly

fruity Thousand Flowers or the

versatile Rosa Bellissima. Or for

the reds: an aromatic Grenache,the rare full-bodied Malbec, an

aptly-named Big Red or the

Syrah/Grenache blend fancifully

cal led Rushin R iver Red. All

of them at an exceptionally

reasonable price.

One treat i s to buy a bottle

of a favorite, get some artisan

cheese and meat from the deli

case, a loaf of bread (they

supply glasses, cutting board and knife) and sit outside bythe pond. You can watch the waterfowl land, look out over

the property and relax. Be sure to bring your camera to

capture the three drying towers, silhouetted against the sky,

the fragrant beauties in the rose garden and the miniature

replica of the winery floating in the pond serving as a duck

rest.

It is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon, and

think about how things have changed over the last century

at this historic property, and all for the better, year after

year. BY CHARLES NEAVE

Hop Kiln WineryOpn10..to5p..

6050Westside Road, Healdsburg(707) 433-6491

hopkilnwinery.com

HKG Pinot Noir and ChardonnayHop Kiln Thousand Flowers, Big Red and Malbec

FUN Hop Kiln also features mustards, oils, vinegars,FACT pestos, vinaigrettes and dessert sauces.

Westside Road www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Hop Kiln Winery


15/48

15

Wineries have been present here since the early 1800s

and are almost without exception unpretentious in ap-

pearance and serious about good winemaking. A perfect

example of this is Moshin Vineyards on Westside Road.

This winery is the dream come true of Rick Moshin, a for-

mer professor of mathematics at San Jose State University.

He fell in love with the valley

more than 20 years ago and, with

the help of his family, managed to

buy a 10-acre Pinot Noir vine-

yard. The years he spent teaching

in San Jose and making wine 120

miles to the north kept Rick mov-

ing like a train going downhill

with no brakes according to his

sister Janet, who is a co-propri-

etor of the winery.

But those days are over now:

Rick purchased a five-acre prop-

erty in 2000 and here has built

his own wine production facility,a four-tier gravity flow system

that enables him to make his

wines with gentle handling and

minimal intervention. In keeping

with the local tradition of living in harmony with the land,

Rick constructed his tasting room using 100-year-old barn

wood for its facing and a countertop for the bar made from

a fallen black walnut tree. The tasting room is a small,

cheerful room with a flooring of glazed tile squares and

white walls that are covered with art work (for sale) by

local artists. Exhibits change frequently and can feature

anything from oils to photographs to a quilt collection.

Ricks wines are the best reason to visit Moshin Vine-

yards. The new winery saw its first harvest and crush in

2005, and Rick is now making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,

Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Merlot and Petite Sirah as well

as a proprietary red wine called

Promoshin and a white dessert

wine called Moshin Poshin No.

7, names that tell you Rick has

fun making fine wines. One of

the most fascinating parts of

your tasting experience at

Moshin will be to taste his Pinot

Noir wines from different re-

gions in Sonoma County. This

provides a dramatic example of

how soil and climate differences

can change the character of a

wine, but all are delicious. An-

other star is Ricks 2007 RussianRiver Valley Chardonnay, a silky,

luscious wine with notes of pear

and apple and a rich caramel

aroma that comes from barrel

aging in French oak.

The tasting room staff is welcoming and knows almost

everything about the secluded area where to stay, where

to eat and how to get from here to there. You can schedule

a tour of the winery, too, to see how Rick's gravity-flow

system works. BY NAN REILEY

Moshin Vineyards


Moshin VineyardsOpn 11 .. to 4:30 p.. Tou by ppontnt

10295Westside Road, Healdsburg(707) 433-5499 www.moshinvineyards.com

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,Merlot, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel

FUN Schedule a tour of the winery and seeFACT how Ricks gravity-flow system works!


16/48

16 Eastside Bunch www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Eastside BunchTh "etd Bunch" ( thy c th) ght top-

fght wn octd co togth ong th tn ttch

of th run r n sono County. spczng n Pnot,

coo-ct syh, nd tht fou Znfnd, th etd

Bunch pnt o of th fnt wnkng nd cunytnt n of Nothn Cfon. Don't th nnu

su Ft opn hou fo kck-butt good t!

THINGS TO DO

Powells Sweet Shoppe

322 Cnt st., Hdbug

(707) 431-2784, www.pow.co

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 Park7821 etd rd, Hdbug, (707) 565-2041

Once an old quarry, Riverfront Regional Park is now home totwo sparkling lakes perfect for swimming and non-motorizedboating...or hike a trail through serene redwood groves!Rodney Strong Vineyards

11455 Od rdwood Hghwy, Hdbug

1-800-678-4763, www.odnytong.co

Join visitors and locals alike on the lawn outside RodneyStrong Vineyards for warm summer evenings, good food,great wine, and a variety of musical guests. Look for thesummer 2010 line-up in May!

Russian River Valley Produce400 Gpn ln, Hdbug, (707) 433-7933

A four-acre, family-owned ranch, Russian River Valley Producefarms top-notch vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers sure tobrighten any palate and table. Excellent farm toursby appointment. The best of California farming!

FOOD

Giorgis Restaurant

25 Gnt stt, Hdbug, (707)433-1106

Great family-style Italian restaurantpasta and hand-thrown

pizzas. Has a full bar, open late and food available to go.Gilardi's Delicatessen810 Dn Bt,Wndo, (707)838-9869

Certainly a vine above the rest! Feast on homemade lasagnaand freshly baked sourdough garlic breads.

LODGING

Country Garden Inn, Hdbug

(707) 431-8630, www.hcountygdn.co

Three fully-equipped, affordable vacation homes locatedon a 25-acre wine country estate boasting spectacular gardens.Located just 1 miles from charming downtown Healdsburg.

SHILOH

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CHRISTOPHER CREEK

RODNEY

STRONG

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IDE

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OLD

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CHRISTIEFOPPIANO

ACORNMERRIAM

101

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SSIANR

IVER

RiverfrontRegional Park

WohlerBridge

Russian RiverValley Produce

GiorgisRestaurant

CONDE

WINDSOR RIVER RD

GilardisDelicatessen

Not to scale


17/48

17

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 Vine-

yards 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

thats a long time!

Things have certainly changed

over the past 27 years. When I started my wine industry ca-reer 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 (my-

self 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, vine-

yard designated wines) specialized in wines with personalized

labels.

These days, the tasting room is still very busy. Tours are of-

fered 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 in-

formative 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 con-

tinues to evolve over the years.

One development is what propri-

etor Tom Klein calls a winery

within a winery. Rodney Strong

Vineyards has always owned ex-

cellent 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 Eventspresent the 20th Annual Summer Concert Series. Enjoy

breathtaking views, wine tasting and sizzling jazz! Sur-

rounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests will be treated

to some of the top performers in contemporary music while

picnicking at the winerys intimate concert venue, The Green.

The Collectors Circle, Rodney Strong Vineyards wine

club, has more than 2000 happy members that receive quar-

terly wine shipments and discounts on wines and events.

Club members also enjoy special receptions at the summer

concert series. BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH

Rodney Strong VineyardsOpndyfo10..to5p..

11455OldRedwoodHighway,Healdsburg1-800-678-4763 www.rodneystrong.com

Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon,Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Port

FUN Look for the huge rebate check from PG&E forFACT $2,164,403.00 for the installation of the largest

solar electric system ever realized by a winery.

Rodney Strong Vineyards



18/48

18

Charming. Its a good word almost the perfect word touse when you describe Christopher Creek Winery.

The winery is owned by theWasserman family who, in addi-tion to their grape growing andwinemaking venture, have a longhistory of farming in CaliforniasCentral Valley where they havefarmed oranges for the past 37years. They adamantly believe thatthat growing the highest qualitygrapes possible must be the mainfocus if you want to produce trulygreat wines.

They, and their winemaker,Todd Crowell a Texas native and graduate of Texas A&M understand and appreciate the fine balance between the agri-

cultural practices they employ and the quality of the grapes.The best wines in the world are made in the vineyard,

says Crowell. The main job ofthe winemaker is to take care ofthe grapes and protect whatMother Nature has given. Thatsour philosophy... and the proof isin the bottle.

To taste their superb wines,head to the tasting room. Christo-pher Creek is comfortable evencozy and indisputably rustic. Asa result, its sometimes tough totell where the tasting room endsand the serious business that con-

stitutes a working winery begins which merely adds to thecharm. BY CHARLES NEAVE

Recet Wiery Awards

TASTERS GUILD WINE COMPETITIONS

2006 Dy Ck Fny'vnyd Cbnt sugnon DOUBle GOlD(all JUDGesvOTeD GOlD)

2007 run r ett Bottd r Ptt sh GOlD

2007 run r Ct' Convogn GOlD

2007 Dy Ck Znfnd GOlD

2006 run r Znfnd GOlD

2006 run r ett Bottd r Ptt sh DOUBle GOlD

(all JUDGesvOTeD GOlD)

2005 Dy Ck Fny' vnyd Cbnt sugnon GOlD

PACIFIC RIM WINE COMPETITIONS

2006 run r ett Bottd r Ptt sh BesT OF Class


RIVERSIDE INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITIONS

2007 run r ett Bottd r Ptt sh Chn awd(all JUDGesvOTeD GOlD)

2006 Dy Ck Fny' vnyd Cbnt sugnon GOlD

2006 run r ett Bottd r syh GOlD

SONOMA COUNTY HARVEST FAIR

2005 Dy Ck Fny'vnyd Cbnt sugnon GOlD

2006 run r ett Bottd syh GOlD

2007 run r Ct' Con vogn GOlD

NEW WORLD INTERNATIONALWINE COMPETITIONS

2005 run r ett Bottd syh BesT OF Class


Thesewinesareall availablefor purchase.

Christopher Creek WineryOpndy11..to5p..

641LimerickLane,Healdsburg(707) 433-2001 www.christophercreek.com

Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Port,

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and ViognierCellar Club: 3 hpnt/y, choc of wn, 20%off

FUN 2006 Estate Bottled Reserve Petite Sirah hasFACT received Best of Class twice and Double Gold

Christopher Creek Winery

Eastside Bunch www.WineCountryThisWeek.com


19/48

19

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 Healds-

burg on Old Redwood Highway,

Acorn Winery is easy to find.

Turn onto the driveway and

wend your way past a few

houses, through some well-kept

vineyards and youve arrived at

a very special place. Really.

Acorn Winerys owners (and

founders), Bill and Betsy Nach-

baur truly enjoy sharing their

wines and educating people

about the vineyards and the

fruits of their labors. Youll 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 wont

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 ex-

cellent 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 the pleasure of tast-

ing 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 San-

giovese I have ever tasted (and

Ive tasted a bunch.)! Aromas

of red cherry, strawberry,

vanilla, spices and a hint of

fresh green herbs meld seam-

lessly and continue as f lavors

in the bright, juicy mouth.

This wine has a long, deliciousfinish and is entirely too easy to drink.

2006 Zinfandel, Heritage Vines, Alegria Vineyards $35Wow! 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 ex-

perience, be sure to make an appointment to visit Bill and

Betsy at Acorn. Call (707) 433-6440 or visit the website at

www.acornwinery.com.

BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH

Acorn WineryHoubyppontntony,11..to5p..

aow n hou fo you t to aconWny.

12040OldRedwoodHighway,Healdsburg

(707) 433-6440 www.acornwinery.com

Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah,Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto, Rosato

Winesareall field blends from estate-growngrapes.

FUN They grow 40+ different varieties of grapes.FACT Grapes have been grown here since the 1880s.

Acorn Winery


Bill & Betsy Nachbaur


20/48

20

One of Russian River Valleys newest wineries, Merriam Vine-

yards 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 appella-

tion. And thats 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 life-time love of fine wines, and Peters

career as a wine retailer in New Eng-

land reinforced their knowledge of

and love for Bordeaux wines. As is

often the case, their interest in wine

led them to purchase vineyard prop-

erty in 2000, in this case an 11-acre

parcel called Windacre Vineyard, the

soils of which are uniquely suited to these Bordeaux varitals.

The second 12-acre vineyard property was purchased in

2002, winery construction followed in 2007, and the tastingroom was opened just this past year. The exteriors of both build-

ings are reminiscent of a New England farmhouse, a tip of the

hat to Peter and Dianas 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 ex-

cels at, Merlot may be the wine she is best known for, so the Mer-

riam 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.

Merriams 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, Mer-riam 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 differentfruit 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 Peters 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 pic-

nic lunch items like pat, cheese, crackers, tapenades, salami and

cookies, so you can enjoy a snack on the terrace with your fa-

vorite Merriam wine. BY NAN REILEY

Merriam VineyardsOpndy10..to5p..

11650LosAmigosRoad,Healdsburg(707) 433-4032 www.merriamvineyards.com

Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend

FUN Cheese and wine pairings by appointment.FACT $20 per person.

Merriam Vineyards



21/48

21

Through its 113 years of winemaking history in the Russ-

ian 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 Countys

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, ayoung 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 Vine-

yards in 1896. Soon, Giovannis

son Louis A. joined the family business, producing and sell-

ing 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 countrys few six-

generation family operations.

Today, the Foppiano family has renewed that same inge-

nuity 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

the way for the sixth generation by bringing on top wine-

making and management talent. Were updating our estate

vineyards, which are located in one of the most prestigious

wine regions in the world. Whats 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 har-

vest. This, combined with our

commitment to quality ensures

our ability to move the legacy for-ward 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 self-guided 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 its the perfect place to

step back in time, learn a bit of history while enjoying

handcrafted Russian River Valley wines made with todays

state-of-the-art technology.

Foppiano Vineyards

Opndy10..to4:30p..12707OldRedwoodHighway,Healdsburg

707-433-7272 www.foppiano.com

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,Petite Sirah, Ros

FUN During Prohibition, federal agents emptied 140,000FACT gallons of the familys 1918 vintage into the local stream.

People came from milesaround with cups and jugs hopingtoget a sample of the Foppiano wine.

Foppiano Vineyards



22/48

22

Authentic, friendly, down-home, fun and delicious!

Christie Vineyards is all this and more!

Located just south of Healdsburg on Limerick Lane,

Christie Vineyards is a place you just gotta check out! Youll

need to call in advance of your visit, because they are open by

appointment only, but its well worth the extra planning.

Only 1000 cases a year are pro-

duced and they are only available

at the winery.

The short gravel driveway isflanked with vines and olive trees.

You cant miss the winery its a

rustic barn-like building accented

with stainless steel tanks and racks

of barrels.

When you arrive, youll most

likely be greeted by Christie Vine-

yards founder/owner/farmer and

winemaker, Steve Aitken, and

T-Bone, his trusty, two-year-old Black Lab/Golden Retriever

puppy. Both are lanky, friendly and happy to show youaround.

Steve Aitken is a study in entrepreneurial spirit. He started

an automotive repair shop at the tender age of 18 and ran it

for 30 successful years until 2001 when he sold it and moved

his family to the current home of Christie Vineyards on Lim-

erick Lane.

In 1981, Steve purchased a parcel of land in the Dry Creek

Valley and started his adventure as a winegrower. After being

a weekend farmer for 17 years, Steve took a home winemak-

ing class and produced his first barrel of estate wine and the

rest, as they say, is history.

Lets talk about the wines I tasted two of Steves wines

and both were excellent! 2008 Pinot Noir, Russian River Val-

ley: Aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, rose petals,

vanilla and spice abound, all presented in a silky, lovely

mouthfeel. 2007 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley: Oooh!

Juicy! Mouthwatering aromas of

raspberry, blackberry and pep-

pery spice continue as flavors in

the lush, balanced mouth.So, there I was at Christie

Vineyards, tasting wine in the

barn, feeling relaxed, petting the

dog and talking with Steve

about his vines and wines. It just

doesnt get any better than this!

Here are a couple of cool

things that are going on now (or

will be in the near future):

Jug wines Steve has a program going where you can, for

a very reasonable price, label, fill up and take home a jug withsome of his excellent Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah,

Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Steve also makes a Proseco

(Italian bubbly), which is available in a 750ml bottle.

Brand recognition: Steve has made branding irons with

the letters A-Z. If you join Christie Vineyards wine club, Steve

will brand one of his buildings with your initials. How cool

is that?

Steve is also working on creating a picnic area and big or-

ganic garden down by the creek. Long story short dont miss

this place, its special! BY SUE STRAIGHT, THE WINE WENCH

Christie VineyardsOpn by ppontnt ony

851LimerickLane,Healdsburg(707) 431-0662 www.christievineyards.com

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Prosecco,Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah,

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel

FUN Join the wine club and have your initialsFACT permanently branded on one of their buildings!

Christie Vineyards



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It was more than 75 years ago when Isabelle Simi Haigh

announced to her work crew that she wanted them to con-

vert 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 vis-

iting days of summer, tours often

begin in the redwood grove that

shelters the tasting room. The

grove also serves as the focal pointfor 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 Saturday from 11

a.m. till 4 p.m., the redwood

grove is transformed into an ex-

otic sort of pizza parlor, offering a menu of exotic pizzascreated 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 con-

sumed in the setting of the redwood grove, and nearly

everyone involved with the winery loves to tell the story

of 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 con-

struction 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 wherewine 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 CabernetSauvignon, The hearty, beautifully balanced 2006

Alexander Valley Cabernet and the 2005 Reserve Caber-

net 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 2008 Sauvignon Blanc with the Forage and

Sausage pizzas. This trio of wines is only available, at

the present time, in the tasting room, so while the piz-

zas bake, visitors may want to sample these three elegant

newcomers. BY MILLIE HOWIE

Simi WineryOpn10..to5p..

16275 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg

(707) 473-3232www.simiwinery.com

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

FUN Simi Winery tasting room was originallyFACT made from a huge wine vat.

Simi Winery

Gateway to Alexander Valley www.WineCountryThisWeek.com


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There is never too much of a good thing at Sonoma

Countys Trentadue in Geyserville, especially when it comes

to the awards they receive for their wines. As a Michelin in-

spector would say if this were a restaurant, Certainly worth

the drive.

As Trentadue winemaker Miro Tcholakov said, For the

last decade Trentadue wines have

changed dramatically, and in a

positive direction. Consistently

and quietly we have been win-ning many best of class and gold

medals from the Sonoma County

Harvest Fair, and from other

prestigious wine competitions,

placing us in the top ten percent

or better of all wineries. We just

dont brag about it! For all these

years I have really enjoyed mak-

ing great wines from our estate

fruit, especially the reserve La Storia wines.

Leo and Evelyn Trentadue, fruit growers from Santa ClaraCounty, first purchased this Alexander Valley estate in 1959.

At the time, 150 of the propertys roughly 200 acres were

plum trees; the rest of the estate was planted with old vine

Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane. Soon after their pur-

chase the Trentadues began replacing the plum trees with

grapevines. The family didnt start making wine until 1969,

when they held back some of the fruit they usually sold to

start their own Trentadue label.

One thing you can be assured of is that one of the

winerys professional (not intimidating, but knowledgeable

and friendly) tasting room staff members will pour and ed-

ucate visitors in a relaxed and very Northern California

comfortable setting at the tasting room in Geyserville.

Check into the chocolate and wine pairing, done by special

request, which might define, in a very nice way, the word

decadent.

With a last word, Royalene

Mancini has said more than once

that, Trentadue makes incredible

award-winning wines that areavailable at very affordable prices.

Its all about quality for value!

And a visit to the winery will

prove that over and over again.

Trentadues tasting room offers

tastings of any four wines for $5.

The La Storia Reserve tasting

room is available for groups of six

to 20. Sit down and relax while

tasting six different varietals of Trentadue wines. One of the

professional tasting room staff members will pour and edu-cate guests in a comfortable lovely setting. The duration is

one hour, $20 per person, reservations are required.

There is also the popular Gondola Tour where you can

ride through the estate vineyards and learn the history be-

hind Alexander Valley and what makes this particular valley

so special, as you taste wines along the way. There is an eight

guest minimum and reservations are required.

For reservations or more information, call Royalene at

(707) 433-3104 #106 or email [email protected].

BY CHARLES NEAVE

Trentadue WineryOpn10..to5p..

19170 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville(707)433-31041-888-332-3032

www.trentadue.com

Sparkling, Grenache Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon,Zinfandel, Merlot, Mourvedre,Tempranillo, Port

FUN Gondola tours of the vineyardsFACT are available by prior reservation.

Trentadue Winery



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27

Geyser Peak Winery was named One of the best tasting roomsin Napa and Sonoma Counties by the Wall Street Journal.

One of Californias oldest and most award-winning winer-

ies, Geyser Peak was founded in 1880, a pioneer of the

Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Perched on a hillside

across from Geyser Peak Mountain, this beautiful setting

overlooks Geyserville, the Russian

River and the northern end of

Alexander Valley.

Thewinery consistently garnerssome of the most prestigious

awards in winemaking, including

Winery of the Year and Wine-

maker of the Year honors. Its

outstanding team of winemakers

and viticulturists are noted for

fruit-forward, food-friendly wines

from prime vineyard sources in the

Alexander Valley. If you have been thinking about visiting the

winery, now is a great time to come visit! The winery is

located in the heart of Alexander Valley, surrounded by vine-yards and the historic winery itself.

Step up to the 30-foot granite bar to sample award-win-

ning varietal wines. Five to seven wines are poured every day

($5/person) and a variety of wine accessories and gift items

are available. A caf-style tasting room, overlooking the bar-

rel cellar, hosts the Reserve Tasting ($10) and, during the

weekend, Library Tasting ($15). All tastings are compli-

mentary for wine club members.

To fully enjoy your wine tasting experience, Geyser Peak

Winery offers these suggestions and pointers:

Ask questions. This is an opportunity to not only edu-

cate your palate, but also learn more about the winemaking

process. You will find tasting room staff, owners and wine-

makers quite congenial and eager to share their knowledge

with you.

Taste the wines in the suggested order.Always taste from

whites to reds. Attempting to

identify fruit flavors or delicate

floral notes in a Pinot Grigio after

tasting a peppery Zinfandel isnext to impossible. If youve al-

ready tasted a red wine and want

to try a white wine again, either

wait for another day, or perhaps

rinse your mouth with Sauvignon

Blanc, eat a cracker or bread stick,

and then you may be able to reset

your palate to experience the nu-

ances of the white wine.

Please use dump buckets set out on the tasting bar to dis-

pose of excess wine. Dont feel compelled to finish each glass.Limit yourself to no more than four wine tastes per

winery.

Dont wear perfume, cologne or scented lotions. They

WILL affect how you smell the aromas and taste the flavors

of the wine.

Always designate a driver. A prudent decision for a care-

free day of tasting is to utilize one of the many local tour

services available. They are fun and especially affordable for

groups.

Most importantly, have fun!

Geyser Peak Winery

Gateway to Alexander Valleywww.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Geyser Peak WineryOpn10..to5p..

22281 Chianti Road, Geyserville

800-255-WINE www.geyserpeakwinery.com

Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon,Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Grigio

FUNFACT Visit the website for a 2-for-1 tasting coupon.

Winemaker Mick Schroeter


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28

The architecture of this 44-acre property fits into the land-

scape seamlessly, surrounded by vines as it is, the property

line at the back being the Russian River.

Go down the long drive and you will go past the original

farm house, now lovingly restored, and you will come to the

winery proper. To the left, the smaller of the two buildings

houses the tasting room, a fully

licensed commercial kitchen, and

a private tasting room.To the right,

the building you first thoughtmight have been a barn, is the cav-

ernousbarrel room which, at times,

hosts private parties. In between is

a spectacular courtyard with a

perfectly proportioned fountain,

lots of comfortable seating and

plantings that compliment both of

the buildings with their mellow

wood construction and this beau-

tiful outdoor space. No wonder the property is in demand

for parties, receptions, retreats and, of course, this being winecountry, weddings.

The winerys estate vineyard has been sculpted for wed-

dings of all sizes. Besides the spacious gallery tasting room,

the private Club deLo space provides an intimate venue for

smaller tastings and dinners, while the extensive vineyard

grounds and Cabana Courtyard have been designed to han-

dle dream weddings. There is even a two-bedroom guest

house on the grounds, and every bit of it is surrounded by

vineyards.

Special events aside, it has become rather widely known

that deLorimier is quickly becoming the hot new Cabernet

House in the Alexander Valley. Already known for quality,

adding a variety of vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignons

seemed like the perfect next step for owners and respected

Sonoma County winemakers and grape growers, Ken and

Diane Wilson. The fact that they keep winning gold medals

on these new Cabernets just adds

another gratifying dimension.

Stop by, visit and sample. The

tasting room, with its high woodceilings, old vines above the bar

(youll see), fireplace, three-sided

copper-topped tasting bar

which is backed by a large win-

dow framing the vineyards on the

other side of the glass is theper-

fect place to learn about the wines

of deLorimier.

It is here that you might try

their famous Cabernets, and perhaps the Stuhlmuller

Chardonnay or the Estate Merlot. Or, it could be their medal-winning Estate Mosaic Red Meritage or the Stone Ranch or

Francis Vineyard Zinfandels. And if they are not sold out (as

they often are), the Sauvignon Blanc or the Cabernet Franc.

Variety is not an issue here, which may be an understatement.

Outside you can picnic on a lawn where croquet has been

played every now and again; perhaps walk down to the rivers

edge. The key to it all is to relax and enjoy, which is what this

beautiful spot is all about. Just one more reason why, when

you visit this part of the world, it is one you will not want to

miss. BY CHARLES NEAVE

deLorimier WineryOpndy10:30..to5p..

2001 Highway128, Healdsburg

(707) 857-2001 www.delorimierwinery.com

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,Malbec, Sangiovese, Meritage, Zinfandel,

Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc

FUN Expect to stay a while for the wine, art and croquet.FACT Look for live music during the summer.

deLorimier Winery



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Sausal Winery in Alexander Valley no world-famous ar-

chitect 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 Californias finest Zin-

fandel wines.

The family purchased the

Sausal Ranch (named for the creek

that flows through it into the Russ-

ian River) in 1956. 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 1877. Thats

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 Alexan-

der Valley to the winery, then down the winerys 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 coun-

try merchandise. There is only some nice logo clothing and

some sleeping and scratching stations that exist for the pleas-

ure of the two winery cats, Sophie and Gypsie, who wander

in and out as the mood takes them.

What youre there for is a treasure trove of old-vine Zin-

fandels, plus some Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, all

from estate-owned vineyards that surround the winery.

You will have to taste for yourself to see which is your fa-

vorite none will disappoint you, and the 2007 vintage

Century Vines Zinfandel will make you a true believer in the

mystique surrounding old-vine Zinfandel. All the Zinfandels

are dry-farmed for added fruit in-

tensity and the oldest vines are

head trained in the traditional

manner, as you would expect.

A visit any time of year would

be rewarding, but if you find

yourself in the area on Saturday,

June 26th, dont miss the Sausal

Sock Hop Party, an open-to-the-

public celebration themed to the

1950s because of the Demostene

familys purchase of the winery

property in that decade. There

will be food and wine, music from the 50s, an Elvis imper-

sonator and classic cars of the period. So put on your poodleskirts and dig out those pop-it beads or roll up your T-shirt

sleeves (cigarette pack optional) and grow some sideburns.

The party lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs only $15

for all-day fun and great Zinfandel.

The Sausal Vineyard & Winery tasting room is open daily

from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is wheelchair accessible. Pic-

nickers 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

Sausal Vineyard & Winery

Opndy10..to4p..7370 Highway 128, Healdsburg

1-800-500-2285www.sausalwinery.com

Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon

FUN Sausals Century Vines Zinfandel is fromFACT their estate vineyards planted in 1877.

Sausal Winery

Gateway to Alexander Valleywww.WineCountryThisWeek.com


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30 Downtown Healdsburg www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Downtown Healdsburg

THINGS TO DO

Erickson Gallery, 324 Hdbug anu

(707) 431-7073

www.ckonfntgy.co

Local and international artists are featured inthe gallery. Works for sale include contempo-rary paintings, sculpture and works on paper.Sonoma County Wine Library

139 Pp stt, Hdbug

(707) 433-3772, www.onoby.og

A free visit with a wealth of information!

The library has more than 5,000 books dealingwith all aspects of making wine, some of themdate even back to 1512! Knowledgeablelibrarians are on hand to help guide you.Raven Theater, 115 Noth stt, Hdbug

(707) 433-6335, www.ntht.og

Where would we be without performing arts?A big, dark nowhere, that's where. Its thanksto cultural theaters like the Raven, that publicscan experience entertainment that is beyond amoment's blip of distraction. Enjoy wonder-ful performances and expand your world.

Healdsburg Museum & Historic HomesWalking Tour, 221 mthon stt,

(707) 431-3325, www.hdbuguu.og

Dont miss From Cabins to Craftsmans: 100Years of Healdsburgs Architecture on nowthrough June 13, 2010. Sign up for a guidedtour of the town's unique, architecture andhistory!

Hand Fan Museum

327a Hdbug anu, Hdbug

(707) 431-2500, www.hndfnuu.co

Explore geography, art and history in thisunusual museum of actual hand fans fromaround the world.Shoffeitts off the Square


(707) 433-5556

www.hoffttoffthqu.co

This is a shopping mecca of antiques,

collectibles, local arts and gifts, as well asfine & custom jewelry. Dont judge a bookby its cover ... the building goes on forever!Segway Tours, (707) 953-3477

www.gwyofhdbug.co

Take a fun tour of Healdsburg on a rentedSegway helmets included, $69 per person.Getaway Adventures

snt ro, (707) 568-3040

www.gtwydntu.co

Healdsburg Sip 'n Cycle: Visit the sites andlearn local wine facts throughout downtown

Healdsburg and into the vineyards on this in-novative, healthy tour! Tours include a picnicand bocce.Options, 126 mthon stt, Hdbug

(707) 431-8861, www.optongy.co

Beautiful unique, creations of art for you towear, use or admire in your home.

FOOD

Bear Republic Brewing Co.


(707) 433-2337, www.bpubc.co

Sonoma County's premier brewpub, brewery, andrestaurant! Real beer, microbrewed and real cold!

Perfect after a day of tasting wine.Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek KitchenHot Hdbug, 317 Hdbug anu

(707) 431-0330, www.chp.co

Celebrating Sonoma's pioneering wines and spirits, celebrated ChefCharlie Palmer takes the best of our farm-fresh produce andculi-nary cradle and infuses it with his passion and trademarkstyle.Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar, 344 Cnt stt

rton condd, (707) 473-0946

Dnn d dy, unch mondy-Fdy

Zin features delicious seasonal cuisine with produce grownespecially for them. Wine industry locals often gather here

for a little nourishment and shop talk.Cyrus Restaurant , 29 Noth stt, Hdbug

(707) 433-3311, www.cyutunt.co

Consistently reviewed as one of THE best restaurants in all ofwine country by Wine Spectator, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Es-quire, Wine Enthusiast, and Wall Street Journal. Splurge on theTasting Menu or the Vegetarian Tasting Menu.Oakville Grocery, 124 mthon stt, Hdbug

(707) 433-3200, www.OkGocy.coLittle Country Store with overflowing shelves and adeli chock full of handmade, gourmet picnic items,

the Oakville Grocery is an absolute MUST.LODGING

Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza112 mthon stt, Hdbug

(707) 433-6991, www.hbugnn.co

Built in 1901, this classic California inn is locatedright on theHealdsburg Plaza. From summer concerts to holidaytree light-ings, the town's best events take place right here. Guests are alsosurrounded by shops, galleries, tasting rooms andrestaurants.Hotel Healdsburg, 25 mthon stt, Hdbug

1-800-889-7188, www.hothdbug.co

Chic, beautifully appointed Hotel Healdsburg is located on the his-toric square and is one of the premier Wine Country luxurylodgings in all SonomaCounty.

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 thistown's genuine individ-

uality and down-to-earth-treasures. Downtown Healdsburg may be surrounded by bucolicrolling

hills and picturesquevineyards, 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.


31/48

31Downtown Healdsburgwww.WineCountryThisWeek.com

GROVE

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PROHIBITION

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OAKVILLE GROCERY

Options Gallery

Healdsburg Innon the Plaza

EASTST

CENTER

Historic HomesWalking Tours

Hand Fan Museum

POWELLS SWEET SHOPPE

Cyrus

Hotel Healdsburg

Raven Theater

GRAPE LEAF INN

Sonoma CountyWine Library

Dry Creek Kitchen

Bear Republic Brewing Co.

ERICKSONFINE ART GALLERY

Zin Restaurant

Not to scale


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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 richand 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 discoveringan 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.

Sure were Kendall-Jackson, and you can find our

great Vintners 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 ofevery guest, whether a wine

aficionado or a co

sonoma county day trips off hwy. 101

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