We’re gonna head up 101 this weekend, kids are off at camp! Knowing nothing about the producers, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for producers that don’t require advance reservations.
In general we are looking for non-spoofulated (is that the correct term?) tastings. Big oak, big alcohol can be avoided, we hope!
We’ll just be up for the day, driving so distances are a consideration.
Nalle for excellent Zins. Frick if you are into rhone style wines. Great view. If you go to Frick you have to drive by Pedrocelli, they fly under the radar as the wines are not flashy but offer excellent value. Unti has real nice wines in a more restrained style. I like Preston quite a bit but they can be a bit of a zoo especially on Sundays when they do their jug fills. Quivira has been doing good things the last few years. I believe only Unti may require an appointment.
This was debated at the time we were developing the list. Some wanted it to be a list of wineries recommended by those here, and others were pushing for a more comprehensive list. The compromise we struck was to put a on the list next to any business that was specifically recommended by one of us. The only criteria was that someone in that thread had to recommend it.
In the DCV winery section, I see 3 wineries which are “berserker recommended” - Nalle, Talty, and Ridge. Likely Nalle and Ridge came from me. Since you got further recommendations in this thread, perhaps we should look at keeping that up-to-date with this.
Ridge and Mazzocco are neighbors, and both make nice wines. Preston is a nice visit if it’s not too crowded.
If you’re in the DCV, you’ll also be fairly close to Healdsburg, and the Seghesio tasting room is pleasant. If you need a bite and want a change of pace (beer), the Bear Republic brewpub is great.
whatever on Ridge and Unti. The vineyard tour at Ridge is interesting and informative. If you go to Unti, be sure to taste the '12 Grenache, which has been bottled but was not a standard part of the tasting as of a week ago. I mentioned enjoying previous vintages and so Mick Unti pulled out the '12 and let us try it. It’s very good and I happily left with a few bottles.
I second the Unti comments. I’ve really enjoyed their Grenache over the years. It’s a casual tasting experience, but that’s what makes Dry Creek great IMO.