Thanks all for the great ideas. A short trip to some combo of Sonoma Coast/RRV/SCM/AV sounds more practical than I had expected. I need to map out some possibilities and decide on Oregon or Cali.
Jim, we’ll be calling on you if we head north. I enjoyed the wines you brought to the Wine Merchant in Cincinnati, but my wife missed out. Actually just picked up a couple of your 2010 Bishop’s Creek that they poured on Saturday. We’ll choose our wardrobe carefully.
Frank, did you get to taste at Anthill? They are on my short list, but their website says no tours or tastings.
Brandon, yes, we did taste with Anthony at Anthill. If you need me to help with an assist, let me know. PM me with your contact info and I can give you a buzz.
Knocking out SCM, SoCo, RRV, and Anderson Valley in 3-4 days is a ton of driving for 1 short & romantic trip.
Camp out in one of the spots and check out the area in full- The Healdsburg area gives you access to the RRV, Sonoma Coast, dining, hotels, and if you want to take a ride (90min) to Anderson V. you can do so. No need to change hotels, no need to be constantly on the go.
H Wallace, that’s what I am thinking too. One hotel/ B&B, central location. Everything I want (except SCM) is right there. May still be able to make a stop there on the way in.
For any hope of romance at the start of that trip (and if you want to stay in 1 place)- do one or the other. SCM is not on the way in. Getting up to RRV / HBG after tasting there will put you through a couple of traffic hotspots. Might as well spend the night there or in SF and get a good meal.
I travel to Sonoma and taste once or twice a year. It is a terrific trip, but if your taste is toward restrained, Willamette may be a better bet. You can find it in Sonoma, but only with some research and planning.