Sonoma and up-Valley wineries to visit

WINE TALK
1

It’s been a few years since I’ve been but I’ll be heading to the Sonoma Valley with friends in March. Any recommendations from recent experiences - the group likes variety (rhone varietals, pinot, whites, zins, etc.) TIA. [cheers.gif]

2

We were there in July. Copain stands out as a great experience, but it’s not for the casual tasting crowd.

3

Agree with Copain. Gorgeous views, and a nice seated tasting. As I mentioned in another thread, the farm tour at Littorai was the highlight of my recent trip (I learned all about it thanks to this site)… it was both fun and educational walking among their gardens, vines, barns, etc. Plus the wines were amazing. I also enjoyed Sojourn in Sonoma Square. There are tons of wineries all within a couple blocks that I wish I had time to go into.

4

Unfortunately neither Copain nor Littorai are in Sonoma Valley. Might want to see if you can meet with Will Bucklin of Old Hill or Morgan/Chris of Bedrock if you’re interested in old vines.

5

Russian River Brewing Co…for a change.

6

For a large corporate winery I’ve always thought Chateau St Jean had great wines, and a lovely facility.

7

Enkidu in Kenwood has a little bit of everything you listed. Plus the guy pouring during the week ain’t half bad.

8

but they’re in easy driving distance (about 40 minutes from the square) and was worth the drive. :slight_smile:

9

Depending on the crowd:

In/near Sonoma:
Buena Vista. Recently remodeled by current owner, Boisset, is interesting though last time there I found the wines a little oaky for me. Boisset is supposedly upgrading the wines, too, but it’ll take time.
Gloria Ferrer. Reasonably priced bubblies, view
The town of Sonoma has tons of tasting rooms if you just wanna drink.

Up valley:
Arrowood. Viognier & Syrah
Benziger. Nice property, vineyard tour available, lots of biodynamic gospel
Ch St Jean. Go to the reserve room, grounds are beautiful.
Deerfield. Tasting in the cave
There’s a bunch of real small ones with tasting rooms only, most centered near Kenwood: B Wise, Enkidu, Muscardini, VJB, and others I’m forgetting.

These are all open daily

If you want to get an appt for somewhere you might try Repris, a new one on Moon Mtn I haven’t been to yet. Winemaker from Sojurn & Audelssa.

10

Places I’d visit in/around Sonoma Valley:

Enkidu & Ravenswood for walk-in tasting. By appointment: Sojourn, Bucklin, Mountain Terraces/Akóma Zoúme, Amapola Creek.

11

If sticking to Sonoma proper, I would make an appointment at Sojourn, then taste at Kamen, and then eat dinner at Cafe La Haye. You will not be disappointed in any of those.

If you go up towards Kenwood, Chateau St. Jean is beautiful but the wines have gotten too generic and commercial. The better stuff at Arrowood and B.R. Cohn don’t suck.

12

+1. Not sure if Bedrock has a formal visit program/protocol, but it’d be worth reaching out to them. Our visit late this Fall to Sonoma and Napa was highlighted by our time spent with Chris at Bedrock.

13

Thanks for the suggestions - gives me several ideas for those to reach out to. I hope we can work Copain and Bedrock in. We had a great visit at Copain a few years ago (and also with Mike Officer about 10 years ago - thanks for chiming in). Enkidu sounds interesting :slight_smile:. Looks like we’ll be renting a house in the Healdsburg area and driving is not a problem.

14

Renting a house in Healdsburg changes everything since you’ll be at the confluence of the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys.

Try to hook up with John and Phoebe at Ceritas/Liocco and Hardy Wallace of Dirty & Rowdy.

15

Yes, indeed if you are in Healdsburg, a drive up Dry Creek Valley is oh so awesome, as is Westside Road…
I’ll even put a plug in for us on the downtown square tasting rooms! A lot going on in Healdsburg!

16

We stayed on the square in Healdsburg last time - 3 years ago - loved the town and location. I’m sure we’ll find our way to the square at some point (Scopa and a neighboring bar with a pool table were hits) so we’ll try to stop in Eric. Thanks again.

17

The neighboring bar with the pool table has moved around the corner north on the main drag, and another (yet to open) bar is going to replace it. Scopa is still there, and serving up the finest dining on the square (IMHO) …

A little more info: BiteClub Archives - Sonoma Magazine

18

Thanks for the info Eric!

19

I love Healdsburg–the whole vibe! Also, am forever grateful to a lady there who retrieved and returned to me my military ID card, driver’s license, etc. that fell out of my purse when I inadvertently left the side zipper unfastened. I would have had real problems boarding an airplane without photo ID!

20

If you’re in Healdsburg, go and visit the Bilbros, and taste their Idlewild wines.