Since my last request for recommendations turned out so great, I’m asking once again!
We’ll be in Sonoma Nov 7-9 and have plans for Napa on the 8th, Sonoma County on the 9th. We’ve wanted to head up to Ferrari Carano on our last two visits but didn’t have the time, as it is so far from the city of Sonoma, or Napa, for that matter. We’re trying to make a trip of it this time, and headed to Repris (Jen’s friends’ request), then J (Jen’s request), and could fit in 1 or 2 more on the way up to Ferrari-Carano. A place with great Zins would be nice, as we both like Zinfandel. Any ideas?
A huge fan - he doesn’t really have a ‘tasting room’ per se - it’s more of a super fun hangout with Fred, casual. I think the ladies, in particular, are looking for something a bit more glamorous. I’ll save the Scherrer visits for just me
I had a private tasting with a Lioco representative at Punchdown Cellars in Santa Rosa while in Sonoma for the West of West Festival in August. A good suggestion. It has been several years since I visited Ferrari Carano but at that time they had two types of tastings–a crowded stand-up tasting at a counter and a more expensive reserve tasting in the cellar level with seating and a chance to talk to the pourer. I recommend the latter. And leave some time to stroll the beautiful grounds at Ferrari Carano.
…and the solar powered, straw bale constructed tasting room/winery at Lytton Springs is worth the visit alone, for what it represents in terms of sustainability.
Others on my list would be Swan, Nalle, and Copain.
Unti is right off Dry Creek Rd if IIRC. It’s a great little stop, just a parking lot and office/warehouse surrounded by vines. Love their wines.
Rafanelli if you’re not familiar. Tasting room is small and it will be no frills. But worth the ability to buy some wine, also real close to Unti. As a matter of fact, Stacy from Rafanelli called Unti for us to make sure they we’re available.
Kendall Jackson is worth a stop just to see their gardens and it’s right there off the why.
Swan is only open on the weekend I think and it’s not a fancy shmancy tasting room, but great wines and there’s zins among em.
Copain would be my strongest recommendation to anyone passing through looking to stop someplace, by far actually – both for the winery and the wine – but they don’t make zin. And they require a rez.
For zin, aside from the ones already mentioned, maybe try Yoakim Bridge and Preston.
These are not in your path of travel, but just in case I think Littorai is west of Santa Rosa. Rochiolli is in RRV which is west of Healdsburg. Lynmar has a gorgeous tasting room and also there is Holdredge in Healdsburg (probably the nearest from your path).
Have you ever been to Joseph Swan? That and Porter Creek are two of the more interesting producers in that area IMO. And of course my advice to visit Hardy is more relevant now that you will actually be in his area.
If you are going to stop at Unti ----- the Teldeschi tasting room is very close by – right next to the Dry Creek Gen Store (which is great for lunch). Teldeschi has 100+ year old zin vines. Very small tasting room. Bella Winery and Caves aren’t far either. Good tour of the caves.
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