I'm going to Sonoma in March for a week and I'm looking for recommendations on which wineries to visit. Sure I'd like to go to all 199, but that's not going to happen. Any suggestions of which might be the most interesting / fun would be appreciated.

I'd recommend Seghesio, Pezzi King, and Michel Schlumberger, and

checky outty this place

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Member #19
The Great Northern, out of Cheyenne, from Sea to Shining Sea

Also, Hartford Court.

Take a stroll around Healdsberg Square; you'll find Rosenblum, Jackson Family Farms (or whatever it's called), and just a block away is Selby.

I second Pezzi King, also Bartholomew Park

Drink wine, and you will sleep well. Sleep, and you will not sin. Avoid sin, and you will be saved. Ergo, drink wine and be saved. - Medieval German saying

Make an appointment with A. Rafanelli. You won't regret it.

NYOMS,
Pezzi King would have been a good suggestion, but the tasting room is closed now (new winery opening soon).

Sonoma is a big county, so divide up your days by region to cut down on the driving:
* denotes good picnic stops

Dry Creek:
A. Rafanelli (appt)
Amphora (appt)
*Lambert Bridge
*Everett Ridge
*Armida
De La Montanya (weekends only)

Russian River:
Gary Farrell
Hartford
Martinelli
Iron Horse

Alexander Valley:
*Hanna
Stryker
de Lormier

Kenwood/Sonoma:
St. Francis
*Chateau St. Jean

Hope this helps. If you need any specifics on these or other wineries let me know.

The best time to have white wine is when there is no red wine.

meritage,
Thank's for all info. You anticipated my next step and saved me the trouble of grouping the wineries geographically.

NYOMS,

Couple others to consider:

Foppiano - Wonderful Petite Sirah

Cline - Zins and Rhone Varietals

Matanzas Creek - Beautiful Winery along with the dependable Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Carneros - Great setting to sit on the patios and enjoy the fresh sparklers

Kenwood Grill is great place for lunch or dinner.

Enjoy..

GKM

quote:

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I'd recommend Seghesio, Pezzi King, and Michel Schlumberger, and

checky outty this place

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You read my mind...

http://www.winesnobz.com

Wine maketh glad the heart of men and maketh women giggle.

Siduri/NOVY...do not miss this stop!

A.P. Vin

Jordan and Ferrari Carano are both beautiful and have some pretty nice wines.

On our trip last year Jordan was memorable. Hanna and Chateau Souverain(sp), too.

Benziger has an excellent tour.

I can't afford it, but I buy it anyway.

Gundlach Bundschu is real low key and fun !

NYOMS,
I forgot Jordan and J. Make sure you get an appointment at Jordan on your day in the Alexander Valley. Then you may want to hit J at the end of the day and do their food and wine pairing.

If you need recommendations on lodging or restaurants, let me know.

The best time to have white wine is when there is no red wine.

I've stayed at the Gaige House Inn B&B, It's very nice!

www.gaigehouse.com

Ferrari Carano is beautiful, just like it's pictures, although a bit out of the way. For dining, I recommend the Glen Ellen Inn. A small place with a big wine list! I've eaten there, but never stayed there.

www.glenelleninn.com


I've been to Benziger, Kenwood, J, and others. Sonoma is a little more "user friendly" than Napa. If you like Syrah, Look for GlenLyon. It's not open to the public, but the 2001 is drinking beautifully right now.

www.glenlyonwinery.com

Try to fly into Oakland. You'll get to wine country much faster than dealing with getting through SFO. We always stop at Domaine Carneros whetether we're going to Napa or Sonoma. IF you have the time, try to go to Mendocino. A drive through the coastal redwoods is worth the price of admission (free!).

Have a great time!

Cheers!

Martinelli would probably be my first choice to visit. I love their wines.

a

"What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch?" -- W.C. Fields

I was just out there we saw Ravenswood.if you love great zinfandels it would be a good choice.also Sebastiani,Castleand Foppiano(great petite sirah for only$17)