I have a group of eight folks heading to the wine country in a couple weeks and would love to hear your suggestions on must visit wineries in the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. We're been through Sonoma and Napa many times and had a ball, but we're not as familiar with these areas. We went a couple years ago and really enjoyed Lambert Bridge, but that's about the extent of our visits there.
We tend to lean more toward reds but enjoy some good whites as well so we're pretty much open to anything. I've searched the forums and found all sorts of suggestions but it's tough to sort through it all. I constantly see A. Rafanelli on everyone's list so I've already called them and gotten on a waiting list (since they'll be at harvet). Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Dry Creek: Ridge, Mazzocco, Unti, and Ferrari Carano. Papapietro Perry has a shared tasting room in whatever winery that is next to the general store.
In Healdsburg, there are a number of tasting rooms where you can try a vast array of wines. Look for Rosenblum, the 360 wine bar, the Bottle Barn has a little wine bar on the same block as the post office. They also pour Tandem wines in the little market on the square (same building as Bovolo meats), and The Wine Shop has a little bar and is always pouring something.
We were just in Healdsburg in June. My number one recommendation is Holdredge's tasting room in Healdsburg. It was by far our best tasting experience. John Holdredge is a guy worth meeting, and his wines were my favorite of any we tasted in the Dry Creek or Alexander Valleys. No great views, nothing trendy or hip, just good wine and intelligent conversation.
We were told by a number of people to visit the Ferrari-Carano gardens and skip the tasting. We did not heed the advice. I wish we had. I did not like the feel of the place. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but used car salesmen seems like the feeling I had. They have some excellent wines, but I will skip it next time.
A picnic lunch (bring your own from Big John's market in Healdsburg)at Bella Winery is really nice. They encourage it, and it's a great setting.
I really enjoyed Hanna and Stryker as well. Hanna's wines have a great nose. Stryker has a cool feel to the tasting room and some really good wine.
Ridge was also a great experience.
In summary (and in order of my favorites): 1. HOLDREDGE 2. Stryker 3. Hanna 4. Ridge 5. Bella
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