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Sonoma
County Winery Reviews |
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WINERY REVIEW KEY
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All H.
Montanile™ reviews are on a scale of
"1" to "12" bottles.
| The
highest rating is "12" = |
"BUY
A CASE" |
| A
rating of 9 and above = |
Excellent |
| 8
to 9 = |
Very
Good |
| 6
to 8 = |
Good
to Average |
| 5
to 6 = |
Average |
| 5
and below = |
Poor
to Fair |
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The Wine is rated on its appearance, bouquet and taste.
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| The
Ambiance (experience) reflects
the physical environment of the tasting room and the knowledge and courtesy of the
staff. |
| The
Winery Review is a reflection of its individual characteristics and
the physical aesthetic qualities of the winery and it's grounds. |
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The ratings reflect wines available only for tasting, not those
wines available for sale at the winery or your local retailer. The
wines available for tasting obviously change
with each vintage. |
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The art of wine tasting is a unique experience and ultimately subjective. We at
H.
Montanile™ hope
to guide you through a wonderful and delicious
experience in Napa and Sonoma.
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- Picnicking
is permitted at these wineries. |
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- Grape Note. |
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A.
RAFANELLI 4685 W.Dry Creek Road Healdsburg 707.433.1385 HOURS: Tasting
and Tours: by appointment only, fee 
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11
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WINE: |
We were surprised and delighted to taste such delicious wines straight
from the barrel. The wines tasted: The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was
full of black currant and firm tannins. The 1998 Zinfandel was consistent
with A. Rafanelli’s Zin’s as it was big and fruity with hints of spice
on the finish. Buy whenever and wherever you can as A. Rafanelli’s wines
are hard to find, unless purchased directly from the vineyard. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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Family
owned and family run makes for an intimate experience at this winery. Don’t
be surprised if the man pouring you wine is Dave Rafanelli himself. |
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9
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WINERY:
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Set
a top a small hill this rustic country winery has the charm and elegance
of its’ wines. |
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| BELVEDERE 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg
707.433.8236 HOURS: Tasting:
fee Tours: none
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8
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WINE: |
Offerings
include two Chardonnay's: The Alexander Valley and the Sonoma County. While the
Chardonnay's are the cornerstone of the Belvedere Winery opened in1979, don't overlook the
Bordeaux-like merlot, the complex cabernet or the flavorful zinfandel with a soft finish.
Fine wines for a fair price: $10.00-$16.00 a bottle. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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Once inside you
will feel like staying for dinner, but since dinner is not on the menu you may want to
indulge in some of the other offerings like free jazz on Saturday afternoons, the October
harvest parties or just a glass of wine in one of the large, comfy club chairs. |
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8.5
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WINERY:
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The approach to this winery
is like going to a rustic retreat. When you climb up the stairs onto the porch you are
greeted by glass doors, which are the entrance to an elegant tasting room filled with
sunlight from it's many windows and comfortable seating to sit and enjoy. |
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BENZINGER
1883
London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen 707.935.3000 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:00 Tasting Fee: is complimentary and $5.00 for Estate & Imagery Series wines,
which includes an etched glass. Tours: 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:00, 3:00
& 3:30
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11
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WINE: |
There are two tastings offered. Taster's can
participate in both. The complimentary tasting allows you to choose up to five out of the
eight wines offered. The Imagery Pinot Gris, only sold at the vineyard, is a crisp,
citrusy lightly aromatic wine and is delicate to the palette. The 96 Syrah has a robust
smokey flavor followed by distinct fruit and finishing with light tannins. After this meal
be sure to finish with Benziger's desert wine, Muscat Canelli - a light desert wine. For a
$5.00 fee, which includes a complimentary glass, you can choose five Estate and Imagery
Series wines ranging from the Gold Medal Reserve Merlot to the Imagery Sangiovese and
another Gold Medal winner, the Blue Rock Cabernet. Not to be missed is the Imagery Series
Cabernet Franc with strong cherry and plum flavors, faint aromas of cinnamon and vanilla
with a bold smoky completion. |
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11.5
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AMBIANCE:
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This family owned winery is warm and gracious. Cheerful
staff eagerly pour the wines and makes you feel like a part of the family. |
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12
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WINERY:
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The magnificent grounds include a series of old wood
buildings. A beautiful barn, which doubles as the aging tasting room. Sit in the nymph
garden, educate yourself at the discovery center, view the art in the gallery, stroll the
many gardens or just have a picnic. Just for fun, have a tractor pull you on a tram
throughout the vineyard and the winery. Save time for this winery, as there is so much to
sip and see. |
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| CANYON
ROAD 19550 Old Redwood
Highway Geyersville 707.857.3417 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:00 daily Tours: none Tasting Fee: reserves
only.
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10
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WINE: |
The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon was big and fruity from the barrel.
The Nuevo Meola blend of sangiovese and shiraz
is a wonderfully delicious choice. The Shiraz added the perfect balance to
the sangiovese giving it a rich velvety finish and complimenting the
classic sangiovese flavors. Canyon Road’s Allegra is a pure sangiovese.
Both wines are outstanding and are produced in collaboration with the
Meola vineyards from Italy. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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The
tasting room appears new and is set apart from the winery itself. Inviting
and bright the staff is very informative and chatty. |
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8
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WINERY:
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The
winery is a modern structure set off the road and amidst all the
vineyards. |
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| CHATEAU
ST. JEAN 8555 Highway 12
Kenwood 707.833.4134 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-4:30 daily Tours: self-guided Tasting Fee: reserve
wines room only.
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11
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WINE: |
Chateau St. Jean "CSJ" is well known for it's
whites, reds and desert wines. Red wine lovers cannot help but admire the
complexity of the chardonnay as initially famous for their whites. Over
the past decades CSJ's reds have emerged as some of the finest from
California particularly the Cing Cepages, the 1996 vintage wining the wine
of the year award from Wine Spectator. Unfortunately, due to limited
quantities the Cing Cepages is not often offered for tasting, however
their Reserve Caberent Sauvignon is rich and complex and is offered for
tasting. CSJ's Late Harvest Riesling has been referred to as nectar of the
Gods; we agree. |
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Limited
quantities of earlier vintages of the Cing Cepages may be available
for purchase at the winery, buy all that you are allowed as you
will be hard pressed to find it anywhere else. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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While
there are two tasting rooms at CSJ the reserve room upstairs is for
serious wine lovers, and not to be missed.
The staff is well educated and friendly and the tastings are unhurried.
The wines poured are superb. The room itself has an
understated, quiet sophistication. |
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11
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WINERY:
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Styled
along the lines of French Medieval architecture, this
grand winery sits amongst manicured grounds surrounded by beautiful
trees. Truly a treat and a great photo opportunity. |
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CHATEAU
SOUVERAIN 400 Souverain
Road (Independence Lane exit off Hwy 101) Geyersville 707.433.3141 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:00 daily Tours: none Tasting Fee: reserve
wines only. Restaurant: Lunch 11:30 - 2:30 Dinner from 5:00
daily.
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9.5
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WINE: |
We were invited to taste from the barrel one of Chateau
Soverain's
premiere wines; the 1998Alexander Valley Stuhl Miller Cabernets.
A full bodied red that will age nicely. After the barrel we
entered the tasting room and sampled the 1996 Stuhl Miller and Winemaker's
Cabernet. Both were delicious and well structured. |
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10.5
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AMBIANCE:
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An
open and elegant tasting room with a long tasting bar and tables to relax
and enjoy your wine. The staff provides
you with an abundance of information about the wines you
are tasting. The restaurant offers delicious fare in a beautiful setting. |
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12
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WINERY:
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This
French style chalet is surrounded by lush gardens and set into the Sonoma
hillside providing spectacular views of the Alexander Valley. |
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CLINE CELLARS
24737 Arnold Drive (HWY 121) Sonoma 707.935.4310 HOURS:
Tasting:
10:00-6:00 daily Tasting Fee: for reserves only, $1.00 per taste Hours:
by appointment
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8.5
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WINE: |
Clearly the zinfandels stand out. They range from
classic dark black fruit to the big and bold zin blends. The Ancient Vines Carignane is a
quality wine as are the Voignier, the Rousanne and the Marsanne. All bold, lush whites. |
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7
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AMBIANCE:
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The often-crowded tasting room can make it difficult to
get a taste, as Cline is an ever-popular spot. |
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8.5
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WINERY:
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The semi-circular
gravel driveway leads you to the front porch,
swing included, and rustic country home. Pleasant grounds all around. |
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| CLOS DU BOIS 19410
Geyersville Road, Geyersville 707.857.3100 HOURS: Tasting:
10:30-5:00 Tours: 10:30 by appointment.
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6
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WINE: |
The frontrunner is the Marlston, a Bordeaux-style red; it is a vineyard designate wine. The Chardonnay and Merlot
are all strong contenders. |
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7.5
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AMBIANCE:
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An airy tasting room with
a friendly and knowledgeable staff. |
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7
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WINERY:
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Clos Du Bois is a large
modern structure with the tasting room located around the backside. |
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| DAVID
COFFARO 7485 Dry Creek Road Geyersville 707.433.9715 HOURS: Tasting &
Tours: by appointment only Tasting Fee:
minimal
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8.5
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WINE: |
The 1999 Estate Cuvee straight from the barrel made an excellent
showing and is Cofaro’s signature wine. The 1999 Cabernet Franc was a
rich red with black cherry and firm tannins on the finish. The 1999 Petite
Syrah was a fine wine as well. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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FUN,
FUN, FUN! Coffaro, former manager for the Doobie Brothers, mixes music and
wine for the most popular ‘backstage’ party in wine country.
Coffaro combines
good wine, friendly staff, great music and a music movie playing on a full
size screen. Grab a glass, plant yourself on a couch sip, see and enjoy. |
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8
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WINERY:
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A
modest house with the tasting room in an adjacent building large enough
for a block party. |
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8.5
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WINE: |
Dry Creek is mostly known for their outstanding whites. We
visited this winery during the wine road barrel tasting 2000 and were
invited to taste from the barrel the 1999 Syrah and 1999 Cabernet Franc.
The Cab Franc was a very big wine with a lot of fruit flavors that will
mature nicely. The Syrah was a classic syrah with strong black currant
flavor. In the
tasting room we sampled the 1997 Epoch Cuvee, a blend of merlot and
cabernet sauvignon. The Cuvee had hints of black cherry with an acidic
finish common to merlots. |
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9
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AMBIANCE:
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A
lovely tasting room with an inviting staff. |
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10
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WINERY:
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The ivy covered winery is set amongst large shade trees perfect for a picnic
in the country. The architecture of the winery itself appears to have been
modeled after an old French monastery. |
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F.
TELDESCHI 3555 Dry Creek Road,
Healdsburg 707.433.6626 HOURS: Tasting:
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 11:30 - 5:30 Weekdays. Call ahead for an
appointment
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8
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WINE: |
F. Teldeshi offers a variety of wines for tasting. Their signature
wine is a zinfandel and always makes a strong showing including the 1998
Zin straight from the barrel. The other wines we tasted; both the 1995
Terranova, a red blend and the 1996 Petite Syrah were both full bodied and
well balanced. |
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8.5
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AMBIANCE:
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The
tasting room is plain and the staff friendly. |
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8
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WINERY:
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The
winery is a simple structure a top a hill with a lovely view. |
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FERRARI
CARANO VINEYARDS & WINERY 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg HOURS:
Tasting: 10:00-5:00 Tasting fee: $2,50 Tours: by
appointment. (Gifts & gardens)
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9
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WINE: |
All the Ferrari Carano wines are
very good. The Merlot, Zin and Cab are all strong reds.
However, Ferrari Carano is known for its Chardonnay that is always
excellent. |
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11.5
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AMBIANCE:
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The tasting room is bright and airy, sun streams through
the windows while you taste the wine and gaze out upon the vineyard. Take your glass and
roam down the spiral staircase to the underground regal casking room. It is customary. |
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12
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WINERY:
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Opulence abounds. This is the Palace of Versailles of
wineries. The magnificent lawns, gardens and European style architecture are worth a
visit. Words cannot fully describe this wineries absolute beauty. |
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GLORIA
FERRAR CHAMPAGNE CAVES Highway
121, Sonoma 707.996.7256 HOURS: Tasting:
10:30-5:30 daily Tours: 11:00 - 4:00 on the hour Tasting Fee:
sold by the glass or bottle. Gourmet food is available for
purchase while tasting.
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10
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WINE: |
Famous for her sparkling wines, Gloria Ferrar offers a wide
variety of bubblies. Possible offerings from
the menu can include the delicous
Library Pinot and the outstanding Cuvee. There are many
delicious wines to choose from. |
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11
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AMBIANCE:
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Plan
to spend time at this lovely winery where your wine is served to you while
you relax at one of the many tables. Finger foods are available. The room
is warmed by a fireplace and light streans in through the magnificent
glass doors. The staff is warm and friendly. |
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12
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WINERY:
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Truly
a slice of Spain. Nestled into the Caneros hillside this
magnificent winery overlooks its vineyards and offers spectacular
views. Don't miss out on the underground cave tours. |
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HOP KILN WINERY 6050
Westside Road, Healdsburg 707.433.6491 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:00 Tasting Fee: for limited reserves Tours:
none
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7
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WINE: |
A delightful surprise. The
Big Red makes an excellent table wine at a very reasonable price. Hop's Zinfandel, a
bigger, fruity red is powerful and tasty. Just good stuff. |
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9.5
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AMBIANCE:
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Informal and fun! Don't
let the barn-like exterior fool you. Once inside you will feel like you have arrived at
"Cheers" and the gang is all there. Take up a glass and have a party. |
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10
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WINERY:
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This turn of the century
brewery, now winery, occupies country grounds complete with picnic tables, duck pond,
ducks and a rooster. This massive structure exudes a sense of history and while you are
standing before it, you feel as if you have traveled back in time. |
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JORDAN
VINEYARD & WINERY 1474 Alexander Valley Road,
Healdsburg 707.431.5250 HOURS: Tastings & Tours: by appointment
only Monday-Saturday.
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This tour is longer than most
others so allow yourself plenty of time between appointments so
that you can fully enjoy this vineyard. |
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9
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WINE: |
The 1997 Chardonnay was a classic
California chard, slightly oaky and buttery with citrus notes on the
finish. The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant, smooth and richly
textured drink now cabernet with ripe flavors of black cherry, plum,
cassis and a hint of tobacco. This Cab can also be cellared for future
pleasure. A good value for the money. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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A great tour, which includes a
history of the winery and Jordan's winemaking process. The tasting is held
in the library. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. |
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10
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WINERY:
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An ivy covered grand
old chateau is Jordan's winery, which stands on an oak covered knoll over
looking the vineyard. |
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KUNDE
10155
Sonoma Highway (Hwy 12), Kenwood HOURS: Tasting:
11:00-5:00 Tours: 11:00-4:00 on the hour Friday -Sunday/Mon -Thurs by
appointment.
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9
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WINE: |
The Voignier is an excellent dry white. The
Chardonnay is one of the premiere wines at the vineyard; it is crisp and dry with a fruity
finish. The Ancient Vines Zinfandel is big and fruity with a spicy finish. |
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9
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AMBIANCE:
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The rich tradition of this vineyard can be felt from the
moment you step into the tasting room. The friendly environment embraces you. Along with
the wines, taste the knowledge of the staff, which is rich. |
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9.5
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WINERY:
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A long drive through the vineyards takes you to this
modern winery at the base of a vine-covered hill that is home to the wines aging
caves, which you can tour. |
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8
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WINE: |
The Chardonnay and
Fume Blanc are without question what Murphy-Goode is known for, but the Cabernet is a very big,
delicious wine, that should be aged for the tannins to smooth it out. |
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7.5
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AMBIANCE:
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A polished and bright
tasting room is complimented by a friendly staff. |
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7
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WINERY:
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Murphy-Goode winery
is a modern building with a modest, simple style. |
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Our tasting experience here did not meet our
expectations, as our prior experience with this wines older vintages of reds have been
stellar. |
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PEZZI KING
(PK) 3805 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg 707.431.9388 or 1.800.411-4PKV
(4758) HOURS: Tasting: 10:00-4:30 Tours:
none
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9.5
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WINE: |
PK is the king of zinfandels. PK offers the
Estate Hillside Zin or the small lot Reserve Zin. The Hillside has a strawberry aroma with
a hint of honey followed by a twist of berries and subtle spice to finish. The small Lot
Reserve is a rich full-bodied zin, which offers a mix of Raspberry and red currant aromas
with a twist of berries to finish. A sheer delight is PK's Syrah. A complex deep red. The
Fume Blanc is produced from two of the finest sauvignon blanc vineyards in
the Dry Creek
and Alexander Valleys. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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A lovely hillside vineyard, with an outside patio
adjacent to the warm and charming tasting room. |
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11
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WINERY:
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This quaint vineyard is every bit as grand as the larger
vineyards. The fieldstone walkways and arches are decorated with "Janes Truck" a
vintage auto, flowerbeds and exterior casks. The patio overlooks the vineyard and a path
leads down to the vineyards through a flower garden. |
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PRESTON
9282 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg 707.433.3372 HOURS:
Tasting: 11:00-4:30 Tours: by appointment
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9
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WINE: |
A delectable treat! The Chardonnay is aged
in American oak and has a fruity flavor with a hint of vanilla. The Beaujolais Rose is
light and refreshing. The Carignane is intense berry flavors with a smokey earthy tone.
The Mouvedre is produced from French grapes of the Southern Rhone region. It is a complex
aromatic wine with hints of spice; delicious. The Petite Syrah is a winner! Some of the
grapes are form 70 year old vines. A powerful unfiltered red. The Zinfandel is also a
stunner, blended with a small amount of petite syrah. It is jammy with mild tannins. |
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10.5
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AMBIANCE:
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You will be greeted warmly. Friendly staff will delight
in discussing the intricacies of Preston wines. |
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10.5
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WINERY:
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A long ride over a gravel road through the vineyards will
ultimately lead you to a wonderful country like setting complete with a home and barn.
Picnic tables are situated under large shade trees waiting for you to sip wine, enjoy a
snack, and breath fresh country vineyard air. |
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QUIVIRA VINEYARDS 4900 West Dry Creek
Road, Healdsburg 707.431.8333
HOURS: Tasting: 11:00-5:00
Tours:
by appointment
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7
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WINE: |
All
Quivira wines are estate wines. The Fig Tree Vineyard's Sauvignon Blanc is aged in French
oak barrels, which gives it a lush silk texture with aromas of peach and vanilla and a
crisp finish. Quiver's current releases include the Dry Creek Cuvee, Zinfandel and Merlot. |
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7
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AMBIANCE:
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A
quaint tasting room with an extremely friendly staff. |
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8
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WINERY:
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The winery was
built in 1987 and offers lovely grounds to picnic on underneath redwood and olive trees. A
lone fig tree sits amongst the vineyards, hence, the Fig Tree vineyard. |
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RAVENSWOOD
18701 Gehricke Road, Sonoma 707.938.1960 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-4:30 Tours: by appointment
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10
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WINE: |
Truly off the beaten path,
but a must for red wine lovers. The premiere wine at Ravenswood is there Zinfandel, which accounts for over
70% of their production. The remaining 30% are blended and unblended variations of
Bordeaux varieties and a smattering of other wines. The merlots and the
cabernets are
stunning. |
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10
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AMBIANCE:
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A softly sunlit tasting room compliments the fine wines
offered. A very popular spot. Go early for extra-special treatment. |
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9
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WINERY:
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The winery is carved into the hillside overlooking the
vineyard. Rustic country roads lead you into the outskirts of the town of Sonoma to this
plush and truly special winery. |
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| RIDGE/LYTTON
SPRINGS WINERY 650 Lytton
Springs Road, Healdsburg 707.433.7221 HOURS: Tasting:
11:00-4:00 daily in the summer 11:00 - 4:00 Monday - Friday in
winter
Tours: none Tasting Fee: none
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9.5
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WINE: |
ZIN, ZIN, ZIN! We tasted 5 different Zinfandels from the barrel-all
jammy- all delicious- all good all the time. You simply can not go wrong
with any of Ridge’s fabulous zinfandels. We tasted the following:
1999 Montebello, Lytton Springs and Sonoma Station and the 1996
Geyersville and Lytton Springs Zinfandels. A must for zinfandel lovers. |
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8
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AMBIANCE:
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The tasting room is located in the same room
as the steel wine barrels. |
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6
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WINERY:
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The
winery itself is very plain. But for true zin lovers not to be missed. |
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ST.
FRANCIS VINEYARD WINERY 8450 Sonoma Highway (Hwy 12), Kenwood 707.833.4666
HOURS: Tasting: 10:00-4:30 Tasting Fee: for reserves only,
includes etched glass) Tours: none
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9.5
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WINE: |
If you love merlot then St. Francis is a
must. The Reserve Merlot has received critical acclaim for it's full-bodied style. Don't
overlook the Old Vines Zinfandel, a delicious robust and the cabs are making
a very strong showing. |
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9
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AMBIANCE:
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A delightful opulent cabin-like tasting room. |
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8.5
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WINERY:
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This modest winery offers views and serene surroundings. |
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SCHUG
CARNEROS ESTATE 602 Bonneau Road
(off Hwy 121), Sonoma 707.939.9363 HOURS: Tasting:
10:00-5:00 daily Tours: by appointment. Tasting Fee: reserve
wines
only.
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9.5
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WINE: |
An excellent array of wines and in the tradition of the Caneros
region some truly exceptional pinot noirs. The cabernet sauvignons were
also exceptional. The whites were all crisp and flavorful. |
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9.5
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AMBIANCE:
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Relaxed
and quaint this winery's staff makes you feel right at home. |
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10
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WINERY:
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A
German style home on top of a hillside. When you arrive
don't be surprised if you are greeted by Eric the duck, a Schug family pet. |
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SEBASTIANI
SONOMA CASK 389 4th Street East, Sonoma 707.938.5532 HOURS:
Tasting: 10:00-5:00 Tours: by appointment.
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6.5
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WINE: |
The focus of Sebastiani wines are their
Italian varietals. If available for tasting the Barberra is delicious. |
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9.5
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AMBIANCE:
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A traditional winery and tasting room complete with a
large casking room where you can take your wine and sit awhile. |
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9
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WINERY:
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