Wine Country Guide January 2015

Winter Kicks Off Events Season In The Wine Country Fun Things To Do Today

Activities To Enhance

Your Wine Country Visit Winery Profiles With Tasting Suggestions

Where To

Taste, Dine, and Stay

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RASgalleries in New Location

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ASgalleries has moved its landmark Yountville gallery to a new location in downtown Napa’s historic district. “The gallery business is constantly evolving,” says long-time gallery owner and art dealer Ronda Schaer. “A comfortable place without distractions is a better way to show clients the beautiful art glass for which RASgalleries has become known.”

With more than 25 years in the gallery business, as a curator, jurist, fine art consultant and art dealer, Schaer has been at the forefront of the fine art glass movement acting as a liaison between artist and collector.

R e pre s e n t i n g Am e r i c a n artists exclusively, the gallery has featured the finest artists in the medium and regularly hosted single artist shows that drew collectors from around the United States.

RASgalleries is now h o u s e d i n a b e a ut i f u l , restored Victorian building on Jefferson Street in Napa.

Immediate neighbors are the Noyes mansion, now home to the Wine Spectator, and the stately former manors of old Napa which are now offices for a variety of lawyers, consultants and other business professionals.

In Schaer’s “parlor” sunlight streams through a south facing window illuminating the selected pieces of spectacular art glass she has on display. An existing client base

has come to rely on her expertise and resources in adding new works to their collections. But equally important to Schaer is welcoming people who are new to art glass and who are just starting to collect, even in a small way.

“One of the joys of this business is seeing the look on the faces of people who are new to art glass,” she continues, “people who happened into the gallery and all-of-asudden discover a world of beauty and form they’ve never imagined. That’s where my outreach is important. I’m planning a series of off-site venues to bring glass to the public in a different way.”

Until then RASgalleries is now open with

fairly regular hours but says Schaer “It’s best to phone ahead.” RASgalleries is located at 1109 Jefferson Street, Napa, 707-944- 9211 or email rasart60@aol.com; www.rasgalleries. com. www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 3

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Factory Tours!

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Retail Store • Café • RV Parking Tours Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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A R T

G L A S S

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S C U L P T U R E

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C E R A M I C S

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F I N E

Ronda Schaer Art Consultant, Curator, Dealer N E W

L O C A T I O N

1109 Jefferson Street, Napa, CA 94559 707.944.9211 rasart60@aol.com · www.rasgalleries.com 4 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

A R T

GOLDEN HAVEN HOT SPRINGS

Experience the Tradition Save

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Calistoga mud baths for couples

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or over 100 years, people have come to Calistoga to take the mud baths & enjoy the hot springs. At Golden Haven, couples enjoy the mud baths together in private treatment rooms.

Relax for the day in a hot springs mineral pool or stay overnight in one of our rooms featuring whirlpool spas & saunas. Experience the century old tradition of the mud baths & hot springs.

MUD BATH FOR 2 PERSONS FOR $59 per person (Regular price $89 per person)

golden Haven Hot Springs

1713 Lake Street, Calistoga â&#x20AC;˘ (707) 942-8000 â&#x20AC;˘ www.goldenhaven.com

Our special rate of $59 per person is valid Monday-Friday, excluding holiday periods. On Saturdays, Sundays and holiday periods, price is $64 per person. Ad is also valid for a 10% discount on any of our hotel rooms Monday - Thursday, except holiday periods. Ad must be presented to receive discount.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Rides napavalleyballoons.com - 800.253.2224 www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 5

January 2015 Spotlight on...

Artesa Vineyards & Winery The Convergence Of Architecture, Art And Wine

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Spotlight on...

Sterling Vineyards

Stunning Architecture And World-Class Wines

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Spotlight on...

Rodney Strong Vineyards Tour A “Winery Within A Winery”

Spotlight’s Wine Country Guide Publishers: William R. Schoen Mark Crapeau Dan Frederick Marketing & Sales: Dan Frederick Dennis Delee Sonya Hollander Contributors: Michelle Baker Spotlight's Wine Country Guide (Vol 27, No. 1/2) is published monthly by WineryPartners, LLC at 5 Kenilworth Ct., Novato, CA 94945-2622, (707) 723-4535, FAX (415) 898-7751. All contents copyright© 2014 by WineryPartners, LLC. No responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or materials received. Subscription $30/ year. Individual copies are available on request for $3.50 per copy in advance by sending a check to the above address or by calling (415) 898-7908 and leaving your address, phone number, visa/mc number and expiration date. For advertising information, call (707) 723-4535. For updated calendar information, visit www. winecountryguide.com.

6 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

page 42

Spotlight on...

Ledson Winery, Gift Shop, And Gourmet Market

page 58

Spotlight on...

Whitehall Lane

Consistently Great Wines

page 31

Spotlight on...

Lake County

Discover Lake County’s Wine With Altitude

page 66

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Barrel Tasting Two Ways

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arrel tasting provides a uniqu e opportunity to taste wines directly from the barrel before they are finished and prepared for market. Barrel tasting events are held in Sonoma Valley and Northern Sonoma County and the approach to the event is very different.

In Northern Sonoma County, barrel tasting is not a food or themed event. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about the wine with many wineries offering â&#x20AC;&#x153;futuresâ&#x20AC;? on their barrel samples. This is a chance to purchase wine now, often at a discount, then come back to the winery when the wine is bottled, typically 12-18 months 8 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

from now. Many of these wines are limited, so purchasing futures is the only chance to gain access to these wines.

In Sonoma Valley, the approach is different as wineries combine food, wine, and art into their take on barrel tasting. Sonoma Valley is celebrating their 24th year and wineries are teaming up with local chefs and restaurants to create a special weekend of delicious foods paired with the amazing variety of wines produced from the valley.

Barrel Tasting Tips Barrel tasting has become an extremely popular event. In Northern Sonoma County, it has been expanded to cover two full weekends. To make transportation easy, schedule a limousine service or a designated driver to pilot you to the wineries. To avoid the larger crowds at some wineries, check whether the winery will be open on Friday. Finally, slow down and take advantage of winemakers and owners who are often available during the event.

WINE ROAD TASTING OVERVIEW

SONOMA VALLEY OVERVIEW

Where Over 100 wineries in the Alexander Valley, Russian River, Dry Creek and Healdsburg area will be participating in the event. Check the website at www.wineroad.com.

Where

Dates and Time March 6th-8th & 13th-15th from 11 AM - 4 PM

Over 20 wineries in the Sonoma Valley will be participating in the event.

Dates and Time March 21st and 22nd from 11 AM to 4 PM Tickets

Tickets Weekend pass available for each weekend

Weekend pass, day pass, and designated driver

Contact www.wineroad.com

Contact

passes available. www.heartofsonomavalley.com

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 9

A

Peek A Wine C

Sponsored by the Russian River Wine Road throughout Northern Sonoma County on two consecutive weekends, March 6-8 and 13-15. he Wine Country has a long tradition Info: www. wineroad.com. of local festivals, and there is friendly Savor Sonoma Valley is a different take on competition among regions for best festival barrel tasting in Southern Sonoma County. bragging rights. There truly is no “festival In contrast to the Wine Road event to the season.” In almost every month there is north, which is strictly about the wine, this at least one major festival, and in many event also features local food and live music. months there are several. The best known Sponsored by the Heart of Sonoma Valley and most popular festivals in the Napa and Association throughout Sonoma Valley on Sonoma wine regions are profiled here with March 21-22 (dates that do not compete with references to sponsor websites where more the Wine Road barrel tasting events). Info: detailed information is available. Details www.heartofsonomavalley.com. on these and many other events are also available on the Events page of our own Spring website, www.winecountryguide.com.

Passport To Dry Creek Valley features unique and frequently lavish wine, food Winter pairings, and entertainment at more than 50 Winter Wineland is an opportunity to wineries in the Dry Creek Valley appellation meet winemakers and taste special wines around Healdsburg in Northern Sonoma during the Wine Country’s “quiet(er)” season. County. Sponsored by the Winegrowers of Sponsored by the Russian River Wine Road Dry Creek Valley in April. Info: www.wdcv. throughout Northern Sonoma County on com.

January 17-18. Info: www.wineroad.com.

Taste Alexander Valley is the Alexander Barrel Tasting is an aptly-named Valley Winegrowers’ answer to Passport. At opportunity to taste wines while they are this event ,on the other side of Healdsburg still in the barrel, a year or more before they from Dry Creek, more than 25 wineries are bottled and released. Many wineries also host wine-food-music extravaganzas on a offer an opportunity to buy wine futures at a weekend in May. Info: www.alexandervalley. discount to what will later be the retail price. org.

Festivals Abound The Whole Year ‘Round

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10 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

At Country Festivals Auction Napa Valley is the signature event of the Napa Valley Vintners Association. Held in June at distinguished venues in the Valley, the auction generates an annual, multi-million dollar benefit for charitable organizations serving Napa Valley communities. Info: www. auctionnapavalley.org.

Santa Rosa. Info: www.kj.com.

Harvest & Holiday

Flavor! Napa Valley is a benefit for scholarships and programs of the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus in St. Helena. With events throughout Napa Valley, Flavor! features world-class Napa Valley Summer wines paired with culinary creations by the Napa Valley Festival Del Sole is a ten-day Valley’s master chefs and Greystone Campus celebration of music, dance and theater graduates. Info: www.flavornapavalley.com. encompassing more than 60 events and 100 wineries. It aims to be no less than America’s The Napa Valley Film Festival is a five-day premier music and lifestyle festival. exploration of cutting-edge independent Sponsored in July by IMG Artists and the cinema liberally infused with Napa Valley Napa Valley Festival Association. Info: www. wines and cuisine. Held after harvest, in November, the festival boasts screenings of festivaldelsole.org. more than 125 films and the involvement Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is of more than 300 filmmakers, 150 wineries, Sonoma County’s signature charity event and 50 chefs. Twelve screening venues up sponsored by the Sonoma County Vintners and down the Valley afford participants an Association and Sonoma Valley Vintners & opportunity to appreciate the diversity of Growers Foundation. Held over Labor Day Napa Valley. Info: www.napavalleyfilmfest.

Weekend at venues throughout Sonoma org.

County, the event showcases Sonoma winemaking and culinary excellence. Info: A Wine & Food Affair–a signature event of the Russian River Wine Road–is a weekend www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com. of wine and food pairings in Northern The Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Festival has become a September tradition. and Russian River Valley. Over 100 wineries The event showcases the dozens of tomato participate and contribute a favorite recipe varieties and other produce grown in the to a cookbook that is provided to registered extensive culinary gardens at the Kendall- participants. In November. Info: www.

Jackson Wine Center in Fulton, just north of wineroad.com. www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 11

Activities | Beyond Wine Tasting private treatment rooms. This one-hour detoxifying and rejuvenating spa treatment includes the mud bath, hot springs Jacuzzi, and blanket wrap. Golden Haven’s mud he Wine Country is best known for– bath was recently selected as the favorite what else?–wine tasting. But visitors mud bath experience of all the Napa Valley quickly learn that the region’s incredible spas. climate and geography are also conducive Lincoln Avenue Spa has takes the Calistoga to many other leisure activities. These range from athletic endeavors like bicycling mud bath to a new level with a body mud and hiking to shopping and culinary treatment for couples and individuals using specially designed Ayurvedic steam tables. adventures. Here are a few activities to consider for before and after wine tasting, and for those days when your exhausted taste buds say a change of pace is in order. Visit winecountryguide.com for frequent updates.

Exploring The Wine Country More Fully

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Exquisite Spa Treatments Enhance Your Wine Country Experience in Napa and Sonoma For visitors to the Napa Valley, it’s easy to forget that this world-famous wine growing region was famous for its hot springs before it was famous for wine. For nearly 150 years, the tiny town of Calistoga at the northern end of the Valley has been a magnet for visitors seeking relief and relaxation in its volcanic muds warmed by geothermal waters.

Today mud baths remain a popular option on a broad menu of modern treatments offered by Calistoga spas like Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort and Lincoln Avenue Spa. At Golden Haven, couples enjoy Calistoga mud baths in 12 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

This is perfect for visitors to the Napa Valley who want the detoxifying benefits of mud and heat without the traditional immersion mud bath. At Lincoln Avenue Spa, the mud is an individualized mixture prepared exclusively for each client and then applied to the body—much like a body facial.

When you enjoy day spa treatments at Lincoln Avenue Spa, you get complimentary day use of the Calistoga hot springs pool at nearby Golden Haven Hot Springs and Resort. Overnight visitors to Calistoga will find that Golden Haven’s affordable rooms offer some of the best lodging values in the Napa Valley.

On the Sonoma side of the Mayacamus Mountains that separate the Napa and

Sonoma wine countries, the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is one of the more unusual of the many spa options available. Osmosis is home to the only cedar enzyme bath in North America.

Cozy wooden tubs are filled with a fragrant blend of finely ground cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes imported from Japan. These ingredients heat naturally, by fermentation, a fragrant blend of cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes creating biologically generated warmth that mimics the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural metabolic process.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, 209 Bohemian Highway, Freestone; 707-823-8231; (707) 8238231; osmosis.com.

Take A Cooking Class To Make Friends and Hone Skills Cooking classes are available throughout the Wine Country. Visitors can choose from formal programs offered at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena or informal programs like outdoor pizza classes taught on the grounds of some wineries in areas like Lambert Bridge near Healdsburg.

Once a place for your body is dug into the warm mixture, you step into the tub, settle into the place that has been shaped to support you, and are gently covered up to the chin. The amount of time spent in the bath varies based upon personal preference. Cooking classes can expose participants to a new cuisines, teach a new skills, open up new After the bath, the excess cedar fiber is friendships, and introduce local ingredients brushed off your body outside of the tub from the area. The Mediterranean climate of the Wine Country assures that fresh before you shower. ingredients from organic farms are always At your leisure, you then have your choice available and a likely component to most of optional treatments, such as a 75-minute classes. Some of our favorite options for massage or aromatherapy facial. Or you can cooking school are: simply check out and spend as much time Relish Culinary Adventures, 14 Matheson as you like in the Meditation Garden that Street, Healdsburg; (707) 431-9999; accounts for much of Osmosisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; five-acre www.relishculinary.com. sanctuary.

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort, 2555 Main Street, St. Helena; (800) 888-7850; 1713 Lake Street, Calistoga; (707) 942-8000; www.ciachef.edu. goldenhaven.com.

Lincoln Avenue Spa, 1339 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga; (707) 942-2950; lincolnavenuespa.com

The Advantages of Limousine Touring

It seems everywhere you look in the Wine www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 13

Country these days a sleek stretched limousine is gliding gracefully into view. Think these are all filled with movie stars, business tycoons, and splurge spenders? Well, think again.

It’s your vacation, so take a break from reading maps, making appointments and designating a driver and treat yourself to the luxury of limousine touring.

Limousine service can be for a few hours to a few days and even handle your airport transport. If you have your own car you can even arrange for a knowledgeable driver to expertly transport you to your favorite destinations. Sit back and relax while sipping complimentary sparkling wine in the latest luxury vehicles and allow knowledgeable chauffeurs/tour guides to take you to the wineries of your choice.

For reservations and information contact: California Wine Tours at (800) 294-6386; www. californiawinetours.com.

Napa Valley Balloons flies over the southern Valley with launches near Yountville, south of St. Helena. While every flight is unique, the “usual” adventure consists of a one-hour flight followed by breakfast on the ground complete with sparkling wine. Pilots for these aerial excursions are FAA certified.

Napa Valley Balloons, Yountville; 707-944-0228; NapaValleyBalloons.com.

Play A Round of Golf On A Wine Soar Above The Wine Country Country Course

There’s something special about flying over Northern California’s Wine Country in a hot air balloon. The air is clear, the sun shines brighter and a calming sense of solitude envelops you.

In the Wine Country, wine and golf pair like nowhere else on earth. Here vineyards share the undulating landscape, invigorating Mediterranean climate, and spectacular vistas of the region with well-kept fairways and manicured greens.

Check out these winners.

The Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park, or simply ‘Kennedy Park’ as it is known to local golfers, is the golf course for you if you’re tired of playing looka-like golf courses.

14 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Locals also enjoy playing Napa Golf Course. They return often, frequently with friends from outof-town, to experience the beauty of the Napa River and river estuary–not to mention the wildlife and, of course, the golf.

Northwood Golf Club was designed in 1928 by architect Alister MacKenzie, famous for Augusta National and Cypress Point, in collaboration with Robert Hunter. This enticing par 36, nine-hole course was originally created for the exclusive Bohemian Club.

Named one of the top 3 nine-hole golf courses in the country by Golf Digest, Northwood remains one of the most scenic and challenging courses open to the public.

Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park, 2295 Streblow Drive, Napa; 707-255-4333.

Northwood Golf Club, 19400 Hwy 116, Monte Rio; 707-865-1116.

Experience The Wine Country

By Bicycle In All Four Seasons

bicycles, a stable of local, knowledgeable tour guides, and long-standing relationships with many family-owned and boutique wineries, Napa and Sonoma Valley Bike Tours is the bicycling outfitter that’s trusted by top hotel concierges, corporate meeting and wedding planners, and individuals planning private group excursions.

You can cycle along country roads or ride off-road through the vineyards and away from traffic (on a “Cycling IN the Vineyards” tour). Most routes follow flat to gently rolling roads that allow you to pedal 2-4 miles between stops at unique, off-the-beatenpath wineries. Choose from prearranged tours hosted by knowledgeable local tour guides, custom and private group tours, and self-guided touring options.

No question, Napa and Sonoma Valleys are destinations that beg to be explored with all five senses. What better way to do that than a wine tasting tour by bicycle? Thanks to its fabulous climate, the Wine Country is the perfect place for bicycle touring in all four seasons.

A full service bicycle touring company offers you the opportunity to experience the vineyards up close and create lasting memories from your wine country vacation. With a fleet of more than 200 late-model Specialized brand www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 15

Napa Valley Bike Tours, 6500 Washington Street, Yountville; 707-251-8687; www.napavalleybiketours.com. Sonoma Valley Bike Tours, 1254 Broadway, Sonoma; 707-996-2453. sonomavalleybiketours.com.

Visit Old Faithful Geyser Near Calistoga To See Fainting Goats About every 30 minutes, visitors to the Old Faithful Geyser of California are treated to an eruption of steam and scalding water spraying 60 to 100 feet in the air. There are only two other “old faithful” geysers in the world that have earned the title due to their regular eruptions. This geyser has also proven itself to be a good predictor of earthquakes. When the geyser’s show is delayed or diminished, an earthquake is likely within the next couple of weeks in the 500 miles surrounding the geyser. The grounds surrounding the geyser feature a large picnic area where visitors are encouraged to bring their own lunches. There are also a snack bar and a gift shop on the property.

Old Faithful Geyser makes for a wonderful family outing and features a petting zoo that includes the famous Tennessee Fainting

Goats, Jacob’s Four-Horn Sheep, and Guard Llamas.

Old Faithful Geyser of California is open every day including holidays. Hours are 9 AM - 6 PM (‘til 5 PM in winter). 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga; 707-942-6463; www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com.

Simon Premium Properties Shopping That’s Always Worth The Trip Discover incredible savings of 25% to 65% every day at Simon Premium Outlets with four Wine Country locations in Gilroy, Napa, Petaluma and Vacaville. These four outlet centers offer unparalleled collections of designer and namebrand outlets including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Coach, Cole Haan, Gap Outlet, Gucci, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Sony, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion and many more. The selection of stores varies by center.

For complete information, including center hours, a list of stores and to join the free VIP Shopper Club, visit premiumoutlets.com .

16 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

entertainment. Nestled in the famed West End district, this stunningly restored art deco masterpiece showcases only the finest acts, featuring music, comedy and more.

The Napa Valley Opera House is a nonprofit performing arts organization located in the heart of downtown Napa and is a national historic landmark originally constructed in 1879. Patrons experience an eclectic array of performing arts including theatre, dance, comedy, jazz, blues, world music, and family programming in a The four centers are conveniently located world-class setting. throughout the region. Napa Premium Outlets® has 50 stores and is ideally situated The Uptown Theater Napa, 1350 3rd Street, at the southern entrance to the Napa Valley, Napa; (707) 259-0123; www.uptowntheatrenajust off Hwy 29 at the First Street exit; call pa.com. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main (707) 226-9876. Petaluma Village Premium St. , Napa; (707) 226-7372; www.nvoh.org.

Outlets®, with 60 stores, is located 35 miles north of San Francisco in one of Sonoma County’s most charming towns. Call (707) 778-9300. Those traveling into the Wine Country from east or south of San Francisco can plan shopping stops along the way.

Vacaville Premium Outlets®, home to 120 stores, is located between Sacramento and San Francisco on Interstate 80; call (707) 447-5755.

Gilroy Premium Outlets®, with 145 stores, is located on Hwy 101 south of San Jose; call (408) 842-3729.

Get Your Cultural Fix At Historic Venues in Napa Valley The Uptown Theatre Napa is downtown’s ultimate destination for live www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 17

Napa Valley Our suggestions on where to taste, where to eat, and what to do

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he Napa Valley is generally regarded as Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous and most prestigious wine producing region. Except during peak traffic times, it is an easy hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive to the northeast from San Francisco or to the southwest from Sacramento. The Valley runs approximately north-south for some 30 miles. Its width ranges from about a mile at its northern end to about five miles at its widest point near its southern end. It is framed by the Mayacamas Mountains on its western and northern sides, by the Vaca Mountains to the east, and by San Pablo Bay to the south.

From north to south, the principal towns of the Napa Valley are Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, and the town of Napa. Between St. Helena and Yountville, the hamlets of 18 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Rutherford and Oakville are important grape growing and winemaking centers.

South of the town of Napa, American Canyon is significant as a commercial center and as the second largest town in Napa County (after the town of Napa). The Napa Valley is home to over 400 wineries, some of the best restaurants in the United States, world-class spas, and many other amenities.

Thanks in part to an abundance of natural beauty, and in part to stringent efforts to preserve both the beauty and the agricultural heritage of the region, the Napa Valley remains largely unspoiled by its success and notoriety as a wine tourism destination. It is worthy of as much time on your itinerary as you can devote. Count

on two days just to get a sense of the Valley and longer to fully appreciate it. If you have a week to spend here, you will not run out of places to go, things to see and do, and great wine and food. And you certainly will not be bored.

Napa Valley’s reputation is built on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These are the varietals that won blind tastings against the French in the legendary Tasting of Paris in 1976, putting California and America on the world wine map. But just about every wine consumed in America is to be found somewhere in the Valley, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel among many others.

In particular, fans of sparkling wines will find a lot to like at venues like Mumm in Rutherford and Domaine Carneros. Part of the fun of visiting the Napa Valley, and a good reason to schedule several days here, is exploring the new wine varietals and new interpretations of established varietals that are constantly emerging and evolving here and throughout the California Wine Country.

Travel-Wise Tip: The main arteries in the Napa Valley are Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. These run roughly north-south and in parallel through the length of the Valley, with Highway 29 to the west and Silverado Trail to the east. Silverado Trail is by far the less traveled and least congested of the two thoroughfares, especially during peak seasons and hours. The two roads are not far apart, so switching between them to avoid congestion can add to your enjoyment of the Valley. Traversing between the two is tricky, however, because not all eastwest roads connect the two arteries. It will behoove you to know which east-west roads are connectors, or “cross roads,” and which ones are not. The cross roads are easily identified on the Napa Valley map in the back of Wine Country Guide magazine.

Picks For Wine Tasting

Artesa Vineyards & Winery, 1345 Henry Road, Napa; 888-679-9463. Among the most dramatic and beautiful wineries in the world, Artesa is built upon a Carneros hillside with views to San Francisco. The wines here are exquisite. Ask about the special wine and food pairings.

Andretti Winery, 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa; 888-460-8463. Legendary auto racer Mario Andretti has fashioned a winery true to his Italian roots. At Villa Andretti, you’ll be transported to old Italy before you know it - a place with a more relaxed pace, and great wine to boot.

Beringer Vineyards, 2000 Main Street, St. Helena; 866-708-9463. On the Register of National Historic Places, this breathtaking winery offers among the best tours and tasting experiences in the Valley. After your tour, sit on the Rhine House wrap-around porch and sip through a flight of reserve wines.

Black Stallion Winery, 4089 Silverado Trail, Napa; 800-200-9756. Located on a picturesque stretch of the Silverado Trail, the Black Stallion estate recalls the rustic charm of early California. The estate property is framed by century-old olive trees and landscaped with natural grasses and Mediterranean plants.

B Cellars, 703 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville; 877-229-9939. B Cellars (B is a reference to the winemaking term “brix”) produces wine blends that are favored by chefs and restaurateurs for their distinct character, depth, and food-friendly layers of flavor.

Cairdean Estate, 3111 Saint Helena Hwy North (Hwy 29); 707-968-5434. Edwin and Stacia Williams have created a new Napa Valley destination at this upscale and unusual Scottish-themed winery, culinary and retail complex. Taste leisurely, stroll the grounds, and stay for dinner if you like.

Castello di Amorosa, 4045 North Saint www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 19

Spotlight on. . .

Limousine Touring With California Wine Tours

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ouring the Wine Country has never been easier than with California Wine Tours. Just sit back, relax and let their professional drivers be your guide.

Take in the beautiful scenery of the vineyard-filled countryside, and enjoy the fine wines and exquisite cuisine of the Napa Valley and Sonoma. Whether you’re traveling individually or with a large group, California Wine Tours offers a variety of touring packages to fit your needs.

Handing off driving duties is only one benefit of limousine touring. Experienced, full-service tour companies like California Wine Tours can handle all of the details, affording visitors more time to enjoy their stay in the Wine Country.

California Wine Tours’ luxury limousines come stocked with complimentary sparkling wine, beverages and bottled water. The firm operates the latest model corporate sedans, limousines, luxury vans, minibuses, and motor coaches.

California Wine Tours and Transportation has been serving the Wine Country for over 15 years. Tour packages start at only $99 per person. For full information, call (800) 294-6386 or visit online at www.californiawinetours.com.

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Helena Hwy (Hwy 29), Calistoga; 707-9676272. “Unbelieveable” is the word that comes to mind at this winery housed in an authentically-styled, 13th century Tuscan castle. Choose from one of the several tourand-taste optons here. Probably the most unique winery in America.

HALL Wines, 401 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; (707) 967-2626. Kathryn and Craig Hall have created an unrivalled destination in the Napa Valley, where winemaking excellence meets contemporary design to celebrate life and inspire the senses.

The Hess Collection, 4411 Redwood Road, Napa; 707-255-1144. Unique and sleek, this winery is also a museum of contemporary art. It is a destination unto itself, so plan on spending a full morning or afternoon here. Located on the southeastern slope of Mount Veeder, yet only 20 minutes from downtown Napa.

Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards, 1426 Main St., St. Helena; 707-244-4600; materrawines.com. In Latin, Materra means “Mother Earth”. Materra combines the rich soils, varying climate and the extraordinary talents of a dedicated team to produce wines that are both tempting and complex.

Open Wednesday-Sunday 11:30-5:00 and by appointment Monday-Tuesday.

Mumm Napa, 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 800-686-6272. There are at least two reasons to visit Mumm. One is their world-class sparkling wines, which you can enjoy on a terrace with beautiful views.

The other is a gallery of photographic art that is among the best in the Bay Area (or anywhere).

Peju Province Win er y, 8466 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford; (707) 963-3600.

Celebrating more than 30 years as a familyowned winery in Rutherford, Peju is a hidden gem in the heart of the Napa Valley.

The centerpiece of this garden oasis is the 50-foot French Provincial tasting room tower complete with moat and dancing

fountains.

Sterling Vineyards, 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga; 800-726-6136. At this iconic winery guests take an aerial tram some 300 feet up the mountainside to the winery, where they are greeted with a glass of wine.

Make a reservation for the Reserve Tour & Tasting, 11:00 daily.

Turnbull Wine Cellars, 8210 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; 800-887-6285. Focusing on fine art as well as fine wine, Turnbull Wine Cellars boasts one of the largest permanent photography exhibitions on the West Coast.

V. Sattui Winery, 1111 White Lane (at Hwy 29), St. Helena; 707-963-7774. V. Sattui is a mainstay of the Napa Valley. The winery offers six different options for tasting, spacious picnic grounds, and an onsite delicatessen with everything you’ll need for a proper Wine Country picnic.

Whitehall Lane, 1563 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena; 800-963-9454. This winery is a perennial award winner—including recognition three times in five years for producing wines ranked among the top five worldwide, and “winery of the year” distinctions from two respected wine authorities.

Other Things To Do Attractions and Tours California Wine Tours, 800-294-6386; californiawinetours.com. Offers a choice of personalized or prearranged wine tours throughout the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Prearranged itineraries begin at $69/person; ferry-to-limo excursions from San Francisco begin at $72/person.

Napa Valley Balloons, 800-253-2224, 707-944-0228; napavalleyballoons.com.

Ultimate sightseeing experience over the southern Napa Valley. Sparkling wine landing celebration. Morning launch 7 days per week, weather permitting.

Napa Valley Bike Tours, 6500 Washington Street, Yountville; 707-251-8687. Complete

cycling vacations, guided tours, self-guided tours, bicycle rentals. Wine purchase pickup service.

Old Faithful Geyser of California, 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga; 707-942-6463. One of only three “old faithful” geysers in the world, and home of the famous “fainting goats.”

Shopping Napa Premium Outlets, 629 Factory Stores Drive, Napa; 707-226-9876. Over 50 designer and name brand stores in an upscale shopping mall.

Napa Valley Wine Hardware, 659 Main Street, St. Helena; 866-611-9463. Unique wine accessories, wine racks and cabinets, wine books, corkscrews, etc.

V Marketplace 1870, 6525 Washington St., Yountville, St. Helena; 707-944-2451.

Specialty shopping in downtown Yountville including art, fine art, gourmet foods, chocolates, and wine.

Spas Golden Haven Hot Springs, 1713 Lake Street, Calistoga; 707-942-8000. Calistoga hot springs mineral water and rejuvenating spa treatments, including mud baths for couples.

Massage Envy Spa, 3365 Solano Avenue, Napa; 707-255-8000. Therapeutic massage and skin nourishing facial treatments.

Visit massageenvy.com for four other Wine Country locations.

Lincoln Avenue Spa, 1339 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga; 707-942-2950. Perfect for visitors to the Napa Valley who want the detoxifying benefits of mud and heat without an immersion mud bath.

Where To Dine Ad Hoc, 6476 Washington St., Yountville; 707-944-2487. This Thomas Keller restaurant serves a prix fixe, 4-course chalkboard menum that changes daily. Meals are served family style. Brunch on Sundays.

Angèle, 540 Main St., Napa; 707-252-8115.

This intimate restaurant realizes the Rouas www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 21

family’s dream to create a refuge of delicious French country foods, wines, and occasions for celebration with friends and family.

Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Alex Italian Restaurant, 1140 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, 707-967-5500. Offers dishes focused on the fundamentals of classic Italian cooking: handmade pasta, smart wine pairings, locally sourced food, and attention to detail.

Archetype, 1429 Main St., St. Helena, 7 0 7 - 9 6 8 - 9 2 0 0 . Featu re s a n “ i c oni c Americana menu” with a contemporary take on classic dishes. Conveniently located across the street from the Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards tasting room.

Bardessono, 6526 Yount St., Yountville; 707-204-6030. Executive Chef O’Toole’s menu draws from local growers, farmer’s markets and the restaurant’s own on- and off-site culinary gardens.

Bistro Don Giovanni, 4110 Howard Lane, Napa; 707-224-3300. Napa Valley cuisine with an Italian and Country French flavor; memorable ambiance featuring traditional fireplace and romantic outdoor terraces.

Lunch, dinner.

Bistro Jeanty, 6510 Washington St., Yountville; 707-944-0103. Claiming to be the only French owned and operated restaurant in the Napa Valley, this bistro features classic dishes such as mussels au vin rouge, cassoulet, and Chef Philippe Jeanty’s special tomato soup.

Boon Fly Café, 4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa; 707-299-4900. Menus here feature modern rustic cuisine based on the agricultural heritage of the region. Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bottega, 6525 Washington St., Yountville; 707-945-1050. Chef Michael Chiarello serves seasonal farm-to-table Italian cuisine using the locally/sustainably produced food. The menu is divided into Stuzzichini (bites to share), Antipasti, Pasta, Secondi (main course) and Contorni (vegetable side dishes). Dessert and Cheese, Specialty Cocktail and Lounge menus 22 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

are also available.

Bouchon, 6534 Washington St. at Yount St., Yountville; 707-944-8037. Chef Jeffrey Cerciello serves award-winning French cuisine at this relative of the impossible-to-book French Laundry. Lunch, dinner.

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, 1327 Railroad Ave, St. Helena, 707-963-1200. This upscale eatery has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. It features a menu of delicious, cooked-from-scratch cuisine created from quality ingredients.

Cook St. Helena, 1310 Main St., St. Helena, 707-963-7088. Don’t be fooled by the plain storefront of this locals hangout. The excellent Italian fare makes this a great complement to a day of wine tasting.

Cuvée, 1650 Soscol Ave., Napa; 707-224-2330.

Adjacent to the River Terrace Inn, Cuvee has compiled a menu of new American favorites that includes braised shortribs, pan roasted chicken and fresh fish and seafood. Étoile, 1 California Drive, Yountville; 707-9442892. Etoile bills itself as the only fine dining restaurant within a winery in Napa Valley. It prides itself on epitomizing the very best that wine country dining has to offer.

Farm, 4048 Sonoma Hwy.. Napa; 707-2994880. This restaurant prides itself on preparing food that accompanies wine and a passion for experimentation. Most ingredients come from within 150-miles of Carneros.

Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet, 933 Main St. between Charter Oak & Pope, St. Helena, 707-963-3486; also at 644 First Street (at Oxbow Public Market), Napa, 707-2246900. Informal, gourmet roadside diner with memorable Ahi sandwiches and low corkage fee. Lunch, dinner.

In-N-Out Burger, 820 West Imola Ave., Napa, 800-786-1000. This modern take on the classic American drive-in restaurant prides itself on serving up high-quality burgers, fries and sides using fresh ingredients. Great spot for a quick bite on a busy wine tasting day.

JoLe, 1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707942-5938. Owners Matt and Sonjia Spector use organic, locally farmed ingredients as much as possible. Their wine list is eclectic and ever-evolving, with many of the area’s boutique producers represented.

La Toque, 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa; 707-257-5157. Chef Ken Frank’s new La Toque, now located in the Westin Verasa Napa hotel and residences adjacent to the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, features prix fixe and ala carte menus that showcase seasonal local ingredients. Dinner.

Market, 1347 Main St., St. Helena; 707963-3799. Set in a historic building featuring exposed stone walls and an antique bar dating back to the turn of the century, this comfortable but elegant restaurant features American classics with a fresh seasonal approach.

Morimoto Napa, 610 Main St., Napa, 707252-1600. Chef Masaharu Morimoto—of Iron Chef fame—has garnered critical and popular acclaim for his seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients.

Mustard’s Grill, 7399 St. Helena Hwy., Yountville, 707-944-2424. Cindy Pawlcyns first restaurant, this cozy vineyardsurrounded country grill features produce grown onsite, warmth, and character.

Lunch, dinner.

Na p a Va l l e y Wi n e Tra i n , 1275 McKinstry St. between 1st St. & Soscol Ave., Napa; 800-427-4124; winetrain.com.

Enjoy the freshest and finest ingredients available prepared on board this rail excursion from the historic town of Napa through one of the world’s most famous wine valleys to the quaint village of St. Helena and back to Napa; classic continental style cuisine with California overtones. Lunch, dinner.

Pizzeria Tra Vigne, 1016 Main St., St. Helena, 707-967-9999. This informal sister eatery of Tra Vigne, the fine dining restaurant, serves excellent brick oven pizzas. When nothing but a pizza will do, this is a great place to go. Free corkage is an added bonus.

Rutherford Grill, 1180 Rutherford Rd. at Hwy. 29, Rutherford; 707-963-1792. Great steaks, ribs and chicken; low corkage fee; outdoor bar and fireplace. Lunch, dinner.

Solbar at Solage Resort, 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, 707-226-0850. Solbar says its guiding principles are to use the best ingredients, the appropriate technique, and the perfect seasoning. That formula works, earning this elegantly casual restaurant a Michelin star for 2014.

Tra Vigne , 1050 Charter Oak Ave., St. Helena, 707-963-4444. This famous restaurant recalls an Italian village set among the vines. Chef ’s creations from antipasti to pastas, entrees and desserts pay homage to traditional Italian cookery.

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The Hess Collection: A Unique Napa Destination

T

he Hess Collection is a unique fusion of wine, art, and agriculture. Hidden away on the southeastern slope of Mount Veeder, yet less than 20 minutes from the downtown Napa riverfront, this stunning old stone winery with sleek modern interior is also a museum of contemporary art. It is home to works by celebrated artists including Francis Bacon, Frank Stella, and Yue Minjun.

The winery and museum reflect the genius and taste of founder Donald M. Hess, a Swiss entrepreneur who produces fine wines on four continents. He is also one of the world’s foremost collectors of contemporary art.

T h e He ss C o l l e c t i o n vineyards ref lect the diversity of Napa Valley growing conditions–from the heat of the Valley floor, moderated by gentle breezes off San Francisco Bay, to the cool of Mount Veeder’s steeply sloped summit.

A team of viticulturists and w in emakers apply

sustainable, environmentallysound practices to produce fruit–and from it wine–that showcases the unique terroir of the individual vineyards.

The Hess Collection is open daily for public visits, tours, and tastings. A number of wine tasting, wine and food pairing, and tour and tasting options are available to help you get the most from The Hess Collection’s winemaking, culinary, and art programs.

An enjoyable regular tasting of four current release wines is available on a walk-in basis, at a price of $20 per person, refunded with purchase. Admission to the art museum is free, and a self-guided audio tour is available. More personalized experiences are available from $40 per person and require advance reservations.

See the sidebar for three of the more popular options.

The Hess Collection is a Napa Valley destination unto itself. You will want to reserve a full morning or afternoon for your visit here.

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THE HESS COLLECTION WINE, FOOD & ART EXPERIENCES Reservations Required For These Special Experiences 707-255-1144 ext. 226 Private Tour & Wine Tasting $40 Per Person Tour of the winery, followed by a current release wine tasting with a private host Tour, Wine & Chocolate Experience $65 Per Person Private tour of the Hess Collection, plus a current release wine tasting paired with artisan truffles handcrafted with TCHO chocolate Tour Of The Palate $85 Per Person Daily at 2:00pm Tour of The Hess Collection plus a tasting of current release wines paired with three creations by Hess Collection Executive Chef, Chad Hendrickson No Reservation Required For The Regular Current Release Tasting THE HESS COLLECTION 4411 Redwood Rd Napa, CA 94558 (707) 255-1144 www.hesscollection.com Open Daily 10-5:30pm DIRECTIONS From Highway 29 in Napa, take the Trancas Street / Redwood Road Exit. Turn left onto Redwood Road and follow approximately 7 miles.

Materra Is A Natural For Your St. Helena Stroll

A

ny visit to Napa Valley is incomplete without a stop in St. Helena to stroll Main Street and browse its many shops and restaurants.

And no visit to St. Helena is complete without a stop at the Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards tasting room.

Located on Main Street just north of Adams, Materra’s inviting wine tasting boutique is the natural place to begin, end, or turnaround your walk through the postcard-perfect center of St. Helena. It’s also an ideal place to relax and taste before or after a meal in one of several critically acclaimed restaurants that are only steps away.

Materra means Mother Earth in Latin. The Cunat family chose the name to symbolize their commitment to nurturing Mother Earth’s gifts of superior soil, climate, and water to produce some of the highest quality grapes and wines from Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll district.

TASTING SUGGESTIONS ’12 Sauvignon Blanc, Oak Knoll District, Estate Grown Scintillating with flavors of warm tropical fruits yielding to subtle orange citrus. Crisp acidity balances the wine. $18

Materra is family operated as well as owned. On most days, your tasting room host will be the oldest Cunat daughter, Neena. The ’12 Viognier, Oak Knoll talents of her younger sister, District, Estate Grown Amie, will be evident in the Perfect balance between bright seasonally changing modern floral notes and juicy fruit art that adorns the tasting flavors, with bright acidity and room. Patriarch Brian and minerality. $28 other members of the Cunat ’07 Merlot, Oak Knoll family are involved in every District, Estate Grown step of the agricultural and A Mediterranean blend winemaking processes that with flavors of cherries and produce Materra’s wines. raspberries framed by chalky Spring 2014 marks the tannins and bright acidity. start of construction for Complex with a long finish. $42 Materra’s new winery and MATERRA | tasting room at the Cunat CUNAT FAMILY VINEYARDS Family Vineyards on Big 1426 Main Street Ranch Road in the Oak Knoll St. Helena, CA 94574 district south of Yountville.

Phone: (707) 244-4600 Ev e n a f t e r c o mp l e t i o n www.materrawines.com in early 2015, Materra’s Open Wed-Sun 11:30 - 5:00 PM And By Appointment production will remain tiny by commercial standards.

DIRECTIONS Most Materra wines will Take St. Helena Hwy (CA-29) to continue to be available only St. Helena. Highway becomes Main St through town. Park at the tasting room. Then, as along or near Main St, then now, the best way to ensure a walk along Main to Adams supply to share with friends St and Materra opposite and family will be to join Archetype restaurant.

Materra’s wine club. www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 25

Artesa Vineyards & Winery A r t e sa Vin e yard s & Winery is among the most dramatic, beautiful and unique wineries in the world. Built into a hilltop on the Napa side o f C a r n e r o s , Ar t e s a’s spectacular architecture, sculpture gardens and fountains enhance a wraparound view that on a clear day includes San Francisco some 50 miles to the south.

Built originally as Codorníu Napa, which produced sparkling wines exclusively, the winery was rechristened Artesa in 1999.

In the Spanish Catalan language of its family owners, who have been

making sparkling wine for 450 years, Artesa means “craftsman.” Today Artesa’s wine craftsmen also produce highly acclaimed still wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cab er n et Sauvignon.

Visitors sample Artesa’s wines at a curved wooden tasting bar with a picturewindow view of a peaceful courtyard. In-the-know w e e ke n d v i si t o r s c a l l ahead to reserve a place at an exclusive wine and cheese pairing of fered ever y Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 in Artesa’s luxurious Raventos Lounge.

Participation is limited to

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10 guests each day.

Another popular attraction at Artesa is the terrace off the tasting room where guests can sit to enjoy the sunshine and superb views with a sampling of their favorite Artesa wines.

Artesa Vineyards & Winery is located to the southwest of the Town of Napa, near the “T” intersection of Carneros Highway with Highway 29 North. Enter the winery by taking a comfortable climb up the tiered double stairway and crossing the broad plaza to the main entrance, pausing to appreciate the views, sculpture and fountains.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS LIMITED TO 8 TO 12 GUESTS RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 707-254-2156

FOOD & WINE PAIRING Limited Release wines with fresh local tastes.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:30 PM, $80 pp

Those not inclined to take the stairs can enter through a door on the parking lot level, take a short

walk through the barrel room, and ride an elevator up to the level of the main entrance and tasting room.

TAPAS & WINE PAIRING Imagine your feet in the white sand, the smell of the Mediterranean sea in your nose and a flamenco guitar playing softly in the background... Come taste the beauty of Spain at Artesa Winery. Join us for our Grand Reserve Sparkling wine paired with chocolate and strawberries upon arrival then tour our beautiful facility before sitting down to an exclusive tapas and wine pairing. Artesa has collaborated with local

artisans and created five tapas highlighting our two Spanish wines; Albarino and Tempranillo along with beautiful varietals from the Carneros region. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a taste of Spain right here in the Napa Valley!

Days/Times: Offered Daily at 1:30 PM Price: $60.00 per person, limited to 10 guests.

Reservations: Reservations required (707) 254-2126 or online at artesawinery.com/ tours

CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE Chocolate and Wine Pairing Daily at 1:30 PM, $50 pp VINO CON QUESO An Intimate Wine & Cheese Pairing Daily at 11:30 AM, $60 pp ARTESA VINEYARDS & WINERY 1345 Henry Road Napa , CA 94559 (888) 679-9463 www.artesawinery.com Open Daily 10-5 (last pour at 4:30) DIRECTIONS Go north on Old Sonoma Road from Carneros Highway (Highway 12). Turn left on Dealy Lane, which becomes Henry Road. Turn left again at Artesa.

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Sterling Vineyards A

new great reason to visit Sterling Vineyards has sprung to the fore, as if this magical Winery perched high atop Calistoga and sporting a glorious 360-degree view of the Napa Valley didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already beckon to Wine Country visitors.

Recently the staff at S t e rli n g di s c o v e re d a veritable treasure trove of art hidden away at the winery. The vast 750-piece collection was gathered by the wineryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner over the last five decades, and left behind after it sold the winery to Diageo. The pieces of the collection, which are rotated around the visitor center, include prints and paintings, lithographic works from Picasso, Chagall and

Renoir; and wine-related artifacts dating from the 16th century. The collection also includes a set of 33 Ansel Adams photographs commissioned from the artist in 1959 to document the story of a winery as well as the processes necessary to produce a bottle of wine.

Sterling is embracing its newest identity as an art destination by featuring the work of current artists throughout the winery too.

Starting in April, the winery will host a Before I Die wall, a global art project that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in public space. The wall will be available free of charge at the entrance to the winery to anyone who wishes to write on or view it.

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Sterling is of course well known as the only winery in North America with an aerial tram that shuttl e s v i sitors from their ground level parking lot to the Mediterraneanstyled visitor center 300 feet above. For just $28, visitors can enjoy the tram ride to the wineryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrace level, an in-depth self-guided tour, five to six wine samples, and the opportunity to relax on the South View Terrace and shop at the Dunstan Terrace gift shop. For just $9 more, visitors can enjoy all this plus a seated tasting experience in the visitor center showcasing reserve and winery-only wines and an opportunity to view the art exhibitions.

Sterling now also offers

Tours and Tasting Options

Visitors reach Sterling via an aerial tram. for all visitors a food and wine program, featuring wines by the glass or bottle along with platters with a selection of artisan meats, local cheese and bread.

Sterling is proudly familyfriendly, offering wine grape

sodas and other treats along with coloring books for kids.

For just $10 (or free for those under 3) kids will love the tram ride, views and some special soon-to-be-released kid-tastic surprises.

The History Of Sterling’s Stunning Architecture Perched 300 feet above the town of Calistoga, Sterling Vineyards offers panoramic views of Napa Valley. An aerial tram carries visitors up the hill to the winery, whose architecture was modeled after that of the Greek island of Mykonos, where Sterling founder Peter Newton once lived. The brilliant white stucco stands out dramatically against the rugged Mayacamas and Vaca

mountain ranges that flank each side of Napa Valley.

Mount Saint Helena makes a lovely distant backdrop.

The winery’s towers house eight bells from London’s Church of St. Dunstans-inthe-East, originally founded in the 10th century. The church was destroyed by fire in 1666, rebuilt, then destroyed again during the bombing of WWII. Each time, new bells were recast from the old metal to give them superior tonal quality.

The General Tour: $28 Includes the Aerial Tram Ride, an in-depth self-guided tour, sampling of 5-6 wines, access to 2 viewing terraces and gift shop.

The Silver Sterling Experience: $37 Includes the aerial tram ride, an in-depth self-guided tour, sampling of 6-7 wines plus a seated tasting experience in the visitor center, access to all viewing terraces and 2 gift shops.

NEW! Wine and Food Program Includes wine by the glass and cheese and charcuterie plates Kids: $10 Kids under 3, Free No Reservations required for parties of fewer than 25.

STERLING VINEYARDS 1111 Dunaweal Lane Calistoga, CA 94515

(800) 726-6136 www.sterlingvineyards.com

Open Monday-Friday: 10:30-4:30 Sat and Sun: 10:00 – 5:00 DIRECTIONS Take Silverado Trail or Highway 29 to Dunaweal Lane, which is 1.5 miles south of Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga, and 6.5 miles north of St. Helena. Sterling is hard to miss on the knoll on the south side of Dunaweal Lane.

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Spotlight On...

Golden Haven offers a full complement

Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and Resort

of sp a treatm ent s d ai ly, includin g

W

choose spa treatments a la carte or take

ith a major facelift to their grounds and a new look in all their rooms, now is the time to plan a stay at Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and Resort in Calistoga. Golden Haven is the perfect home base for a weekend of adventures in the Napa Valley, whether you’re in town for wine tasting, fine dining, or just to enjoy a restorative weekend at the spa.

Golden Haven has recently unveiled a gorgeous new centerpiece of the property, a green complete with regulation-sized, all-weather bocce courts, picnic tables, shaded hammocks, water fountains all on a sculpted lawn surrounded by olive trees.

Spend the morning relaxing in the spa and pool, then spend the afternoon enjoying this playground.

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immersion mud baths, herbal facials and mineral baths, and massage. Guests can advantage of the many packages and specials the resort offers, such as couples packages or combined room and spa deals.

The hot springs pool, as well as all of the water on the property, is fed by the area’s natural hot springs.

Located just a few easy blocks from downtown Calistoga, Golden Haven provides complimentary use of the resort’s bicycles for guests who want to pedal around town. Or, once you arrive at Golden Haven, you may decide with so much to do there’s no reason to leave. Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort is located at 1713 Lake Street in Calistoga. 707-942-8000 or www.goldenhaven.com.

Taste the consistently great wines from

Whitehall Lane

I

f y o u’re l o o k i n g f o r consistently great wines and lots of selections you can’t f ind b a ck h om e, Whitehall Lane on Highway 29 near St. Helena is a must stop.

W h it e h a l l L a n e f i r st opened in 1979, but it’s when the Leonardini family purchased the winery in 1993 that the awards and accolades began rolling in, including three wines in Wine Spectator’s Top 100. Now unquestionably a w o r l d - c l a s s w i n e r y, Whitehall Lane keeps its sights on consistent quality and great value.

Th e t a sti n g ro om i s housed in a modern looking, angular building. The knowledgeable, friendly staff will take you through the wines, many of which come from the winery’s own 125 acres in Napa Valley.

Whitehall Lane makes all of the best varietals from Napa Valley, and for fans of dessert wine, there’s also terrific

Orange Muscat.

Whitehall Lane is one of the first Napa Valley wineries to step boldly into the use of “alternative closures” on their wines since natural cork does not always form the perfect seal. On their white wines the winery is using screw caps, while on a few of the red wines, including the perennial award-winning Reser ve Cabernet Sauvignon, they are using a stylish, easy-toopen glass-on-glass closure that might just revolutionize the way wine bottles are sealed.

Whitehall Lane has added two new wine clubs to ensure members can get their favorites available only at the winery. Members re c e iv e c omp li m e nt a r y tours and tastings, discounted pricing, access to limited production wines, invitations to parties and e vents and access to the estate for private celebrations.

TASTING SUGGESTIONS ’13 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley This crisp and refreshing wine is loaded with aromas and flavors of lemon, kiwi, honeydew melon and grapefruit. It is light to medium bodied with excellent balance and a clean finish. $18 ’11 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon This cab is beautifully balanced with generous fruit, ample structure and wonderful depth. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec grapes. The wine offers ripe cherry, currant, vanilla and sandalwood aromas and flavors. It is long and supple with mid-palate richness and pleasing tannins. $40 ’10 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley This stylish wine is captivating and delicious from the enticing aromas to the long, smooth finish.

It’s a blend of lush fruit with aromas of deep blackberry, currant and toasted oak. $75 WHITEHALL LANE WINERY 1563 St. Helena Highway St. Helena, CA 94574 (800) 963-9454 www.whitehalllane.com Open daily 10-5:45 DIRECTIONS Whitehall Lane Winery is located at 1563 St. Helena Highway in St. Helena, just south of Zinfandel Lane.

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Picture Perfect St. Helena S t. Helena is the wine capital of Napa Valley and a town that epitomizes all that makes this area so special–world-class wineries, great eats and unique shopping. Plan a few days with St. Helena as your home base and delve into all that this vibrant small town has to offer!

Whether you’re overnighting or just making a pit stop in St. Helena, take a stroll up and down Main Street to take in the town’s wonderful ambiance. There are interesting shops lining both sides of the street, including boutiques with

the latest styles in clothing and shoes, jewelry, and home furnishings.

Strat egically lo cat ed just north of Adams Street, Mat erra Win e s i s th e perfect spot to start, end or turnaround your Main Street stroll. The homey elegance of this urban tasting room invites you to linger over sit-down tastings of award-winning wines produced by the Cunat Family Vineyards of Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll D i stri ct. Wal k-ins are welcome here, but it’s a good idea to call ahead for a tasting appointment,

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especially on busy days and in peak season.

If you’re interested in spending a day or two wine tasting and touring, St. Helena has plenty of opulent winery estates to explore. One of the best in-depth tours around i s of fered at Beringer Vi n e ya rd s , t h e o l d e st continuously operating winer y in Napa Valley.

For wine tasting without an appointment, drop in at Whitehall Lane or St. Clement, where you’ll find many incredible examples of Napa Valley ’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons.

Itinerary for a day in St. Helena Where To Taste: Beringer Vineyards, 2000 Main St., 707-963-8989 Open daily 10-5 PM, 10-6 PM (Summer) Materra Wines Tasting Room, 1426 Main Street, 707-244-4600 Open Wednesday-Sunday 11:30-5 PM and by appointment Monday-Tuesday Prager Winery & Port Works, 1281 Lewelling Lane, 707-963-7678 St. Clement Vineyards, 2867 St. Helena Hwy N., 707-265-5000 Open daily 10-5 PM Whitehall Lane Winery, 1563 St. Helena Hwy, 707-963-7035 Open daily 10-5:45 PM Where To Stay: Wine Country Inn, 1152 Lodi Lane, 707-963-7077 Left: Historic Bale Grist Mill located just north of Downtown St. Helena. Right: A taste of old Italy can be found at the California Olive Oil Factory.

Where To Eat: Archetype, 1429 Main St., 707-968-9200

St. Helena has a wide selection of eats for whatever you crave. In the morning, the top stop for coffee is Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company, where they roast fresh beans almost daily. You’ ll find the best pastries in town at Model Bakery, which is also the perfect stop for a quick lunch of fresh salads, sandwiches or the day’s special pizza. If you want a juicy burger or other classic “drive-in” fare, check out Gott’s Roadside ( formerly Taylor’s Refresher). For a relaxed meal in an upscale, setting, try Archetype for

a contemporary take on traditional American dishes (across Main Street from Materra Wines).

It ’s tough to choose between all the terrific di n n e r o p t i o n s i n S t .

H e l e n a . Fo r a m o r e elegant dining experience, m a k e re s e r v a t i o n s a t the Michelin three-star rated Meadowood Napa Valley. For a more casual atmosphere with classic California cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients, tr y Cindy ’s Back street Kitchen; for Italian with a contemporary flair, try the popular and fun Tra Vigne.

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, 1327 Railroad Ave., 707-963-1200 Gott’s Roadside, 933 Main St., 707-963-3486 Meadowood Restaurant, 900 Meadowood Ln., 707-967-1205 Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co., 1400 Oak Avenue, 707-963-4491 Model Bakery, 1357 Main St., 707-963-8192 Tra Vigne, 1050 Chart Oak Ave., 707-963-4444 Directions: From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north to the Mark West Springs Rd exit.

Turn right on Mark West Springs Rd (Porter Creek Rd), then left on Petrified Forest Road. Turn right on Highway 128/ Foothill Blvd for approximately 9 miles to St. Helena.

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Exploring Close-In Carneros W ondering what to do with your free day in San Francisco? Hop in the car and in just 45 minutes you can be at the door of your first winery in the spectacular Carneros wine region.

There’s a distinct feel in Carneros, whose location at the confluence of Napa and Sonoma makes it part of both regions. Yet Carneros has its own unique and inimitable spirit, fed by its world reputation for fine sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Hi g hw ay 1 2 1 i s th e g a t e w ay t o C a r n e r o s ,

and within a few minutes you’ ll hit some worldclass wineries on this scenic stretch of road. On either side of the highway are sister wineries Cline Cellars and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Cline is best known for its highly-rated Rhone varietals, but this 350-acre estate offers so much for visitors – picnic grounds, spring-fed ponds and colorful gardens.

Acro ss th e hig hway, Jacuzzi pays homage to Cline proprietor Fred Cline’s Italian heritage. Jacuzzi features a wide array of interesting Italian varietals

34 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

served in a sprawling 18,000 square-foot villa modeled after the Jacuzzi family home in Italy.

Just up Highway 121 at its junction with Highway 116 (Arno l d D rive) i s Schug Carneros Estate.

Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and lifelong dream of on e of California’s most celebrated winemakers, Walter Schug who built his reputation at Joseph Phelps Winery.

Traveling eastward and deeper into the region along the Carneros Hi g hway (Hi g hway 12,

Itinerary for a day in Carneros Where to Taste: Cline Cellars, 24737 Arnold Drive (Highway 121), Sonoma; www. clinecellars.com, 707-940-4000 Open 10 AM-6 PM daily Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, 24724 Arnold Drive (Highway 121), Sonoma; www.jacuzziwines.com, 707-931-7575 Open 10 AM-5:30 PM daily Schug Carneros Estate, 602 Bonneau Rd., Sonoma; www.schugwinery.com, 707-939-9363 Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM daily Artesa Vineyards and Winery, 1345 Henry Road, Napa; www.artesawinery. com, 707-254-2126 Open 10 AM-5 PM daily Etude Wines, 1250 Cuttings Wharf Road, Napa; www.etudewines.com, 707-257-5300 Open 10:00 AM-4:30 PM daily Left: Domaine Carneros provides a sparkling wine experience. Right: Artesa pairs art and spectacular architecture with award winning wines.

running concurrent with Highway 121) takes you to two more great stops on the Napa side of Carneros.

Just after you pass the iconic Domaine Carneros estate (pictured) on the right, go left on Old Sonoma Road, then left again on Henry Road to A r t e s a Vi n e y a rd s a n d Winery. Artesa is widely recognized as the crown jewel of Carneros. It is a modern architectural wonder with sculptures, fountains, and a worldclass art collection.

Enjoy a classic or reserve tasting of Artesa’s elegant

wines while enjoying this memorable stop.

From Artesa, your last stop is just south of the Carneros Highway at Etude Wines. In French etude means “study.” Etude Wines was founded as a study in the art of making Pinot Noir, considered by winemakers to be among the most challenging of wines to make.

Fo r l u n c h t r y t h e Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar in the town of Sonoma not far from Schug, or Boon Fly Cafe in Napa near Artesa and Etude.

See sidebar for details.

Where to stay: If you decide to stay overnight: Ledson Hotel, 480 First Street East, Sonoma; www.ledsonhotel.com, 707996-9779 The Carneros Inn, 4048 Highway 121, Napa; www.thecarnerosinn.com, 707299-4800 Where to eat: Boon Fly Cafe at The Carneros Inn, 4048 Carneros Hwy (Hwy 121/12), Napa; 707-299-4870 Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, 1325 Broadway (at The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa), Sonoma; 707-931-2042 Directions: From San Francisco, take Hwy 101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge; to Hwy 37 East; to Highway 121 North (Napa/ Sonoma) for 4.5 miles to your first stop, Cline Cellars. From your last stop, Etude Wines, take Carneros Hwy east to Hwy 29 South, to Hwy 37 East, to I-80 South to San Francisco.

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Wine Country Guide | Northern Napa Maps

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Healdsburg Area Our suggestions on where to taste, where to eat, and what to do A

s the Russian River twists and turns her way out to the Pacific, valleys and gentle hillsides fan out on both sides. Her banks are strewn with sandy beaches, redwood forests, and vineyards of every description.

The river has carved three valleys of major winemaking significance: Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River. Through these valleys dozens of wineries rise out of the sea of vines, presenting visitors with a baffling array of places to explore and tastes to savor.

We suggest you explore the three valleys starting from Healdsburg—“winery central” for northern Sonoma County and the hub of the three-valley area. Framed by the Alexander Valley to the northeast, the Dry Creek Valley to the northwest, and Chalk 38 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Hill and Knights’ Valley to the southeast, it’s no wonder the grapes and wine make the town’s wheels go round. The heart of Healdsburg is a shady park, known as the Plaza, surrounded by inns, restaurants, and shops. There are gourmet deli’s, too, if you choose to picnic right there or want to provision a vineyard outing.

Dry Creek Valley Near the Mendocino County border, about 10 miles northwest of Healdsburg, the Warm Springs Dam holds back the waters of Dry Creek, forming serpentine Lake Sonoma.

From the dam, you get a bird’s eye view of the valley that rolls out in front of you.

The dam was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1980s primarily to form

a state recreation area. It also protects the fertile vineyard-covered valley below from flooding. The combination of welldrained soils, morning fog, and temperature variations from the valley floor up the steep hillsides has proved beneficial to certain varieties of red and white wine grapes.

Growers and vintners have taken advantage of these favorable circumstances for more than 100 years. Today, Dry Creek Valley is one of the premium wine producing areas of the county.

Two parallel roadways—Dry Creek and West Dry Creek roads—run north and south along the edges of the valley. Two smaller roads—Lambert Bridge and Yoakim Bridge—run east and west across the valley (and the creek, hence the bridges), connecting the larger north-south thoroughfares. Together, these four roads provide access to several dozen wineries of the Dry Creek Valley appellation.

Russian River Valley To the south, West Dry Creek Road curves subtly into Westside Road, transporting you quietly out of the Dry Creek wine region and into the Russian River Valley. Subtle changes in soil structure and climate, invisible to the traveler’s eye, mean a world of difference to local grapegrowers and winemakers.

Several more wineries are found along Westside Road before it meets Wohler Road intersecting from the left. There you need to decide whether you want to continue into the southern part of Russian River Valley or head back north toward Windsor and Healdsburg. If you choose to go north, you can cross over the Russian River on Wohler, bear left on Eastside Road and follow it as it skirts Windsor and eventually merges into Old Redwood Highway running between Windsor to the south and Healdsburg farther north.

If you decide to continue on into the southern Russian River Valley, at Wohler

Road you can either stay on Westside Road toward Guerneville or make the turn onto Wohler and continue past Eastside Road to River Road. Consult the Sonoma County Central pages for information on the southern Russian River Valley.

Alexander Valley From Healdsburg you have two options for touring the Alexander Valley. You can go north on Highway 101 about eight miles to Geyserville and turn right on state Highway 128. Or you can head north on Healdsburg Avenue, taking a right on Alexander Valley Road just outside of town. Alexander Valley Road merges into Highway 128 at a three-way stop near Jimtown. From this intersection, if you continue east (straight) on Highway 128, you’ll pass several wineries before traveling through Knight’s Valley and then winding through a series of hills to end up in Calistoga, the northernmost reach of the Napa Valley. If you turn left (north) onto Highway 128, to traverse the valley towards Geyserville, you’ll be driving on one of the most picturesque roads in Sonoma County.

Southern Russian River Valley Just west of Santa Rosa is the southern reach of the Russian River Valley. Visitors typically approach it along one of two main routes: by following River Road west from Santa Rosa; or by following Westside or Eastside roads south from the northern part of the valley to Wohler Road, then turning off Wohler onto River Road.

Along the route from the northern Russian River Valley it is also possible to follow Westside Road beyond Wohler to visit a couple of major wineries farther south on Westside. From Eastside Road you can reach this southern stretch of Westside Road by turning right on Wohler, going left across the old bridge spanning the river, and then going left again on Westside. Be especially careful on this southern stretch of Westside; it is narrow and winding www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 39

and, while scenic and serviceable, it is not a particularly good road. If you follow Westside all the way to its end, you will find yourself at River Road about three miles west of Wohler.

The character of the Russian River Valley is a bit different north to south. The northern reach has much more of a Dry Creek Valley feel. Up north the wineries are generally larger, newer, and perhaps a little flashier than in the south, which has a more rustic feel.

On the map, the southern Russian River Valley is a large area with irregular shape that is somewhat wider than it is tall. It is bounded on the north by River Road, which becomes Old River Road near Guerneville; and on the south by state Highway 12, which becomes Sebastopol Road and then the Bodega Highway as it runs east to west. On the west, the Bohemian Highway shapes the area, running from near Guerneville southeast to Freestone. Highway 101 forms the eastern boundary.

State Highway 116 runs diagonally through th e south ern valley, from Guerneville in the northwest to Sebastopol in the southeast. Other important roads are Mirabel Road, which connects River Road and Highway 116; Guerneville Road connecting Highway 101 and Highway 116; and Olivet Road connecting River Road and Guerneville Road. All along this skeleton of roadways and many smaller roads branching from it are a myriad of wineries where you can taste Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and other wines produced in the Russian River Valley appellation.

The major towns you’ll want to consider visiting in the southern Russian River Valley are Sebastopol, Graton, Guerneville, and Occidental. Forestville is also important because it is home to some good wineries and is located at the junction of Mirabel Road and Highway 116.

In Sebastopol, you can enjoy an easy stroll 40 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

along Main Street to take in antique, art, and book shops among other homegrown stores and restaurants that somehow are only found in small towns. You’ll find the Sebastopol natives to be friendly and welcoming if a bit quirky. Nonconformity is the norm among many locals in this unabashedly authentic and American small town.

The hamlet of Graton is essentially a wide spot in Graton Road just west of Highway 116 near its intersection with Guerneville Road and about four miles northwest of Sebastopol. Take a few minutes to walk the downtown area, occupying just a couple of blocks along Graton Road. You’ll find surprising touches of sophistication including good restaurants and interesting shops.

If you’ve stopped in Graton, you might as well continue on along Graton Road about six miles to the southwest to Occidental.

Yet another micro-town, Occidental seems impossibly cute, but is remarkably authentic. Here again you will find good restaurants and many interesting shops to browse. From Occidental, you can head north along the Bohemian Highway to Guerneville or go south to Freestone where you can pick up the Sebastopol Highway (Highway 12) back toward Sebastopol. Or, you can just go back to Highway 116 the way you came.

Guerneville is about 12 miles to the northwest of Graton along Highway 116, and about 15 miles to the north of Occidental along the Bohemian Highway route. During the warmer months, which can be seven or eight months in the Wine Country, it is the focal point of much activity for visitors to the many rustic resorts along the Russian River.

Where To Eat Costeaux French Bakery, 417 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707-433-1913. Just a block and a half walk from the downtown Healdsburg Plaza, Costeaux is renowned for its world-class artisan and sourdough breads, made-to-order bistro cuisine (serving full breakfast and lunch daily), and legendary desserts. The café has indoor seating and a delightful open air patio.

Downtown Bakery & Creamery, 308A Center Street, Healdsburg; 707-431-2719. This bakery with informal café is a great place for morning coffee and pastries, a sandwich or focaccia pizza at lunchtime, or dessert until late afternoon closing.

Flying Goat Coffee, 324 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707-4333599. Locals congregate here in the mornings. Some are on their way to work, others will linger through the morning. A classic Healdsburg coffee-and-pasty venue.

Korbel Market & Delicatessen 13250 River Road Guerneville; 707-824-7000. The award winning deli carries local artisan cheeses, breads, sweets, unique soft drinks and epicurean gifts that can be enjoyed on the beautiful patios or packed to go.

Ravenous Café, 420 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707431-1302. Serves “California Eclectic” cuisine in a 1930s Craftsman style house or on the patio. Excellent long list of wines by the glass. Also good for dinner.

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar, 403 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707-433-9191. The small plates menu is designed for sharing and features items ranging from New England Style “Rolls” to Latin inspired skewers. Also good for dinner.

Barndiva, 231 Center Street, Healdsburg; 707-431-0100.

This upscale-casual, indoor-outdoor restaurant bills itself as a celebration of all things local. A trendy locals favorite.

Bistro Ralph, 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg; 707-433-1380.

An upscale, cool-vibed locals hangout serving CaliforniaFrench cuisine. If you’re wine palate is on overload, go for the martinis.

Dry Creek Kitchen, 317 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg; 707-431-0330. This Charlie Palmer restaurant draws upon regional ingredients to create specialties by Chef de Cuisine Dustin Valette.

Madrona Manor, 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 707433-4231. One mile from downtown Healdsburg, this Michelin one star restaurant is on a Victorian estate at the heart of Sonoma’s wine country.

Spoonbar, 219 Healdsburg Avenue (H2 Hotel), Healdsburg; 707-433-7222. This happening spot is all the rage with

locals. Chef Rudy Mihal applies a modern Mediterranean flavor palate to ingredients grown and produced locally.

What To Do Partake by K-J, 241 Healdsburg Avenue, 707-433-6000.

Kendall-Jackson’s Tasting Lounge and Flight Club in the center of Healdsburg lets you explore wine flights and a selection of seasonal bites driven by K-J’s gardens and Sonoma County culinary artisans.

Relish Culinary Adventures, 14 Matheson Street, Healdsburg; 707-431-9999. Culinary education in the heart of wine country. Relish combines talented chefs, fabulous cuisine, and captivating Sonoma County locations, including the Relish Culinary Center, to create one-of-a-kind wine country cooking classes.

Wine Country Bikes, 61 Front Street, Healdsburg; 707-4730610. Bicycle touring center with 2500 square feet of great rental bikes, maps, local information, showers & changing rooms, cycling clothing and accessories.

Segway of Healdsburg, 707-953-3477, offers guided Sonoma wine country tours for couples, business teams, and to families of all ages. This unique tour company offers up-close adventures in the Dry Creek Valley, Russian River, and Armstrong Redwood areas. Call for availability, schedule, and location.

The Wine Carriage, 707-849-8989. Travel through the vineyards in an elegant horse-drawn carriage to premium tastings at three award-winning wineries. In addition to exploring a wine cave and indulging in a barrel tasting, a sumptuous lunch is served in a breathtaking setting.

Pinzgauer Tour at Bella Vineyards, 9711 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg; 707-473-9171. Walk through impressive wine caves for a barrel sampling, then hop aboard Bella’s Swiss Army vehicle–a Pinzgauer–for a trip to the top of Lily Hill. Enjoy a taste of limited release wines and views of Dry Creek Valley. Reserve as far in advance as possible; Bella requires time to arrange tour logistics.

Picnic at Rodney Strong Vineyards, 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg; 707-431-1533. Purchase provisions in the tasting room, then spread out a blanket on the lush lawn or relax at a picnic table on the tranquil vineyard terrace (weather permitting, which it usually does). www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 41

Enjoy tours, tasting, and shopping at

Rodney Strong Vineyards

W

in e dr inker s kn ow Rodney Strong Vineyards for its wonderful, approachable line of Sonoma County wines. But starting five years ago the winery significantly upped the ante when it started the “Winery within a Winery,” a cutting edge project to create small lots of distinctive ultrapremium wines.

Now Rodney Strong of f e r s o n e of t h e f e w c o m p re h e n s i v e w i n e r y tours in Sonoma County w here you can see the “Winery within a Winery” project in action . Tour participants start out in the estate vineyard with an introduction to vineyard practices. Then it’s into the winery for a firsthand look at the this innovative project. In the cellar you’ll learn about how the winemaking team carefully selects, sorts, and processes the best individual vineyard blocks to make Rodney Strong’s Reserve and Single

TASTING SUGGESTIONS ’07 Symmetry Red Meritage, Alexander Valley Layers of blackberry, cassis, dark plums and sweet spices with a hint of smoky dark chocolate and spice. Silky in texture and long on the finish. $55

Vineyard wines.

After the tour, stop in the tasting room for the Reserve tasting, where the ’07 Reserve Cabernet winery shows off the great Sauvignon, Alexander Valley work done in the “Winery Full bodied and richly textured, within a Winery.” This list with intense aromas and flavors of superbly crafted wines of black currant, sandalwood, includes two single vineyard white pepper and cocoa.

Alexander Valley Cabernet Smooth, lingering finish. $45 Sauvignons that highlight the difference place makes ’09 Russian River Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard even within a single Aged entirely in small French appellation. You’ll also get oak barrels, which adds a to try Reserve Chardonnay, subtle, toasty vanilla character Reserve Pinot Noir, and and a hint of spice. $16 Rodney Strong’s flagship RODNEY STRONG B o r d e a u x- s t y l e b l e n d , 11455 Old Redwood Highway Symmetry.

Healdsburg, CA 95448 R o d n e y S t r o n g ’s (800) 678-4763 hospitality center offers www.rodneystrong.com a large selection of unique Open 10 AM - 5 PM Daily gifts for friends and family Guided winery tours daily at back home. This fun and 11 AM and 3 PM eclectic gift shop features DIRECTIONS local, handmade and high Exit Highway 101 North quality tabletop accessories, at Healdsburg Ave. Take wine accessories, and logo a left from off-ramp onto attire. It’s the perfect place Healdsburg Ave./Old Redwood to do all of your holiday and Highway to the winery 1.6 special occasion shopping. miles on the right.

42 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

TASTING OPTIONS

Partake by K-J Elevates Tasting In The Heart Of Healdsburg

A

t Partake by K-J, the fine art of wine and food pairing is elevated to n e w h ei g ht s w ith a combination of great wine, e x p e r t ly c ra f t e d s m a l l plates, and education, all in a hip, casual and fun setting in downtown Healdsburg.

Mo re t a s t i n g l o u n g e than restaurant, Partake is designed to give customers many options, no matter the time of day. Pop in for wine tasting at the bar, or go for th e mix-andmatch option of choosing your own small plates and wines. Or pick from the chef ’s suggested flights, 3-5 courses expertly matched with wine.

They waste no o pp o r tu n it i e s t o t h r i l l your senses at Partake.

Even the simple warmup of bread and oil here turns into syrah grapeskin bread served with a threesome of unique, handcrafted oils: chardonnay and riesling

grapeseed, and estate olive.

Or you might suddenly find before you a black Riedel wine glass containing a mystery wine sample. Can you guess what it is relying only on your senses of smell and taste?

You may just stop in for a taste, but you’ll have a hard time bypassing the incredible food at Partake.

The small bites are created

by K-J’s masterful chefs, who use the fresh produce from the winery’s culinary garden as well as other local artisan ingredients.

The menu changes frequently depending on what’s in season, although you may be lucky enough to find popular items like Red Wine Fries with K-J Cabernet Ketchup, or Coriander Brined Chicken Wings with Sweet Chili Sauce available regularly.

Wine Tasting 25 different wines available in 2 oz or 5 oz pours, starting at $3 Small Bites Small plates created by the K-J culinary team to highlight the natural affinity between wine and food. Starting at $5 Wine and Food Pairings Three-course cheese flight $25 per person Five-course vegetarian flight $35 per person Five-course Chef ’s tasting $45 per person PARTAKE BY K-J 241 Healdsburg Avenue Healdsburg, California phone: 707-433-6000 www.partakebykj.com Open 11am - 9pm Sun-Thurs; 11am - 10pm Fri-Sat DIRECTIONS Located just a few doors south of Matheson Street and the Healdsburg Plaza.

From 101 north, take central Healdsburg exit approximately .5 miles to Healdsburg Plaza.

PARKING Free, unlimited parking available on Matheson Street between Healdsburg Avenue and Vine Street.

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 43

SPOTLIGHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOTTLE TRIVIA

Split

1/2 bottle 375 ml

Methusalem 6 liters/ 8 bottles

Bottle 750 ml

Magnum 1.5 liters/ 2 bottles

Imperial 6 liters/ 8 bottles

44 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Jeroboam 3 liters/ 4 bottles

Salamanazar 9 liters/ 12 bottles

Double Magnum 3 liters/ 4 bottles

Balthazar 12 liters/ 16 bottles

Rehoboam 4.5 liters/6 bottles

Nebuchadnezzar 15 liters/ 20 bottles

Low Resolution Placeholder Graphics An Easy Day Filled With Charm, Character and Diversity In Russian River Valley

R

ussian River Valley is f a m o u s a ro u n d t h e world as a cool-climate wine growing region. And one of the “coolest” things about it is its large number of small, f a mi ly - ow n e d w i n e r i e s making handcrafted wines in limited quantities. Here are three boutique wineries that exemplify the charm, character, and diversity that make the Russian River Valley a premier destination for touring wine enthusiasts.

Old World Winery is on the western outskirts of Santa Rosa off aptly named River Road. Here winemaker Darek Trowbridge practices the art of non-intervention, letting yeasts that are native to the vineyard develop his wines at their own leisurely pace. The result is wines that reflect the true character of the premium vineyards where the grapes were grown. Tasting here includes a tour in addition to samples of current release wines.

About six minutes’ drive deeper into the Valley on Olivet Road is Hook &

Ladder Winery, where three generations of the De Loach family focus on showcasing the diversity of Russian River Valley wines. The winery’s name honors patriarch Cecil De Loach’s 16 years as a San Francisco firefighter prior to founding a winery down the road that still bears his name under new ownership.

An impressive range of wines at Hook & Ladder includes something for every taste, including Zinfandels and some innovative blends.

Just a half-mile farther out Olivet Road, Frane and Janae Franicevic are proprietors of Sunce Winer y & Vineyard. Sunce, which means “sunshine” in Frane’s n at iv e S e rb o - Cro at i o n , is known for its small lots of rare varietals,vineyard designates, and classic blends. Here, among excellent examples of R u ssi a n Riv e r Va l l e y ’s flagship wines, you’ll find some unusual varieties like a Malvasia Bianca Dry, a Rosato di Barbera, and some Tempranillos and Malbecs.

Itinerary for an Easy Day in Russian River Valley Where To Taste: Old World Winery, 850 River Road, Fulton; 707-490-6696 Open Thursday-Monday 11-4 and by appointment Hook & Ladder Winery, 2134 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa; 707-526-2255 Open daily 11-6 except closed Tuesdays and open 11-3 on Sundays Sunce Winery & Vineyard, 1139 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa; 707-526-9463 Open daily 10:30-5:00 Where To Eat: Sunce Winery & Vineyard has picnic facilities Where To Stay: Vintners Inn, 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa; 707-575-7350 Directions: Russian River Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County, and the three wineries featured in this itinerary are located in the heart of the Valley. Take Highway 101 to Santa Rosa, exit at River Road, and go west to Old World Winery.

Then go west again on River Road to Olivet Road, and turn left to the Hook & Ladder and Sunce wineries.

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 1

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 45

Wine Country Guide | Northern Sonoma Maps Ch

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Fun

Napa Valley

HISTORIC VENUES

Enjoy world-class entertainment at historic Napa Valley Opera House (p. 17)

STERLING VINEYARDS Take Sterling’s famous aerial tram to the top of the hill for a special reserve tasting (p. 28)

RASGALLERIES New location for wonderful art glass, sculptures, fine art and ceramics. (p. 3)

OLD FAITHFUL Visit one of only three Old Faithful geysers in the world (p. 16)

P I C T U R E P E R F E C T S T. HELENA

country since 1986. (p. 13)

See Napa Valley history mixed with modern wine country in the heart of Napa Valley (p. 32)

Discover a unique fusion of wine, art, and agricutlture on Mount Veeder (p. 24)

THE HESS COLLECTION

NAPA VALLEY BIKE TOURS Rent a bicycle for a few hours, a day, or longer (p. 15)

WINE TRAIN Dine on the Wine Train as the Napa Valley glides slowly by (p. 23)

GOLDEN HAVEN HOT SPRINGS Experience a Calistoga mud bath at Golden Haven Hot Springs (p. 30)

LINCOLN AVENUE SPA Get a mud treatment on a special Ayurvedic steam table (p. 12)

WHITEHALL LANE Visit the winery honored three times for wines rated in the top five worldwide (p. 31)

LIMOUSINE TOURS Providing exceptional transportation and memorable tours in the wine

NAPA VALLEY BALLOONS Reserve with Napa Valley Balloons to soar above it all (p. 14)

ARTESA See breathtaking views, architecture, and fountains at Artesa (p. 26)

PREMIUM OUTLETS Shop at over 50 designer and name brand stores at Napa Premium Outlets (p. 16)

MATERRA WINES Taste the incredible wines from the Oak Knoll district ‘s Cunat Family Vineyards (p. 25)

48 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Sonoma LEDSON

Visit Ledson Winery’s incredible

things to do today European style castle (p. 58)

(p. 56)

celebrity chefs (p. 69)

SONOMA VALLEY SOJOURN

CLINE

Where to stay, eat, and taste in the historic Valley of the Moon (p. 60)

View scale models of California’s historic missions before tasting the wines at Cline Cellars (p. 49)

SPA TREATMENTS ABOUND Have a luxurious spa treatment

JACUZZI WINERY

options (p. 81)

PARTAKE BY K-J Tasting lounge and flight club in the center of Healdsburg (p. 43)

SEBASTIANI Taste the difference 100 years’ experience makes at historic Sebastiani

Sample wines and olive oils at Jacuzzi Winery’s ornate Italian villa (p. 34)

SUISUN VALLEY Taste classic varietal wines in the the wine region that is less crowded and close to the Bay Area (p. 63)

at one of Wine Country’s relaxing

PREMIUM OUTLETS Go to Petaluma Premium Outlets and shop at 60 brand name stores (p. 16)

Suisun / Fairfield JELLY BELLY FACTORY Addicted to jelly beans? Then the Jelly Belly Factory tour is a dream come true. (p. 4)

Lake County SIX SIGMA

KENDALL-JACKSON Enjoy the beautiful culinary gardens at Kendall-Jackson’s Wine Center in Fulton (p. 2)

RODNEY STRONG See the fascinating “Winery within a Winery” at Rodney Strong Vineyards (p. 42)

WINE COUNTRY DINING Dining in the Wine Country offers everything from farm-to-table to

Reserve a tasting at Six Sigma, where mathematical principles inspire ºwinemaking (p. 67)

TWIN PINE CASINO & HOTEL Visit Twin Pine Casino & Hotel’s wine tasting room and four- star restaurant located between Calistoga and Clear Lake (p. 7)

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 49

Wine Country Guide | Sonoma North Wineries A. Rafanelli Winery 4685 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1385.

435 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1637, ext. 17.

Hook & Ladder Winery 2134 Olivet Rd., Santa Rosa, 707-526-2255

Limerick Lane Cellars 1023 Limerick Lane Healdsburg; 707-433-9211.

Alderbrook Winery 2306 Magnolia Drive Healdsburg; 707-433-5987.

F. Teldeschi Winery 3555 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6626.

Hop Kiln Winery 6050 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6491.

Longboard Vineyards 5 Fitch St Healdsburg; 707433-3473

Arista Winery 7015 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448

Family Wineries 4791 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-0100.

Lynmar Winery 3909 Frei Road Sebastopol; 707-829-3374.

Amista 3320 Dry Creek Rd. Healdsburg; 707-431-9200.

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery 8761 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6700.

Hudson Street Wineries 428 Hudson Street, Healdsburg; 707-433-2364.

428 Hudson St Healdsburg; 707-433-2364.

Armida Winery 2201 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-2222.

Bella Vineyards 9711 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 866-572-3552.

Chalk Hill Winery 10300 Chalk Hill Road Healdsburg; 707-838-4306.

Christopher Creek Winery 641 Limerick Lane Healdsburg; 707-433-2001.

Clos du Bois 19410 Geyserville Ave Geyserville; 707-857-3100.

Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Argenzio Winery 81301 Cleveland Ave Suite A Santa Rosa; 707-546-2466.

Davis Family Vineyards 52 Front St Healdsburg; 707433-3858.

De La Montanya Estate 999 Forman Lane Healdsburg; 707-484-8090.

DeLoach Vineyards 1791 Olivet Road Santa Rosa; 707-526-9111. deLorimier 2001 Hwy. 128 Geyserville; 707-857-2000.

Dry Creek Vineyard 3770 Lambert Bridge Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1000.

Dutcher Crossing 8533 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-431-2700.

Everett Ridge Vineyards

Field Stone Winery 10075 Hwy. 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-7266.

Foppiano Vineyards 12707 Old Redwood Hwy Healdsburg; 707-433-7272.

Francis Coppola Winery 300 Via Archimedes Road Geyserville; 707-968-1100.

Fritz Winery 24691 Dutcher Creek Road Cloverdale; 707-894-3389.

Gary Farrell Winery 10701 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-473-2900.

Geyser Peak Winery 22281 Chianti Road Geyserville; 707-857-2500.

Hanna Winery (Alex. Valley) 9280 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-431-4310.

In Vino Veritas 118 North St Healdsburg; 707-395-0307.

Iron Horse Vineyards 9786 Ross Station Road Sebastopol; 707-887-1507.

J Vineyards & Winery 11447 Old Redwood Hwy Healdsburg; 707-431-3646.

J. Rochioli Vineyards 6192 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-2305.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery Appointment.

1474 Alexander Valley Road Healdsburg; 707-431-5250.

Marimar Torres estate 11400 Graton Road Sebastopol; 707-823-4365.

Martin Ray Winery 2191 Laguna Road Santa Rosa; 707-823-2404.

Martinelli Winery 3360 River Road Windsor; 707-525-0570.

Matanzas Creek Winery 6097 Bennett Valley Road Santa Rosa; 707-528-6464.

Mazzocco Vineyards 1400 Lytton Springs Road Healdsburg; 707-433-9035.

Joseph Swan Vineyards 2916 Laguna Road Forestville; 707-573-3747.

Matrix 3291 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-1911

Kendall-Jackson Wine Center

Meeker Vineyard 21035 Geyserville Ave Geyserville; 707-431-2148.

5007 Fulton Road Santa Rosa; 707-571-8100.

Hartford Family Winery 8075 Martinelli Road Forestville; 707-887-1756.

Partake By K-J

Harvest Moon Winery 2192 Olivet Road Santa Rosa; 707-573-8711.

Korbel Champagne Cellars 13250 River Road Guerneville; 707-824-7316.

Hauck Cellars 223 Center Street Healdsburg; 707-473-9065

La Crema 235 Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-431-9400.

Hawkes Winery 6734 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-HAWK.

Lambert Bridge Winery 4085 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-431-9600.

Holdredge Wines 51 Front St Healdsburg; 707431-1424.

Lancaster Estate 15001 Chalk Hill Road Healdsburg; 707-433-8178.

50 | Wine Country Guide | SONOMA NORTH DIRECTORY

Mauritson Family Winery 2859 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-431-0804.

241 Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-433-6000.

Michel-Schlumberger 4155 Wine Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-7427.

Mill Creek 1401 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-431-2121. deLorimier Winery 2001 Hwy. 128 Geyserville; 707-857-2000.

Medlock-Ames 3487 Alexander Vly. Rd., Healdsburg; 707-431-8845.

Moshin Vineyards 10295 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-5499.

Murphy-Goode Winery

20 Matheson St. Healdsburg; 707-431-7644.

Paul Hobbs Winery 3355 Gravenstein Hwy N. Sebastopol; 707-824-9879.

Papapietro Perry 4791 Dry Creek Rd Healdsburg; 707-433-0422.

Passalacqua Winery 3805 Lambert B ridge Road Healdsburg; 707-433-5550.

Paradise Ridge Winery 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr. Santa Rosa; 707-528-9463.

Pedroncelli Winery 1220 Canyon Road Geyserville; 707-857-3531.

Porter Creek Vineyards 8735 Westside Road Healdsburg; 707-433-6321.

Preston Vineyards 9282 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-3372.

Raymond Burr Vineyards 8339 West Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-8559.

Ridge at Lytton Springs 650 Lytton Springs Road Healdsburg; 707-433-7721.

Robert Young Estate Winery 4960 Red Winery Road Geyserville; 707-431-4811.

Rodney Strong

*$8

Siduri Wines 980 Airway Court, Suite C Santa Rosa; 707-578-3882.

Silver Oak Cellars 24625 Chianti Road Geyserville; 707-857-3562.

Simi Winery 16275 Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-473-3231.

SP

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One of Santa Rosa’s Finest

9

Stonestreet Winery 7111 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 800-355-8008.

Stryker Sonoma 5110 Hwy 128 Geyserville; 707-433-1944.

Sunce Winery 1839 Olivet road Santa Rosa; 707-526-9463.

Taft Street Winery 2030 Barlow Lane Sebastopol; 707-823-2049.

Thumbprint Cellars 102 Matheson St., Healdsburg; 707-433-2393.

Toad Hollow Vineyards 409-A Healdsburg Ave Healdsburg; 707-431-8667.

Topel Winery 125 Matheson St. Healdsburg; 707-433-4116.

Trentadue Winery 19170 Geyserville Ave Geyserville; 707-433-3104.

• Oversized pool & jacuzzi in our secluded, landscaped area • Carrows Restaurant • Complete Breakfast - FREE • Minutes from wineries, golf, Sonoma County Airport • Exercise Room & Guest Laundry • Free WIFI • Expanded to 135 rooms

3421 Cleveland Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 • (707) 544-8570 *Rates valid with this ad for walk-ins only Expires 2/28/15

SPOTLIGHT’S WINE TRIVIA

1 grapevine grows 18 pounds of grapes 1 grapevine makes 6 bottles of wine

11455 Old Redood Hwy Healdsburg; 707-431-1533.

Twomey Cellars 3000 Westside Road Healdsburg; 800-505-4850.

Russian Hill Winery 4525 Slusser Road Windsor; 707-575-9428.

Unti Vineyards 4202 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-5590.

Russian River Vineyards 5700 Gravenstein Hwy North Forestville; 707-887-3344.

Vintners Signatures 4001 Hwy 128, Geyserville; 707-857-3300.

1 acre makes 225 cases of wine

Sausal Winery 7370 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-2285.

White Oak Vineyards 7505 Hwy 128 Healdsburg; 707-433-8429.

Seghesio Family Vineyards 14730 Grove St Healdsburg; 707-433-3579.

1 bottle pours 5 glasses of wine

Williamson Winery 134 Matheson St. Healdsburg; 707-433-1500.

Selby Winery 215 Center St Healdsburg; 707-431-1288.

Wilson Winery 1960 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg; 707-433-4355.

1 acre grows 450 vines 1 acre grows 4 tons of grapes

1 case includes 12 bottles

SONOMA NORTH DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 51

Sonoma Valley Our suggestions on where to taste, where to eat, and what to do S

onoma Valley, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco and about a halfhour’s drive from either the Sonoma County Airport to the northwest or the town of Napa to the east. Some 17 miles in length, the valley is bounded by the outskirts of Santa Rosa on the north, San Pablo Bay on the south, the Mayacamas Mountains to the west, and the Sonoma Mountains to the east.

Home to about 75 wineries, Sonoma Valley is a complete wine tourism destination unto itself. Its three principal towns—Kenwood, Glen Ellen and the town of Sonoma—feature excellent B&B and full-service hotel (including spa) accommodations as well as many restaurants highly regarded for casual and fine dining. Sonoma Valley is the birthplace of the California wine industry 52 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

with vineyards dating to the early 1800s.

The region’s winemaking reputation is built on robust red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Meritage blends, among others. But Sonoma Valley vintners produce over 25 varieties of wine in all, so no matter what your palate’s preference you are likely to find wines that please here.

Travel-Wise Tip: Sonoma Valley and the Healdsburg area (including Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys) are the main wine regions of Sonoma County.

From the town of Sonoma to Healdsburg is about 40 miles and, in usual driving conditions, driving time is about an hour.

While it is certainly possible to tour the Healdsburg area through day trips from a base in Sonoma Valley, it is not advisable. It is far better to devote two or three days to each area and to reserve accommodations close to where you’ll be touring. Visiting

the Wine Country is all about relaxing and enjoying the wine and lifestyle amenities of the different regions you visit. That becomes difficult if a significant portion of your day is spent driving.

Top Picks For Wine Tasting

Adler Fels Winery

To Santa Rosa

Ledson St. Francis

Matanzas Creek Winery

Sugarloaf State Park

Landmark Winery Kaz Winery Adobe Canyon Rd. Chateau St. Jean

Blackstone Mayo Reserve Room

The Wine Room Kenwood

Loxton Oakville Grade 12 Kunde Wellington Benziger (steep) Family Audelssa Mayo Family Winery Winery Winery Imagery Estate Winery Jack London Glen Arrowood Winery Ellen State B.R.Cohn Winery Historical Valley of the Moon Winery Park Madrone Glen Ellen Olive Oil Agua Press Caliente

to Napa Valley

SONOMA VALLEY

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12

Napa Rd.

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1st St. West

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Ledson Hotel Winery 12 Napa St. & Harmony Club Sonoma Gundlach-Bundschu Wine Hardware Winery

12

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116

Petaluma

121

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Burndale Rd.

Bennett Vly. Rd.

There are many more wineries in Sonoma Valley than most people have time to visit.

Researching the wineries you could visit to choose the ones you will visit can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.

Here are our recommendations for wineries that deserve a spot on your itinerary. To be

Nicholson Ranch Winery

Napa

Larson Homewood E. Bonness Rd. Family Winery Winery Anaba Wines Schug Winery Bonneau Rd. Schellville Aerobatic Plane Rides Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Valley Visitors Center Jacuzzi Winery

Cline Cellars

Infineon Raceway 101

Novato 37

121

Viansa Winery

Vallejo

37

To San Francisco

To Stone Tree Golf Course

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 53

SONOMA PLAZA

54 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Sonoma Spa

The Plaza

First St. East

Second St. West

Glen Elen, Kenwood 12

West Napa St.

Sonoma Valley Bike Tours

La Casa Restaurant

Ledson Hotel & Harmony Club

Sebastiani Vineyards

East Napa St.

Sonoma Wine Hardware

Broadway (Hwy 12)

Chateau St. Jean, 8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707-833-4134. Stunning. The gardens of this winery’s dreamlike setting offer visitors the feeling of having traveled to the Mediterranean. World-class wines and a well stocked charcuterie make this the perfect picnic spot.

Cline Cellars, 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; 707-940-4000. You know this brand, and you’d never imagine it comes from this laid-back winery. The tasting room is in an 1850s farmhouse. There are aviaries and a museum of California missions. Some wines may be familiar, but others may surprise you.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; 866-522-8693. Yes, this is the same Jacuzzi, the family whose name is synonymous with luxury whirlpool spas.

And what a job they’ve done with their winery--a spectacular Italian villa--and their wines, which celebrate the family’s heritage. You’ll be sorry if you miss this one!

Kenwood Vineyards, 9592 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707-833-5891. This facility and staff behind this familiar wine label are unexpectedly rustic and friendly. There’s nothing corporate about this 22-acre estate with its tasting room in the barn—just an authentic Wine Country experience.

Ledson Winery & Vineyards, 7335 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood; 707-537-3810. You have to see this 16,000 square foot FrenchNormandy “castle” to believe it. Tour the winery, stroll the grounds, and taste some of the best wines in Sonoma Valley.

Schug Carneros Estate, 602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma; 707-939-9363. The drive up from Bonneau Road will take you through vineyards and rose borders to where the winery building is tucked into a hillside

East Spain

West Spain

Fourth St. East

Top Picks For Wine Tasting

Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma

Sonoma Cheese Factory

Sonoma Hotel

First St. West

sure, there are plenty of other good wineries in Sonoma Valley, but you cannot go wrong choosing from this list:

12

containing underground barrel caves.

Behind the German style post-and-beam building, there is a vista point with a 360º view of the surrounding area and the opportunity to see as far as Mount Diablo on a clear day.

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, 389 Fourth Street East, Sonoma; 800-888-5532.

This legendary winery has been making fine wines at the current location for well over 100 years. Get a first-hand sense of history while tasting outstanding wines, many available only at the winery.

Valley of the Moon, 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen; 707-939-4500. This landmark winery marries a rich history dating to 1860 with state-of-the-art wine production and Italian artisan packaging. The etched bottles are gift-worthy, but you’ ll be tempted to keep the wine for yourself.

WALT Wines, Owned by vintners Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hall, WALT Wines is dedicated to the production of premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Pacific Coast’s most distinctive vineyard sites. WALT prides itself on precision, noninterventionist winemaking—allowing the wines to naturally and honestly express the character of the site where the wines are grown.

Visiting Ledson Winery & Vineyards L edson Winery & Vineyards is one of the oldest winemaking families in Sonoma Valley starting 150 years ago. Stop by Ledson Winery & Vineyards to enjoy a memorable tasting of limited production wines available exclusively at the winery, the Ledson Hotel or in the online store. Many wines have received notable awards and numerous scores in the mid-90s. Share a bottle of wine by the fireplace in the parlor along with lunch from the winery’s gourmet market, or imagine a picnic outside beneath the centuryold oak trees, with a glass of your favorite Ledson wine.

For a really unique experience, book an intimate tasting with Steve Ledson, owner and winemaker, or with one of his assistants. You’ll have a

great time learning about the winery and tasting through the impressive lineup of Ledson wines. Imagine relaxing with friends for the better part of an afternoon in this elegant setting, sipping impeccable wines and sampling cheeses from the Gourmet Marketplace paired specially to go with your tasting.

The Ledson Castle, initially planned as the family ’s residence, instead opened as the winery and tasting room in 1999. The 16,000 square foot French Normandy-style Castle quickly became an international architectural showpiece with its sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces and beautiful hand-cut ornate woodwork. Visitors may wander this incredible building freely during the winery’s open

hours. Ledson continues to offer all of its wines direct to consumers only, and as a result boasts a large and loyal wine club.

LEDSON WINERY AND VINEYARDS 7335 Sonoma Highway (Highway 12) Kenwood, CA 95409 (707) 537-3810 www.ledsonwinery.com Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM DIRECTIONS From San Francisco, travel north on Highway 101 to Highway 12 East exit in Santa Rosa. Follow Highway 12 approximately 6.4 miles to Ledson, on the left. From Napa or Sonoma, follow Highway 12 West approximately 12.5 miles to Ledson, on the right.

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 55

Where To Dine

PETALUMA 101

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Riv er Dempsey's

Petaluma Visitor's Center

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Basque Boulangerie CafĂŠ, 460 First Street East, Sonoma; 707-935-7687. A great place to find locals early in the morning talking to neighbors, reading the paper and grabbing a cup of coffee with a pastry.

Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar, 1325 Broadway (in The Lodge at Sonoma), Sonoma; 707-931-2042. For heartier fare, this venue prides itself on a creative menu with ingredients from Sonoma County farms, ranches and dairies.

C a f ĂŠ C i t t i , 9 0 4 9 S o n o m a Hw y, Kenwood; 707-833-2690. This wonderful, casual neighborhood restaurant offers consistently good Italian food including a good variety of pastas.

The Girl & The Fig, 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma; 707-938-3634. Seasonal, Provencal-inspired cuisine features garden vegetables, herbs, and an abundance of

Award-winning Sonoma County Wines ~ Free Historical Tours ~ Picnic Grounds Located four blocks from the Sonoma Plaza ~ Open Daily 11am-5pm.

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery~389 Fourth Street East, Sonoma CA 95476 www.sebastiani.com ~ 707-933-3200 ~ Established in 1904 56 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

creativity.

Café La Haye, 140 East Napa St, Sonoma; 707-935-5994. Restaurant critic Michael Bauer calls this small and intimate eatery “one of those rare restaurants in which you know the moment you walk in the door, you’re going to have a good time ... Simple food prepared to perfection ... excellent service”.

Harvest Moon Café, 487 First St West (West Napa Street), Sonoma; 707-933-8160.

This is another smallish venue, so avail yourself of the outdoor seating when the weather and your mood are conducive.

Regarded by many locals as one of the best restaurants in Sonoma. CaliforniaMediterranean cuisine.

Other Things To Do Attractions and Tours California Wine Tours, 707-253-1300; californiawinetours.com. Offers a choice of personalized or prearranged wine tours throughout the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Prearranged itineraries begin at $69/person; ferry-to-limo excursions from San Francisco begin at $72/person.

Sonoma Valley Bike Tours, 520 B r o a d w ay, S o n o m a ; 7 0 7 - 9 9 6 - 2 4 5 3 .

Complete cycling vacations, guided tours, self-guided tours, bicycle rentals.

Spas Massage Envy Spa, 452 First St. E. S onoma , S onoma ; 707-938-7404.

Therapeutic massage and skin nourishing facial treatments. Visit massageenvy.com for four other Wine Country locations.

Kenwood Inn and Spa, 10400 Sonoma Hi g hw ay, Ke nw o o d ; 8 0 0 - 3 5 3 - 6 9 6 6 .

Employing the power of the grape using topical treatments based on oils extracted from grape seeds.

Spotlight on...

Bicycle Touring

Why We Love It Imagine pedaling through the Wine Country on a bicycling adventure that includes wine tasting, gourmet food, and expertly trained support staff. This is exactly the experience that makes the Napa Valley and Sonoma world-famous bicycle touring destinations. A fullservice bicycle touring company can arrange your entire trip so all you need to do is pedal. A guide will lead you on an itinerary carefully planned to introduce you to the best wines and sights.

A van will pick up your wine purchases and give you a hand if you need roadside assistance. Or, if you prefer to be your own guide, bicycle and equipment rentals are generally available by the day and half-day.

Who To Contact Napa Valley Bike Tours, 6795 Washington Street, Bldg. B, Yountville; 707-5317708; www.napavalleybiketours.com.

Sonoma Valley Bike Tours, 520 Broadway, Sonoma; 707-531-7708; www.sonomavalleybiketours.com.

Photo credit: Napa Valley Bike Tours www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 57

S PO S PT LO IT GL HI GT H OT N O. .N. . . .

Ledson Extraordinary Hospitality ◆ Exquisite Atmosphere ◆ Impeccable Wines

I

beneath the century-old oak trees, with a glass of Country experience, Ledson Winery delivers. your favorite Ledson wine.

Impeccable wines, unique tasting experiences A great way to enjoy Ledson’s fine wines is join and incredible personalized service. All this one of their four wine clubs. Members receive in a 16,000 square foot French Normandy two bottles or a case of wine with each shipment winery referred to as “The Castle.” Steve Ledson and you choose the wines you prefer. Club originally built The Castle as his private home, members are treated to grand private parties but when it began to draw much attention throughout the year and receive preferred from the public, he decided to transform it into pricing. one of the most unique and dynamic wineries Have you ever dreamt of walking through your anywhere in the country, with exquisite detail own vineyard, or imagined your name on an and elegant ambience. exquisite bottle of wine? Well, here’s your chance!

You’ll be dazzled by the impressive, show- You can reserve your own vineyard row in the stopping wines. They are handcrafted in small vineyard surrounding the Ledson Castle which production lots, as small as will make up the Bordeaux 35 cases, and many of them blend “Three Brothers.” Each “This castle is a must are scoring in the midrow will be specifically marked 90s. The high acclaim for see.” Bella English, The with a personalized plaque the wines isn’t surprising, Boston Globe and vineyard row owners considering the fact that will receive an allocation of Steve Ledson adopted his passion for growing exceptional “Three Brothers” wine displaying grapes from his father, grandfather and greattheir name on the label. grandfather.

Is there a wedding in your future? The Castle The wine tasting is quite an adventure! The offers a magnificent and romantic setting where Castle houses four small tasting bars on the you can begin a fairytale marriage. With a grand main floor, and you can reserve a private tasting staircase, circular driveway and lovely water suite upstairs in advance with Steve Ledson, owner and winemaker, or with one of his fountains, you’ll feel like royalty as you exchange assistants. Either way, you will be guided through your vows. a personalized tasting featuring your favorite You may also want to consider staying at the varietals. If you are looking for the most unique luxurious Ledson Hotel on the historic Sonoma wine tasting experience, request a mountain Plaza, named by Conde Nast Traveler as “One of top tasting at the Mountain Terraces Vineyard the 100 hottest new hotels around the globe.” The overlooking Sonoma Valley, Carneros wine hotel features six individually decorated guest region, and the entire San Francisco Bay Area. rooms furnished in antique grandeur blended This vineyard is part of the new Moon Mountain with the finest modern comforts. Centre du Vin, District, a very small, unique appellation the hotel’s French inspired restaurant on the producing world-class Cabernets and Bordeaux first floor, serves a seasonal menu using fresh, local products daily. It is also home to Zina Hyde blends.

The Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, Cunningham’s tasting room featuring limited fountains and vineyards. The Gourmet production wines available only at the tasting Marketplace serves up a delightful array of room or online at zinawinery.com. Numerous salads, sandwiches, and cheeses, as well as a wines are scoring 90 points or more. The variety of custom olive oils, mustards and restaurant opens at 11:30am and wine tasting is chocolate sauces. Imagine a picnic outside available from 10am – 9pm.

f you’re looking for a truly unforgettable Wine

58 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

“This castle is a must see.”

Bella English, The Boston Globe

150

Upgraded Tasting

Years of Tradition

when you mention this ad

“One of the top 2 hotels in California.” - Conde Nast Traveler Hot List

Winery & Vineyards

Open 10am - 5pm 7335 Sonoma Hwy | Kenwood | CA 95409 707.537.3810 | ledsonwinery.com

Hotel & Centre du Vin

Wine Tasting 10am - 9pm | Restaurant opens 11:30am 480 1st Street East | Sonoma | CA 95476 707.996.9779 | ledsonhotel.com | CentreDuVin.com www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 59

Ledson Winery & Vineyards

Sonoma Valley Sojourn F lanked by the M a y a c a m a s Mountains on the e a st a n d t h e S o n o m a Mountains on west, S o n o m a Va l l e y, a l s o k n o w n a s t h e Va l l e y of th e Moon , car ves a majestic swath through the southern part of Sonoma County. Whether you can only spend a day or have a full weekend, Sonoma Valley makes for the perfect Wine Country getaway.

Visitors to Sonoma Va l l e y, w h i c h m a n y consider the birthplace of the wine industr y

in California, have the luxur y of dozens of options for wine tasting. Start out at Ledson Winery, a worldrenowned architectural marvel at the north end of the valley. This incredible 16,000 square foot French Normandysty l e c a st l e h a s i t a l l –wonderful wine, a gourmet marketplace and gift boutique.

After the castle head south to Chateau St. Jean, another architectural wonder just a few minutes down Highway 12. The

60 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

winer y of fers beautiful grounds with gorgeous Mediterranean gardens, and a first-rate tasting experience in the Reserve Room with some of Sonoma Valley’s finest wines.

Ke e p h e a d i n g s o u t h f o r a v i s i t t o Va l l e y o f t h e Mo o n W i n e r y, where you’ ll find a long li st of d elicious, wel lpriced wines and a wide selection of Wine Country gifts. Also a great destination for a picnic, Valley of th e Moon of fers a large covered picnic spot for

Itinerary for Sonoma Valley Where To Taste: Ledson Winery 7335 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood 707-537-3810 Open daily 10am - 5pm Chateau St. Jean 8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood 707-833-4134 Open daily 10am - 5pm

Chateau St. Jean

Valley of the Moon Winery 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen 707-939-4500 Open daily 10am - 4:30pm B.R. Cohn Winery 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen 707-938-4064 Open daily 10am - 5pm Where To Eat:

Valley Of The Moon Winery

hot days as well as a few more private tables, set by a rolling creek.

Wind your tasting day down at B.R . Cohn Winery, which is perched atop the 90-acre Olive Hill Estate Vineyard. B.R. Cohn is highly-regarded for their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon as well as award-winning estate grown olive oil.

When you’ve worked up a midday appetite from tasting win e, shopping and sightseeing, Cafe Citti in th e h ear t of Kenwood offers up great salads, pizza and pasta for lunch, or pick up a few sandwiches or picnic provisions at Glen Ellen Market in Glen Ellen.

A trip to Sonoma Valley w o u l d n’ t b e c o m p l e t e w it h o ut a v i sit t o t h e historic Sonoma Plaza .

Th e hub of a ctiv ity in the town of Sonoma, the plaza is a great place to stro l l , sh op, and t a st e wine at the many tasting rooms that ring the plaza.

In the evening, you’ ll find some great dining options near the Sonoma Plaza. Check out the quaint and charming Cafe La Haye for high quality and satisfying seasonal fare. For a more festive atmosphere and alfresco dining, try the girl & the fig, which features more r u st i c Fre n c h - i n sp i re d fare.

Cafe Citti 9049 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood 707-833-2690 Open for lunch and dinner daily Glen Ellen Market 13751 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen 707-996-6728 Open daily 6am - 9pm Café La Haye 140 East Napa St, Sonoma 707-935-5994 Open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday the girl & the fig 110 West Spain Street, Sonoma Open for lunch and dinner daily; Sunday brunch Where To Stay: Ledson Hotel 480 First Street East, Sonoma 707-996-9779 Directions: From San Francisco, take Highway 101 north to Highway 37 east. Turn north on Highway 121 and follow signs for Highway 12. From the east and Napa, take Highway 12 west/121 north and follow signs for Highway 12 to Sonoma.

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 61

Williams-Sonoma Returns to Sonoma In celebration of Chuck Williamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 99th birthday, Williams-Sonoma hosted an open house to celebrate the opening of their new and original store of this famed merchant.

It all started in 1956 when Chuck purchased a small Sonoma hardware shop and converted it into a store for passionate home cooks.

Half a century later, that cookware shop has evolved into a global brand that changed the way people cook.

Now this original location has been re-purchased and re-opened as a design center, cooking school and historic store.

The landmark store captures the character of the locationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earlier

era, exhibiting many of the iconic kitchenwares originally sold by Chuck. The store also celebrates Chuckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spirit of discovery by offering his latest innovations and most popular products.

An open-air edible garden behind the store features a communal table as well as herbs and seasonal produce used by the onsite culinary team for demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes.

The newly renovated location showcases many original design details, including floor tiles and signature shelving, that later served as inspiration for the look of early Williams-Sonoma stores.

Williams-Sonoma, 605 Broadway, Sonoma, CA (707) 939-8974 62 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Itinerary for Suisun Valley Where To Taste: Vezér Family Vineyard 2522 Mankas Corner Road, Suisun Valley 707-429-3935 Open 11am – 5pm (Mon - Thurs); 10am - 6pm (Fri - Sun) Winterhawk Winery 4537 Abernathy Road, Suisun Valley 707-428-6977 Open Sat - Sun

Discovering Suisun Valley

I

nterested in a nearby Wine Country trip that offers great scenery and w i n e s w h i l e b y p a s si n g t h e c ro w d s ? W hy n o t explore the Suisun Valley, w h ere y ou’ l l f ind more than two dozen wineries just a short drive from S a n Fra n c i s c o a n d t h e East Bay, along with some beautiful countryside to traverse by car or bicycle.

A recognized app el lation since 1982, Suisun Valley lies just to the east of the Napa Valley and enjoys its own unique microclimates. Cooled by the Suisun and San Pablo Bays, the southern part of Suisun Valley can produce delicate cool-climate wines, while the northern reaches of the valley heat u p t o p r o d u c e q u a l i ty Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit e Sirah . Th ere are now 20 grap e vari et al s grown in Suisun Valley, from Riesling and Muscat Canelli to Zinfandel and

even Pinot Noir.

S u i su n Va l l e y c u t s a sw a t h j u st e i g h t m i l e s long and three miles wide, but there are more than two dozen wineries in the area. Many of them have tasting rooms t h a t a r e o p e n d a i l y, in cludin g Vez ér Fami ly Vineyard , best known for their Petite Sirah and Zinfandel , where you can bring along a picnic to enjoy near the estate vineyards. Virtually around the corner from Vezér is Wooden Valley Winery, producers of Gold Medal Merlot and Petite Sirah, as well as a blush White Gamay and off-dry Riesling.

Fa r t h e r s o u t h a l o n g S u i s u n Va l l e y R o a d i s S u i s u n Va l l e y W i n e Cooperative, where visitors can sample the wines from five distinct family-owned wineries.

Ledgewood Creek Winery 4589 Abernathy Rd, Suisun Valley 707-426-4424 Open daily 10am - 5pm Wooden Valley Winery 4756 Suisun Valley Rd, Suisun Valley 707-864-0730 Open daily 11am - 5pm Suisun Valley Wine Cooperative 4495 Suisun Valley Rd, Suisun Valley 707-864-3135 Open 12noon - 5pm (Thurs - Sun) Rock Creek Vineyard 4610 Green Valley Road, Green Valley 707-864-2471 Open By Appointment Other Fun Stops: Cal Yee Farms 5158 Clayton Rd. Suisun Valley 707-425-5327 Budweiser 3101 Busch Drive, Fairfield 707-429-7595 Tours 10am - 4pm Tues - Sat (Sept - May) Il Fiorello Olive Oil 2625 Mankas Corner Road, Fairfield 707-864-1529 Jelly Belly Visitor Center One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield 800-953-5592 9am - 4:00pm Erickson Ranch 2482 Cordelia Road, Suisun Valley 707-864-0557 Open 9am-6pm Tues - Sun (late June end of November)

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 63

Lake County

J

ust a half hour north of the Napa section to plan your itinerary and stops.

Valley and Mendocino County wineries Highway 175, five miles north of Kelseyville are the wine regions of Lake County. The will take you to Highway 101 if your evening relaxed, rural atmosphere and clean air destination is in Mendocino or Sonoma contribute to the refreshing character of counties. these unspoiled regions. Well-known as a The communities of Lake County vacation and weekend getaway destination, are alive with special events such as the Lake County is re-establishing its reputation Heron Festival at Clear Lake State Park for producing fine wines.

(April); Wild West Day in Upper Lake and With an important exception, Lake Middletown Days in Middletown ( June); County’s wine regions are around Clear the Lake County Wine Adventure (July); the Lake, the large body of water that is the Kelseyville Pear Festival (September); Steele main focus of tourism within the county. Wines Harvest Festival (October); Memorial The exception is Guenoc Valley, situated Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day activities; along Butts Canyon Road just north of the as well as concerts and entertainment Napa County line. The Clear Lake district year-round at Robinson Rancheria Resort literally surrounds the lake; carved within & Casino. Call the Lake County Visitor it are two sub-regions. The Red Hills district Information Center for information is just to the southwest of the lake along on these and other events. The center is Highway 29 as it runs northwest toward located at 6110 East Hwy 20 in Lucerne. The Kelseyville. The High Valley district lies number is 800-525-3743 or 707-274-5652. along the eastern shore of the lake, just to the north of Highway 20 between the junction with state Highway 53 and the town Willits of Lucerne.

Redwood Valley Cellars Clear Lake, with its Lake Upper Lake 100 miles of shoreline, Mendocino Discovery Inn Tulip Hill is California’s largest Lucerne Ukiah 29 natural freshwater lake.

101 Lakeport To Colusa The parks, beaches and Lake County Visitor Clear Lake Information Center resorts around the lake are 53 Steele Days 20 Wines.

175 Inn Clearlake popular spots for rest and Rosa D’Oro Lower Lake Kelseyville Hopland 29 relaxation, family picnics, fishing, skiing, boating and Six Sigma 29 175 swimming.

Cloverdale A one-day taste of Lake Crazy Creek Air Adventures County is best achieved by Lake Calpine Geothermal Middletown Sonoma Visitor Center simply driving around the Geyserville 128 Twin Pine lake, a distance of some 60 Casino miles on highways 29, 20, 101 128 29 Healdsburg and 53. Consult the map Calistoga and directories in this

CLEAR LAKE

64 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

COASTAL MENDOCINO

Mendocino County

101 128

Navarro

Parducci Winery

Philo 1

|

Willits

Noyo 20

Mendocino Ukiah

Little River Albion 128

Navarro An 101 d Va erso lle n y

Elk

Philo Pt. Arena Lighthouse

128

1

Gualala

Hopland and Ukiah. Located only 35 miles north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, and less than 15 miles from Booneville in Anderson Valley, Hopland is a pleasant overnight or mid-day destination for traveling wine enthusiasts. Much larger Ukiah is the seat of Mendocino County government and a business center for agricultural activity in the region.

Ukiah

Boonville 253

Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery

Lake Mendocino

101

Skunk Train

| | ||| || | | | | | | | ||

Redwood Valley

Cleone Fort Bragg

|

LOWER MENDOCINO

1

||| | || |

endocino County has ten officially recognized wine regions. The vast majority of wineries with tasting rooms is located in one large region known as the Mendocino AVA (American Viticultural Area). The Mendocino AVA encompasses several smaller AVAs with well established and growing reputations in their own right.

These include Anderson Valley, Yorkville Highlands, and Redwood Valley.

Anderson Valley and Yorkville Highlands lie along Highway 128, which connects Highway 101 with Highway 1 (the coastal highway). The major towns along Highway 128 as it runs through these wine regions are Yorkville, Boonville, Philo, and Navarro.

Redwood Valley and the rest of the Mendocino AVA lie along Highway 101 north of its junction with Highway 128. The major towns along Highway 101 as it makes its way north through the winelands are

||| | | | ||

M

Jaxon Keys

Jeriko Estate Brutocao Cellars

Hopland 175

Yorkville 128

be interested to know that Mendocino County is well known for its local brews as as well

101

Cloverdale Lake Sonoma

Those who enjoy sampling local beers will

as for its wines. The town of Hopland owes its name to the hops industry, which dates to 1866 in the region. Handcrafted beers and ales are made and enjoyed throughout the Mendocino County wine country. www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 65

Discover Wine with Altitude Lake County has been growing wine grapes since the mid-19th Century, long before vineyards were established in Napa and Sonoma counties. Prohibition spelled the end of commercial wine growing in the region until the 1960’s, but Lake County’s wine industry is booming again with nearly 20 wineries, 135 growers and 8,800 acres of vineyards. Within easy reach of Napa and Sonoma, savvy wine travelers are rediscovering the wines and beauty of Lake County’s Wine Country. We’ve prepared a quick overnight tour to introduce our readers to this exciting destination.  Day One: Starting from St. Helena via Pope Valley, your first stop is Langtry Estate. The winery overlooks the beautiful Detert Reservoir, and produces outstanding Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc. Leaving Langtry Estate drive North towards Hwy 29 and head to Wildhurst Vineyards in Kelseyville.

The tasting room is located in the restored Odd Fellows Hall building. Visitors are treated to a variety of wines including the celebrated Sauvignon Blanc as well as local merchandise.

Next, stroll down to Studebakers Deli and enjoy lunch where locals gather.

After lunch, get back on Hwy 29 and head to Steele Wines. Jed Steele was the founding winemaker at Kendall-Jackson and continues to turn out award winning Chardonnays. When you are finished tasting, head to Upper Lake and the beautifully restored Tallman Hotel.

Dinner is next door at the Blue Wing Saloon where you will enjoy homestyle cooking prepared from locally grown ingredients and paired with local wines.  Day Two: Before returning to Napa, head south on Hwy 20 to Ceago Vinegarden.

The beautiful winery rests on the shore of Clear Lake. Learn about Biodynamic farming and plans for the upcoming resort. Continue south to Hwy 53 and merge onto Hwy 29 and return to Napa via Calistoga. For winery hours see the directories in this section.

66 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

LAKE COUNTY

Willits Lake Mendocino

Ukiah

Upper Lake 

29

101

Lucerne

Lakeport

To Colusa

Clear Lake

175

Hopland

  Kelseyville

53

Clearlake Lower Lake

29

20

29

175

Cloverdale Lake Sonoma

Middletown Geyserville

128



128

101

Lake county is located nor th of Calistoga and is a next door to Mendocino County.

The Visitor Information Center is located at 6110 E Hwy 20 in Lucerne.

Healdsburg

29

Calistoga

To St Helena

SPOTLIGHT ON SIX SIGMA RANCH & WINERY

The name Six Sigma refers to a methodology for measuring quality and process improvement to achieve near-perfection. A mathematician by training, owner Kaj Ahlmann applies data-driven principles of this methodology to every

wine he produces. His Tempranillo is regarded by some critics as the best produced in California. Open daily for tasting, tours by appointment. 13372 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake; 707-994-2086.

Lake County Concierge Where To Stay The Bungalow, 10195 E. Hwy. 20, Clearlake Oaks; (707) 998-0399.

The Carriage House, 80 Clear Lake Avenue, Lakeport; (888) 203-5949, (707) 263-0995.

Tallman Hotel, 9550 Main Street, Upper Lake; (707) 275-2244, (866) 708-5253.

Where To Eat Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main Street Upper Lake; (707) 275-2233.

Saw Shop Gallery Bistro Restaurant & Bar, 3825 Main Street, Kelseyville; (707) 278-0129.

Studebakers Coffee House, 3990 Main Street, Kelseyville; (707) 279-8809. www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 67

Wine Country Guide | Mendocino & Lake Directories WINERIES

Mendocino Breggo Cellars 11001 Hwy 128, Boonville; 707-895-9589 Brutocao Cellars - Anderson Valley 7000 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2152 Brutocao Cellars - Hopland 13500 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1664 Claudia Springs Winery 1810 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-3993 Goldeneye Winery 9200 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-3202 Graziano Family of Wines 13251 S. Hwy 101, Suite 3, Hopland; 707-744-8466 Greenwood Ridge Vineyards 5501 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2002 Handley Cellars 3151 Hwy 128, Philo; 800-733-3151 Husch Vineyards 4400 Highway 128 Philo; 707-895-3216 Jaxon Keys Winery & Distillery 10400 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 877-462-0666 Jeriko Estate Winery 12141 Hewlitt and Sturtevant Rd, Hopland; 707-744-1140 Maple Creek Winery 20799 Hwy 128 Yorkville; 707-895-3001 McDowell Valley Vineyards 13380 S. Hwy 101 Hopland; 707-744-8911 McFadden Farm & Vineyards 13275 S Hwy 101 Ste. 5 Hopland; 707-743-1122

McNab Ridge Winery 13441 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1986 Milano Winery 14594 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1396 Navarro Vineyards 5601 Hwy 128 Philo; 707895-3686 Nelson Family Vineyards 550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah; 707-462-3755 Pacific Star Winery 33000 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg (12 miles north of town); 707-964-1155 Pacific Star Winery 401 Main St., Fort Bragg (in town); 707-962-9463 Parducci Wine Cellars 501 Parducci Road, Ukiah; 707-462-9463 Paul Dolan Vineyards 501 Parducci Rd, Ukiah; 707-463-5357 Phillips Hill Estates 8627 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2209 Roederer Estate 4501 Hwy 128 Philo; 707895-2288 Saracina Vineyards 11684 S. Hwy 101, Hopland; 707-744-1671 Scharffenberger Cellars 8501 Hwy 128, Philo; 707-895-2957 Silversmith Vineyards 3700 A Road J, Redwood Valley; 707-485-1196 Standish Wine Company 5101 Hwy 101, Philo; 707-895-9213 Yorkville Cellars 25701 Hwy 128, Yorkville; 707-894-9177 Zina Hyde Cunningham Open 10: 00-5:00 Daily.

68 | Wine Country Guide | WINERY DIRECTORY

14077 Hwy 128 Boonville; 707-895-ZINA

Lake County Brassfield Estate Open By Appointment 10915 High Valley Road, Clearlake Oaks; 707-998-1895 Ceago Del Lago 5115 E. Hwy 20 Nice; 707-274-1462 Cougar’s Leap Winery 9300 Seigler Springs Road N., Kelseyville; 707-279-0651 Langtry Estate Vineyards & Winery 21000 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown; 707-987-2385 Moore Family Winery 11990 Bottlerock Road Kelseyville ; 707-279-9279 Ployez Winery 11171 S. Hwy 29 Lower Lake; 707-994-2106 Rosa d’Oro Vineyards 3915 Main St. Kelseyville; 707-279-0483 Shannon Ridge Winery 12599 E. Hwy 20, Clearlake Oaks; 707-998-9656

Six Sigma Ranch Open Daily 13372 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake; 707-994-2086 Sol Rouge Open By Appointment PO Box 859 Kelseyville; 707-279-9000 Steele Wines 4350 Thomas Drive, Kelseyville; 707-279-9475 Terrill Cellars Tuscan Village 16175 Main Street Lower Lake; 707-799-7530.

Tulip Hill Winery Open 10:00- 6:00 Daily.

4900 Bartlett Springs Road Nice; 707-274-9373

RESTAURANTS

Mendocino Boonville Hotel Spontaneous menus of simple, fresh, local fare featuring organic meats and locallygrown produce. Dinner. 14050 Hwy. 128, Boonville; 707895-2210.

Lake County Blue Wing Saloon California comfort food, microbrews and local wines.

Menu offers homestyle recipes pairing the best of the region’s orchards, farms and vineyards.

9520 Main St. Upper Lake; 707-275-2233.

ACTIVITIES

Mendocino Grace Hudson Museum History and anthropology museum featuring Western American art, California Indian cultures, North Coast history, and contemporary regional artists. 431 South Main Street, Ukiah; 707-467-2836.

Lake County Crazy Creek Air Adventures Amazing views soaring above Lake County just minutes from the Napa Valley. 18897 Grange Rd, Middleetown; 707-987-9293; www. crazycreekairadventures.com

Twin Pine Casino & Hotel Dining and entertainment a few minutes away from Napa Valley. Located in Middletown; 800-564-4872; www.twinpine.com.

Wine Country restaurant concierge

INSIDE: Wine Country dining is a mixture of locally farmed produce, world-class chefs, and stunning settings >>

WINE AND DINE

CHEF CENTRAL The Wine Country is home to some of the world’s most talented and innovative chefs. They come here for the spectacular climate, produce, artisanal foods, and wines. No wonder the Wine Country is home to so many fabulous restaurants.

The Wine Country experience is probably as much about food as it is about wine. Nowhere else are the basic ingredients of great wine and food pairings more abundant than in the California Wine Country.

Conditions that make the region perfect for cultivating world-class wine grapes bless the Wine Country with quality produce, herbs, meats, dairy products, and other chef’s essentials. Close proximity of the Pacific Ocean adds fresh seafood to the bounty. Access to fine wines, including many not available outside the Wine Country, makes this the perfect location for creating great cuisine. On the following pages you’ll find lists and profiles of the Wine Country’s best restaurants, together with tips for getting the most from your Wine Country dining experiences.

www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 69

Wine Country Guide | Dining Favorites

Restaurant and Al Fresco Dining Options T he Wine Country offers such an abundance of excellent dining options that choosing among them can be difficult. On these pages we have assembled information, suggestions and tips that we hope will make your choices easier and your dining experiences better.

Our Dining Guide (on the two pages following this article) lists Napa Valley and Sonoma County restaurants selected from those receiving the best consumer reviews on a leading social media review website. Our list represents “the best of the best” and features restaurants rated highly for quality of cuisine,

ambience and service.

If you put more stock in professional restaurant reviews, you’ll be interested in the two lists from the world-famous Michelin Guide on this and the facing page. Immediately below are Michelin’s “Bib Gourmand” selections, which offer both satisfying dining experiences and good value for your dining dollar. In general, you will find these restaurants to be more casual, easier to reserve, and less expensive than those listed on the facing page. That list presents the Wine Country restaurants currently recognized with coveted Michelin stars. These restaurants are among

Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Selections 2015 The following Wine Country restaurants have been named Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand selections for 2015. Bib Gourmand restaurants are selected by Michelin’s anonymous food inspectors based on two criteria: (1) They are restaurants that serve two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included), and (2) they are restaurants that the Michelin food inspectors themselves frequent. (If you’re wondering what “Bib Gourmand” means, “Bib” is short for Bibendum, the tire company’s logo commonly known as “the Michelin Man.” A “Gourmand,” of course, is a connoisseur of good food.)

Meal Service Key: B = Breakfast, Br = Brunch, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Napa Valley C Casa, 610 First Street, Napa; (707) 2267700); B-L-D.

Chalkboard, 29 North St., Healdsburg; L-D (707) 473-8030; L-D.

Grace’s Table, 1400 Second Street, Napa; (707) 226-6200; B-L-D.

Scopa, 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg; (707) 4335282.

Oenotri, 1425 First Street, Napa; (707) 2521022; D.

Risibisi, 154 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma; (707) 766-7600; L-D.

Cook St. Helena, 1310 Main Street, St. Helena; (707) 963-7088; L-D (Br Sun.).

Bistro 29, 620 Fifth St., Santa Rosa; (707) 546-2929; D.

The Farmer & The Fox, 3111 St. Helena Highway N., St. Helena; (707) 302-5101; D.

Monti’s Rotisserie, 714 Village Ct., Santa Rosa;(707) 568-4404; L-D.

Bistro Jeanty, 6510 Washintgon St., Yountville; (707) 944-0103; L-D.

Sazón,1129 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa; (707) 523-4346; L-D.

Redd Wood, 6755 Washington St., Yountville; (707) 299-5030; L-D.

Willi’s Wine Bar, 4404 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa;(707) 526-3096; L-D.

Sonoma County

Hot Box Grill, 18350 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma; (707) 939-8383; D.

Backyard, 6566 Front St., Forestville; (707) 820-8445; L-D.

LaSalette, 452 First St. E., Sonoma; (707) 938-1927; L-D.

Glen Ellen Star, 13648 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen; (707) 343-1384; D.

The Girl & the Fig, 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma; (707) 938-3634; L-D.

70 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

the best in the nation and, in some cases, among the best in the world. (By the way, we are not undercutting Michelin Guide by publishing their lists. They were kind enough to provide media releases detailing this information.)

Our Picks So what are our own dining favorites? We are, after all, Wine Country locals serving the wine tourism community.

First, let us say that we are familiar with most of the restaurants on the consumer review and Michelin lists, and we believe these restaurants are worthy of the their high ratings. In particular, we believe Partake by K-J in Healdsburg (Sonoma County) and the Napa Valley Wine Train in Napa merit your consideration based on both the quality of cuisine and the unusual dining experiences they offer.

Beyond the restaurants included on the various lists, in Napa Valley, we like The Grill at Meadowood, a more casual and less expensive sister restaurant to the three-star Restaurant at Meadowood, 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, (707) 967-1200, open 7am-9pm daily.

In the town of Napa, we recommend the Oxbow Public Market at 610 First Street, (707) 226-6529, open 8am-9pm (6pm Sundays). Oxbow is home to several casual dining restaurants, all with a following among locals.

In Sonoma County, we recommend the Applewood Inn, 13555 Highway 116, Guerneville, (707) 869-9093, open 8am-8pm daily. This is a laid back, fine dining restaurant that has been a Michelin star winner in the recent past. In Sonoma Valley, Cafe Citti is something of an institution for informal dining with an Old World feel–9047 Sonoma Highway in Kenwood, (707) 8332690, open for lunch and dinner daily.

Winery Al Fresco When considering your dining options, know that many wineries have pleasant picnic facilities and welcome guests to linger over a leisurely meal accompanied by wine purchased in the tasting room.

Keep in mind, however, that not all wineries allow picnics. In many cases, picnics are prohibited by government regulations or license restrictions.

Practically every winery where picnics are allowed has been burned by inconsiderate guests.

Follow five common-sense ground rules to observe proper etiquette and stay in your hosts’ good graces: (1) Always ask whether picnics are permitted. (2) Always buy a bottle of wine from the host winery to accompany your meal. (Even if you prefer only to drink water with your meal, buy a bottle of wine.) (3) Never consume outside wine on the host winery’s premises.

(4) Always clean up after your picnic and place waste in the proper receptacles. (5) Return any borrowed glasses to the tasting room and, of course, thank your hosts.

Here are our suggestions for where to provision your

Michelin Star Restaurants The following Wine Country restaurants have been awarded stars by the Michelin Guide for 2015:

The French Laundry, 6640 Washington Street, Yountville; 707-944-2380. Three stars.

The Restaurant at Meadowood, 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena; 707-9671205. Three stars.

Auberge du Soleil, 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford; (800) 348-5406. One star.

Bouchon, 6534 Washington Street, Yountville; 707-944-8037. One star.

Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant, 7871 River Road, Forestville; 707-887-3300.

One star.

La Toque, 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa; 707-257-5157. One star.

Madrona Manor, 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg; 707-433-4231. One star.

Solbar at Solage Calistoga, 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; 707-226-0850.

One star.

Terra, 1345 Railroad Avenue, St. Helena; 707-963-8931. One star.

Terrapin Creek, 1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega; 707-875-2700. One star. winery picnic: Napa Valley Cal Mart, 1491 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga; (707) 9426271.

Giugni W F & Son Grocery Co, 1227 Main St, Saint Helena, (707) 963-3421.

Oakville Grocery Co., 7856 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville; (707) 944-8802.

Oxbow Public Market, 610 First Street, Napa; (707) 226-6529.

Sonoma County Oakville Grocer y Co., 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg; (707) 433-3200.

Chloe’s French Cafe, 3883 Airway Dr., Santa Rosa; (707) 528-3095.

Basque Boulangerie Cafe, 460 First St. E., Sonoma; (707) 935-7687. www.winecountryguide.com<<Wine Country Guide | 71

Wine Country Guide | Napa Dining Guide Meal Service Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner All Seasons Bistro - Calistoga 1400 Lincoln Ave | L-D

(707) 942-9111

Archetype - St Helena 1429 Main St | B-L-D

(707) 968-9200

Barolo - Calistoga 1457 Lincoln Ave | D

(707) 942-9900

Bar Terra - St Helena 1345 Railroad Ave | D

(707) 963-8931

Brannan's Grill - Calistoga 1374 Lincoln Ave | L-D

(707) 942-2233

Cindy's Backstreet - St. Helena 1327 Railroad Ave | L-D

(707) 963-1200

Hotel D’Amici Rist. - Calistoga 1440 Lincoln Ave | L-D

(707) 942-1400

Conservatory - St Helena Greystone, 2555 Main St | D

(707) 967-2300

Jole - Calistoga 1457 Lincoln Ave | D

(707) 942-5938

The Farmer & The Fox - St Helena 3111 St Helena Hwy N | D

(707) 302-5101

Solbar at Solage - Calistoga 755 Silverado Trail | B-L-D

(707) 226-0850

Farmstead - St Helena 738 Main St | L-D

(707) 963-4555

Angèle - Napa 540 Main St |L-D

(707) 252-8115

Goose & Gander - St Helena 1245 Spring St | L-D

(707) 967-8779

Bistro Don Giovanni - Napa 4110 Howard Ln | L-D

(707) 224-3300

Market - St Helena 1347 Main St | L-D

(707) 963-3799

Boon Fly Café - Napa 4048 Sonoma Hwy | B-L-D

(707) 299-4870

Meadowood Rest. - St Helena 900 Meadowood Ln | D

(707) 967-1205

Bounty Hunter Wine Bar - Napa 975 1st St | L-D

(707) 226-3976

Press - St Helena 587 St Helena Hwy S | L-D

(707) 967-0550

Carpe Diem Wine Bar - Napa 1001 2nd St | D

(707) 224-0800

Terra - St Helena 1345 Railroad Ave | D

(707) 963-8931

Celadon - Napa 500 Main St | L-D

(707) 254-9690

Tra Vigne - St. Helena 1050 Charter Oak Ave | L-D

(707) 963-4444

Cole's Chop House - Napa 1122 Main St. | D

(707) 224-6328

Wine Spectator - St. Helena Greystone, 2555 Main St | L-D

(707) 967-1010

Cordeiro’s Bar and Grill - Napa 2025 Monticello Rd | D

(707) 224-1960

Ad Hoc - Yountville 6476 Washington St | D

(707) 944-2487

Grace's Table - Napa 1400 2nd St | B-L-D

(707) 226-6200

Bistro Jeanty - Yountville 6510 Washintgon St | L-D

(707) 944-0103

La Toque - Napa 1314 McKinstry St | D

(707) 257-5157

Bottega - Yountville 6525 Washington St | L-D

(707) 945-1050

Morimoto - Napa 610 Main St | L-D

(707) 252-1600

Bouchon - Yountville 6534 Washington St | L-D

(707) 944-8037

Napa Valley Wine Train - Napa 1275 McKinstry St | L-D

(707) 253-2111

Ciccio - Yountville 6770 Washington St | D

(707) 945-1000

Oenotri - Napa 1425 First St | D

(707) 252-1022

Étoile - Yountville 1 California Dr. | L-D

(888) 242-6366

TORC - Napa 1140 Main St | D

(707) 252-3292

French Laundry - Yountville 6640 Washington St | L-D

(707) 944-2380

Alex Restaurant - Rutherford 1140 Rutherford Rd | L-D

(707) 967-5500

Lucy Restaurant - Yountville 6528 Yount St | B-L-D

(707) 204-6030

Auberge du Soleil - Rutherford 180 Rutherford Rd | B-L-D

(800) 348-5406

Redd - Yountville 6480 Washington St | L-D

(707) 944-2222

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Wine Country Guide | Sonoma Dining Guide Meal Service Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Terrapin Creek - Bodega 1580 Eastshore Rd | D

(707) 875-2700

Speakeasy - Petaluma 139 Petaluma Blvd N | L-D

(707) 776-4631

Canneti Roadhouse - Forestville 6675 Front St | L-D

(707) 887-2232

Twisted 2 - Petaluma 29 F Petaluma Blvd N | D

(707) 789-9914

Corks - Forestville 5700 Gravenstein Hwy N | L-D

(707) 887-3344

Bistro 29 - Santa Rosa 620 Fifth St | D

(707) 546-2929

Farmhouse Inn - Forestville 7871 River Rd | D

(707) 887-3300

Ca’Bianca Rist. Ital. - Santa Rosa 835 Second Street | L-D

(707) 542-5800

Aventine - Glen Ellen 14301 Arnold Dr | D

(707) 934-8911

Chloe’s French Café - Santa Rosa 3883 Airway Dr | B-L-D

(707) 528-3095

Olive & Vine - Glen Ellen 14301 Arnold Dr | D

(707) 996-9152

John Ash & Co. - Santa Rosa 4330 Barnes Rd | D

(707) 527-7687

Baci Cafe & Wine Bar - Hldsbg 336 Healdsburg Ave | D

(707) 433-8111

La Gare - Santa Rosa 208 Wilson St | D

(707) 528-4355

Barndiva - Healdsburg 231 Center St | L-D

(707) 431-0100

Osake - Santa Rosa 2446 Patio Ct | L-D

(707) 542-8282

Bistro Ralph - Healdsburg 109 Plaza St | L-D

(707) 433-1380

Pullman Kitchen - Santa Rosa 205 Fifth St | L-D

(707) 545-4300

Chalkboard - Healdsburg 29 North St | L-D

(707) 473-8030

Riviera Ristorante - Santa Rosa 75 Montgomery Ave | L-D

(707) 579-2682

Dry Creek Kitchen - Hldsbg 317 Healdsburg Ave | L-D

(707) 431-0330

Sazón - Santa Rosa 1129 Sebastopol Rd | L-D

(707) 523-4346

Library at Chalkboard - Hldsbg 27 North St | D

(707) 433-4211

Stark's Steak House - Santa Rosa 521 Adams St | L-D

(707) 546-5100

Madrona Manor - Healdsburg 1001 Westside Rd | D

(707) 433-4231

Walter Hansel Bistro - Sta Rosa 3535 Guerneville Rd | D

(707) 546-6462

Partake By KJ - Healdsburg 241 Healdsburg Ave | L-D

(707) 433-6000

Willi's Wine Bar - Santa Rosa 4404 Old Redwood Hwy | L-D

(707) 526-3096

Spoonbar - Healdsburg 219 Healdsburg Ave | D

(707) 433-7222

Cafe La Haye - Sonoma 140 E Napa St | D

(707) 935-5994

Willi's Seafood - Healdsburg 403 Healdsburg Ave | L-D

(707) 433-9191

Carneros Bistro - Sonoma 1325 Broadway | B-L-D

(707) 931-2042

Aqus Café - Petaluma 189 H St | B-L-D

(707) 778-6060

Della Santina's - Sonoma 133 E Napa St | L-D

(707) 935-0576

Central Market - Petaluma 42 Petaluma Blvd N | D

(707) 778-9900

FARM - Sonoma 4048 Sonoma Hwy | D

(707) 299-4880

Cucina Paradiso - Petaluma 114 Petaluma Blvd N | L-D

(707) 782-1130

The Girl & the Fig - Sonoma 110 W Spain St | L-D

(707) 938-3634

Graffiti - Petaluma 101 Second St | L-D

(707) 765-4567

LaSalette - Sonoma 452 First St E | L-D

(707) 938-1927

Le Bistro - Petaluma 312 Petaluma Blvd S | D

(707) 762-8292

Saddles Steakhouse - Sonoma 29 E MacArthur St | B-L-D

(707) 933-3191

Risibisi - Petaluma 154 Petaluma Blvd N | L-D

(707) 766-7600

Santé - Sonoma 100 Boyes Blvd | D

(707) 939-2415

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Wine Country Guide | Limousine Touring Guide

Wine Country Limousine Touring

I

t seems ever ywhere you look in the Wine Country these days a sleek stretched limousine is gliding gracefully into view. Think these are all filled with movie stars, business tycoons, and splurge spenders? Well, think again.

Increasingly, limousines are mainstream transportation filled with regular people, just like you, who are simply out to enjoy a day in the Wine Country.

So why the fancy wheels? Because limousine touring offers at least five big advantages: 1. Competence. Limousine drivers are professionals. They focus on safe driving so you can focus on the scenery, the wine, and your traveling companions.

2. Confidence. Limousine companies specializing in Wine Country tours know the area, distances, and local driving conditions. They will get you where you want to go, when you want to be there.

3. Convenience. You go to the Wine Country to relax and enjoy, not to worry about traffic and directions and parking. Limousine services take care of the worrisome details so you can relax and have fun.

4. Comfort. Ah, there’s nothing nicer than sitting on those sumptuous leather seats, sipping sparkling, as the Wine Country slips silently by.

5. Cost. Limousine touring isn’t as expensive as you think. Call for pricing. You may be pleasantly surprised.

74 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Recommended Companies AA Limousine Service Provides Napa and Sonoma wine touring services from all Bay Area cities; weekday rates start at $180 for four hours.

Transportation options include sedans, SUVs, Hummers, and limousines. Call 415-308-2028 or visit aalimo.org.

Beau Wine Tours Beau Wine Tours & Limousine Service is the perfect solution for a great wine tasting day in the Napa Valley or Sonoma County.

Beau also offers complete luxury transportation services throughout Northern California. Ask about airport transfers, evening dinner service, and special occasions. Call 800-3872328, or visit beauwinetours.com.

California Wine Tours A full-service transportation company offering a choice of personalized or prearranged wine tours throughout the Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Prearranged itineraries begin at $69/person; ferry-to-limo excursions from San Francisco begin at $72/person. Call 707-253-1300 or 800-294-6386, or visit californiawinetours.com.

Midnight Limousine & Wine Tours Explore the Napa Valley in Luxury! Let Midnight Limousine help you create a day or night of your wishes and design a tour of your “must see” wineries. Enjoy a day of wine tasting, lunch, dinner and relaxation in one Midnight Limousine’s luxury vehicles. Call 650-872-7059 or visit www.midnightlimo.net.

We Drive We Drive is a special type of transportation company that provides a trained, certified, and experienced private driver to chauffer you to where you want to go–in your own car! We Drive offers wine tours in the Napa and Sonoma wine regions.

Plan your own itinerary, or let We Drive’s experts help plan your day. Call 855-855-8950 or visit www.wedrive.com.

Contact Numbers At-A-Glance AA Limousine Service

(415) 308-2028

Beau Wine Tours

(800) 387-2328

California Wine Tours

(800) 294-6386

Midnight Limousine & Wine Tours

(650) 872-7059

We Drive

(855) 855-8950

Destiny Wine Tours

(707) 254-0442

Wine Country lodging directory

INSIDE: Wine Country lodging runs the gamut from worldclass resorts, to luxury B&Bs and inns, to tidy motels >>

STAY AND PLAY What is it about a bedand-breakfast or country inn that makes it such an appealing place for a Wine Country stay? Or an upscale urban hotel or a world-class luxury spa and resort?

Maybe it’s the elegant comfort of the surroundings, the unabashed (but never intrusive) friendliness of the hosts and staff, or the quiet privacy of the experience that makes these accommodations fit so well with wine touring.

Or perhaps it’s the sheer decadence of being pampered by crisp service and thoughtful amenities, of guiltless sleeping in . . . .

HOW ACCOMMODATING The Wine Country offers a variety of lodging options ranging from crisp and clean motels, to luxury bed and breakfast inns, to world-class hotels and resorts–with just about everything you can imagine in between. Whatever your need, there’s an option to fit every taste and budget.

Perhaps it’s unwise to over-analyze questions that are so fundamental to enjoyment of Wine Country pleasures. Not knowing for certain is part of the romance that makes the Wine Country such a pleasing destination.

LODGING DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 75

Wine Country Guide | Lodging Favorites an excellent location to explore and discover all that Napa has to offer. The AVIA Napa is within minutes to gourmet dining options, galleries, shopping and 15 local tasting rooms featuring some of the finest wines the region has to offer. 141 rooms. 1450 First Street, Napa; (866) 644-2842.

Blackbird Inn, A Four Sisters Inn Offers the intimacy of a vintage hideaway, yet is an easy walk to many shops and restaurants. With its spacious front porch, huge stone fireplace and liberal use of fine woods, Blackbird Inn creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere and is just a short drive to world renowned Napa Valley wineries. 8 rooms.

1755 First St., Napa; (888) 567-9811.

Napa Valley Indian Springs Resort & Spa Situated on 16 beautiful acres planted with olive and palm trees, roses and lavender, Indian Springs is blessed with four thermal geysers that produce an extraordinary supply of rich mineral water.

Operating as a resort since 1862, Indian Springs remains a truly unique experience. Olympic-size mineral pool, full-service spa including mud treatments, 41 rooms. 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga; (707) 942-4913.

Mount View Hotel & Spa Start with breakfast in bed, and spend the day in the top-rated spa and lounge by the heated pool, where film stars of the 30s and 40s once lounged in this elegant historic hotel. Whatever activities you might choose, the Mount View is the perfect canvas for creating your own ideal experience. 32 rooms, spa, pool.1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga; (800) 816-6877.

Solage Resort & Spa Surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, steps from Calistoga in northern Napa Valley, Solage Calistoga brings a refreshing new twist to the wine country resort lifestyle. With sophisticated, private studio accommodations, the celebrated Spa Solage, and Michelin Star-rated Solbar, you’ll experience Napa Valley resort hospitality in a whole new light. Gym, full-service spa, 2 pools with hot tubs, 89 rooms. 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; (866) 942-7442.

AVIA Napa Hotel Centrally located in the revitalized “West End” the AVIA provides 76 | Wine Country Guide | LODGING DIRECTORY

The Carneros Inn A vineyard oasis ideally located between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys with gravel paths that crunch underneath your feet, private gardens, sumptuous hotel accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor showers that can be enjoyed under a blanket of stars, crisp white linens and spa treatments inspired by local ingredients ensure a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. 101 rooms. 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa; (707) 299-4900.

La Residence A picturesque inn near Yountville, this secluded and charming country inn showcases all of the beauty of Napa Valley wine country in a tranquil retreat on two lush acres of oaks, redwoods, and serene gardens. La Residence is just five minutes south of Yountville and world-class wineries. It is the perfect destination for a relaxing retreat or romantic getaway. 26 rooms. 4066 Howard Lane, Napa; (707) 253-0337.

The Meritage Resort & Spa An idyllic Napa Valley luxury hotel and resort, set against rolling hills with its own private vineyards, The Meritage is a destination unto itself with Tuscan inspired guestrooms and luxury suites, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine in Siena restaurant and wine tasting in the Estate Cave featuring Trinitas Cellars. Regain a healthful balance with curative treatments at Spa Terra. 158 rooms. 875 Bordeaux Lane, Napa; (707) 251-1900.

Napa River Inn The only locally-owned luxury boutique hotel in historic downtown Napa, Napa River Inn is ideally situated in the Historic Napa Mill, a National Registered Landmark built in 1884.It artfully blends historic ambiance with Napa’s fun and vibrant downtown atmosphere. The Inn is surrounded by world-class restaurants, cafes, art galleries, shopping and nightlife, including Silos, Napa Valley’s premier jazz club. 66 rooms. 500 Main Street, Napa; (866) 251-8500.

Sonoma County Farmhouse Inn & Spa Farmhouse realizes the ever-evolving vision of brother/sister team, Joe and Catherine Bartolomei. Their vision for Farmhouse Inn is to share their Sonoma County lifestyle. Says Catherine, “Anyone can have a wine country vacation; Farmhouse guests have a total wine country experience. “ 18 rooms; Michelin star restaurant. 7871 River Road, Forestville; (707) 887-3400.

Applewood Inn A Russian River eco-resort, Applewood Inn is on a knoll in the shelter of towering redwoods. Rooms in the original Belden House feature a lounge area with cozy chairs around a river-rock fireplace that encourages loitering. Larger and airier rooms in the newer buildings recall a Mediterranean villa. 19 rooms and Michelin star restaurant.13555 Hwt 116, Guerneville; (707) 869-9093.

rooms. 308 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa; (800) 527-6738.

Ledson Hotel Standing like the crown jewel of the Historic Sonoma Plaza, the Ledson Hotel & Centre du Vin invites guests to step back in time to a grander era. Meticulously designed and built, this luxury hotel features six individually decorated guestrooms. At Centre du Vin guests enjoy award-winning wines while basking by the huge fireplace or take in the sunset at a sidewalk table. 480 First Street, Sonoma; (707) 996-9779.

Sonoma Mission Inn For hundreds of years, ancient thermal mineral waters have graced

Grapeleaf Inn This award-winning B&B is a luxuriously restored Queen Anne Victorian a short walk off the Healdsburg Plaza. It combines the gracious hospitality of a country inn with meticulous service and luxurious accommodations. Stylish, contemporary decor paired with timeless antiques meld to create the best of Wine Country style and luxury. 15 rooms. 539 Johnson Street, Healdsburg; (707) 431-8140.

the site. Today, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is proud to be one

h2hotel From an undulating roof alive with succulents to ripples on the creek by its feet, h2hotel is rooted in nature and fluid by design.

Built to LEED Gold green building certification, all aspects in form and function at h2 take an eco-friendly view. Striped bamboo floors and local art give the rooms character without excess fuss. 36 rooms. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; (707) 922-5251,

540-4499.

Haydon Street Inn Located in Healdsburg where the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley wine regions converge, the Haydon Street Inn B&B is a charming Queen Anne Victorian inn. It is perfect for a romantic getaway, wine tasting, and then dinner at one of Healdsburg’s many gourmet restaurants. 9 rooms. 321 Haydon Street, Healdsburg; (707) 433-5228.

Sheraton Hotel Petaluma This cozy and comfortable Sheraton hotel sits on the Petaluma Marina, adjacent to wetlands and walking trails.Named one of the “Nation’s Top 10 Getaways Near a Major City” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, Petaluma offers much to do. Explore the downtown with its historic architecture, unique shops, galleries, and bistros.

Or head outdoors for a round of golf, river kayaking, or mountain biking. 183 rooms. 745 Baywood Drive, Petaluma; (707) 283-2888.

Hotel LaRose Hotel La Rose is the only Sonoma County hotel to be listed with the National Trust Historic Hotels of America. Featuring historic architecture and charming character, Hotel La Rose has anchored Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square since 1907. Its comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff make Hotel La Rose perfect for business and vacation visitors to the Sonoma Wine Country. 49

of the only luxury spa resorts in the country with its own source of thermal mineral water. The Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa hotel pays homage to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations, which believed in the axiom ‘Sanitas Per Aquas’. 226 rooms, full-service spa, swimming, golf, fine dining. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma; (866)

*$8

SP

EC IA L r n- 2p Su n. n Thu eo p r ite le s onl y $ 7

5 fo

Mo

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One of Santa Rosa’s Finest

• Oversized pool & jacuzzi in our secluded, landscaped area • Carrows Restaurant • Complete Breakfast - FREE • Minutes from wineries, golf, Sonoma County Airport • Exercise Room & Guest Laundry • Free WIFI • Expanded to 135 rooms

9

3421 Cleveland Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 • (707) 544-8570 *Rates valid with this ad for walk-ins only Expires 2/28/15

LODGING DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 77

Wine Country Guide | Napa Lodging Guide Bear Flag Inn - Calistoga 2653 Foothill Blvd | | 5 rooms

Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge - Calistoga 580 Lommel Road | 48 rooms

Cottage Grove Inn - Calistoga 1711 Lincoln Avenue | 16 rooms

Eurospa & Inn - Calistoga 1202 Pine Street | 13 rooms

Indian Springs Resort - Calistoga 1712 Lincoln Avenue | 41 rooms

Luxe Calistoga - Calistoga 1139 Lincoln Avenue | 5 rooms

Mount View Hotel & Spa - Calistoga 1457 Lincoln Avenue | 32 rooms

Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort - Calistoga 1300 Washington Street | 60 rooms

Solage Resort - Calistoga 755 Silverado Trail | 89 rooms

Stevenson Manor Inn - Calistoga 1830 Lincoln Avenue | 34 rooms

AVIA Hotel - Napa 1450 First Street | 141 rooms

Bel Abri, A French Country Inn - Napa 837 California Boulevard | 15 rooms

Blackbird Inn, A Four Sisters Inn - Napa 1755 First Street | 8 rooms

Carneros Inn, The - Napa 4048 Sonoma Highway | 101 rooms

Cedar Gables Inn - Napa 486 Coombs Street | 9 rooms

Elm House Inn (Best Western) - Napa 800 California Boulevard | 22 rooms

Embassy Suites Napa Valley - Napa 1075 California Boulevard | 205 rooms

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham - Napa 314 Soscol Avenue | 60 rooms

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel - Napa 3585 Solano Avenue | 80 rooms

Inn At The Vines - Napa 100 Soscol Avenue | 68 rooms

Ivy Hotel Napa - Napa 4195 Solano Avenue | 115 rooms

La Residence - Napa 4066 Howard Lane | 26 rooms 78 | Wine Country Guide | LODGING DIRECTORY

(707) 942-5534

McClelland Priest B&B Inn - Napa

(707) 254-2800

Meritage Resort & Spa, The - Napa

(707) 942-8400

Napa River Inn - Napa

(707) 942-6829

Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa - Napa

(707) 942-4913

Poetry Inn - Napa (Yountville)

(707) 942-9797

River Terrace Inn - Napa

(800) 816-6877

Silverado Resort & Spa - Napa

(707) 942-4441

SpringHill Suites by Marriott - Napa

(866) 942-7442

Westin Verasa - Napa

(707) 942-1112

Vino Bello Resort - Napa

(866) 644-2842

Auberge du Soleil - Rutherford

(877) 561-6000

Rancho Caymus - Rutherford

(888) 567-9811

Harvest Inn Napa Valley - St. Helena

(707) 299-4900

Ink House Bed & Breakfast - St. Helena

(707) 224-7969

Meadowood Napa Valley - St. Helena

(707) 255-1831

Bardessono - Yountville

(707) 253-9540

Hotel Yountville - Yountville 6462

(707) 226-1878

Lavender, A Four Sisters Inn - Yountville

(707) 252-0444

Napa Valley Lodge - Yountville

(707) 257-1930

Villagio Inn & Spa - Yountville

707-2539300

Vintage Inn - Yountville

(707) 253-0337

Twin Pine Casino & Hotel - Lake County

569 Randolph Street | 7 rooms 875 Bordeaux Lane | 158 rooms 500 Main Street | 66 rooms 3425 Solano Avenue | 275 rooms 6380 Silverado Trail | 3 rooms 1600 Soscol Avenue | 106 rooms 1600 Atlas Peak Road | 435 rooms 101 Gateway Road East | 100 rooms 1314 Mckinstry Street | 180 rooms 865 Bordeaux Way | 182 rooms 180 Rutherford Hill Road | 52 rooms 1140 Rutherford Road | 26 rooms 1 Main Street | 74 rooms 1575 South St Helena Hwy | 6 rooms 900 Meadowood Lane | 85 rooms 6526 Yount Street | 62 rooms Washington Street | 80 rooms 2020 Webber Avenue | 8 rooms 2020 Webber Avenue | 55 rooms 6481 Washington Street | 112 rooms 6541 Washington Street | 80 rooms 22223 Hwy 29, Middletown | 60 rooms

(707) 224-6875 (707) 251-1900 (877) 251-8500 (707) 253-8600 (707) 944-0646 (707) 320-9000 (707) 257-0200 (707) 253-1900 (707) 257-1800 (707) 251-1900 (707) 963-1211 (800) 845-1777 (707) 963-9463 (707) 963-3890 (800) 458-8080 (707) 204-6000 (888) 944-2885 (800) 522-4140 (707) 944-2468 (707) 944-8877 (800) 351-1133 (707) 987-0297

Wine Country Guide | Sonoma Lodging Guide Old Crocker Inn - Cloverdale 1126 Old Crocker Inn Road | 10 rooms

Farmhouse Inn & Spa - Forestville 7871 River Road | 18 rooms

Geyserville Inn - Geyserville 21714 Geyserville Avenue | 38 rooms

Chauvet Hotel - Glen Ellen 13756 Arnold Drive | 6 rooms

Gaige House, The - Glen Ellen 13540 Arnold Drive | 23 rooms

Glenelly Inn & Cottages - Glen Ellen 5131 Warm Springs Road | 9 rooms

Applewood Inn - Guerneville 13555 Hwy 116 | 19 rooms

Dry Creek Inn - Healdsburg 198 Dry Creek Road | 163 rooms

Duchamp Hotel - Healdsburg 421 Foss Street | 10 rooms

Grape Leaf Inn, The - Healdsburg 539 Johnson Street | 15 rooms

h2hotel - Healdsburg 219 Healdsburg Avenue | 36 rooms

Haydon Street Inn - Healdsburg 321 Haydon Street | 9 rooms

Healdsburg Inn - Healdsburg 110 Matheson Street | 12 rooms

Honor Mansion - Healdsburg 14891 Grove Street | 18 rooms

Hotel Healdsburg - Healdsburg 25 Matheson Street | 65 rooms

Les Mars Hotel - Healdsburg 27 North Street | 16 rooms

Madrona Manor - Healdsburg 1001 Westside Road | 22 rooms

Raford Inn - Healdsburg 10630 Wohler Road | 6 rooms

Birmingham B&B - Kenwood 8790 Sonoma Hwy | 5 rooms

Kenwood Inn & Spa - Kenwood 10400 Sonoma Hwy | 29 rooms

Sheraton Hotel Petaluma - Petaluma 745 Baywood Drive | 183 rooms

Doubletree Hotel - Rohnert Park 1 Doubletree Drive | 245 rooms

(707) 894-4000

Flamingo Resort & Spa - Santa Rosa

(707) 887-3300

FountainGrove Inn - Santa Rosa

(877) 857-4343

Hilton Garden Inn Airport - Santa Rosa

(855) 242-8838

Hilton Sonoma Wine Country - Santa Rosa

(707) 935-0237

Hotel La Rose - Santa Rosa

(707) 996-6720

Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel - Santa Rosa

(707) 869-9093

Sandman Motel - Santa Rosa

(800) 222-5784

Vintners Inn - Santa Rosa

(707) 431-1300

Avalon, A Luxury B&B - Sebastopol

(707) 431-8140

Bungalows 313 - Sonoma

(707) 922-5251

El Dorado Hotel - Sonoma

(707) 433-5228

El Pueblo Inn - Sonoma

(707) 433-6991

Inn at Sonoma - Sonoma

(707) 433-4277

Ledson Hotel - Sonoma

(800) 889-7188

MacArthur Place - Sonoma

(707) 433-4211

Lodge at Sonoma Resort - Sonoma

(800) 258-4003

Sonoma Creek Inn - Sonoma

(707) 887-9573

Sonoma Hotel - Sonoma

(707) 833-6996

Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa - Sonoma

(800) 353-6966

Sonoma Valley Inn - Sonoma

(707) 283-2888

Hampton Inn & Suites - Windsor

(707) 584-5466

Worldmark Windsor Resort - Windsor

2777 4th Street | 170 rooms 101 Fountaingrove Pkwy | 126 rooms 417 Aviation Blvd | 90 rooms 3555 Round Barn Blvd | 246 rooms 308 Wilson Street | 49 rooms 170 Railroad Street | 155 rooms 3421 Cleveland Avenue | 112 rooms 4350 Barnes Road | 44 rooms 11910 Graton Road | 3 rooms 313 First Street East | 5 rooms 405 First Street West | 26 rooms 896 W. Napa Street | 53 rooms 630 Broadway | 19 rooms 480 First Street East | 6 rooms 29 E. MacArthur Street | 35 rooms 1325 Broadway | 182 rooms 239 Boyes Blvd | 16 rooms 110 W. Spain Street | 16 rooms 100 Boyes Blvd | 226 rooms 550 Second Street West | 82 rooms 8937 Brooks Road South | 116 rooms 1251 Shiloh Road | 226 rooms

(800) 848-8300 (800) 222-6101 (707) 545-0444 (707) 523-7555 (800) 527-6738 (707) 284-1234 (707) 293-2100 (707) 575-1426 (707) 824-0880 (707) 996-8091 (707) 996-3220 (800) 900-8844 (707) 939-1340 (707) 996-9779 (707) 938-2929 (707) 935-6600 (888) 712-1289 (800) 468-6016 (866) 540-4499 (707) 938-9200 (707) 837-9355 (707) 836-2420

LODGING DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 79

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Rides napavalleyballoons.com - 800.253.2224

Wine Country Special* $25 Mon - Fri $31 Weekends

Northwood Golf Club

19400 Hwy 116 Monte Rio, CA Includes 9 holes Ranked #3 of 9 with Cart Hole Golf Courses *must present this ad to receive wine country special Nationally TEE TIMES: (707) 865-1116 â&#x20AC;˘ www.northwoodgolf.com 80 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Wine Country spa directory

INSIDE: The Wine Country offers spa experiences ranging from world-renowned destination resorts to day spas>>

REFLECT AND REGENERATE Spas are a key part of the Wine Country lifestyle.

Several of the same factors that make the region so perfect for wine also make it perfect for spas. Geology, climate, terroir (think mudbaths!).

For many visitors to the region, spas are actually the main attraction. And no wonder. Some of the top spas in America, in the world for that matter, are located here.

For others, spas are the perfect complement to the wine, the cuisine, the natural beauty . . . the pleasure of just being here.

RELAX That’s the whole point of touring the Wine Country, isn’t it? To relax? With so much to see and do and taste, it’s easy to lose sight of the point. That’s where spas come in.

For a few minutes or hours or days, they insulate you from the frenetic pace of fun that surrounds you and refocus your energies on. . .relaxing.

No matter how a spa fits into your overall Wine Country experience, options abound. Some spas are full-service resort hotels; others are day spas. Some of the resorts offer day spa services to non-guests. Be sure to call ahead to confirm the availability of services– and to reserve your own special time to relax, reflect, and regenerate.

SPA DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 81

Wine Country Guide | Spa Favorites treatments in a private and intimate setting.

575 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 305A; Napa; 707224-8500.

Napa Valley Day Spa Natural, healthy treatments are the focus at Napa Valley Day Spa. Several services, such as the Suddenly Slender Body Wrap and Mineral Facial Wrap, are exclusive and cannot be experienced anywhere else in the Napa Valley. The warmth of dark mohagony wood welcomes you to the relaxing ambience of this spa. 2025 Jefferson Street, Napa; (707) 258-9900.

Spa at Silverado Resort, The Enhance the rejuvenating effects of Napa Valley’s spectacular natural beauty with a visit to The Spa at Silverado. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the Roman-inspired spa is the largest private resort spa in the region and offers endless opportunities for lasting renewal. Winner of two SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards in 2011. 1605 Atlas Peak Road; (707) 257-5555.

Napa Valley Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort Experience the magic of the Calistoga hot springs water and rejuvenating spa treatments. After a day of touring Napa Valley, you can swim in Golden Haven’s hot springs pool, relax on the sun deck under the California sun, and rejuvenate with their famous Calistoga spa treatments. Special couples packages available. 1713 Lake Street, Calistoga; (707) 942-6793.

Lincoln Avenue Spa Lincoln Avenue Spa has been a popular Calistoga day spa located in a beautiful and historic stone building for 20 years. In addition to body mud, Lincoln Avenue Spa offers a variety of Calistoga day spa treatments, including massage, salt scrubs, facials, herbal wraps, european body wrap, aromatherapy baths and steams.1339 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga; (707) 942-2950.

Solage Resort & Spa Health and wellness are at the heart of the Solage experience.

Artfully designed and ecologically conscious, Spa Solage offers relaxing and invigorating services, including new twists on the renowned Calistoga mud and mineral water therapies. Packages include couples spa services and full-day personal spa retreats.755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga; (866) 942-7442.

MAIS OUI Massage & Spa MAIS OUI was founded to provide high quality massages and spa treatments that Napa Valley is known for without the associated high prices. Whether you are by yourself, with a partner, or accompanied by a group of friends, you will experience your 82 | Wine Country Guide | SPA DIRECTORY

Spa at the Napa Valley Marriott The Spa at the Napa Valley Marriot invites you to treat yourself to a blissfully “ahhmazing” experience. Soft plush robes, comfortable slippers, and a soothing eucalyptus steam shower are complimentary with any spa service. Once relaxed, you can select from reviving Napa spa treatments including massages and facials.

3425 Solano Avenue, Napa; (707) 254-3330.

Spa at the Harvest Inn Book an outdoor massage in Harvest Inn’s Redwood Grove.

Tucked under a canopy of redwoods, a tented massage cabana is available as a private oasis complete with beautiful vineyard views, an exquisite atmosphere for an individual or couples massage.

Treatments are available in the Redwood Grove from May to October. 1 Main Street, St. Helena; (707) 963-9463.

Health Spa Napa Valley The only full-service spa and fitness club of its kind accessible to day visitors, Health Spa Napa Valley offers luxury spa services accompanied with an unmatched fitness and wellness component.

An open-air boutique environment backed by caring staff caters to your every need. Select from many options designed to create a memorable experience. 1030 Main Street, St. Helena; (707) 967-8800.

Gloria Curry Day Spa Gloria Curry is committed to providing the very best in therapeutic facial and body massage treatments. These include Seaweed Extracts and Aromatic Essential oils that balance the body, mind and spirit. The spa offers an elegant and calming atmosphere located in the heart of the Oxbow Area of Napa. 1027 McKinstry Street, Napa; (707) 226-7980.

Sonoma County Osmosis Sanctuary Experience transformation in the only Cedar Enzyme Bath in North America. Immersed in a warm bed of softly ground evergreens, your body is evenly supported with a gentle, penetrating heat. The bath boosts your metabolism and circulation, casts your skin in a radiant glow, and is profoundly relaxing. 209 Bohemian Highway, Freestone; (707) 823-8231.

Massage Envy Spa Massage Envy is committed to a stress-free spa experience, every time. This includes friendly staff, professional massage therapists and a calm, inviting environment. Membership affords easy access to massages, spa facials, and more at hundreds of locations nationwide.

5761 Mountain Hawk Way, Santa Rosa;(707) 537-0555, and 452 First Street East, Sonoma; (707) 938-7404.

Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa An elegant and luxurious resort in the south of California’s Wine Country, Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa is waiting to refresh your senses, relax your body and enchant your palate. Indulge your senses while enjoying the privacy and seclusion of the Courtyard Spa. 16702 Coast Highway One, Bodega; (888) 404-2255.

Spa at Hotel Healdsburg The Spa at Hotel Healdsburg offers simple, complete, and conscious care in tranquil surroundings. The Spa’s spacious facility offers six serene treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, and relaxing garden patio. The spa offers several seasonal treatments including a Meyer Lemon Sage Herbal Wrap. 327 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg;(707) 433-4747.

away the day’s activities in your own private Massage Suite. Choose from a number of custom styles to soothe aching muscles and rejuvenate your senses. Choose from a variety of spa packages and extensive services to nourish body and mind. 170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa; (707) 636-7300.

Raindance Spa at the Lodge at Sonoma Raindance Spa offers its guests a transformative experience that washes away stress and refreshes the soul. Nestled in the Valley of the Moon wine region, Raindance Spa offers treatments that draw upon the natural healing properties of the region’s herbs, plants, minerals and fruits, including lavender and grape seed. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma; (707) 931-2034.

Spa at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Rated among the Top Spas by Travel+Leisure Magazine, the famed Willow Stream spa is designed with many amenities to promote health, relaxation and rejuvenation. The tranquility and beauty of this environment is echoed throughout the 40,000-square-foot spa, which offers endless opportunities to find your energy. 100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma; (707) 938-9000.

Blush-A Day Spa Blush is an intimate and tranquil retreat featuring a sophisticated and healing approach to optimal beauty and wellness. Each spa visit is uniquely tailored for you. Whether you want to purify, energize, balance, restore or relax, there is a treatment or package to meet your needs whether you have an hour, an afternoon or a day. 561 Broadway, Sonoma; (707) 935-0116.

The Spa at Kenwood Named in successive years as one of the leading spas in the country, The Spa at Kenwood fully embraces the power of the grape employing the penetrating, protective qualities of topical treatments based on oils extracted from grape seeds. The spa offers clinically validated treatments that create visible changes to the skin. 10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood; (707) 833-1293.

The Best Day Spa Relax in this calm, soothing facility and let The Best Day Spa provide you with the ultimate wine country spa experience. Enjoy a soothing massage, unwind in the sauna, pamper yourself with body scrub and body wrap treatments, or indulge in a facial and nail treatment. The spa partners with several major hotels in Santa Rosa. 3082 Marlow Road, Santa Rosa; (707) 545-1058.

Le Carre’ Spa at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel Nestled in a secluded courtyard, Le Carre’ Spa is the ultimate retreat for body and soul. Melt SPA DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 83

Wine Country Guide | Spa Directory

Napa Valley

Napa Valley Day Spa - Napa 2025 Jefferson Street | Day Spa

(707) 258-9900

Paris Day Spa - Napa 1614 Jefferson Street | Day Spa

(707) 257-2044

Calistoga Massage Center - Calistoga 1219 Washington Street | Day Spa

(707) 942-6193

Relaxation Co - Napa 1401 Lincoln Avenue | Day Spa

(707) 265-7733

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs - Calistoga 1006 Washington Street | Lodging

(707) 942-6269

Spa at Silverado Resort, The - Napa 1605 Atlas Peak Road | Lodging

(707) 257-5555

Calistoga Village Inn & Spa - Calistoga 1880 Lincoln Avenue | Lodging

(707) 942-0991

Spa at the Carneros Inn, The - Napa 4048 Sonoma Highway | Lodging

(707) 299-4850

Dr. Wilkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resort - Calistoga 1507 Lincoln Ave | Lodging

(707) 942-4102

Napa Valley Marriott Spa - Napa 3425 Solano Avenue | Lodging

(707) 254-3330

Euro Spa & Inn - Calistoga 1202 Pine Street | Lodging

(707) 942-4056

Spa Terra at Meritage Resort - Napa 875 Bordeaux Way | Lodging

(707) 251-3000

Golden Haven Hot Springs - Calistoga 1713 Lake Street | Lodging

(707) 942-8000

St. Pierre Center For Massage - Napa 2400 Clay Street | Day Spa

(707) 255-1640

Indian Springs Resort - Calistoga 1712 Lincoln Avenue | Lodging

(707) 942-4913

Terrace Spa Napa Valley - Napa 585 Coombsville Road | Day Spa

(707) 259-1138

Lavender Hill Spa - Calistoga 1015 Foothill Blvd | Day Spa

(707) 942-4495

Spa at Auberge du Soleil - Rutherford 180 Rutherford Hill Road | Lodging

(866) 228-2490

Lincoln Avenue Spa - Calistoga 1339 Lincoln Avenue | Day Spa

(707) 942-2950

Spa at the Harvest Inn - St. Helena 1 Main Street | Lodging

(707) 963-9463

MAIS OUI Massage & Spa - Calistoga 1458 Lincoln Avenue, Railcar 16 | Day Spa

(707) 224-8500

Mount View Hotel & Spa - Calistoga 1457 Lincoln Avenue | Lodging

(707) 942-6877

Roman Spa Hot Springs - Calistoga 1300 Washington Street | Lodging

(707) 942-4441

Spa at Calistoga Ranch - Calistoga 580 Lommel Road | Resort Guests Only

(707) 254 2800

Spa Solage - Calistoga 755 Silverado Trail | Lodging

(707) 226-0800

Emerald Day Spa - Napa 1523 Main Street | Day Spa

(707) 226-2700

Gloria Curry Day Spa - Napa 1027 McKinstry Street | Day Spa

(707) 226-7980

Greenhaus European Day Spa - Napa 1300 Pearl Street | Day Spa

(707) 257-8837

MAIS OUI Massage & Spa - Napa 575 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 305A | Day Spa

(707) 224-8500

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa - Napa 1815 Silverado Trail | Resort Guests Only

(707) 255-1197

Napa Massage & Bodycare - Napa 1834 First Street | Day Spa

(707) 252-7079

84 | Wine Country Guide | SPA DIRECTORY

Wine Country Guide | Spa Directory Health Spa at Meadowood - St. Helena 900 Meadowood Lane | Lodging

(707) 963-3646

Boon Hotel & Spa - Guerneville 14711 Armstrong Woods Road | Lodging

(707) 869-2721

Health Spa Napa Valley - St. Helena 1030 Main Street | Day Spa

(707) 967-8800

Spa at Applewood, The - Guerneville 13555 Highway 116 | Lodging

(707) 869-9093

Spa at Bardessono, The - Yountville 6526 Yount Street | Lodging

(707) 204-6050

West Sonoma Inn & Spa - Guerneville 14100 Brookside Lana | Lodging

(707) 869-2470

Spa Villagio - Yountville 6481 Washington Street | Lodging

(707) 948-5050

A Simple Touch Spa - Healdsburg 239 Center Street | Day Spa

(707) 433-6856

Spa at Hotel Healdsburg - Healdsburg 327 Healdsburg Avenue | Lodging

(707) 433-4747

Spa Dolce - Healdsburg 250 Center Street | Day Spa

(707) 433-0177

Sonoma County Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa - Bodega 16702 Coast Highway One | Lodging

(888) 404-2255

Spa at Kenwood, The - Kenwood 10400 Sonoma Highway | Lodging

(707) 833-1293

Spa at Bodega Bay Lodge - Bodega Bay 103 Coast Highway One | Lodging

(707) 875-3525

Perfect Day Massage - Petaluma 800 Baywood Drive | Day Spa

(707) 762-3578

Massage, Inc. - Cotati 315 East Cotati Avenue, Suite D | Day Spa

(707) 792-0555

Soft Shell Spa - Petaluma 10 Kentucky Street | Day Spa

(707) 773-4950

Osmosis Sanctuary - Freestone 209 Bohemian Highway | Day Spa

(707) 823-8231

Best Day Spa, The - Santa Rosa 3082 Marlow Road | Day Spa

(707) 545-1058

Gaige House Spa - Glen Ellen 13540 Arnold Drive | Lodging

(707) 935-6411

Coldwater Creek Spa, The - Santa Rosa 728 Farmers Lane | Day Spa

(707) 566-9314

Le Carreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Spa - Santa Rosa 170 Railroad Street | Lodging

(707) 636-7300

Massage Envy Spa - Santa Rosa 5761 Mountain Hawk Way | Day Spa

(707) 537-0555

Spa at Montecito Heights - Santa Rosa 2777 Fourth Street | Day Spa

(707) 303-3313

(707) Touchstone Therapies - Santa Rosa 4525 Montgomery Drive, Suite 7 | Day Spa 331-0631 Wine Country Day Spa - Santa Rosa 1601 Terrace Way | Day Spa

(707) 545-8390

Mermaids Spa - Sebastopol 115 South Main Street | Day Spa

(707) 823-3535

Blush - A Day Spa - Sonoma 561 Broadway, Suite C | Day Spa

(707) 935-0116

Spa at MacArthur Place - Sonoma 29 East MacArthur Street | Lodging

(707) 933-3193

Massage Envy Spa - Sonoma 452 First Street East | Day Spa

(707) 938-7404

Raindance Spa - Sonoma 1325 Broadway | Lodging

(707) 931-2034

Sonoma Mission Inn - Sonoma 100 Boyes Boulevard | Lodging

(707) 938-9000

SPA DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 85

Wine Country activities directory

INSIDE: The Wine Country offers great wine tasting but that isn’t all. Don’t miss these exciting experiences>>

EXPLORE AND DISCOVER Wine Country is filled with an endless variety of activities. While, wine Tasting is at the top of everyone’s list, there are many ways to keep you busy on your next trip to the area.

Fitness fans will find some of the best bicycling, hiking, and water sports in the nation. If you are interested in honing your cullinary skills, cooking schools abound.

For those looking for a new perspective on the area, consider one of the many aerial excursion companies including hot air balloon companies and glider services.

Familes will enjoy tour offerings as well as natural wonders like Old Faithful Geyser.

RECREATE Just like wine tasting, when it comes to recreating in the Wine Country, recreational flavors abound. Golf, bicycling, hiking, aerial adventures, and water sports are all available to experience. Why not experience the wilder side of Northern California’s Wine Country.

86 | Wine Country Guide | SPA DIRECTORY

Wine Country certainly begins with wine but it doesn’t end there. The ideal climate and beauty of the area means that all kinds of activities are available to those willing to explore them.

Wine Country Guide | Activities Aerial Excursions Crazy Creek Air Adventures Glider rides showcase colorful rural vistas and vineyards, the largest fresh water lake in California, geothermal steam clouds produced by nearby geysers, and even the remnants of an ancient volcano.

Post Office Box 575, Middletown; 707-987-9293.

Napa Valley Balloons Ultimate sightseeing experience over the Napa Valley. Sparkling wine landing celebration. Morning launch 7 days per week, weather permitting. Post Office Box 2860, Yountville; 800-2532224, 707-944-0228.

Bicycle Rentals Napa Valley Bike Tours Sonoma Valley Bike Tours Bike and kayak rentals, one-day guided tours, and all-inclusive vacation packages since 1987. Tour the Wine Country in a way you simply can’t experience by car. Special connections let you visit wineries and sample wines you’d otherwise miss. Bicycle inside the vineyards or on country roads. New, high-end bicycles every year ensure a great experience. 707-944-2953, 707-996-2453; napavalleybiketours.com, sonomavalleybiketours.com.

Wine Country Bikes Will deliver the whole rental kit right to your door. 61 Front Street Healdsburg; 707-473-0610.

Sonoma Canopy Tours Just outside Occidental, enjoy a unique zipline course that features a zipline that is over 800 feet long. Walk sky bridges high in the air. Marvel at panoramic forest views and deep ravines. Discover the world-famous California Coastal Redwoods in a way you never imagined. Sonoma Canopy Tours. It’s high adventure that’s green, family-friendly and educational. 888-494-7868 or visit sonomacanopytours.com.

Napa Guided Riber Boat Cruise Enjoy an in-depth, insider tour of the Napa River and everything that is connected to it. All cruises are aboard an Electra Craft electric boat, which comfortably seats up to 11 passengers. Seating is limousine-style and the wrap-around windows provide panoramic views from every seat. Call 707224-9080 or visit napavalleyadventuretours.com.

Golf Northwood Golf Club 9 holes; public; 3966-5786 yards; par 64-72. Food & beverage service; deck. 19400 Hwy 116, Monte Rio; 707-865-1116.

Eagle Vines Golf Club 18 holes; public; 5652-7283 yards; par 72. Practice range; food & beverage service. 580 South Kelly Road, Napa; 707-2574470.

Outdoor Adventure Rivers Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips Launching from Healdsburg, all of the trips offer beautiful places to swim, fish, and picnic, and an abundance of amazing wildlife to enjoy such as turtles, osprey, otters, wild ducks, 3 types of herons, deer, fish, and eagle. Call 707433-7247 or visit 308-2028 or visit riversedgekayakandcanoe.com.

Sustainable Tour Program Kunde Kunde Winery is in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Walk the property with either Fourth-Generation Winegrower, Jeff Kunde, or Sonoma Valley docent, Bill Myers, both of whom have tremendous experience and passion for environmental education.

Designed for outdoor and wine enthusiasts, hikes are moderately strenuous and take guests from the Sonoma Valley floor up 1,400 feet into the Mayacamas Mountain range. Call 707-833-5501, or visit kunde.com.

SPA DIRECTORY | Wine Country Guide | 87

Wine Country Guide | Useful Phone Numbers RESTAURANTS Sonoma North

Bistro Ralph - 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg...............................................................................................707-433-1380 Corks - 5700 Gravenstein Highway North, Forestville..............................................................................707-887-3344 Dry Creek Kitchen - 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg..........................................................................707-431-0330 Francis Ford Coppola - 300 Via Archimedes (Hwy 101 to Independence Lane), Geyserville..................707-431-0330 Ravenous Cafe - 420 Center St., Healdsburg..........................................................................................707-431-1302 Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar - 403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg............................................................707-433-9191 Zin - 344 Center St., Healdsburg..............................................................................................................707-473-0946

Sonoma Central

Equus Restaurant - (Fountaingrove Hotel) 101 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa............................707-578-6101 John Ash & Co - (Vintners Inn) 4330 Barnes Rd. at River Rd., Santa Rosa...............................................707-527-7687 La Gare French Restaurant - 208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa....................................................................707-528-4355 Underwood Bar & Bistro - 9113 Graton Rd., Graton.............................................................................707-823-7023 ZaZu - 3535 Guerneville Rd., Santa Rosa.................................................................................................707-523-4814

Sonoma South

Cucina Paradiso - 56 E. Washington St., Petaluma................................................................................707-782-1130 Cafe La Haye - 140 E. Napa St., Sonoma................................................................................................707-935-5994 Duece - 691 Broadway, Sonoma.............................................................................................................707-933-3823 El Dorado Kitchen - (El Dorado Hotel) 405 First St. West at West Spain St., Sonoma.............................707-996-3030 Saddles Steakhouse - 29 East MacArthur St., Sonoma.........................................................................707-933-3191 Kenwood - 9900 Sonoma Hwy./Hwy. 12, Kenwood...............................................................................707-833-6326

Napa North

All Seasons Bistro - 1400 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga..................................................................................707-942-9111 Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen - 1327 Railroad Ave., St. Helena................................................................707-963-1200 JoLe - (Mount View Hotel) 1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga..........................................................................707-942-8272 Market - 1347 Main St., St. Helena.........................................................................................................707-963-3799 Martini House - 1245 Spring St., St. Helena..........................................................................................707-963-2233 Mustard’s Grill - 7399 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena.................................................................................707-944-2424 Rutherford Grill - 1180 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford..............................................................................707-963-1792 Solbar at Solage Resort- 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga........................................................................707-226-0850 Terra - 1345 Railroad Ave., St. Helena.....................................................................................................707-963-8931 Wine Spectator Greystone - 2555 Main St., St. Helena........................................................................707-967-1010

Napa South

Bistro Don Giovanni - 4110 Howard Lane, Napa...................................................................................707-224-3300 Bistro Jeanty - 6510 Washington St., Yountville....................................................................................707-944-0103 Bouchon - 6534 Washington St., Yountville............................................................................................707-944-8037 Downtown Joe’s Brewery and Restaurant - 902 Main St., Napa.......................................................707-258-2337 Etoile - 1 California Dr. at Hwy. 29, Yountville.........................................................................................707-944-2892 French Laundry - 6640 Washington Street, Yountville...........................................................................707-944-2380 La Toque - 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa.................................................................................................707-257-5157 Napa Valley Culinary Center - 388 Devlin Road, Napa.........................................................................707-603-3260 Napa Valley Wine Train - 1275 McKinstry St., Napa...........................................................................707-253-2111 ZinsValley - 1106 First Street.,Napa.......................................................................................................707-224-0695

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WINE TOURS AND LIMO SERVICES

California Wine Tours ....................................................................................................................707-253-1300 Midnight Limousine & Wine Tours .............................................................................................650-872-7059 We Drive ..........................................................................................................................................855-855-8950 Napa Valley Bike Tours..................................................................................................................707-944-2953 Sonoma Valley Bike Tours.............................................................................................................707-996-2453

SPAS

Golden Haven Spa & Resort - 1713 Lake St., Calistoga.....................................................................707-942-6793 Lincoln Avenue Spa - 1339 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga...............................................................................707-942-2950 Massage Envy Spa - Two Sonoma Locations; visit massageenvy.com................................................... 707-255-8000 Mount View Spa - 1457 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga...................................................................................... 800-816-6877 Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary - 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone............................................................. 707-823-8231

FAMILY FUN

Calistoga Balloons - Calistoga...............................................................................................................888-995-7700 Napa Valley Balloons - Yountville...................................................................................................... 707-944-0228 Driven Raceway - Fairfield and Rohnert Park........................................................................................ 707-426-3748

Hall Wines Cave Tasting

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Fritz Sbragia Silver Oak Dutcher Ferrari-Carano Crossing Bella David Preston Coffaro Yoakim Bridge Pedroncelli Raymond Burr

Geyser Peak

Talty GĂśpfrich Truett Hurst Meeker Forchini deLorimier Amphora Family Wineries Quivira Papapietro Perry Peterson River Rock Casino Coppola Rued Michel-Schlumberger Clos du Bois Passalacqua Rafanelli Teldeschi Trentadue Lambert Bridge Vintners Mauritson Ridge Robert Amista Signatures Young Dry Creek Stryker Mazzocco Medlock Starlite Wilson Ames Hawkes Jordan

J Winery

Korbel Gary Farrell

Porter Creek

Moshin Hartford Family

Christopher Creek

Lancaster

Chateau Limerick Lane Felice Duex Amis / Mutt Lynch Merriam

Chalk Hill

Thomas George

Russian Hill Sonoma-Cutrer

Joseph Kendall-Jackson Swan Wine Center Harvest Martinelli Moon Martin Pellegrini Ray Inman Sunce Robert Dutton Dutton DeLoach Hook & Rue Goldfield Estate Ladder Lynmar

Sandman Inn

Taft Street

Osmosis Spa

Hanna

Hop Kiln Rochioli

Arista

Russian River Iron Horse

Marimar

Rodney Strong

Balletto

Hanna

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Sausal White Oak Alexander Valley

Everett Ridge Michael Bernard Alderbrook Mill Creek Armida De La Montanya Foppiano Twomey Matrix VML Winery

Stonestreet

Paradise Ridge

VeritĂŠ

Taft Street Balletto

Sandman Inn Hanna

Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Argenzio

Cellars of Sonoma

Pride Mountain

Ledson

Matanzas Creek

St. Francis Landmark Kaz Chateau St. Jean

Blackstone VJB Mayo Family Reserve Family Wineries The Wine Room

Kenwood Kunde

Loxton Wellington Benziger Audelssa

Mayo Family Imagery Arrowood

Eric Ross Valley of the Moon

Petaluma Village Premium Outlets

B.R. Cohn Moon Mountain

Ravenswood Cellar Door

Bartholomew Park

Buena Vista Gundlach Bundschu

Robledo Keller Estate

Sebastiani

Anaba Schug Gloria Ferrer Keating Meadowcroft (at Cornerstone)Homewood

Cline

Nicholson

Jacuzzi

Viansa

Roche

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to

Peter Michael

Atalon OldFaithful Geyser Bennett Lane Summers

Chateau Montelena Vincent Arroyo

Zahtila

Graeser Vermeil

Golden Haven Spa August Briggs Pope Valley

Clos Pegase Cuvaison

Reverie

Sterling Paoletti

Dutch Henry

Twomey Castello di Amorosa Schramsberg

Frank Family Madrigal

Rancho de las Flores

Benessere Rombauer Chateau Boswell Ehlers Burgess Schweiger

Casa Nuestra

Freemark Abbey Cairdean Estate Trinchero A Dozen Vintners

Duckhorn

St Clement Spring Mountain Beringer

Charles Krug

Materra Wine Hardware Prager Winery & Port Works

Merryvale Louis Martini

Sutter Home

HALL Flora Springs Arger-Martucci

Whitehall Lane

Rutherford Grove Provenance Grgich Hills

Rubicon Estate

Joseph Conn Phelps Valley William Harrison Rutherford Hill

Heitz V Sattui

Raymond Quintessa Franciscan Sullivan AlphaOmega Frogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leap Beaulieu

Peju

Robert Mondavi

Conn Creek Mumm Napa ZD

Sequoia Grove Groth Cakebread Turnbull Plumpjack Opus One

Far Niente Napa Wine Co. Diamond Oaks

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Rutherford Ranch

Honig

St Supery

Catacula Lake

Silver Oak

Miner Family

to

Nichelini

Plumpjack

Opus One

Far Niente Napa Wine Co. Silver Oak Diamond Oaks

Chateau Potelle

Cardinale

Folie á Deux

Paraduxx Goosecross

Cosentino

Baldacci Robert Sinskey Shafer

Cliff Lede Cornerstone Domaine Chandon

Stags’ Leap Winery Steltzner

Silverado Vineyards Pine Ridge

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Regusci Chimney Rock

The Hess Collection

Clos Du Val Silenus Trefethen Signorello Monticello

Andretti

Black Stallion

Van Der Heyden

Darioush Hagafen

William Hill Reynolds Luna Judd’s Hill

Artesa Folio Winemakers’ Studio Domaine Carneros Cuvaison

Acacia

Wine Train (1275 McKinstry St.) Stonehedge (1004 Clinton St.) Madonna Estate

Saintsbury Etude

McKenzieMueller Bouchaine

Ceja

Patz & Hall

(On Devlin Road)

Cartlidge & Browne

Valley Gate Vnyds

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Wine Country Overview

C

alifornia is the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, behind France, Italy, and Spain. Fully 90 percent of all wine produced in the United States comes from here.

Almost anywhere you go in California, from Mexico to Oregon and from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, you will find vineyards and wineries. Only the desert seems to be an exception, and even there examples probably exist to prove this assertion wrong.

While there is much wine country in California, the areas of the state distinguished as “the Wine Country” are in the north. Less than 60 miles upstate from San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa counties are the Wine Country heartland.

Including all four counties, the Wine Country occupies an area of over 7,000 square miles. It is home to literally hundreds of wineries that are open for tasting, scores of lodging accommodations, dozens of fine dining restaurants, and a myriad of one-ofa-kind shops.

Spotlight’s Wine Country Guide is the definitive guide to Wine Country touring, complete with overviews, maps, directories, features, and touring suggestions. Each monthly issue breaks the Wine Country down into sensible, manageable regions that can be explored at a leisurely pace.

Sonoma North is centered around Healdsburg and includes the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys.

Sonoma South includes the town of Sonoma together with the Sonoma Valley (also known as Valley of the Moon) and the Sonoma side of the Carneros district.

Napa North covers the top half of the Napa Valley including the Calistoga, St. 94 | Wine Country Guide >>www.winecountryguide.com

Helena, and Rutherford areas. Napa South covers the bottom half of the valley including the Oakville and Yountville areas, the town of Napa, and the Napa side of Carneros.

Mendocino County and Lake County are each comprised of four wine districts.

In Mendocino County, the districts are Hopland and Redwood Valley along Highway 101, Anderson Valley along Highway 128, and Mendocino Coast along Highway 1 (the Coastal Highway). In Lake County, they are Guenoc Valley and Red Hills along Highway 29, High Valley along Highway 20, and Clear Lake surrounding the large lake of the same name.

Getting Here

BY AIR: The closest major airports are San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), and Sacramento International (SMF). SFO and SMF are both about 60 miles from the town of Napa at the southern end of the Napa Valley; OAK is somewhat closer, about 50 miles. Santa Rosa now offers direct flights from Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. If you plan ahead, you can see the Wine Country by limousine. See our Phone Directory of Wine Tours and Limo Services at the back of this magazine.

BY CAR: The Wine Country is served by two major highways. U.S. Highway 101 runs north-south, connecting San Francisco with Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

Interstate 80 runs northeast-southwest between San Francisco and Sacramento, connecting to California highway 12 running into southern Napa and Sonoma counties. Important branches off I-80 are I-880, running along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, and I-580, connecting Oakland with San Rafael on the western side of the Bay.

Fort Bragg Willits Mendocino

Ukiah

Lakeport Clearlake Oaks

Hopland Kelseyville

Clearlake

Cloverdale Geyserville

Middletown

Healdsburg Windsor

Guerneville Jenner Bodega Bay

Calistoga

Santa Rosa

Pope Valley

St Helena Rutherford Oakville

Sebastopol Kenwood Rohnert Park

Glen Ellen

Yountville

Petaluma Pt Reyes Station

Sonoma

Napa

Vacaville Fairfield

Novato

Vallejo San Rafael

Richmond

Berkeley Concord

San Francisco

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