Sonoma

Sonoma

Clos Du Bouis

Clos Du Bois seemed to make a very little effort to hide the corporate image with big buildings and parking lots marked 'Corporate visitors only'. Still they make a very decent selection of table wines, especially at their pricing. Have you been to Costco lately? While I have yet to purchase a bottle of Clos Du Bois it has been served to me a number of times visiting friends. My goal is to make a trip to try their higher end wines and their flagship "Marlestone" and their old vine carignane.

Gallo Sonoma

Who has not heard of Gallo. The tasting room is not longer open to the public in Sonoma but you can get Gallo's wines in most major bottle shops and grocery stores.

Ravenswood Winery

It's a beautiful winery, and the tasting room is kind of tucked away from the main drag, so you have to know where you're going to visit. It's not as big as you'd think it would be, Ravenswood being an widely available label, so I think it's great. $10, and you pick five from the regular list, or $15 and you pick 5 off the reserve list.

Mauritson Vineyards

A great choice for Healdsburg. The area is known for it's Zins and you'll find many decent wines at Mauritson. The tasting is free to Visa Signature card holders. The tasting room isn't terribly fancy but it's nice and there's an outdoor area for warmer days. The staff was quite friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

Cline Cellars

This isn't your usual winery experience--Cline is surrounded by an impressive property, but this location is also rich with historical relevance. The mission on downtown Sonoma used to actually be located where Cline stands today. The vineyard was cute and cosy. IHas picnic tables in the front lawn laid out so you can have your own snacks to accompany your bottle of wine after your tasting.

Bonneau Wines

In 1921 August and Catherine Bonneau purchased 70 acres of land in Schellville, about 8 miles south of the town of Sonoma, California. This was a very remote area at the time, requiring a full day's travel time from San Francisco. This area reminded the Bonneaus of the Bordeaux region of France near the area where they were born. This little boutique winery is serving up some way above average wine and atmosphere!! The Bonneau Wine Room is located in the Carneros Deli (you know that great little gourmet deli on the corners of 116 & 121 by the 76 station on your way out to Infinion Raceway??)

White Oak Vineyards & Winery

Love the metal sculptures in the patio and gardens. They make for a great backdrop to relax and get ready for rest of the day. The tasting room is large enough to handle a crowd, but it has never been that crowded when we stop in. The staff has always been friendly. They make a decent Cabernet sauvignon for the price.

Foppiano Vineyards

One of the oldest wineries in Napa and so down to earth! We had a great visit chatting with the hostess. We discovered things about the history of the local wine industry from her that other places were not sharing. Very personable.

Walker Station Vineyards

Harry Walker’s journey to grow grapes that would make great wine began in 1968. It was a journey that took him from Lodi, then to Napa Valley, Knights Valley, and Dry Creek Valley. When he stumbled upon a gorgeous little chardonnay vineyard in Green Valley, he knew he found something special.

In 1997 he began selling fruit to Paul Hobbs who made a Walker Station, vineyard designated chardonnay that immediately got the attention of chardonnay fans and wine critics alike. Ever since the Paul Hobbs Walker Station chardonnay has consistently been a top ranking chardonnay from vintage to vintage.

Macrostie Winery & Vineyards

Want to love every wine you taste more than the previous one, have a great time chatting with the knowledgeable and fun folks pouring for you. You just might find yourself unable to resist the wine club, and drive away with some affordable wine and the feeling that you've found one awesome Sonoma secret, then Macrostie Winery & Vineyards just might be your place.

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