We stumbled in here after hitting up a winery or five, and I'm so glad we did. While we waited for our table, we went next door to the tasting room where the staff was casual and personable. Fun fact - if you are dining at Farmstead, they give you discounted wine tastings! Inside the restaurant, it has a classic yet modern farmhouse feel, decorated with aged wood planks on the walls and mason jars filled with fresh flowers. Our waiter was helpful and knowledgeable
Grey Stack makes bold, unrestrained Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from Bennett Valley, a small appellation in Sonoma County. Grey Stack harvested it's first grapes in 2005 and released its first wines in 2007 - the 2006 Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc and 2005 Marie's Block Syrah from Dry Stack Vineyard. Since then, Grey Stack continues to make Rosemary's Block - one of the most acclaimed and respected Sauvignon Blancs in the new world - along with outstanding examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from several distinct vineyard sites in Bennett Valley.
As one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi Winery innovated many winery technologies that were later adopted by other wineries in the area. Our tour guide went in depth about the history of the winery and showed us different ways of twirling our classes and trying various wines. For me, I felt as if I attended a informative wine class and tasted several great wines.
They have a simple tasting room with seats and tables outside facing the vineyards. If the weather is lovely definitely opt for sitting outside! I came here for a girl's wine tasting day. Our wine guide was nice and friendly, he was nice enough to give us two extra tastings. We sat outside and admired the pretty vineyards wine sipping our wine. We got three tastings and just split among the five of us. My favorite was the chardonnay, nice and light and as our wine guide said "can go with anything." Great winery with nice staff. If you're around this area, definitely stop by.
Pinot Noir, Gruner Veltliner & Sauvignon Blanc nurtured in the vineyard, respected in the winery and aged to distinction. Admiration for tradition and Old World style married with New World sensibilities. Browse around this site to share my love, my passion & ultimate satisfaction captured in the bottle.
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??)
Although Fallbrook is not presently known for its plethora of wineries, a stop at the Fallbrook Winery is well-worth your time, especially if you're in the neighborhood of Temecula. Rather than the usual crowded belly-to-the bar-tastings, this place affords you some privacy, and a chance to revel in the winemaking process. Make a reservation ahead of time, bring a picnic lunch, and also learn the nuances of pruning and planting from proprietor, Ted Gourvitz.
This winery is fun! They're only open the third weekend of the month. Tucked away down Redwood Retreat Road about 3.5 miles from Watsonville Road, the drive to get here is truly spectacular. They are only open the third weekend of each month and passport weekends. They ask that you sign in and they then give you name tags with your first name on it. The staff was friendly and the owners Therese and Dan were walking around greeting people. Dan and Therese Martin clearly have a passion for making great wine. They have scores of awards for their wine but that's not what they lead with. Their tasting room is welcoming and intimate. The vibe is comfortable and engaging. Martin Ranch produces a variety of wines from Chardonnay to Cab Franc, Sauvignon Blanc to Sangiovese.
Good wines, good service, and a nice atmosphere. They have a fantastic assortment of reds, including some interesting ports. Go here for a picnic! They have a great patio and deck. If you call ahead with a big party, they will do their best to make sure you have fun.
Image: thanks to Randy Caparoso
Friendly service here and good wine. I especially like the Zin and Estate Cabernet. I always appreciate when they pour you something extra in addition to the tasting. Got a little Sangiovese and loved it!
