As we’ve remarked before, one of the benefits of living in the North Bay means not having to travel far and wide for out-of-the-ordinary experiences.

Can’t make it to Kenya but always wanted to go on safari? Just head to Safari West.

Wish you could visit Germany’s famed Bavaria? Head to The Tourist Club on Mt. Tamalpais.

Never made it to Yosemite but in awe of tall trees? Muir Woods is right in our back yard.

The Old Faithful Geyser of California

There’s another treasure hiding in our midst as well, one for those impatient to visit Yellowstone: the Old Faithful Geyser of California, in upper Napa Valley just outside Calistoga – known for its hot springs and mud baths. Yes, the geyser here is a bit like comparing a bonsai to a redwood; nonetheless, it is one of only three geysers in the world that has earned the designation “old faithful” – meaning it performs at regular intervals. Every 30 minutes or so, sometimes every 10 or 20, the Old Faithful Geyser erupts about 60 to 100 feet in the air. It’s really a sight, and the gurgles and steam that warn of the impending eruption are always met with shrieks of glee and excitement from the kids in the crowd.

We should probably mention that this attraction is usually most-appreciated by the young ones in the group. They do get a kick out of the huge bubbles and surprise release of the geyser, plus the grounds have other fun attractions for their age-group: four-horn sheep and Tennessee fainting goats found in a petting zoo.

Mount Saint Helena and the Palisades mountains make up the scenic setting of the geyser, and though also small in comparison to the mountain ranges of the Rockies found in Yellowstone, they are breathtaking and beautiful, and do make you feel as though you’ve traveled far from home.

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Charming Glen Ellen Photo by: Glenn Franco Simmons

Along Highway 12 in Sonoma sits the “Valley of the Moon,” eastern Sonoma’s fabled area made popular by writer and adventurer Jack London, who lived in the region in the early 1900s. At its heart is Glen Ellen, a quintessential California Wine Country village that still retains the natural beauty and charm that London fell in love with a century ago and is a wonderful place to spend a leisurely day.

Enchanting vistas, rolling hills, colorful vineyards and bright wildflowers envelope the town and embrace the stone buildings, crooked streets and old oak trees. It’s no wonder that after traveling the world, London decided to settle on this land.

Jack London’s Cottage Residence Photo by Lance & Erin Willett

London lived in Glen Ellen from 1909-1916, during which he dedicated his time to the development of his passion project, “Beauty Ranch,” now Jack London State Historic Park. The park contains the cottage residence where London wrote, a museum in “The House of Happy Walls,” built inside a Redwood grove, the ruins of London’s dream home, Wolf House mansion, which was destroyed in a fire, and London’s grave site. The park covers over 10 miles of trails that take visitors through meadows and woodlands to these historic sites and offer views of the Valley of the Moon. Nearby Sonoma Valley Regional Park also has hiking and outdoor activities, including dog-friendly trails.

Just south of Jack London State Park is Jack London Village, a small compound of wonderful boutiques and restaurants overlooking Asbury and Sonoma Creeks. For a decadent treat, stop in the Wine Country Chocolates shop and tasting room to sample different truffle flavors such as Orange-Grand Marnier, Champagne and Pomegranate with Orange Blossom Honey.

Jack London Village Photo by Stephanie D.

It wouldn’t be a Wine Country town without wine, and there are several wineries – and worthwhile eateries – located in and around Glen Ellen along Arnold Drive and Highway 12.

Another reason why we love where we live: When a day’s outing allows us to combine stunning scenery, old California charm, and a fascinating insight into the life of one of American history’s most complex and adventurous authors.

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Not content to rest on their laurels, many wineries in Sonoma and Napa have expanded their appeal in recent years by offering enticing, innovative attractions. Sure, for many visitors the focus is still primarily red or white, but for those in search of added delights, the options are vast.

Ever tried “Wine Surfing”? If you’re in Bodega Bay on the Sonoma coast, it’s actually a choice. Gourmet au Bay is the coast’s only waterside wine bar. Their Wine Surfing experience includes tastings of three wines, with the glasses held in a specially designed surfboard, and a spot on their bay-front deck to contemplate the bouquet, and the sunset.  

Got the whole family in tow – with no one volunteering to be the designated driver? Not a problem if you head to the family-friendly Larson Family Winery in Sonoma. After sampling their award-winning wines, you can settle in for the night at the Captain’s House, a fully-appointed civil war era farmhouse available as a vacation rental that sleeps up to seven people and includes a gourmet kitchen, flat screen TV, and internet access.

Cornerstone Sonoma Photo by BitBoy

Cornerstone Sonoma, on Highway 121 just before the Carneros Junction – look for the big blue Adirondack chair – presents a myriad of choices for the Wine Country adventurer. After a tasting at one or all of the several tasting venues, you can explore the numerous walk through gardens, designed by world-class landscape architects and recognized in one publication as one of the “1001 Gardens to See Before you Die.” Cornerstone Sonoma also features a cafe, unique shops and galleries, and concerts in the Keating Wines tasting room.

Fountain at Francis Ford Coppola’s Rubicon Estate. Photo by Louis Abate.

For the destination in the Wine Country that is sure to please all ages in the group, the vote goes to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. More than forty wines are produced on-site, which can also be enjoyed at the restaurant Rustic, Francis’s Favorites featuring delectable family-style Italian cooking. From the restaurant, you can explore the Movie Gallery with its collection of authentic movie memorabilia, and then head to the park and bocce courts, or one of the nearby game tables for a family championship of checkers or backgammon. But wait, Coppola’s winery also boasts two swimming pools, a sunbathing terrace and cabines that can be rented for the day.

With North Bay wineries like these, being the designated driver isn’t half bad.

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We’ve talked a number of times about how the North Bay is a gastronome’s dream. Whether looking for the best in organic foods, fresh local produce, ethnic cuisine, or unique dining, there are hundreds of options throughout the region to whet your palate. And if looking for specialty items such as cheeses, beer and wine, apples, oysters or olives – yep, we’ve got those covered too.

Thomas Keller’s world-famous restaurant in Yountville Photo by Katie Peek

When it comes to food, few places on earth live up to the excellence served every day here in the North Bay. Rattling off some of the best restaurants in town reads like a Top 10 list from Food & Wine Magazine – The French Laundry, Cyrus, Auberge Du Soleil, Farmhouse Inn, Dry Creek Kitchen…

Though a serious dinner in the North Bay can involve a month-long wait list and a considerable bill, part of the appeal of the region is that you don’t have to go to such lengths to enjoy amazing cuisine. Restaurants at all price levels take advantage of the fresh local meat and produce and serve up remarkable meals. For those budget-minded food lovers who are eager for a special dining experience, they can do so at a fraction of the cost once a year during Restaurant Week, a culinary celebration during which local restaurants create affordable, multi-course fixed price menus. In 2011, Napa Valley participated once again (their “week” is actually a month), Sonoma County hosted their second annual week and Marin County joined the fun for the first time.

CIA at Greystone in St. Helena Photo by B. Reynolds

For those who want to go a step further – who don’t want to just eat at one of the highest rated restaurants in the country – but want to put their Chef’s kitchen to use as well, we have some outstanding cooking schools. The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), widely recognized as the world’s premier culinary college, is located in and around the Greystone Cellars building in St. Helena. CIA at Greystone offers courses for continuing education and career development for professionals in the industry, as well as options for food enthusiasts, including Boot Camps and weekend immersion programs. Ramekins in Sonoma provides demonstration classes, hands-on classes and even courses for kids. Because, let’s face it, our little ones grow up eating hummus, sushi and crab, not just PB&J. And when it comes to those PB&Js? Organic peanut butter and locally jarred preserves on freshly baked bread, of course. Gourmet cooking supply chain Sur la Table hosts cooking courses at their store in Santa Rosa and Cavallo Point, home of the Michelin-star restaurant Murray Circle, offers an ever-changing roster of cooking classes and programs inspired by local flavors.

Celebrity chefs, Michelin stars, gourmet tasting menus, world-renowned cooking courses…a local could take it for granted. Or just sit back and enjoy the meal.

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There’s a special place located about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco where one can walk amongst giants, canoe down a bend, taste local wines, swing from treetops, enjoy quaint Main Streets, visit local shops and galleries and take pleasure in unique festivals.

Photo by Ingrid Taylar

The Russian River, the second largest river in the Greater Bay Area, begins in Mendocino County and winds south into Sonoma County, past ancient redwoods and charming river towns, before entering into the Pacific Ocean along the Sonoma Coast. The river’s path is divided into regions, including the Russian River Valley (upper Russian River) and the Russian River Resort Area (lower Russian River) and by simply following the river’s course you can find many attractions that make Sonoma County such a wonderful home and popular tourist destination.

Photo by Deb Harkness

The Russian River Valley, the largest of Sonoma County’s thirteen wine appellation regions, is home to over 100 wineries and growers who thrive thanks to the rich and fertile soil and an environment ideal for cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The region is open and expansive with landscapes of rolling hills peppered with wineries. To truly enjoy the area and get a taste of the region, try one of the several driving tours, including a cruise down Westside Road, a gorgeous scenic route between Healdsburg and Guerneville. And if beer is more your taste, be sure to sample the local brews from the Russian River Brewing Company. Special Tip: The annually released, much-coveted IPA Pliny the Younger is available every February for a limited time.  

Photo by Dave Schumaker

For a more family-friendly adventure, the lower Russian River Resort Area offers plenty of play. One can hike through Armstrong Redwoods, canoe, kayak, or wade along the river at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, tee off at Northwood Golf Course in Monte Rio or go on a sky-high adventure in Occidental. In addition to offering adventure, these eclectic hamlets are ideal for exploring on foot and enjoying the local vibe. A little bit country town, a little bit funky, the main streets offer lots of local color to accompany the unique dining and shopping experiences.

Throughout the year there are several festivals on and around the river celebrating wine, music, and art, including some of our favorites: the Wine Road Barrel Tasting, the Russian River Jazz & Blues festival, ARTrail Open Studios and Pinot on the River.

Whether you go for the wine, the redwoods, the festivals or the adventure, the Russian River is a wonderful place to experience the many things we love about the North Bay.

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In Reason 72 we talked about all the wonderful North Bay nurseries, as well as the home and gardens of famed Sonoma County horticulturist Luther Burbank. But for those who lack a green thumb or anything resembling a yard, there are many amazing public gardens and unique nature areas to enjoy here in the North Bay.

If you’ve driven through Sonoma along Highway 121, you’ve no doubt noticed the twisted white picket fence and blue Adirondack chair fit for Jack’s Giant. These pieces mark the entrance to Cornerstone Sonoma and the whimsical gardens contained within. Cornerstone Sonoma offers shops, galleries, wine tasting, a marketplace and café, but it’s the incredible garden installations that catch your attention and draw you in. These rotating exhibits are the masterminds of some of the world’s finest landscape architects and designers, each given 1,800 square feet and the freedom to create anything from a tree covered in 70,000 sky-blue Christmas balls, a door that opens to seemingly nothing, a field of plastic daisy pinwheels, or an army of snowmen – part of an annual holiday display. More museum than garden, Cornerstone Sonoma is a unique environment filled with fanciful and surprising delights.

For an escape to Asia, it’s as easy as a trip to Quarryhill, a 20-acre botanical garden in Glen Ellen featuring one of the largest collections of documented, wild-collected Asian plants in the world. Magnolias, dogwoods, maples, birch, roses, lilies, and rhododendrons bloom amongst a landscape sprinkled with ponds, waterfalls, benches, paths and walkways – all set to the stunning backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains.

The Marin-Bolinas Botanical Gardens in Bolinas are the result of another North Bay resident’s passion for plants. On display in the 14 acres is a children’s garden and over 2,000 species of succulents and euphorbia, collected from the exotic trips of the late Dr. Herman Schwartz.

The Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross offers 11-acres of spectacular gardens. Once privately held land but now open to the public 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, the Marin Art and Garden Center is an important community resource, serving as an event venue and a public park with educational programs. Meander amongst the ancient trees, observe butterflies in the Butterfly Habitat, stroll along the rolling lawns, admire the rose garden, let your kids frolic in the playground or steal a kiss with your sweetheart in the Victorian-style gazebo.

Whether in search of garden tranquility or curious to explore the stunning variety of flowers and plants that have found a home in the North Bay, there’s much to enjoy in these treasured settings.

Other Unique Nature Areas:

The Petrified Forest: Step back in time three million years and explore rocks, minerals, crystals and fossils.

Bouverie Preserve of Audubon Canyon Ranch: A private, non-profit nature preserve known for its amazing spring wildflowers.

The Laguna de Santa Rosa: The largest freshwater wetlands complex on the northern California coast.

Muir Woods and Armstrong Redwoods: Reason 49 on our list of 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live.

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Photos Courtesy of:

Blue Tree by Claude Cormier, Cornerstone Sonoma. Photo by Kellan.
Snowmen, Cornerstone Sonoma. Photo by Michael Risenhoover.
Quarryhill Botanical Gardens. Photo by Rodney Jonk.

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We’ve written about the delicious, world-class wines we’re so fortunate to have in our backyard. Part of what makes them so great is the richness of the Wine Country soil, which is, in fact, also well-known and appreciated for another good reason: it makes a marvelous, soothing mud bath. Combined with the waters of local thermal springs, the volcanic ash found in Wine Country soil creates a mud that is said to smooth the skin, relax muscles, calm aches, and improve circulation.

The charming, historic Napa County town of Calistoga is where many head when a day of mud baths and relaxation are in order: the first resort to take advantage of the hot springs was opened there by Sam Brannan in 1860. Today there are over a dozen spa destinations in Calistoga. They bring the ash in fresh every day and mix it with steaming mineral water from a nearby spring, and add peat moss for texture and to help the body float, and aromatherapy ingredients such as lavender or eucalyptus.  

Combined with a massage, a visit to a steam room, and a dip in an inviting swimming pool, the mud baths are just one part of the full package that today’s attractive Wine Country spas offer to de-stress and rejuvenate.

A mediation area at Osmosis Spa, Sonoma County. Photo by Brent Olson

In Sonoma County, the unique treatment is that of the Cedar Enzyme Bath, offered by Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, located just off Bodega Highway en route to Occidental. The profoundly relaxing bath is much like being buried in warm sand on a beach – you are immersed up to your chin in a bed of finely ground cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes, which create a calming woodsy aroma as the ingredients heat naturally, by fermentation. Osmosis, a true hidden gem yet a Sonoma County favorite and known worldwide, is said to be the only spa in North America offering this treatment.

Whether just eager to try a dip in the mud or in need of a full day of pampering and peace, few places deliver the way our local Wine Country spas do.

Resources:

• Calistoga Spas 
• Solage Spa
• Indian Springs
• Dr. Wilkinson’s
• Sonoma Spa Getaways 

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It’s no secret that California wines are something to be treasured. We have an ideal climate for winemaking, have exquisite vines, and have raised and attracted a serious number of genius winemakers. California is responsible for more than 90% of all wine produced in the US and is the fourth largest wine producer in the world. The Wine Country region – with its beautiful, natural backdrop, and celebrated delicacies and lifestyle – is a top tourist destination. Sometimes it’s easy to take such things for granted.

Photo credit: Romy Schneider

Late summer/early fall is a perfect time to explore the Wine Country – when the air starts to get a little crisp, the leaves are changing to a colorful yellow and crimson, and the flocks of tourists have returned home. This time of year, also known as Crush, is when you can witness first-hand the excitement of harvest season: grape-picking, sorting, crushing and fermentation. Wineries become abuzz with the energy a new vintage brings and the smell of crushed grapes permeates the air.

September is also California Wine Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to the state’s ideal climate for wine, beautiful wine country landscape, talented winemakers, local lifestyle and cuisine, and commitment to sustainability and the environment. To celebrate, many wineries and regional associations offer special events – a list of which can be found here.

But the autumn harvest festivities don’t end there as October brings the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, a three-day celebration featuring wine tasting, chef demonstrations, the World Class Championship Grape Stomp, live jazz, a craft pavilion and more.

So for those still yearning for warm weather outings and the joy of simple pleasures – it’s as easy as enjoying a glass of California wine and savoring the beauty of the North Bay.

In keeping with our “Reasons” theme, here are 10 Reasons to love California Wine.

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The beautiful, diverse geography of the North Bay makes it ideal for a variety of adventures of all types. Though cave exploring doesn’t always spring to mind when considering an outing, the type done in the Wine Country is one of our favorites. No need for headlamps, carabineers, rope, or an REI shopping spree for these cave expeditions: as it turns out, the only thing one needs is a dinner or tour reservation at the right winery.

Photo taken by George DeMet	Photo taken by Q Speaks

Caves are ideal for aging and storing wine because they create the perfect environment of cool temperatures and high humidity. The practice dates back to ancient Rome, at least, and caves have long since been used in Sonoma County and are often stops on winery tours. However, for a unique Wine Country outing, try visiting one of the few wineries that open their caves for a more intimate experience: private tours and special dinners. The caves offer a certain mystique – dark ambiance, natural surroundings, cascading water – paired with candlelight, and of course, the purveyor’s selection of fine wines.

Bella Vineyards Wine Cave  Photo taken by star5112

Gundlach Bundschu: At 2:00pm daily, Gundlach Bundschu offers a Harvest Tour and Cave Tasting. This hour-long experience takes you through their winemaking process and ends with a seated tasting in their barrel cave.

 Jarvis: Jarvis does more than just store wine in caves – the entire winemaking facility is run inside the 45,000 square feet of cave tunneled into the Vacas Mountains and tasting tours are available daily by appointment.

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Photo taken by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Imagine sitting down among the scenic beauty of a vineyard, surrounded by lush grape vines, roses and rolling hills. Add to that a gourmet lunch paired with your newfound favorite wine and you’ve got yourself a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in the Wine Country. Whether you live in Sonoma or Napa Counties or are just visiting, a Wine Country picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy the area. Unfortunately, you can’t just spread out a picnic blanket anywhere, but several wineries do have picnic spots. Some may require reservations or fees, so best to do a little research before setting out.

To prepare for your picnic, stop by Whole Foods in Napa (one of the largest we’ve seen) or visit the well-known and beloved Oakville Grocery in Oakville (arrive early to avoid crowds). Another great option for the gourmet foodie is Dean & DeLuca in St.Helena. Have a sandwich or salad made to order at the deli, pore over their amazing selection of pre-made dishes and specialty items or just grab some truffle salt to take home. You can then head over to nearby Louis M. Martini Winery and enjoy your feast at one of their sunny picnic tables. If your tasting tour takes you to Calistoga, you can visit Bothe State Park which offers picnic tables amongst Redwoods, ferns and Douglas Fir trees – they even have a swimming pool for those hot summer days. If you prefer to buy your picnic fare at the winery, try Chateau St.Jean or V. Sattui. Chateau St. Jean allows you to buy wines by the glass and take them out on the grounds – which feature spectacular gardens. V. Sattui is known for their enormous cheese counter and has a delicious deli as well. Off the tourist path a little bit is Jimtown Store in Alexander Valley. Like Oakville Grocery, this is more country store meets California gourmet.

These are just some of the places where we love to wine and dine outdoors – there are many more options. Let us know if we missed one of your favorites, or if you have a recommended wine or dish at any of the places we mentioned.

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Image via Wildcat Dunny

When you’re lucky enough to live in or around the Napa/Sonoma Wine Country, it’s easy to take the amazing scenery for granted. One great way to gain a new perspective is to take flight and view the area from above. There are several options for doing this, including helicopter and hot air balloon rides.

Another, less expensive option is to visit a mountain-top winery and take in the panoramic views. The well-known standard for this is Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga. Its hilltop location provides panoramic views of the Napa Valley and there’s even an aerial tram – the only one of its kind in the valley – to get to the top. Sterling Vineyards is also kid-friendly, offering juice boxes for little ones.  

If you find yourself in Sonoma Valley, there’s Kunde Family Estate in Kenwood, which just last week announced the official launch of its new Mountain Top Tour and Tasting. Offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the tour takes you through the Mayacamas Mountains and up to 1,400 feet where you’ll be greeted with panoramic vistas, breathtaking views and a beautiful setting for tasting their sustainably-farmed, estate-grown wines. Like Frank Howard Allen Realtors, Kunde Family Estate is family-owned and has also celebrated 100 years of serving the North Bay.  

Balloon Rides
Napa Valley Drifters
Balloons Above the Valley
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.

Helicopter Rides
Wine Country Helicopters
Napa Helicopter Charters 

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Recently I was lucky enough to spend some time at the Plaza in the Town of Sonoma. What a gorgeous and fun place to hang out. I took Highway 12 from North Santa Rosa to Sonoma, which makes for a great drive on a spring day and takes you past tons of wineries including Kunde Estates and Ledson Winery, which is housed in a gorgeous Normandy-style castle. (Here is a list of Sonoma Wineries with a number of them along Highway 12. There are also great places to lunch along the way and even beautiful places to stay such as the Kenwood Inn & Spa.)

Once you arrive in the City of Sonoma (mostly called the Town of Sonoma), you can head over to the Plaza off of Broadway. The Sonoma Plaza is the largest in the state and home to the Sonoma Cheese Factory, the Sonoma Barracks used by General Vallejo in the 1850s and now a Historic Landmark, the Toscano Hotel, and the Sonoma City Hall.

The Town of Sonoma has a rich history in California: it was the Capital of the California Republic, which existed for a whole 26 days in 1846. It is considered the birthplace of the California Wine Country and as a side note, is also the birthplace of the well-known housewares company Williams Sonoma.

With historical buildings, amazing shops and restaurants, scenic drives, and lots to do, it’s hard to beat a refreshing and relaxing trip to the Town of Sonoma.

Many great events take place in the Plaza, including:

A year-round Farmer’s Market held Fridays from 8:30 am – noon
Free docent-led tours at The Toscano Hotel are offered Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 1-4pm
Fireworks on the Fourth of July
The Sonoma Jazz Festival
For more events, click here.

Not in the mood for one of these events? Then grab a lunch and have a picnic in the park.

The Sonoma Plaza has been Yelp’d and you can check out the reviews here.

What is your favorite stretch of the California Wine Country?

Posted by:  Jennifer Masterson

The weather is cloudy, rainy and gloomy…. Yes, we’re grateful for the rain – all of it!  However, if you’re in need of some fun, the next two weekends are just what the doctor ordered!

Get out of the house and enjoy the 32nd Annual Wine Road Barrel Tasting here in Sonoma County. This is your chance to sample wines still in the barrel, buy “futures” and meet winemakers.

For maps, ticket information, an introduction to wine tasting, and much more visit www.wineroad.com. Don’t forget to check out the list of wineries that will also be pouring on both Fridays. You’ll find it at the bottom of this page.

Just one more thing that makes Sonoma County special!

If you go:

BARREL TASTING – TWO WEEKENDS
March 6-7 & 13-14, 2010
11:00 am – 4:00 pm each day

Posted by:Beth Urban-Purtell

It’s all true, everything you have imagined and dreamed about the ultimate getaway can be found at our very own Kenwood Inn and Spa, right here in Kenwood, California. The Mediterranean-style villas of the Inn are tucked away in Sonoma County’s Valley of the Moon.

The readers of Conde Nast Traveler have recently named the Kenwood Inn and Spa the Top Resort in Mainland USA in the magazine’s 21st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In addition to this distinction, The Conde Nast Readers’ Poll of April 2009 named The Spa at Kenwood one of the top 3 Resort Spas in the United States.

The Spa uniquely utilizes the power of the grape. Based on oils extracted from grape seeds, penetrating and protective qualities of topical treatments are used for a variety of Spa treatments. Vinotherapy is incorporated by the Spa with custom made products, including red wine extracts, Chardonnay and Riesling oils, and formulated elements to promote healing, revitalization, and relaxation.

The restaurant at the Kenwood Inn & Spa offers yet another undeniable indulgence as it is available only to in-house guests. Italian-born Maestro della Cucina, Chef Renzo Veronese shops local farms and farmer’s markets, supplying the kitchen with in-season organics and fresh ingredients to create a rustic Italian, a la carte menu focused on house made pastas with meats and fish that incorporate estate grown fruit.

If you desire the special qualities of our wine making region for relaxation and outdoor scenic beauty, you don’t have to look much further for a world class Spa, Resort and Restaurant.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco

Sonoma’s wine making region celebrated its annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley wine tasting event this past weekend. The annual event showcases over 50 wineries and over 150 vineyards of Dry Creek Valley, which is a fine way to get intimate with this appellation. Along with the special weekend events including live entertainment, outdoor cookouts, and fine foods are of course—the unique tastings.

Dry Creek Valley has intentionally stayed intimate to its special quality of winemaking history by continuing to be farmed by families from generation to generation. The valley proudly confesses it has eluded the trend of corporate consolidation. All but just a few of the 62 bonded wineries in Dry Creek Valley are family owned.

When you visit this appellation with its 139-year winemaking history, you will in most all cases taste four generations of a family tending to remarkable vineyards with the perspective gained from the humility of farming and from the rich zeal to improve each vintage. The Seghesio family first planted vineyards in 1895 and the Rafanelli family has been making estate-bottled Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for four generations.

World class wines from the smaller volume producer and the generations of families perspective is also creating a continued influence in the Napa Valley, where commercialization and global consolidation has been more prevalent. The blend of the experiential wine barrel sampling complimented by the family winery tradition can be found at Dave Del Dotto Caves in St. Helena. If you desire the special quality of the smaller family winery that produces world class wines, Northern California’s wine making region has so much to experience.

Posted By: Ernie Basoco