Sonoma Wine Tours
Your Travel Guide to Sonoma
County Wineries
County Wineries
Your Subtitle text
Glen Ellen Afternoon
GLEN ELLEN WINE TOUR AFTERNOON
Was that your stomach growling? Glen Ellen Inn is waiting for you!
Glen Ellen Inn
13670 Arnold Drive
Glen Ellen
707-996-6409
Lunch is served all day 11:30 to 5:00 Friday through Tuesday and Dinner is served 5-9pm.
The Glen Ellen Inn gets high ratings from the people who’ve discovered it. Here’s a sample:
“My husband and I dined there for our anniversary (we are from Spring, Texas) and I have to say that I think that is the best meal, at a restaurant, that I have ever had! The service was outstanding, as well. We had the Sonoma Salad/Poached Pear Salad; Grilled New York Steak/Grilled Filet Mignon; That Fabulous Glen Ellen Inn Sundae..” Need we say more?
Figone Olive Oil Company
14301 Arnold, Glen Ellen.
707-939-8900.
Hours: 10:00 – 5:00 Daily
Olive oil, recipe books, serving dishes, linens
Here you’ll find a complete line of the famous Figone Olive Oils. You can watch the complete process during harvest and pressing and you can even bring your own olives for pressing! Don’t miss this unique store. To find out more about this unique operation visit their web site at www.figoneoliveoil.com/
Eric Ross Winery
14300 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen
Hours: 11 – 5, Thursday-Monday
www.ericross.com
In 1994 two award-winning photographers for San Francisco’s competing daily newspapers Eric Luse and John Ross Storey became committed to producing wines with big personalities and heartfelt passions--characteristics more than skin deep and ones they believed were inherent in California’s soil. Today they produce some of the finest wines in California at the Eric Ross Winery.
Don’t Miss Tasting: Old Vine Zin
Now it’s time to shake off the past, get back in your car and let’s go taste some MORE WINE! The area of Glen Ellen extends way beyond the town to the south (the way you arrived). From the parking lot turn left on to Arnold Drive, go back through town past the Garden Court and follow the road to Hwy. 12 AKA Sonoma Highway. Turn right on Hwy. 12 and go 2 miles and turn left at the sign to Arrowood Winery and Imagery Winery, which share the same driveway. You’re in for a real treat.
Arrowood Vineyard and Winery
14347 Sonoma Highway
707-938-5170
Hours: 10 – 4:30 daily
The winery is modeled after a New England farmhouse and overlooks the Sonoma Valley which is just what you’ll be doing as you sip great wine from the wraparound veranda of the tasting room. Many of the wines you’ll taste are only available at the winery so if you fall in love with one be sure a take it with you. You’ll be glad you did once you get back home and share it with your friends. That’s assuming you’re the type to share and that you have friends.
But back to the winery, it is the dream of Richard Arrowood and his wife and partner, Alis Demers Arrowood and was completed in 1987. With its winemaking facilities hidden from view, the building sits in perfect harmony with the surrounding countryside. Think country gentleman.
Despite the rather upscale tone of the place and the upscale price of the wines, we found the tasting room staff to be relaxed, friendly and really knowledgeable about the wines. If you want the whole story, you can arrange a private tour of the winery, which includes some really special wine tasting and costs $25. Tours start at 2:30 last between an hour to an hour and a half and you must make reservations in advance. Go to their web site to make reservations. There is also a daily tour that is less comprehensive at noon each day that costs $10 and you don’t need reservations. If you’re interested, the tours can only be arranged in advance to call them at 707-938-5170 or e-mail them from their web site.
All in all we found the Arrowood wines award winning, prestigious and outstanding, the setting magical and the experience not to be missed. You can see what we mean by visiting their web site at www.arrowoodvineyards.com
Be sure to taste: 1999 Estate Merlot, Sonoma County. This wine is a winner; literally, it was in the Top 100 wines of 2002 rated in the annual San Francisco Chronicle ratings. There’s a luscious nose of chocolate, black cherries, and even cigars! Also don’t miss the 1999 Reserve Cabernet. The Wine Spectator rated it 90 out of 100 points.
Richard Arrowood is the President and Executive Winemaker, and even though Arrowood wines are difficult to find and in demand he refuses to make more wine lest quality suffer.
What’s so Special: The setting and the wines
Imagery Estate Winery
14335 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen
707-550-4278
Hours: 10 – 4:30 daily
Opened in 2000, owned by the Benziger family and occupying the former site of Sonoma Mountain Brewery (some tour guide books still have it selling beer), the Imagery Estate Winery sits on a 20-acre estate. The winery grows Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon at its estate vineyards using natural farming methods. Recycling ponds convert the winery's processed water into irrigation water creating a sustainable system of water reclamation designed to protect this natural resource. Since you’ve already been to Benziger you’ll be able to understand their philosophy of farming and appreciate their respect for the land.
The bucolic (did we really say bucolic?) acreage includes an Appellation Trail providing a walking tour of Sonoma County's diverse viticulture areas. Don’t worry we’re not going to suggest yet another hike but if you insist…just kidding. The real news here is the on-site gallery built for the million-dollar art collection adorned on Imagery Artist Collection labels since 1985. With over 125 paintings, it is the world’s largest wine label art collection. In addition to the gallery, Imagery has an impressive selection of gifts and incredibly beautiful grounds complete with a full size bocce court. Stroll around or nap under a tree you’ll feel welcome here. You can check out the winery and get the complete story on the gallery by visiting their web site at www.imagerywinery.com
What’s so special: the on-site art gallery and million dollar art collection.
Valley of the Moon Winery and Vineyards
777 Madrone Road
Glen Ellen, California 95442
707 996-6941
Head back south and turn west (that’s right for you girls) on to Madrone Road off Sonoma Highway, it’s about a half mile down on the left. You’ll see a modern stone and wood barn like structure.
Valley of the Moon (don’t you love the name?) Winery is fairly new, but retains elements of it’s history (they used the old stone). The winery has quite a history, going back to the 1820s when it was owned by General Vallejo (founder of the town of Sonoma). It’s been owned by the Spreckels family (sugar), General Joseph Hooker (civil war), Eli T. Sheppard and U. S. Senator George Hearst (father of publisher William Randolph Hearst). If you had dinner in one of the many family restaurants in North Beach San Francisco in the 80’s you probably enjoyed table wine that was private labeled for that restaurant when it was owned by the Parducci family.
We love the open airy feeling of the tasting room and we particularly love the cool giftware, candles, serving platters and other stuff that makes “just looking” a lot of fun (we actually find ourselves “just buying” whenever we visit). This winery knows how to party and there are many tastings, events, and public festivities that are held on weekends. The grounds are also perfect for a relaxing break from all that hard work you’ve been doing. Check out their website for details of happenings www.valleyofthemoonwinery.com and to pick up some delicious recipes to pair with their wines.
Be sure to taste: Cuvee de la Luna, a rare, elegant, full bodied cuvee that is made to age a decade or more. This one you can take home and keep for that special occasion. Carneros Pinot Noir, it’s plumy and the French oak comes through in a nice mellow way. For something different taste the Rosato di Sangiovese. It’s a fun rhubarby rose that finishes with lovely strawberry flavors, perfect for picnics.
What’s Special: A casual guided tour with lots of local history and show and tell state of the art winemaking equipment. Also it’s fun shopping in the tasting room, there is beautiful glassware, candles and clothing.
Now it’s probably time to head back to your lodgings for a nap. When we did Glen Ellen we were exhausted. It’s amazing such a small place has so much to see and do.
Get some rest because we have a great restaurant planned for you for dinner.
Was that your stomach growling? Glen Ellen Inn is waiting for you!
Glen Ellen Inn
13670 Arnold Drive
Glen Ellen
707-996-6409
Lunch is served all day 11:30 to 5:00 Friday through Tuesday and Dinner is served 5-9pm.
The Glen Ellen Inn gets high ratings from the people who’ve discovered it. Here’s a sample:
“My husband and I dined there for our anniversary (we are from Spring, Texas) and I have to say that I think that is the best meal, at a restaurant, that I have ever had! The service was outstanding, as well. We had the Sonoma Salad/Poached Pear Salad; Grilled New York Steak/Grilled Filet Mignon; That Fabulous Glen Ellen Inn Sundae..” Need we say more?
Figone Olive Oil Company
14301 Arnold, Glen Ellen.
707-939-8900.
Hours: 10:00 – 5:00 Daily
Olive oil, recipe books, serving dishes, linens
Here you’ll find a complete line of the famous Figone Olive Oils. You can watch the complete process during harvest and pressing and you can even bring your own olives for pressing! Don’t miss this unique store. To find out more about this unique operation visit their web site at www.figoneoliveoil.com/
Eric Ross Winery
14300 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen
Hours: 11 – 5, Thursday-Monday
www.ericross.com
In 1994 two award-winning photographers for San Francisco’s competing daily newspapers Eric Luse and John Ross Storey became committed to producing wines with big personalities and heartfelt passions--characteristics more than skin deep and ones they believed were inherent in California’s soil. Today they produce some of the finest wines in California at the Eric Ross Winery.
Don’t Miss Tasting: Old Vine Zin
Now it’s time to shake off the past, get back in your car and let’s go taste some MORE WINE! The area of Glen Ellen extends way beyond the town to the south (the way you arrived). From the parking lot turn left on to Arnold Drive, go back through town past the Garden Court and follow the road to Hwy. 12 AKA Sonoma Highway. Turn right on Hwy. 12 and go 2 miles and turn left at the sign to Arrowood Winery and Imagery Winery, which share the same driveway. You’re in for a real treat.
Arrowood Vineyard and Winery
14347 Sonoma Highway
707-938-5170
Hours: 10 – 4:30 daily
The winery is modeled after a New England farmhouse and overlooks the Sonoma Valley which is just what you’ll be doing as you sip great wine from the wraparound veranda of the tasting room. Many of the wines you’ll taste are only available at the winery so if you fall in love with one be sure a take it with you. You’ll be glad you did once you get back home and share it with your friends. That’s assuming you’re the type to share and that you have friends.
But back to the winery, it is the dream of Richard Arrowood and his wife and partner, Alis Demers Arrowood and was completed in 1987. With its winemaking facilities hidden from view, the building sits in perfect harmony with the surrounding countryside. Think country gentleman.
Despite the rather upscale tone of the place and the upscale price of the wines, we found the tasting room staff to be relaxed, friendly and really knowledgeable about the wines. If you want the whole story, you can arrange a private tour of the winery, which includes some really special wine tasting and costs $25. Tours start at 2:30 last between an hour to an hour and a half and you must make reservations in advance. Go to their web site to make reservations. There is also a daily tour that is less comprehensive at noon each day that costs $10 and you don’t need reservations. If you’re interested, the tours can only be arranged in advance to call them at 707-938-5170 or e-mail them from their web site.
All in all we found the Arrowood wines award winning, prestigious and outstanding, the setting magical and the experience not to be missed. You can see what we mean by visiting their web site at www.arrowoodvineyards.com
Be sure to taste: 1999 Estate Merlot, Sonoma County. This wine is a winner; literally, it was in the Top 100 wines of 2002 rated in the annual San Francisco Chronicle ratings. There’s a luscious nose of chocolate, black cherries, and even cigars! Also don’t miss the 1999 Reserve Cabernet. The Wine Spectator rated it 90 out of 100 points.
Richard Arrowood is the President and Executive Winemaker, and even though Arrowood wines are difficult to find and in demand he refuses to make more wine lest quality suffer.
What’s so Special: The setting and the wines
Imagery Estate Winery
14335 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen
707-550-4278
Hours: 10 – 4:30 daily
Opened in 2000, owned by the Benziger family and occupying the former site of Sonoma Mountain Brewery (some tour guide books still have it selling beer), the Imagery Estate Winery sits on a 20-acre estate. The winery grows Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon at its estate vineyards using natural farming methods. Recycling ponds convert the winery's processed water into irrigation water creating a sustainable system of water reclamation designed to protect this natural resource. Since you’ve already been to Benziger you’ll be able to understand their philosophy of farming and appreciate their respect for the land.
The bucolic (did we really say bucolic?) acreage includes an Appellation Trail providing a walking tour of Sonoma County's diverse viticulture areas. Don’t worry we’re not going to suggest yet another hike but if you insist…just kidding. The real news here is the on-site gallery built for the million-dollar art collection adorned on Imagery Artist Collection labels since 1985. With over 125 paintings, it is the world’s largest wine label art collection. In addition to the gallery, Imagery has an impressive selection of gifts and incredibly beautiful grounds complete with a full size bocce court. Stroll around or nap under a tree you’ll feel welcome here. You can check out the winery and get the complete story on the gallery by visiting their web site at www.imagerywinery.com
What’s so special: the on-site art gallery and million dollar art collection.
Valley of the Moon Winery and Vineyards
777 Madrone Road
Glen Ellen, California 95442
707 996-6941
Head back south and turn west (that’s right for you girls) on to Madrone Road off Sonoma Highway, it’s about a half mile down on the left. You’ll see a modern stone and wood barn like structure.
Valley of the Moon (don’t you love the name?) Winery is fairly new, but retains elements of it’s history (they used the old stone). The winery has quite a history, going back to the 1820s when it was owned by General Vallejo (founder of the town of Sonoma). It’s been owned by the Spreckels family (sugar), General Joseph Hooker (civil war), Eli T. Sheppard and U. S. Senator George Hearst (father of publisher William Randolph Hearst). If you had dinner in one of the many family restaurants in North Beach San Francisco in the 80’s you probably enjoyed table wine that was private labeled for that restaurant when it was owned by the Parducci family.
We love the open airy feeling of the tasting room and we particularly love the cool giftware, candles, serving platters and other stuff that makes “just looking” a lot of fun (we actually find ourselves “just buying” whenever we visit). This winery knows how to party and there are many tastings, events, and public festivities that are held on weekends. The grounds are also perfect for a relaxing break from all that hard work you’ve been doing. Check out their website for details of happenings www.valleyofthemoonwinery.com and to pick up some delicious recipes to pair with their wines.
Be sure to taste: Cuvee de la Luna, a rare, elegant, full bodied cuvee that is made to age a decade or more. This one you can take home and keep for that special occasion. Carneros Pinot Noir, it’s plumy and the French oak comes through in a nice mellow way. For something different taste the Rosato di Sangiovese. It’s a fun rhubarby rose that finishes with lovely strawberry flavors, perfect for picnics.
What’s Special: A casual guided tour with lots of local history and show and tell state of the art winemaking equipment. Also it’s fun shopping in the tasting room, there is beautiful glassware, candles and clothing.
Now it’s probably time to head back to your lodgings for a nap. When we did Glen Ellen we were exhausted. It’s amazing such a small place has so much to see and do.
Get some rest because we have a great restaurant planned for you for dinner.