Sonoma Wine Tours
Your Travel Guide to Sonoma
County Wineries
County Wineries
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Sonoma Morning Wine Tour
Perfect Sanoma Morning
Breakfast:
Meritage Restaurant
165 West Napa Street (just steps off the plaza)
Phone 707-938-9430
Hours 9:00 am for breakfast Saturday and Sunday, also lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday
This is our “upscale” pick. Chef Carlo Cavallo has cooked for aristocracy and celebrities and takes his breakfast seriously. Try the frittata with zucchini and leeks or the pecan waffles with berry butter and maple syrup. We also love the Dungeness crab cake eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce. The coffee is strong and the friendly wait staff will make sure you never have an empty cup. They can cater to special dietary needs and can cook a perfect poached egg. (We really think this is a big deal). There is a lovely shaded patio in the back for lingering over that perfect cup of coffee. If you have a hankering for a martini (now we mean later in the day of course) order one and it will come in an individual shaker, ceremoniously poured into the requisite stemmed glass. The mojitos are awesome. Let’s see now, back to breakfast. . . .
If you want a down to earth cooking . . . ..
Schellville Grill
22900 Broadway (Five minute drive from the Plaza)
Phone 707-996-5151
Hours 6am to 2pm Seven days a week, and 6pm to 9pm Friday and Saturday nights
If you come early enough you’ll see grape growers and winemakers (rock stars of the wine country). You’ll know it’s the farmers and locals’ gathering place by the pick up trucks in the dirt parking lot. Judging from the outside (this is an historic green shack) you won’t expect fancy here, just good ol home cooking (at least as “good ol home cooking” as you can get with owner and Chef Matthew, who is was trained at the Culinary Institute of America). Our favorite is the Schellville Shuffle, cinnamon raisin French toast with an egg and a couple slices of thick and crispy apple bacon. You can count on the pancakes being fluffy and the hash browns being crispy. The portions are big, so come with an appetite. Coffee is good (served in an assortment of odds and ends coffee mugs. . . .this is really down home), and if you are a tea drinker there is a selection of herb teas, we favor the ginger green tea.
?
Morning Hike:
New Sonoma Overlook Trail
If you feel like exercise, fresh air and beautiful views why not take a hike on the Sonoma Overlook Trail after breakfast? It’s a couple of blocks from the plaza and is a 2-mile loop that offers vista views of the town and neighboring vineyards. (Elevation at the summit is 480 feet). The trail is an outgrowth of a grassroots movement to preserve it from development. The city had intended to sell the property to developers of a luxury resort, but instead a vote of the citizenry strongly rejected development and subsequently popular support for a hiking trail led to the dedication and development of this beautiful nature preserve next to town.
To reach the trail on foot go right out of Meritage and walk one block to the Southwest corner of the Plaza. Turn left (North) on First Street West and go about 4 blocks until you see the entrance to the cemetery on the right. The trailhead is here. When you come back down from the top, after enjoying the breathtaking view, opt for the Upper Trail head route (take a left when the trail splits). This will take you through the historical cemetery. Look for Vallejo’s grave and the only Revolutionary soldier’s grave West of the Mississippi.
If you’d rather take a pleasant stroll without the climbing, there is the bike path that intersects town East and West. To get there, follow the same directions as above, when you are on First Street West continue about 2 blocks until you see the bike path (across from the Depot Restaurant at the Depot Park). Go West, or right (that’s the most interesting. . . you’ll stroll through Sebastiani vineyards and the “Patch”, an honor system neighborhood garden). Don’t forget to look for the Sonoma Valley Tour sign on the bike trail, we’re docents and all around do-gooders. You can stroll as far as Sebastiani Winery on the bike path, then turn around and come back to town, either on the bike path or Spain Street.
If you’d rather just stroll the plaza, we suggest you take a walking tour with General Vallejo. Meet at the Bear flag Statue at 11:00am for an hour historical walk around the plaza with George Webber, er, General Vallejo in full costume and persona. (No walking in the rain). The cost is $15. If you’d like to arrange a private tour call George at 707-694-5097.
After your hike you are probably ready for some wine tasting (it’s never too early in Sonoma, right?). Before you head out for the wineries we suggest you pick up a picnic lunch (remember we’ll recommend a restaurant for you indoor types)
?
Picnic Lunch Pick-up:
Basque Boulangerie
460 First Street East (Middle on the East side of the Plaza)
Here’s a great place to pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy at the beautiful winery grounds you’ll be visiting today. It’s a local’s hang out, always busy, but the line moves quickly. Our favorites are the pork loin sandwich with balsamic onions or the nicoise sandwich. All the cookies are good. If you are ready for another coffee, their espresso drinks are the best. If you want to truly indulge pick up a petite chocolate truffle gateau, as they say tdf. (to die for). Also for future reference, they serve wine by the glass at what
has to be the lowest cost anywhere. You can get a glass of 01 Benzinger Fume Blanc for $2.50. The most expensive wine they serve is the 98 Olivet Lane Pinot Blanc for $4.25.
Bike It!
Sipping your way through Sonoma can be done by car or bike. We find touring the wineries on bikes is a lot of fun and you can even take a guided bike tour if you like. The tours are small (4 to 6 people) and one of the advantages is that you’re followed by a van so you can taste and buy wine. Our friends Doug and Penny at Goodtime Touring Company 707/938-0453 (ph)or 888/525-0453 (ph)or e-mail: bikeman@i-cafe.net provide an incredible gourmet picnic along with a great historical tour. Mention our names for special treatment.
?
Mid-morning wine tasting
Ravenswood Winery
18701 Gehricke Road
(707) 933-2332
10 – 4:30 Daily
www.ravenswood-wine.com
Your first winery stop today will be Ravenswood Winery—a winery with memorable wines and a breathtakingly beautiful setting. From the plaza turn right on Napa Street, four blocks to Fourth St. East, turn left. Take your next possible right turn onto Lovall Valley Rd, left onto Gehricke Road and you'll find them just a short distance up the hill at 18701 and you’ll find Ravenswood, the winery that built its reputation on small lots of vineyard designate wines, such as Barricia, Old Hill and Dickerson.
One of the best things about Ravenswood is their wine tour and education programs. Here’s the two we find truly unique and enjoyable. We’ve taken the following directly from their website so you can get all the information right from the source.
Bedrock Vineyard Tour
Ravenswood Winery cordially invites you to enjoy a vineyard tour unlike any other tour in the valley. Join Ravenswood Tour Guide and Educator, Dave Miles for a narrated walk in the historical 'Bedrock Vineyard', owned by Ravenswood founder and winemaker Joel Peterson. Bedrock Vineyard is one of the oldest existing vineyards in Sonoma, and home to some of the oldest grape vines in Sonoma Valley. Join Dave in this beautiful surrounding and learn the historical significance of this important vineyard, and Zinfandel's place in history. Walk among the vineyard and learn about the vines up close. Tour size is limited to groups of 10. Included after the tour, enjoy Ravenswood wines produced from Bedrock Vineyard, with cheese and pate tasting.
Tours will be offered 3 times a week beginning in April thru harvest. Transportation from Ravenswood Winery to the Bedrock Vineyard provided by Doug McKesson, and Goodtime Touring Company. Please allow 3 full hours for this tour.
RSVP by contacting Dave at Ravenswood Winery.
David Miles
Ravenswood Winery
18701 Gehricke Road
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-2332
david.miles@ravenswood-wine.com
Blending Seminars with Peter Griffith
Each Friday morning, ten enthusiastic oenophiles arrive at Ravenswood for their 11 am Blending Seminar. They leave the tasting room behind to experience "the other side of wine country". Surrounded by French Oak barrels and our Designate Zinfandels the aroma of wine fills the air. The excitement builds as they sit, glasses with wine, pipettes, graduated cylinders, this is the real deal. Find out why we use Carignane and Petite Sirah in our Zinfandel. This program is for the novice or the more experienced wine drinker. Have fun! Get away from the crowd, experience what most people miss.
Please make your reservation early, this usually sells out.
Email: Peter.griffith@ravenswood-wine.com or call 707-933-2349
For more information on the tour go to their web site at www.ravenswood-wine.com You’ll also find a schedule of their many events (we like the cheese and wine parings) and barbecues when the weather permits.
Wine production at Ravenswood is presently in the 700,000 case range, (most of it is made at their Quarry Winery, only the vineyard designated is made and stored at this location) most of which is red and robust. Although they produce over 40 different wines, zinfandel, Ravenswood's most renowned variety, comprises 70% of their total production. The remaining 30% consists of blended and unblended variations on the traditional Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc), as well as their own experiments with Gewurztraminer (early and late harvests), Petite Sirah, and Muscat. They also produce small quantities of Chardonnay.
And don’t miss the shopping opportunities here, lots of cookbooks, tablecloths, and t- shirts.
Ravenswood has some local, knowledgeable pourers in the tasting room. Larry, is typical of the pourers in the tasting room. He’s been here since it opened, and knows the wines intimately. Let him introduce you to the most RED white wine he’s ever had. David usually leads the tours, and he’s a third generation Italian grape grower. He knows his stuff from the red shouldered hawks and bluebirds in the vineyards to pump over vs. punch down process in the cellar.
Be sure to taste: Zin, any they are pouring, it is their flagship wine.
What’s special: Teldeschi Vineyard Zin, ask about the unique farming practices used to develop this big,, dark, brave wine! The 2003 Old Hill Zinfandel is their crown jewel, pricey but worth it, and from the oldest vineyard in Sonoma Valley. Plus, the setting is one of the most beautiful anywhere and in the summer (weekends) they barbeque for lunch and you can eat in any of their perfect picnic spots.
Don’t forget, the special tours sell out so call and make your reservations before you leave home!
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
2000 Denmark Street. 707-938-5277.
Hours 11am-4: 30 daily
www.gunbun.com
From Ravenswood, turn right, go about 5 blocks to Lovall Valley Road. Go about 2 blocks and turn right on to 7th Street East. Go about a mile then turn left on Denmark and take it about a mile (it will wind around to the right). You’ll see the entrance to Gundlach Bundschu on the left. Gourmet Magazine says “If there’s time to take visitors to only one winery, this is usually the one I choose”.
Back to the winery, six generations of winemaking make this a unique, down home winery. Jim Bundschu, the patriarch, doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is the founder of the Sonoma Valley Wine Patrol, which has been known to pull some pranks like holding up the Napa Valley Wine Train. His son, Jeff, in addition to being CEO for the winery, founded the infamous “Wine Brats”-- an irreverent group of younger wine drinkers that numbers 15,000 members (see www.winebrats.com) They have recently renovated the old winery tasting room. . .. you still get the same old fashioned friendly staff greeting you. . . .did we mention this is the oldest continuously run family winery in California?
One of the coolest parts of the winery is the fun and inventive entertainments they sponsor. From movies in the moonlight, concerts in the afternoon, Shakespeare and Mozart and even some children’s activities this is the place to go in Sonoma for year round fun. Some of the events are RSVP only so be sure to check their calendar at www.gunbun.com before your visit to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Be sure to taste: Tempranillo, it’s rich and oaky. It’s grown from Spanish cuttings, there’s not much of this in the US. The Pinot Noir is a gold medal winner at the Los Angeles County Fair and is one of our favorites.
What’s special: The tour takes you through the old stone winery, wine tunnel (longest one in California), duck pond, and ends up with a view of the valley from the hidden picnic area behind the cave.
Is that your tummy growling? Must be time for...
Breakfast:
Meritage Restaurant
165 West Napa Street (just steps off the plaza)
Phone 707-938-9430
Hours 9:00 am for breakfast Saturday and Sunday, also lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday
This is our “upscale” pick. Chef Carlo Cavallo has cooked for aristocracy and celebrities and takes his breakfast seriously. Try the frittata with zucchini and leeks or the pecan waffles with berry butter and maple syrup. We also love the Dungeness crab cake eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce. The coffee is strong and the friendly wait staff will make sure you never have an empty cup. They can cater to special dietary needs and can cook a perfect poached egg. (We really think this is a big deal). There is a lovely shaded patio in the back for lingering over that perfect cup of coffee. If you have a hankering for a martini (now we mean later in the day of course) order one and it will come in an individual shaker, ceremoniously poured into the requisite stemmed glass. The mojitos are awesome. Let’s see now, back to breakfast. . . .
If you want a down to earth cooking . . . ..
Schellville Grill
22900 Broadway (Five minute drive from the Plaza)
Phone 707-996-5151
Hours 6am to 2pm Seven days a week, and 6pm to 9pm Friday and Saturday nights
If you come early enough you’ll see grape growers and winemakers (rock stars of the wine country). You’ll know it’s the farmers and locals’ gathering place by the pick up trucks in the dirt parking lot. Judging from the outside (this is an historic green shack) you won’t expect fancy here, just good ol home cooking (at least as “good ol home cooking” as you can get with owner and Chef Matthew, who is was trained at the Culinary Institute of America). Our favorite is the Schellville Shuffle, cinnamon raisin French toast with an egg and a couple slices of thick and crispy apple bacon. You can count on the pancakes being fluffy and the hash browns being crispy. The portions are big, so come with an appetite. Coffee is good (served in an assortment of odds and ends coffee mugs. . . .this is really down home), and if you are a tea drinker there is a selection of herb teas, we favor the ginger green tea.
?
Morning Hike:
New Sonoma Overlook Trail
If you feel like exercise, fresh air and beautiful views why not take a hike on the Sonoma Overlook Trail after breakfast? It’s a couple of blocks from the plaza and is a 2-mile loop that offers vista views of the town and neighboring vineyards. (Elevation at the summit is 480 feet). The trail is an outgrowth of a grassroots movement to preserve it from development. The city had intended to sell the property to developers of a luxury resort, but instead a vote of the citizenry strongly rejected development and subsequently popular support for a hiking trail led to the dedication and development of this beautiful nature preserve next to town.
To reach the trail on foot go right out of Meritage and walk one block to the Southwest corner of the Plaza. Turn left (North) on First Street West and go about 4 blocks until you see the entrance to the cemetery on the right. The trailhead is here. When you come back down from the top, after enjoying the breathtaking view, opt for the Upper Trail head route (take a left when the trail splits). This will take you through the historical cemetery. Look for Vallejo’s grave and the only Revolutionary soldier’s grave West of the Mississippi.
If you’d rather take a pleasant stroll without the climbing, there is the bike path that intersects town East and West. To get there, follow the same directions as above, when you are on First Street West continue about 2 blocks until you see the bike path (across from the Depot Restaurant at the Depot Park). Go West, or right (that’s the most interesting. . . you’ll stroll through Sebastiani vineyards and the “Patch”, an honor system neighborhood garden). Don’t forget to look for the Sonoma Valley Tour sign on the bike trail, we’re docents and all around do-gooders. You can stroll as far as Sebastiani Winery on the bike path, then turn around and come back to town, either on the bike path or Spain Street.
If you’d rather just stroll the plaza, we suggest you take a walking tour with General Vallejo. Meet at the Bear flag Statue at 11:00am for an hour historical walk around the plaza with George Webber, er, General Vallejo in full costume and persona. (No walking in the rain). The cost is $15. If you’d like to arrange a private tour call George at 707-694-5097.
After your hike you are probably ready for some wine tasting (it’s never too early in Sonoma, right?). Before you head out for the wineries we suggest you pick up a picnic lunch (remember we’ll recommend a restaurant for you indoor types)
?
Picnic Lunch Pick-up:
Basque Boulangerie
460 First Street East (Middle on the East side of the Plaza)
Here’s a great place to pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy at the beautiful winery grounds you’ll be visiting today. It’s a local’s hang out, always busy, but the line moves quickly. Our favorites are the pork loin sandwich with balsamic onions or the nicoise sandwich. All the cookies are good. If you are ready for another coffee, their espresso drinks are the best. If you want to truly indulge pick up a petite chocolate truffle gateau, as they say tdf. (to die for). Also for future reference, they serve wine by the glass at what
has to be the lowest cost anywhere. You can get a glass of 01 Benzinger Fume Blanc for $2.50. The most expensive wine they serve is the 98 Olivet Lane Pinot Blanc for $4.25.
Bike It!
Sipping your way through Sonoma can be done by car or bike. We find touring the wineries on bikes is a lot of fun and you can even take a guided bike tour if you like. The tours are small (4 to 6 people) and one of the advantages is that you’re followed by a van so you can taste and buy wine. Our friends Doug and Penny at Goodtime Touring Company 707/938-0453 (ph)or 888/525-0453 (ph)or e-mail: bikeman@i-cafe.net provide an incredible gourmet picnic along with a great historical tour. Mention our names for special treatment.
?
Mid-morning wine tasting
Ravenswood Winery
18701 Gehricke Road
(707) 933-2332
10 – 4:30 Daily
www.ravenswood-wine.com
Your first winery stop today will be Ravenswood Winery—a winery with memorable wines and a breathtakingly beautiful setting. From the plaza turn right on Napa Street, four blocks to Fourth St. East, turn left. Take your next possible right turn onto Lovall Valley Rd, left onto Gehricke Road and you'll find them just a short distance up the hill at 18701 and you’ll find Ravenswood, the winery that built its reputation on small lots of vineyard designate wines, such as Barricia, Old Hill and Dickerson.
One of the best things about Ravenswood is their wine tour and education programs. Here’s the two we find truly unique and enjoyable. We’ve taken the following directly from their website so you can get all the information right from the source.
Bedrock Vineyard Tour
Ravenswood Winery cordially invites you to enjoy a vineyard tour unlike any other tour in the valley. Join Ravenswood Tour Guide and Educator, Dave Miles for a narrated walk in the historical 'Bedrock Vineyard', owned by Ravenswood founder and winemaker Joel Peterson. Bedrock Vineyard is one of the oldest existing vineyards in Sonoma, and home to some of the oldest grape vines in Sonoma Valley. Join Dave in this beautiful surrounding and learn the historical significance of this important vineyard, and Zinfandel's place in history. Walk among the vineyard and learn about the vines up close. Tour size is limited to groups of 10. Included after the tour, enjoy Ravenswood wines produced from Bedrock Vineyard, with cheese and pate tasting.
Tours will be offered 3 times a week beginning in April thru harvest. Transportation from Ravenswood Winery to the Bedrock Vineyard provided by Doug McKesson, and Goodtime Touring Company. Please allow 3 full hours for this tour.
RSVP by contacting Dave at Ravenswood Winery.
David Miles
Ravenswood Winery
18701 Gehricke Road
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-2332
david.miles@ravenswood-wine.com
Blending Seminars with Peter Griffith
Each Friday morning, ten enthusiastic oenophiles arrive at Ravenswood for their 11 am Blending Seminar. They leave the tasting room behind to experience "the other side of wine country". Surrounded by French Oak barrels and our Designate Zinfandels the aroma of wine fills the air. The excitement builds as they sit, glasses with wine, pipettes, graduated cylinders, this is the real deal. Find out why we use Carignane and Petite Sirah in our Zinfandel. This program is for the novice or the more experienced wine drinker. Have fun! Get away from the crowd, experience what most people miss.
Please make your reservation early, this usually sells out.
Email: Peter.griffith@ravenswood-wine.com or call 707-933-2349
For more information on the tour go to their web site at www.ravenswood-wine.com You’ll also find a schedule of their many events (we like the cheese and wine parings) and barbecues when the weather permits.
Wine production at Ravenswood is presently in the 700,000 case range, (most of it is made at their Quarry Winery, only the vineyard designated is made and stored at this location) most of which is red and robust. Although they produce over 40 different wines, zinfandel, Ravenswood's most renowned variety, comprises 70% of their total production. The remaining 30% consists of blended and unblended variations on the traditional Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc), as well as their own experiments with Gewurztraminer (early and late harvests), Petite Sirah, and Muscat. They also produce small quantities of Chardonnay.
And don’t miss the shopping opportunities here, lots of cookbooks, tablecloths, and t- shirts.
Ravenswood has some local, knowledgeable pourers in the tasting room. Larry, is typical of the pourers in the tasting room. He’s been here since it opened, and knows the wines intimately. Let him introduce you to the most RED white wine he’s ever had. David usually leads the tours, and he’s a third generation Italian grape grower. He knows his stuff from the red shouldered hawks and bluebirds in the vineyards to pump over vs. punch down process in the cellar.
Be sure to taste: Zin, any they are pouring, it is their flagship wine.
What’s special: Teldeschi Vineyard Zin, ask about the unique farming practices used to develop this big,, dark, brave wine! The 2003 Old Hill Zinfandel is their crown jewel, pricey but worth it, and from the oldest vineyard in Sonoma Valley. Plus, the setting is one of the most beautiful anywhere and in the summer (weekends) they barbeque for lunch and you can eat in any of their perfect picnic spots.
Don’t forget, the special tours sell out so call and make your reservations before you leave home!
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
2000 Denmark Street. 707-938-5277.
Hours 11am-4: 30 daily
www.gunbun.com
From Ravenswood, turn right, go about 5 blocks to Lovall Valley Road. Go about 2 blocks and turn right on to 7th Street East. Go about a mile then turn left on Denmark and take it about a mile (it will wind around to the right). You’ll see the entrance to Gundlach Bundschu on the left. Gourmet Magazine says “If there’s time to take visitors to only one winery, this is usually the one I choose”.
Back to the winery, six generations of winemaking make this a unique, down home winery. Jim Bundschu, the patriarch, doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is the founder of the Sonoma Valley Wine Patrol, which has been known to pull some pranks like holding up the Napa Valley Wine Train. His son, Jeff, in addition to being CEO for the winery, founded the infamous “Wine Brats”-- an irreverent group of younger wine drinkers that numbers 15,000 members (see www.winebrats.com) They have recently renovated the old winery tasting room. . .. you still get the same old fashioned friendly staff greeting you. . . .did we mention this is the oldest continuously run family winery in California?
One of the coolest parts of the winery is the fun and inventive entertainments they sponsor. From movies in the moonlight, concerts in the afternoon, Shakespeare and Mozart and even some children’s activities this is the place to go in Sonoma for year round fun. Some of the events are RSVP only so be sure to check their calendar at www.gunbun.com before your visit to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Be sure to taste: Tempranillo, it’s rich and oaky. It’s grown from Spanish cuttings, there’s not much of this in the US. The Pinot Noir is a gold medal winner at the Los Angeles County Fair and is one of our favorites.
What’s special: The tour takes you through the old stone winery, wine tunnel (longest one in California), duck pond, and ends up with a view of the valley from the hidden picnic area behind the cave.
Is that your tummy growling? Must be time for...