Sonoma is my absolute favorite place to visit. If you are there to check out wineries, but you don’t have much time, consider visiting these:
- Gundlach Bundshu Winery: The tasting room is like a wonderful cave, the staff is outstanding, the wines superb. In my opinion, this one is a hidden gem.
- Benziger Family Winery: Take the tram tour which will give you a ride through the vineyard as well as an informative talk. Benziger uses biodynamic farming methods, which you can learn all about by visitng the self-guided tour by the parking lot. Extra perk - Benziger has one of the best picnic areas - bring your basket.
- Chateau St. Jean: It’s pronounced like blue jean, not the French way, despite the “chateau” part. The winery looks like a castle and the wines are incredible. Spend the extra $10 to do the reserve tasting - it’s worth it. (But don’t miss the regular tasting room first). Wonderful staff.
- Rodney Strong Winery: The tasting room is in the middle of a round walkway that overlooks the wine barrels and fermenting tanks. Walk around the whole way and you’ll have the chance to read all about the history of the winery on an exhibit against the walls. The staff here is great too, as are the wines.
Learn from my mistake - many wines are ONLY available in the tasting room. You can’t buy them anywhere else. If you find a wine you like, send a case home to yourself. You may not get the opportunity to have that wine again.
Maureen Says: September 5th, 2006
Another must in Sonoma is taking a tour of the wineries on a segway. It was great fun and the owners, who gave the tour, where delightful people.
Shakespeare at Gundulach Bundshu Winery was yet another ggreat find.
Byron Says: June 16th, 2006
Sonoma wineries and restaurants get a lot attention (for good reason) but for a change of pace try some of these places:
** VELLA CHEESE - local cheese producer two blocks from the Plaza on Second Street East - great cheese and charming facility
** OAK HILL FARM - located north of Sonoma on Hwy 12, near Glen Ellen, Oak Hill farm grows and sells wonderful herb wreaths, garlic braids, etc. Great for gifts!
** SONOMA BIKE PATH - a mostly pedestrian path located one block north of Sonoma plaza, and running east west through Vallejo State Park, Depot Park, Sebastiani Vineyards. A great way to start or end the day.
** MURPHY’S IRISH PUB - A real local hang-out down a small alley on east side of Sonoma Plaza. Food isn’t great but the live music can’t be beat.
** WOLF HOUSE RUINS AT JACK LONDON STATE PARK - a pleasant 5 minute hike brings you to redwood grove and ruin’s of Jack’s dream house.
** TRAIN TOWN - Miniture railroad - great for the kids!
September 17th, 2006
Sonoma is my absolute favorite place to visit. If you are there to check out wineries, but you don’t have much time, consider visiting these:
- Gundlach Bundshu Winery: The tasting room is like a wonderful cave, the staff is outstanding, the wines superb. In my opinion, this one is a hidden gem.
- Benziger Family Winery: Take the tram tour which will give you a ride through the vineyard as well as an informative talk. Benziger uses biodynamic farming methods, which you can learn all about by visitng the self-guided tour by the parking lot. Extra perk - Benziger has one of the best picnic areas - bring your basket.
- Chateau St. Jean: It’s pronounced like blue jean, not the French way, despite the “chateau” part. The winery looks like a castle and the wines are incredible. Spend the extra $10 to do the reserve tasting - it’s worth it. (But don’t miss the regular tasting room first). Wonderful staff.
- Rodney Strong Winery: The tasting room is in the middle of a round walkway that overlooks the wine barrels and fermenting tanks. Walk around the whole way and you’ll have the chance to read all about the history of the winery on an exhibit against the walls. The staff here is great too, as are the wines.
Learn from my mistake - many wines are ONLY available in the tasting room. You can’t buy them anywhere else. If you find a wine you like, send a case home to yourself. You may not get the opportunity to have that wine again.
September 5th, 2006
Another must in Sonoma is taking a tour of the wineries on a segway. It was great fun and the owners, who gave the tour, where delightful people.
Shakespeare at Gundulach Bundshu Winery was yet another ggreat find.
June 16th, 2006
Sonoma wineries and restaurants get a lot attention (for good reason) but for a change of pace try some of these places:
** VELLA CHEESE - local cheese producer two blocks from the Plaza on Second Street East - great cheese and charming facility
** OAK HILL FARM - located north of Sonoma on Hwy 12, near Glen Ellen, Oak Hill farm grows and sells wonderful herb wreaths, garlic braids, etc. Great for gifts!
** SONOMA BIKE PATH - a mostly pedestrian path located one block north of Sonoma plaza, and running east west through Vallejo State Park, Depot Park, Sebastiani Vineyards. A great way to start or end the day.
** MURPHY’S IRISH PUB - A real local hang-out down a small alley on east side of Sonoma Plaza. Food isn’t great but the live music can’t be beat.
** WOLF HOUSE RUINS AT JACK LONDON STATE PARK - a pleasant 5 minute hike brings you to redwood grove and ruin’s of Jack’s dream house.
** TRAIN TOWN - Miniture railroad - great for the kids!