On a brighter note, I had the most amazing Fall-infused weekend last weekend with my best friend, Heather. Last Saturday morning we started off early, but not before some ocean rolls, peppermint mochas and a quick drive to meet Rob to get my wallet {that I forgot}. Sort of need your ID to drink wine, right? {Oddly enough, I was never carded, now that I think of it. Funny how wrinkles can make you look older;)}. As soon as we got in the car we started blaring the Christmas music. No matter that it was November. It’s already that time of year for us. I put together a slightly flexible itineary for us for our stroll through the Russian River Valley of pinto noirs, chardonnays and sparkling delights. And of course took lots of pictures:
Our first stop was Red Car Wine, voted one of the best Pinot Noirs in West Sonoma. And it didn’t disappoint. The entire flight was incredible. Sonoma definitely has it figured out. Instead of only a flight of 4 tastings in Napa, you get like 8 in Sonoma. {That is said for all the wineries in Sonoma, in case you’re taking notes!} Makes for a lot of wine to drink though. Our curator at Red Car was heart-felt and inviting. The best way to start off our day, really. Their tasting room was so unique. A cozy couch full of printed pillows, fur chairs, handmade jewelry, cool light fixtures – everything. This is one wine club I would consider joining, next to Medlock Ames. If you ever go, definitely try the Roussanne.
Second stop was Dutton Goldfield, right across the way. They had the Zin I’ve been waiting for. Zinfadels don’t usually do it for me, but this one blew my socks off. Immediately bought a bottle. The tasting room was light and open, the charcuterie very tasty — I could eat cheese all day and these cheeses were delectable. We met a new friend, too.
Then things got awesome. At Iron Horse Vineyards. By then, the crowd was getting “bubbly” you could say. Lots of people at this one, and what a gorgeous vineyard and patio tasting bar. Breathtaking view of the fall colors in the vineyard. By far the best atmosphere of the three. We decided on the sparkly flight and were in bubbly heaven. My favorite was the Rose Brut – I basically threw my debit card at them for 2 bottles for us. Saving it for New Year’s!
Even if you don’t go up for the wine, you should go to Sonoma in the Fall just to see the colors. Smell the smells. Take in the surroundings. Although I loved the wines we tasted, my favorite part might have been driving to and from everywhere. The vines and fields and farms and trees . . . so beautiful. I also loved our hotel! We found boon hotel+spa on TravelZoo {also read about them in one of my Sunset Mags}. It was so wonderful catching up with my friend. I could have spent another night up there, exploring Guerneville and talking about anything and everything. Living so close to all this great wine reminds me why I love California so much. Sonoma forever.