Sonoma Valley

[ttthew]

Hello everyone,
I am a new member and am taking a trip to the Sonoma Valley in January. I have been interested in wine for a few years now, but am still a novice. I am interested in visiting small quality vineyards. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Matt Haven

[Innkeeper]

You will get as many answers as there are wineries there, and there are a lot. On my next trip, which hopefully will be sooner rather than later, we will visit three on a one day whirlwind trip for completely different reasons. Sonoma Creek in Sonoma, because we love their wine. Chateau St Jean in Kenwood because they have something very special. David Coffaro Wineyard & Winery in Geyserville, because we just gotta meet this guy. If you want to learn more go to: www.sonomacreek.com , www.chateaustjean.com , and www.coffaro.com .

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 10-31-2000).]

[Bucko]

Must visits are Joseph Swan and David Coffaro.

Bucko

[RAD]

I was just in Sonoma a couple of weeks ago, so here's my take:

I'll second Chateau St. Jean; beautiful property, and they make something for everyone.

Arrowood is a gorgeous property about 4 miles south of CSJ, and they make wonderful wines. Imagery is a Benziger project that shares the same driveway with Arrowood; also a neat art gallery there. Imagery has interesting varietals like Malbec, cabernet franc, petite sirah, etc.

Just south of Arrowood on the opposite side of the street is BR Cohn (former mgr of the Doobie Brothers), which makes delicious estate cabs and merlots.

Finally, it's a bit removed, but Matanzas Creek is a must. Beautiful property. Their merlots are recognized as among the best in all of CA. I like the Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier there too. Lots of neat lavender products also, though their beautiful lavender fields won't be in bloom in January, obviously. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

RAD

PS My edits were due to the fact that I originally misspelled "lavender" in both instances [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by RAD (edited 10-31-2000).]

[Jackie]

Matt,

If you want to pick up some of the best wines made in California, I'd recommend these four stops in Sonoma...

Near Healdsburg, check out Murphy-Goode (especially for Fume Blanc) and Limerick Lane Cellars (especially for Zinfandel, Syrah & Late Harvest Furmint dessert wine).

Go to htpp://wines.com/virtual.html and follow links to these wineries for maps/driving directions.

A bit south of Healdsburg, be sure to stop at Rochioli Vineyards and Davis Bynum Winery. Gary Farrell is the winemaker at Davis Bynum -- see http://wines.com/garyfarrell. In particular, don't miss the Pinot Noir from either of these wineries.

Have a wonderful trip!! Bring an umbrella, as you'll be here in the rainy season and you'll have a 50-50 chance of getting wet... between tasting rooms that is.

Jackie

[vineSwinger]

I would go to Matanzas Creek. They just released their Journey Merlot.

[WinoNan]

I "third" the recommendation for Matanzas Creek -- excellent wines!

Also suggest Preston Winery in Healdsburg -- and be sure to pick up a loaf (or 2) of their sourdough bread that's baked fresh on the premises. Yum!

Check out http://www.atime4wine.com for more suggestions in Sonoma. NOT a retail site -- just wine tasting notes on No. California wines. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]