Sonoma, California

[courtney323]

I will be in Sonoma (wine country) in a few weeks on business. I am very familiar with San Francisco and Napa Valley, but I have actually never been to Sonoma.

Are there any wineries that are a must see?
Restaurants?
Things to do/see?

Thanks in advance

Courtney

[kelseighgirl]

I was there on vacation several weeks ago and we went on a tour.

There was a real nice one called Viansa. (www.viansa.com)

Try this http://www.bestinsonoma.com/

Enjoy!!!

[courtney323]

Thank you for the links, Robin

I've bookmarked both links, and Viansa is now on my itenerary for places to stop and visit. I won't have too much time, but I'm also thinking of visiting Sebastiani, Ravenswood and maybe Benziger Vineyards.

I would welcome any other suggestions.

[MyMay]

I live in Sonoma county!
What kind of wine do you prefer, red, white or champagne? If you like champagne I would defiantly suggest the Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves. If you prefer wine let me know red or white. My boss is very into wine and I could get some local tips from him. As far as restaurants go, Sonoma has a lot to offer. If your looking for something a little fancy I've been to "The Generals Daughter" and it's good. I'll also ask around for recommendations on dinning (I don't get out much).

[courtney323]

MyMay -

Thanks for the information. How lucky are you to live in Sonoma County!

I like red wine

[MyMay]

Hi again Courtney,
I was just looking around on a local website http://www.sonoma.com/thingstodo/index.html?inktomi (you gave me the exploration bug) and this looks fun:

"May 3 - November 1 -- Sonoma Plaza Walking Tours
Historic, Recreation: Spend an hour walking with me on my tour of beautiful Sonoma Plaza. I promise just enough history to appreciate the buildings, lifestyle stories to make you want to live there, and bountiful food and wine recommendations, told with humor, passion and a loud voice! Take a walk ... With me.
Fee: Adults $10; Pre-teens are Free Time: 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. on Saturdays, or by appt."

It had a phone # but I don't think I'm allowed to post that.

I'll get back to you on the other recommendations.
I love red wine myself, I'm pretty lucky because my boss buy's me a case of good red every year.

Sonoma county is awesome and I do feel very lucky to live here. Unfortunately like anywhere else when you live here all your life you can tend take it for granted at times.

[Gretchen B]

I know this is an older thread, but it looks like I'll be heading there on my honeymoon in a few weeks, staying just outside of Napa and Sonoma! I'm so excited! Any more recommendations on places to visit or really good restaurants in that area?

[tesster]

Hi Gretchen,

I don't have big advice for Sonoma as we haven't spent much time there, but we go to Napa a lot and just got back from a quick weekend trip. If you don't know where you're staying yet, search no more. The Chanrick Inn in Calistoga is the most wonderful accommodation. It is beautiful and Channing and Ric (owners) are wonderful people. It's not your typical frilly B&B. Ric is an amazing chef, so you're not getting toast and eggs for breakfast. It was such a treat for us.

2 new wineries in Napa on my MUST visit list are:
Joseph Phelps (You need a reservation, so make sure you make one. Great place and great wines.)
Vincent Arroyo (Silverado trail near Calistoga) - We especially liked this one because this man took our group into the back and we did barrel tasting. We asked his name and he said, "My name's on the glass." It was a wonderful experience talking to the winemaker about his wines. The wines were pretty outstanding, as well.

Food - If you like mushrooms, The Martini House has mushroom tasting menu that is out of this world. Even if you don't, it's worth checking out. The chef's passion, apparently, is mushrooms, though.

Have fun and RELAX!

[Gretchen B]

That all sounds wonderful, but I'm really intrigued by The Martini House! I LOVE mushrooms! I'll let you know if we're able to make it to any of those places. Thanks so much for the suggestions!