Did you know California produces Rhône Varietals? Have you ever had Rhône Varietals or know where they are from?
The Rhône Valley is an area in the Southern part of France that produces phenomenal red juicy wines like Syrah in the Northern Rhône region, and Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault in the Southern Rhône (my favorite). The Southern Rhône is famously known to blend the first three varietals listed above which is famously known or abbreviated as “GSM”.
After this really short description of what the Rhône varietals are it is time to now take you through my 4-day trip in Sonoma & Napa Valley which I’m breaking into four separate posts.
We planned our trip to stay the first two days in Healdsburg and then two days in Sonoma. By staying in these two locations it will allow us to build an itinerary with awesome spots to visit in wine country.
Day 1
Our flight arrived around 3:00 pm in Oakland, CA, so the time was perfect for a glass of wine. First on my list was Acorn Winery which was on our way to Healdsburg, CA. Acorn Winery are known to make field blended wines, which basically means their grapes are inter-planted, harvested, and fermented together. They grow more than seventy grape varietals, some from vines that date back to 1890. Their main grape blocks are Zinfandel (California), Cabernet Franc (Bordeaux, France), Dolcetto (Piedmont, Italy), Sangiovese (Italy) and Syrah (France, Rhône). Although all of their wines were great, my favorite was the Dolcetto a field blend of 92% Dolcetto, 5% Barbera, and 3% Freisa.
After our quick stop at Acorn Winery we headed straight to our hotel and checked in at the Best Western (great price) and headed to downtown Healdsburg Plaza for another tasting and dinner.
Our first stop at the plaza was Banshee Wines this is a cozy-trendy tasting room with really cool vibes and amazing Pinot Noir. My husband and I have a tradition of coming here every year. We like the warm atmosphere and comfortable leather couches and usually put on a classic vinyl record on the turntable while enjoying our tasting. I come here for their Pinot Noir from Tina Marie, Thorn Ridge and Coastlands Vineyards, which are all exceptional Sonoma Coast vineyards. Eight wines later and another case purchased we were off to dinner. This time we walked to Campo Fina for dinner which is just around the corner from Banshee. Their outdoor tables are really cool and you literally feel like you are “campo” / outdoor eating. The have a good wine selection and their raviolis and margherita pizza were my favorites from the menu!
Well… I’m done with day one of my awesome annual trip to California wine country.
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Day 2
Healdsburg, CA
This day I was physically, mentally and emotionally ready for a long day of exploration and adventure in Healdsburg, Dry Creek, and following the Russian River trail in search of the best wine.
9:00 AM – Still staying in Healdsburg at the Best Western hotel. The hotel has a great location right of the highway and minutes from downtown Healdsburg they also have complimentary breakfast. Before heading out we needed to load up on some protein and hot coffee so we could head out and explore.
10:30 AM – We arrived at the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for some hiking. We wanted to do some exploring and sight seeing before heading to the wineries. We wanted to try to get as close as we could to Sonoma Coast to find good cool climate wines. The redwoods park is located north of the Russian River, to find your way to the park entrance you need to pass through a town called Guerneville. After we completed our hike we stopped in for some lunch. I suggest when you are going to the Redwoods, check the weather because it can be cooler than other areas around Napa or Sonoma. Overall its a beautiful park similar to Muir Woods Park. Both beautiful and a unique experience, and it’s also a great alternative activity to do beyond wine tasting.
12:00 PM – We are hungry and it’s time for lunch! I had done my homework before heading to Guerneville so I knew what restaurant we were going to try and my goal was to eat something local, fresh and of course delicious. So we decided stop at big bottom market, a hip / retro style place that is well know for their mouthwatering biscuits. The biscuits are famous and even know as one of Oprah’s favorite items on the menu. I order the Ham + Cheddar Biscuit with greens and a side of soup. It was a great warm meal and perfect on this cold day.
1:15 PM – This girl is ready for some wine! It took us about 30 minutes to get back over to the Dry Creek area. We wanted to stay close to Healdsburg so that we can get back before the sunset. Our first stop was Quivira Vineyards it’s only 6 miles from our hotel. A really beautiful vineyard known for their colorful gardens and organic farming. All of the staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable; and if you are looking for a peaceful location for a picnic lunch this is the place. My favorite wines were the GSM blend “Elusive” 2014 which I took the last bottle; and of course the Rosé a blend composed of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Counoise, and Syrah.
2:30 PM – UNTI winery, one of my favorite wines that day. They specialize in European style wines from Mediterranean grapes varietals. They grow 17 types of grapes from Syrah, Sangiovese, Grenache, Mouvedre, Barbera, Zinfandel, and many more. I have to say that my favorite ones were the 2014 Grenache blend and the 2015 Syrah Benchland (only 150 cases produced).
4:00 PM – Reeve Wines. And of course just as we arrived they were getting ready to close for the day and to add to that we didn’t have an appointment. However we were lucky and the person working that day knew some of our friends in the area and allowed us some extra time so we could check out the location and was kind enough to sell us a few bottles to go. I’ve been wanting to visit them for some time now because of their story. Noah Dorrance one of the founders of Banshee wines which is one of my favorite wineries is also the founder of Reeve Wines. In 2015 together with his wife Kelly Dorrance, they decided to start their own winery and source grapes from some of the most amazing vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties which are known for their organic, and biodynamic systems. Some of the wines they make are Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Rosé, Riesling, Sangiovese. This is a must stop in Dry Creek Valley, and the next time we’re back we are definitely making an appointment or staying at their onsite Villa for a night or two.
5:00 PM – Food – Starving Mode On! – We headed back to Healdsburg, it was time to go get something to eat and see some Halloween costumes since it was Oct 31st. Our first stop in Healdsburg was the SHED restaurant were we had a tasty Charcuterie & Cheese board and some oysters on the half shell to pair with my sparkling Rosé. Nice place with a good atmosphere.
6:00 PM – Last wine tasting stop! – Today was a really long day, but I was able to make it to all they places on my list. To to end the day we stopped at Lioco Wine Company. Their tasting room is so cozy and special, and just like the Bashee does in their tasting room, they also have a record player and a wide selection of old vinyl records to select from so you can listen to some good music while enjoying your tasting. All of their wines are to die for, but I would definitely recommend their Mendocino Rosé of Carignan, 2015 Pinot Noir Laguna and my favorite is the 2016 Carignan.
8:00 PM – Dinner at Valette Restaurant. Everything was phenomenal, it’s a must try spot in Healdsburg. The Day Boat Scallops en Croûte, Liberty Farms Duck Breast and Charred Wagyu New York Steak that comes with a delicious side of roasted bone marrow was amazing. Definitely check this place out while in town.
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Cheers… Nos vemos pronto!
Lorena W
