Every so often, those of us at Jaunt like to think of ourselves as Plato's humble followers, fantasizing our future only to realize our full potential. We strive to live an all-organic life where what comes into our minds and bodies also radiates from us. Whether that means food, wine, wild ideas of pure love, or the quest to achieve our soul's most absolute beauty and truth - we are lovers, not fighters. Which is also why we're here and not practicing law. Though noble it may be. We *might* even go so far as to proclaim to our lover, just like Philostratus, "Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine, Or leave a kiss within the cup, And I'll not ask for wine," but we're not that enlightened... yet. After all, we want the kiss AND the cup, and if you know anything about Greek symposiums, we're pretty sure they involved a little bit of both. But wine country... it sure does make us dream of a small, intimate group of chiseled Athenians (in white togas) slowing feeding us grapes as they fan us with giant palm leaves.
You too?
(sort of like this - only not a cartoon)
So, we're back from the 4th of July holiday, feeling amorous, in love with the vine, and better than ever. There's something in the air that feels good right now and what's the best thing to do when that happens? Enjoy it while it lasts. That means two things: good wine and the open road. Not at the same time, of course, but here's what's on our agenda.
You comin'?
The Russian River Valley aka. The (Wine) Road Less Travelled. For those unfamiliar, that's Northwest Sonoma County, home to 150 wineries and 50 lodgings, just 50 miles north of the Golden Gate.
Mill Creek Winery, Russian River Valley
We're saving our tasty wine picks for another in-depth profile on our favorite Pinots from Paso and the always alluring Viogniers of France and Sonoma (like the newly released Thumbprint Cellars 2007/Preston Vineyards), but first, here's a perfect 3-day tasting adventure that our friends at the Russian River Valley put together for their favorite traveling winos. Whoops. Did we say winos? We meant wine aficionados.
Now start packing.
Day 1
Alexander Valley
10:00 Field Stone Winery
Sure it's early to taste, but that's what you do in wine country. Just don't leave without trying their port!
11:00 Hanna Winery
Mediterranean architecture with a tasting room high on a knoll offering spectacular views of the valley.
12:00 Jimtown Store
The perfect local wine country lunch - sit out in the back patio with it's grape arbors to keep you cool.
1:00 Hawkes
Leave your car at Jimtown and stroll next door to meet Jake and Laura Hawkes new tasting room.
2:30 Downtown Healdsburg
For an afternoon of window shopping and more tasting if you'd like. Quaint shops - bookstores, Powell's Candy Shoppe, Season's in the Vineyards housewares and more... plus 12 wine tasting rooms surrounding the historic town square.
5:00 Cocktails at Barndiva - sit out in the back patio and enjoy the beautiful weather.
6:00 Back to your room for some (ahem...) R & R
8:00 Dinner at any number of highly acclaimed restaurants like:
Cyrus
Madrona Manor
Manzanita
Zin
Day 2
Dry Creek Valley
10:00 Mauritson
A family with a long tradition of winegrowing in the Dry Creek Valley. We like those family stories and so will you.
11:00 Pedroncelli
Another longtime winemaking family - celebrating their 77th year. Sounds lucky, doesn't it?
12:00 Dry Creek General Store
Not to be missed. Get a lunch to go, then picnic just down the road at...
12:30 Passalacqua Winery
Fantastic views of the valley from their picnic area with outstanding wines.
2:00 Ferrari- Carano
Spectacular setting, beautiful gardens, and variety of tasting levels depending on your interest.
4:00 Relax back at your hotel then see where you can find some live music, possibly the Hotel Healdsburg, Palette Arts Café, Madrona Manor or Barndiva.
For listings, prior to visiting the area, check out:
www.healdsburgmenues.com
8:00 Casual Dinner
Healdsburg Bar and Grill - the BEST hamburger or flat bread pizza in wine country - and a great local wine list.
Day 3
Russian River Valley
One easy tour is to simply find your way to Olivet Road and visit the wineries all on the road. Stop in the morning and get a boxed lunch at:
Oakville Grocery
Big John’s Market or Ansteads
10:00 DeLoach Vineyards
Learn about their bio-dynamic farming and visit their gardens.
11:00 Sunce Winery
Meet the owners Janae and Frane as you taste your way through their varied wines.
12:00 Hook and Ladder
Former SF firefighter Cecil DeLoach now has a new winery.
1:00 Harvest Moon Winery
Find out about the different wine and olive oil classes they offer... as you plan your next trip! Sit in the back and enjoy your boxed lunch and sip your favorite Harvest Moon wine.
2:00 Time to head back to the airport...
If time permits, stop at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center and tour their culinary gardens, perennial gardens or demonstration vineyard.
Now really... who needs toga-wearing grape feeders, when you have Jaunt Magazine?
Or, better yet, why can't you have both?
www.wineroad.com
