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Best Ways to Travel to Napa Valley and Sonoma County

WineCountry Staff — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:00:09 +0000

You’ve booked your trip, scheduled your tours, and now all you need is your ticket to Wine Country. With five airports to choose from, traveling to Napa Valley or Sonoma County has never been easier. So, whether you’re looking to travel on a budget or want to splurge on a one-of-a-kind experience, we’ve got you covered with our guide to getting to Napa and Sonoma. You’ll be sipping on Wine Country’s finest in no time.

The Best Choice for Flight Options and Flexibility: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

780 S Airport Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94128 Accommodating nearly 50 million travelers a year, the San Francisco International Airport is one of the largest hubs in the bay area. Suffice to say – it’s busy. Its modern interior and easy-to-navigate configuration makes it also one of the most convenient. With numerous shopping and dining options, as well as multiple on-site wine bars, it’s a great way to start the trip out right. If you find yourself waiting for friends to arrive, pop into SF Uncork’d for some quick refreshment. They offer local wines from the surrounding counties, small plates and excellent charcuterie; and when you’re ready to hit the road, options for getting out of the city are almost endless. For visitors who prefer travel by train to Napa, the The Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) connects directly to the airport. A short ride will drop visitors at the San Francisco Ferry Building where passengers can board the Vallejo Ferry for a quick and scenic ride across the Bay. Once on the other side, travelers can board the Napa Vine Route 11 shuttle to downtown Napa. If Sonoma is your final destination, renting a car is one of the better options. The 56-mile drive will take you over the Golden Gate and off to Wine Country, although traffic may impact travel time. If a private car is more your style, dial up your app and call an Uber.

Insider Tip: Stop off at the San Francisco Ferry Building’s indoor Farmers Market to pick up some of Carmel Honey’s artisanal, local honey or sweet treats from Dandelion Chocolate. Perfect for a pairing with your favorite varietal.

The Best Choice for Staying on Budget: Oakland International Airport (OAK)

1 Airport Dr. Oakland, CA 94621 Many travelers prefer the small and more budget friendly option of flying into Oakland International Airport. Although it is only about 30 miles from its sister SFO, its relative location on the bay often means fewer delays due to fog. Serving only one fifth the amount of visitors as San Francisco International, Oakland’s straightforward layout and efficient terminals are just what the no-frills visitor needs. While they offer most of the usual options for getting out of the city, with on-site rental cars, shuttles and a BART connection, one of the easiest options is to book a space with one of the local tour companies associated with the valley. California Wine Tours airport transportation offers private and group tours with their partnered wineries in the southern part of Napa. Please note that they are cash only, so prepare accordingly. For travel to Sonoma, Airport express is also a great choice. With pick-ups every two hours they’re available to take Wine Country visitors to Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Sonoma for just $34 each way.

Insider Tip: To really up the ante, book your transport through Sonoma Sterling Limo. They provide door-to-door service to anywhere in Sonoma County. Bonus tip – if you ask ahead, they’ll even stock your ride with your beverage of choice. Nothing cures jet lag quicker than a flute full of bubbles.

The Best Choice for Beating the Rush: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

6900 Airport Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95837 After a $1 Billion renovation and expansion project in 2011, the Sacramento International Airport has become larger and more efficient than ever. With great dining and shopping options on premise as well as a lower amount of travelers, getting in and out of the terminals is a snap. While tickets may be somewhat more expensive, its relative size and popularity make it a great option for people who want a modern travel experience. For travel to Napa Valley, Napa Valley Tour and Transportation is the go-to concierge for luxury rides from the airport to the valley. In addition to getting guests where they need to go, they also offer private and guided tours through local Napa restaurants and wineries. If you’re heading to Sonoma, be sure to plan your ground transportation ahead. Many travelers opt to rent a vehicle but with a little foresight, shuttles can also be arranged. Napa Airporter provides shared service from $90-$150 per person as well as personalized wine tours once in Sonoma proper.

Insider Tip: If all that travel has made you thirsty, wet your whistle at Vino Volo. Located in Terminal A of the Sacramento Airport, Vino Volo offers hand-selected flights and glasses of premier wines from around the world.

The Best Choice for Convenience – With a Dash of Whimsy: Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

2200 Airport Blvd. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 If proximity is your concern, look no further than Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. Undoubtedly the closest you can get to landing in the vineyards, incoming flights are treated to stunning views of the valley and a private, luxury arrival. Since few commercial airlines aside from Alaska fly into this location, the majority of flights are private planes and charters. Named in honor of longtime resident artist, Charles M Schulz, the airstrip is festooned with Peanuts statues and tributes to Snoopy and the gang. While visitors will pay more for this experience, the reward is definitely worth it. Ground transport couldn’t be any easier. Outside the single-gate terminal, visitors can hail a cab, summon a ride-share or hop on the Sonoma County Transit. For Napa, travel is just as simple. One of the best choices for ground transport from STS to Napa is through Beau Wine Tours. Give them a call and they’ll pick you up curbside in one of their luxury vehicles where you can either head to your hotel or straight out to a guided tasting.

Insider Tip: On your flight home, take advantage of the Alaska Airlines Wine Flies Free Program at the Sonoma Airport. Provided it’s packed properly for shipping, Alaska provides complimentary bag check for your purchases. Just be sure to add your mileage plan number to your reservation to take advantage of the opportunity. Now there’s no excuse to pass on those extra souvenirs.

The Best Choice for Tech Nerds to Geek Out: Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

1701 Airport Blvd. San Jose, CA 95110 Wine Country With its close proximity to Silicon Valley, it’s no surprise that a little tech influence has found its way into the San Jose International Airport. With state of the art terminals, entertainment and sculpture, SJS is efficient and easy to navigate. For an easy ride to Napa, trust Pure Luxury Tours to make the process painless. With one of the largest fleets in the region, as well as being one of the Certified green ground transportation companies, Pure Luxury’s commitment to lowering their carbon footprint while providing excellent service makes them a smart choice for a location focused on the future.

Insider Tip: If you need some assistance finding your way to the Access Lounge, the only place in SJC to get a tech-themed cocktail; just ask the robots. No, seriously. Since embracing its role as a travel hub for Silicon Valley, SJC has employed the use of three interactive robots to assist with showing visitors to the airport’s dining, shopping and other services.

– Best Wine Country Hotels to Visit –

– Where to Stay in Sonoma County –

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9 Under-the-Radar Sparkling Wines

Jillian Dara — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 09:00:50 +0000

Sparkling wines are the symbol of celebration. Though Champagne tends to steal the show on these occasions, there are many bubbles outside of this tiny region in France that deserve your attention, including right here in Wine Country.

Different styles of sparkling wine, from Blanc de Noir to crémant to cava, tend to fly under-the-radar, but once you’re in the know and savored your first sip, you’re in the circle for life. Here are nine under-the-radar sparkling wines from around the world to broaden your bubbly horizon.

Frank Family Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, Napa Valley, CA, $55

This crowd pleasing Blanc de Blancs is a Frank Family signature, made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from their estate Lewis Vineyard in Carneros. Its delicate bubbles are balanced with an elegant structure that offers a creamy texture on the palate. Tasting notes include lemon zest and green apple with a lingering toastiness of brioche. The wine’s minerality can cut through rich and nutty cheeses, making it a standout with charcuterie. Peju Sparkling Province, Napa Valley, CA, $45

When this family-owned and operated winery introduced their Province white and red wines, proprietary blends created for easy-drinking, they quickly became fan-favorites. Peju adds to that portfolio with their inaugural release of Province sparkling; what they credit as everything you know and love about the classic Province blends turned into a festive rosé sparkler. The wine is juicy, bursting with the lushness of ripe cherries, but balanced by the tartness of dried cranberry and orange zest. Enjoy it with sushi or spicy Thai noodles. Dutcher Crossing Sparkling Posterity Blanc de Blancs, Sonoma County, CA, $56

Tempting imbibers with its aromas of pineapple and pronounced florals, Dutcher Crossing’s Blanc de Blancs is a first from the brand, produced from estate Chardonnay grapes grown in Dry Creek Valley. The pale straw wine impresses with flavors of lemon and guava on the palate with breakthrough notes of flint and roasted nuts. The vibrant acidity complements a traditional pairing of beluga caviar atop a blintz. If you’re feeling less fancy, Dutcher Crossing recommends serving it alongside buttered popcorn and a movie. Hahn Estate Selection Blanc de Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA, $50

An elegantly crisp wine in a beautiful, rosy hue, Hahn Estate’s Blanc de Noir is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from their certified sustainable Smith Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The grapes were harvested by hand while sugars were still low and acid was optimal, which translates to the palate, complemented by bright notes of raspberry and cherry. A delightful sip with seafood paella or seafood pasta (clams, mussels, shrimp).

Macari Vineyards Sparkling Cab Franc HORSES, Long Island, NY, $29

All the texture and tasty vegetal notes from a Cabernet Franc tamed and bottled into a sparkling version? Yes, please. This pétillent-naturel (pét-nat) is unusual in the best way making it a bestseller at the North Fork-based vineyard since its first release in 2013. The fresh effervescence is accompanied by light red fruit aromas and flavors that are delectable with spicy soppressata and fatty prosciutto or tomato-based meatballs. Listel Pet Nat, France, $18

In a stunning shade of coral, Listel’s boldly labeled PET NAT is both visually and palatally striking. The French sparkling rosé is produced from a blend of Semillon and Carignan that lend to a fruit-forward wine with refreshing acidity and a natural effervescence that’s a result of partial fermentation of the fresh grape musts. This pét-nat is equally delicious as an aperitif as it is a digestif; try it both ways to decide for yourself. Langlois Chateau Crémant, Loire Valley, France, $25

For a remarkable sparkling wine from France, you don’t need to break the bank. This reasonably priced crémant from Langlois Chateau, an estate dedicating 62% of its production to this variety, prides itself on treating its wines above category standards, which translates to rounded yet fresh crémant. This brut non-vintage is a blend of 60% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, and 20% Cabernet Franc, with only the cuvée juice used, which spends 24 months aging on the lees. Pour it up with a light fish in a fresh or citrus sauce. Llopart Cava Brut Nature Gran Reserva Leopardi, Alta Penedès, Spain, $22

Produced in méthode champenoise, this Gran Reserva Cava blends equal parts Macabeo and Xarel-lo with Parellada and Chardonnay for a traditional showing of Spanish sparkling wine. The nose is bursting with ripe apples and there are some yeasty notes from its time in the bottle. A perfect pairing with shrimp cocktail or olives and crudites. Chapoutier Esteban La Combe Pilate Brut, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône Valley, France, $40

It will be an unexpected treat for any guest when you pull out M. Chapoutier’s brut to toast the start to an evening. This 100% Viognier sparkling wine presents a zesty mouthfeel with its freshness and salinity that doesn’t necessarily require a culinary pairing for you to enjoy the wine to its fullest. So pop the bottle and just enjoy!

– Holiday Food & Wine Pairings –

– All About Prosecco –

The post 9 Under-the-Radar Sparkling Wines first appeared on WineCountry.com.

What’s Hot? Mexican Wine Country

WineCountry Staff — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:00:04 +0000

Mexico is the home of hot peppers, hot weather, bright colors and adobe buildings. Add to that delicious cuisine, sandy beaches and tequila or two and you’ve got one of our favorite vacation spots. You probably don’t think wine, right? That’s because while Mexico has had a thriving wine industry since the 1920s, pretty much all of Mexican-produced wine is consumed within its borders. Sound intriguing? It gets better.

Believe it or not, Mexico has its own version of Napa Valley, called La Valle de Guadalupe, where you can find vineyards producing juicy cabernet sauvignons, crisp chardonnays, and full-bodied tempranillos. You’ll find other varieties there too — vineyards en la valle are known for blending varietals that you might not see mixed by European wineries. But the real distinguishing factor of Mexico’s wine country is the way it feels off the beaten path. It’s the perfect option for millennials who don’t mind roughing it (or, alternatively, have the money to stay in the one very high end hotel) or any wine aficionado who’s aching for something less traversed.

Take a trip south of the border for a unique long weekend perfect for any wine lover — as long as you’re up for a bit of an adventure.

Oh, and those tacos? The fish ones pair perfectly with those chardonnays I mentioned.

A B&B With Soul

Adobe Guadalupe
Parcela A-1 s/n Col. Rusa de Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
+52 646 155 2094
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars

Don’t let the Persian-influenced architecture of Adobe Guadalupe fool you. You are, in fact, in Mexico. In addition to the vineyard, the grounds also boast a B&B, where breakfast is served at a long communal table. The property also boasts a breeding and training stable for Aztec horses that are also used for therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Sip on one of their nine wines, take a break next the fountain in the courtyard, or enjoy some of the art by local artists scattered throughout the property.

Insider Tip: You might notice that all of the wines are named after archangels. That’s because the owners lost their son in a tragic car accident when they were starting Adobe Guadalupe. The wine names are a tribute to the angels that they believe are surrounding their son in heaven.

A Labor of Love

Xecue Vinicola
Valle de Guadalupe | Km 89.1 Ensenada-Tecate
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
+52 646 175 3830
TripAdvisor: 5 stars; 92 reviews

Xecue Vinicola is relatively young. They started selling wine in 2005 but have already made a splash in the Mexican wine scene. They specialize in reds and rosés, which are enough of a draw, but definitely don’t miss their octagon-shaped tasting room. The open walls allow you to look out over the countryside and enjoy the smells of tress and cactus as you sip your wine. “Xecue” means love in an indigenous Mexican language and visitors rave about how clearly the owners, José Luís and Alberta, love their winery and love showing guests the upmost in hospitality. Stop here if you want a truly personal experience during your visit to La Valle de Guadalupe.

Insider Tip: José Luís love succulents, so make sure to stop by and see his collection while you’re there.

Tostadas and… Boats?

Vena Cava Vinícola
Exit left near Km. 88
Valle de Guadalupe 22755, Mexico
+52 646 156 8053
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars; 44 reviews

Vena Cava is one of the most unique wineries you’ll ever visit, at least when it comes to architecture. Look closer and you’ll realize that many of the buildings on the property have very distinctive rooflines — they’re overturned boats! Wander through the boat buildings, have a sip or two, and then treat yourself to lunch at Troika, their on-site food truck.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the octopus tostadas from Troika. They provide a mashup of tastes that will have you asking if there are rooms available in their La Villa del Valle just so you can have more tomorrow!

Rustic Charm

Tres Mujeres
Ensenada Km 87
Valle de Guadalupe 22650, Mexico
+52 646 101 5268
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars; 17 reviews

Tres Mujeres winery was started by three women who originally just wanted to create a cooperative for local women to share their knowledge about winemaking and pool their resources to buy bigger and better equipment. These days, the tres mujeres who started it all are known for running one of the best artisan wineries in La Valle. Each bottle that comes out of this winery is signed by the woman who made it. Ivette is known for her grenache blends; Eva her merlot; and Laura her tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon.

Insider Tip: The tasting room is actually a converted cold cellar, which perfectly fits the aesthetic of this funky, rustic winery. Also, don’t miss their prix fixe lunch under the trees!

Once you’ve finished up your tour of Mexico’s hottest wine country, we guarantee you’re going to have a taste for more. Check out this article for more unexpected wine countries and start planning your next trip.

Bio: Emma McGowan is a full time freelance writer who doesn’t have a wine rack because she never manages to keep a bottle full long enough to need one. Check out more of her writing at emmamcgowan.com.

The post What’s Hot? Mexican Wine Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

What Are You Feeling? A Guide To CA Wine Country Hotels

WineCountry Staff — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

We’re now coming into spring, how have your new year’s goals held up? If health and wellness were at the top of your list, we’ve got some suggestions are completing those goals. A California Wine Country vacation is one of the most enjoyable ways to combine fun with a health-conscious experience.

The wine country is about so much more than wine tasting these days. Adventure activities, rejuvenating spa treatments and healthy dining offer ample opportunities to relax, detox and unwind.

Choosing the right hotel for the kind of experience you seek should be at the top of your list when planning your wine country escape. From incomparable luxury to the coziness of an informal bed and breakfast, your own personal preferences will help define the wine country lodging that is just right for you. So what are you feeling?

Would You Love To Be Pampered At A Luxury Resort?

Solage
755 Silverado Trail
Calistoga, California 94515
(866) 942-7442
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars, 848 reviews

Solage, an Auberge Resort Collection hotel, is a luxurious oasis. From the delectable food and wine at Napa Valley’s Michelin-rated Solbar to the property’s geothermal outdoor pools that look like they are straight out of a Hollywood movie set, Solage is the perfect place to indulge all of your senses and relax the body, mind and spirit.

To help you achieve your fitness goals, there is a state-of-the art fitness facility. Daily yoga classes are offered, and guests can enjoy the complimentary use of cruiser bikes for two.

Solange’s clean, spare and contemporary design is an integral element of this peaceful and meditative environment.

The perfect “spoil yourself” getaway is to stay in the Silverado Suite with separate living room, fireplace, dual everything and – best of all – a private patio and hot tub for two.

Insider tip: Book their signature mudslide treatment for two. When you do, you’ll see why two is better than one.

Does A Classic Resort With A Lot Of Amenities Appeal To You?

Meritage Resort and Spa
875 Bordeaux Way
Napa, Ca 94558
(855)981-7674
Trip Advisor: 4 stars, 1654 reviews

Vineyards views, an adults-only swimming pool with private cabanas, a wine cave with a spa, a bocce ball court, bowling and twenty-four hour concierge service make the Meritage Resort the ideal destination for anyone who desires an active vacation with a lot of options. The resort sits just minutes away from dozens of wineries, two world-class golf courses, and downtown Napa. AnEstate Cave that is home to Spa Terra and the Trinitas Cellars wine tasting room, both in the heart of the earth.

The Meritage offers four restaurants to choose from including Siena, a California/Tuscan restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine; Crush Ultra Lounge, an entertainment and sports bar with bowling lanes; Blend, a quick-service café; and The Commons: A Wine Bar.

Insider tip: Order a box lunch for two or bring your own and have lunch under the old oak tree in the vineyards. Then, take a short hike up to the Grape Crusher statue. On clear days you can see all the way to the San Pablo Bay.

Would You Like To Have An Adults-Only Luxury Experience?

Kenwood Inn and Spa
10400 Sonoma Hwy. 1
Kenwood, Ca 95452
(707) 833 – 1293
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars 617 reviews

Italy meets California in the best possible way at the Kenwood Inn and Spa. Complete privacy and total relaxation are nurtured. The 29, Italian-inspired guest rooms are elegant, spacious and comfortable. Guests also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet as well as afternoon wine and cheese tasting.

Indulge in healing spa treatments; the spa at the Kenwood Inn has been rated one of the top spas in America by Conde Nast Traveler.

Insider tip: Elevate your poolside experience by renting a luxurious, poolside cabana for the day. Each cabana accommodates up to four people and includes a premium bottle of local wine, wine tasting passes, afternoon cheese plate, a refrigerator stocked with beverages, curated music, and VIP pool service throughout the day.

Is A Room With A View The Place For You?

The Milliken Creek Inn
1815 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 320 – 2277
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars, 367 reviews

Experience the Napa River much as people in the 1800s did at the Milliken Creek Inn and Spa. Located on three acres, the Inn was originally a stage-coach stopover on what is now the Silverado Trail. The completion of the Napa River project has allowed wildlife to once again flourish along the river.

Stay at the Milliken Creek Inn and enjoy views of the river from your private deck. Order your hot breakfast served outside on the terrace – or anywhere you’d like. Luxury and intimate design bring the outside in.

You will truly find “a room with a view” at Milliken Creek Inn.

Insider tip: Start your day with yoga on the river banks, then have the concierge arrange a river history tour and learn all about the wildlife found along the Napa River

How About A Cozy Bed And Breakfast?

Inn at Occidental
3657 Church St
Occidental, CA 95465
(800) 522-6324
Trip Advisor: 5 stars, 343 reviews

Occidental, CA – population 1000 – feels like another world, a bit like a hippie town that time forgot. Located along the Bohemian Highway, with its ancient redwood forests, Occidental feels like it’s a million miles from civilization.

Happily, this extraordinarily scenic excursion, one of the most iconic in California, is only a twenty minute drive to Santa Rosa.

A cozy bed and breakfast graciously presided over by the owners, the Inn at Occidental is a delightful place to relax and unwind. Each room is artfully decorated, and Sky West Magazine has rated their art collection as one of the best small collections in a bed and breakfast. Don’t miss the evening wine tasting hosted by a local winery.

Insider tip: Occidental is located at the beginning of Coleman Valley Road, a gorgeous drive through pastures and redwood forests that eventually takes you downhill and straight to the coast. Whether biking or driving, this is a must do.
Whether your wellness goals include becoming more active, reconnecting with nature, pampering yourself with healing spa treatments or indulging in the utmost luxury, let a vacation in the wine country guide be the beginning of feeling more like you.

Penny Sadler is on a mission to visit every AVA in California with an occasional detour to the old world in Europe. She loves roaming the vineyards with her camera in and and believes that great wine pairs best with engaging conversation. Follow her on her blog Adventures of a Carry-on.

The post What Are You Feeling? A Guide To CA Wine Country Hotels first appeared on WineCountry.com.

These Wineries Rock: Where To Get Your Music and Wine Fix

blogger — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 09:00:39 +0000

Whether the boys are back in town or you’d rather burn out, than fade away or maybe you think the answer is blowin’ in the wind or all you need is love there are some rockin’(and rollin’) wineries catering to your love of music and all that jazz. Here are a few places where you can enjoy your wine with a pairing of Zeppelin, Supremes or Miles Davis.

Rocking Root Stock

B.R. Cohn Winery
15000 Sonoma Highway
Glen Ellen, CA
(800) 330-4064
Trip Advisor: 4 Stars, 143 reviews

In Glen Ellen, Sonoma County, respected winery B.R. Cohn is known for its gold medal wines, gourmet olive oils and barrel-aged, hand-crafted vinegars, but wine is founder Bruce Cohn’s second career. His first was as a band manager for the Doobie Brothers and then the Night Rangers. Cohn’s rock credentials are unquestionable, but today the winery’s brand is more about tasteful elegance than the guitar riffs in “China Grove.”

Insider’s tip: The winery puts on live music every Sunday, weather permitting, between 2 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.

Get A Backstage Pass

Cliff Lede Vineyards
1473 Yountville Cross Rd,
Yountville, CA 94599
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 117 reviews

Cliff Lede Vineyards was established in 2002 when Canadian born Bordeaux enthusiast, Cliff Lede, acquired a sixty acre estate in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. With a focus on producing wines from estate vineyards, Lede tapped David Abreu, considered the best viticulturist in Napa Valley, to replant the vineyards. Lede decided to name each vineyard block after some of his favorite rock songs and albums—from “My Generation” to “Dark Side of the Moon,” creating what is known today as the Cliff Lede Vineyards “Rock Blocks.” Today, Winemaker Christopher Tynan crafts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, with the flagship, Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the steep eastern hillside portion of the estate.

Insider Tip: Book a tasting in the Backstage Tasting Lounge for access to their limited production wines. This cool and comfortable lounge also features rotating art exhibits and, of course, classic rock music.

Fruit Forward With A Lot of Bass Notes

Claypool Cellars
6761 Sebastopol Ave, Suite 500
Sebastopol CA 95472
707-861-9358
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 24 reviews

From management to star power: Claypool Cellars/Pachyderm Wines in Sebastopol, CA is a project from Primus vocalist and bassist, Les Claypool. An alt-rock band most famous for Claypool’s slap bass style and off-the-wall lyrics, Claypool Cellars says it’s an option of the highest caliber, and yet not overly pretentious. The band’s eclectic style is present in the themes surrounding the tasting room, too. Called the Fancy Booze Caboose, this reservation-only tasting experience emphasizes how well M&Ms go with their Purple Pachyderm Pinot Noir.

Insider’s tip: Check out the winery’s events to get a chance nab some Primus tickets along with a bottle of pinot.

Getting Those Good Vibrations

Good Vibes Winery
2 South State Street
Westerville, OH 43081
(614)392-2202
Trip Advisor: 5 stars, 25 reviews

You might not think about locally produced wines when you’re around Columbus, OH, but at Good Vibes Winery in nearby Westerville, that’s just what you can find. With grapes sourced in Australia, Italy, France and California, Good Vibes winemaker Tony Klausing then hand-crafts more than 20 wines that can proudly bear the label grown globally, made locally. Each of Good Vibes’ wines are named after a beloved song, in keeping with the theme of their easy-going motto, “Wine is music to the soul!”

Insider Tip: They offer tasting flights of up to 8 one ounce pours. We recommend this option as they have a huge menu of offerings. Add a cheese platter and grab a seat up front to watch the happenings on bustling State Street.

Wet Your Whistle

Notaviva Vineyards, LLC
13274 Sagle Rd
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-668-6756
Trip Advisor: 4 Stars, 34 reviews

Ever tasted a pinot gris while listening to Dave Brubeck Quartet and thought, “These are two great things that go great together?” At Notaviva Vineyards in Purcellville, VA, that’s exactly what they specialize in. Drinkers of their Ottantotto viognier are encouraged to pair the barrel-fermented white wine with solo piano music, while their Sabado sauvignon blanc is imbibed while listening to salsa music. The winery even has iTunes playlists to accompany their wines.

Insider’s tip: Dig deeper into the Notaviva philosophy with founder Stephen Mackey’s book, “Dream, Build, Believe: The Founding of Notaviva Vineyards”

Heard It Through The Grape Vine

BottleRock Napa Valley
Napa Valley Expo
575 Third Street
Napa, CA 94559
Trip Advisor: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews

And then there’s the ultimate wine and music experience with the most-talked about outdoor music festival in the Bay Area at BottleRock. With three days and nights of music, more than 80 bands and headliners such as the Foo Fighters, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Maroon 5, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and dozens of wine cabanas for festival-goers to visit their favorite wines as the music washes over them, there’s nothing else quite like it.

Insider’s tip: The 2017 festival is already sold out for the May 26 – 28 dates, but tickets might still become available on BottleRock’s ticket exchange.

These Wines Rock

Rolling Stone Wine Club
888-987-4987

Rolling Stone Magazine’s wine club is a partnership with Mendocino County producer, Wines That Rock. This official Rolling Stones Wine Club delivers three bottles, four times per year with titles such as The Police Synchronicity Red Wine Blend and The Grateful Dead Steal Your Face Red Wine Blend. For music lovers who want some tannin with their jammin’, it’s hard to say no at the $39.95 per shipment price point for this wine club. Oh, plus you get a year of Rolling Stone Magazine.

Insider Tip: Their winemakers are literally going into the studio, listening to classics like Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ and using the musical themes, structure and attitude of the music to help guide the wine-making process.

The post These Wineries Rock: Where To Get Your Music and Wine Fix first appeared on WineCountry.com.

10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country

blogger — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:00:03 +0000

For carnivores, nothing beats a sizzling steak and full-bodied cabernet sauvignon dining experience. Whether you crave your red meat well-charred, aged-to-perfection, melt-in-your-mouth tender, fatty as a rib-eye, as a plate of steak frites, or just a juicy hunk of hamburger, the most important element to elevate the experience is what’s in your glass.

Contrary to popular belief, a Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t the only full-bodied varietal to select with steak. Keep in mind options of Cabernet Franc, Rioja, Malbec, Old-Vine Zinfandel and Bordeaux. Choose a wine pairing based on details such as cut of beef, aging technique, and sauce.

It helps to look at a wine menu of varied New World and Old World selections, but you may end up confused about what pairs best with what menu item. In many steakhouses, you can summon an in-house sommelier to assist in the wine-pairing selection. With or without a sommelier, you can navigate the menu on your own at these ten steakhouses across the country that offer wine lists as robust and diversified as a cut of beef and its preparation.

Press Napa Valley
587 St Helena Hwy
St. Helena, CA 94574

Because Press is located in the heart of the Napa Valley, the menu was created exclusively to highlight the area’s wines. As Press said, “Our goal is to create a repository of knowledge on Napa Valley wines from the 1950s going forward, and we enjoy learning, together with our guests, how these older vintages mature.”

Insider Tip: Begin your meal with a Domaine Carneros Rosé and end with a Grgich Hills ‘Violetta’ Late Harvest (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer).

Alexander’s Steak House
448 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

With locations in San Francisco, Cupertino, Pasadena, Taipei and Tokyo, the wine list at Alexander’s Steakhouse includes New World and Old World wines by the glass, half bottle and large formats. Their wine philosophy is to provide exciting and interesting wines while holding true to the idea of a classic American steakhouse. They search out artisan wineries that they feel offer the very best quality for the guests.

Insider Tip: Order by the glass or by half-bottles so you can select and share what works best for each course. You can’t go wrong with a 100-point Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, but you may also want to sip a Spanish Tempranillo.

The Capital Grille
Multiple locations

Wherever you are within the United States, there’s a good chance you’re in the vicinity of a Capital Grille restaurant. With over 350 wines, representing nearly every wine-growing region on earth, there are some beautiful selections. There are Old World and New World gems,as well as little-known labels on the brink of stardom. Their acclaimed dry aged steaks and fresh seafood deserve nothing less than an award-winning wine list. Before steaks meet the grill, they are meticulously dry aged on premises for more than 18 days. Then, each is hand-carved by their in-house butchers to exacting standards.

Insider Tip: A beautiful starter is their fresh, hours old mozzarella and tomato salad with an 18 yr age balsamic drizzle. Look for a Sancerre, Soave Classico or Sauvignon Blanc to pair.

Chicago Cut SteakHouse
300 N. LaSalle
Chicago IL 60654

Take two steak-house veterans, a dazzling space along the Chicago River, add a butcher and dry-aging room and you begin to see what Chicago Cut is about. This modern steak house with a unique menu has full throttle wine menu including the famous Miraval Rosé, a Brangelina label with more stability than the Pitt marriage. Try it with the foie gras starter.

Insider Tip: This restaurant is known to attract Fortune 500 CEO’s as well as celebrities from Woody Allen to Jay-Z.

Bern’s Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33606

Perfectly aged steaks. One of the largest wine collections in the world. An internationally famous dessert room. These elements have combined since 1956 to provide their guests with a unique culinary experience. Founder Bern Laxer had an incredible eye for wine buying. The cellar contains more than 6,800 different selections with more than half a million bottles. Bern’s Wine Cellar is the perennial recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award.

Insider Tip: While the lobby is something to be seen, the dessert room is something to be experienced. Here guests can enjoy a leisurely and intimate end to their dining evening by choosing from nearly 50 dessert choices to more than 1,000 dessert wines and spirits.

Forbes Mill Steak House
206 N. Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
200 Sycamore Valley Road West
Danville, CA 94526

In its two locations: Los Gatos and Danville, California, the wine menu focuses on local boutique wineries of small production, as well as an emphasis on Brunello di Montalcino and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There’s a price range for everyone to enjoy wines by the glass, Coravin or bottle.

Insider Tip: Seek help from the sommelier/wine director to hear the story behind each boutique wine label.

Aureole Las Vegas By Charlie Palmer
3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas , NV 89109

What happens at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole restaurant stays in…your memory. Wine and dine your way around their tasting table experience with Chef Charlie Palmer and Executive Chef John Church’s menu focused around food’s three natural foundations: Root, Surf, and Ranch. The menu positions eight dishes covering all categories, listed from light to robust, with a strong emphasis on sharing, tasting and connecting. Go big and bet on a fantastic dining and wine experience here.

Insider Tip: The restaurant’s 3,000-selection list has been lauded with Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 2000. The “wine angels” will fetch your chosen wine via a three story pulley and cable system.

The Angus Barn
9401 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, N.C.

The Angus Barn is an American steakhouse restaurant serving in-house aged steaks, fresh NC seafood, local grown vegetables and homemade desserts prepared by Iron Chef America winner, Walter J. Royal, and his staff. The Barn hosts an award winning wine cellar, the famous Wild Turkey Lounge, Meat Locker smoking lounge. The restaurant’s wine list features 1,600 selections with stand outs from California, Bordeaux and Burgundy, and has earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 1989.

Insider Tip: The wine cellar boasts its’ own private staff, kitchen, two large dining rooms each with its own full service bar and surrounded by one of the most amazing wine collections in the United States.

Pappas Brothers SteakHouse
3 Texas locations

With 2 locations in Houston and one in Dallas, its dry aged steaks make Pappas Brothers stand out among some of the best Texas steakhouses. All of their sommeliers are certified, and at least half of them have earned either Master or Advanced Certificates.

Insider Tip: With 3,900 world wine selections from top producers, this is another chance to use a sommelier to your advantage. You’ll even get help with the proper wine glass, as there are 10 stemware designs to match with your wine selection.

Ringside Steakhouse
2165 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97210

Dining at RingSide Steakhouse is an experience, offering beef believers the very best in Northwest USDA Prime and Certified Angus Natural Beef. Steaks are aged a minimum of four weeks, hand carved on the premises, seasoned and grilled to perfection. They house one of Portland’s only on-site dry-aging rooms, and guests can select from an array of beef choices, chops, chicken and Pacific Northwest seafood.

Insider Tip: Their extensive wine list of more than 700 labels, including some of Northwest’s finest regional wines. Our wine list has been recognized with the “Best of Award of Excellence” Wine Spectator since 2001.

Charlene Peters is an influential world explorer and culinary/wine scholar who left her East Coast roots for the western pleasures of life in the Napa Valley. She can be reached by email: siptripper@gmail.com.

The post 10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Spend The Year In CA Wine Country

WineCountry Staff — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 09:00:39 +0000

It’s the new year and we suggest you spend it in California wine country. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite places to spend the seasons. Whether it’s fall in Santa Barbara or spring in Napa Valley, we’re ready to welcome you to wine country!

Winter in Mendocino

Mendocino County lies about 150 miles up the coast from San Francisco and it is a winding and beautiful drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Shop, eat, and enjoy the slow down, as you groove to the vibes of downtown Mendocino’s California hippy past and quaint New England style buildings.

Hike along the Mendocino Headlands Trail, to watch the migration of the Gray whales swim along the coast. Enjoy their coastal Pinot Noirs, bundle up and peruse the extensive art or cozy up in your B&B and watch the moody Northern California coast line from your large picture window.

Tuck Into These Lodgings:
Stanford Inn By The Sea
4850 Comptche Ukiah Road
Mendocino, CA 95460
800-331-8884
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

This AAA-Four Diamond eco-resort is located on 10 gorgeous acres overlooking the Mendocino Bay. It’s the perfect spot for health-conscious guests with holistic wellness center, spa, yoga classes, organic gardens and a farm and its acclaimed plant-based gourmet restaurant, The Ravens’ Restaurant.

Insider Tip: Pets are welcome at the inn and not just cats and dogs. The inn says they’ve even had Vietnamese pot belly pigs stay!

Little River Inn
7901 North Highway One
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 937-5942
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

Located next to the sea, the Little River Inn has been attracting guests from around the world for three-quarters of a century. The scenery is stunning—the Victorian inn is surrounded by green gardens and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The rooms have gorgeous views and other amenities like private decks and/or fireplaces.

Insider Tip: The inn is a short trek from the stunning Van Damme State Park and the beach.

Our list of Mendocino County lodging

Wineries Worth The Sip
Toulouse Vineyards & Winery
8001 Hwy 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-2828
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

Known for its fantastic Pinot Noirs, Toulouse Vineyards is a welcoming and friendly vineyard located in the stunning Anderson Valley. The unique climate and daily weather make it the ideal location for Pinot Noir but the vineyard also produces Gewurztraminer, Riesling and more. Visitors do not need an appointment to visit (as long as your group is smaller than eight people) and taste wine.

Insider Tip: Buy a bottle of one of their wonderful Estate Pinot Noirs, plus they’ll waive the $5 tasting fee with a wine purchase.

Summer in Monterey

Summer in beautiful Monterey County is idyllic. Full of world-famous sites including Big Sur, Pebble Beach Golf Links, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the 17 Mile Drive along the Monterey Peninsula, it’s a must-visit for any traveler.

The marine layer that covers the coast this time of years inspires the locals to cheekily refer to it as “June Gloom.” Despite the name, this is a beautiful time to visit. Need a respite from the intense California heat? Head to this mid-state coastal region that stays nice and cool.

Where To Tuck In:
Colonial Terrace Inn
13th and San Antonio Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
(831) 624-2741
Trip Advisor Stars: 4

With the beach just 72 steps away from your room at the Colonial Terrace Inn, it’s the perfect spot to stay in one of the country’s best beach towns, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Built in 1925 and opened as the inn in 1930, the inn offers a quiet and private escape in a residential area close to the beach but within walking distances of downtown Carmel.

Insider Tip: Make sure you try the continental breakfast served each morning and eat it outside in the terraced gardens for a picturesque and peaceful start to the day.

Our list of Monterey County lodging

Fall in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara shines in the role of the “American Riviera.” With it’s red-tiled residences, Mediterranean-like weather, beautiful beaches, and cameo in films, it fits the bill. Santa Barbara County wine country, especially its Pinot Noir wines, will always be associated with the movie Sideways. But the county was a thriving wine region long before the movie with its first wine grapes being planted by missionaries in the late 18th century. Santa Barbara is also well-known for its great Chardonnay and Rhone varietals.

Fall weather in Santa Barbara is incredibly underrated. Foggy days are ever present in the summer months but September and October usher in 70 degree weather, with little rainfall. Not to mention the vines begin to erupt in riotous colors during their fall change.

Where to Tuck In:
The Agave Inn
3222 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 687-6009
Trip Advisor Stars: 4

Wanting to create an experience for guests rather than just a place to sleep for the night, The Agave Inn has achieved a perfect place to call home while in Santa Barbara. This is one of the best deals you can get in Santa Barbara for a clean, tidy, colorful place. It’s not fancy, but attention was paid to making it feel happy. With bright, fun room decor and paint, Agave adds a personal touch without overwhelming. Think Mexican pop meets modern.

Insider Tip: Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro is located right across the street. While Agave has a continental breakfast, this bakery is worth a morning stop.

Our list of Santa Barbara County lodging

Wineries Worth The Sip
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
125 N Refugio Rd.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-9463
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

Driving just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara to Sunstone Vineyards & Winery transports you to a secluded retreat resembling the French countryside. There’s even a wine cave to explore. Wine flights are available in addition to wines by the glass and a fun wine and brownie pairing menu.

Insider Tip: Looking for other wineries? Explore the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

Spring in Napa Valley

The best part of spring in Napa Valley is it starts in February! Come between Feb through May and the valley erupts in the bright yellow mustard flower than blankets the vineyards throughout the 26 miles. The weather is mild and perfect for hiking and enjoying the lovely scenery. If you can visit on a weekday, Napa is decidedly quiet, with tasting room staff ready to welcome you with a tasting room all to yourself.

Where To Tuck In Hotel Yountville
6462 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 967-7900
Trip Advisor Stars: 4.5

This luxury resort and spa is located in one of the most convenient and best locations in Napa Valley, downtown Yountville. Stores, acclaimed restaurants, cafes and wine tasting rooms are just walking distance from the hotel. Despite its downtown location, the hotel is still surrounded by lush vineyards. The rooms are welcoming, tasteful and elegant with hardwood floor, stone fireplaces and an outdoor patio or balcony.

Insider Tip: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, the hotel hosts a complimentary wine tasting with partner local wineries in the lobby lounge.

The post Spend The Year In CA Wine Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Best Food & Wine Destinations

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Traveler’s Choice Awards 2011 by Trip Advisor

The votes are in and Napa, California was chosen as the #2 travel destination for food and wine by travelers on Trip Advisor in 2011. Are we really surprised? Not really. In fact, what’s surprising is that Napa was not chosen as #1!

Trip Advisor sums it up well when it says “Everyone knows Napa as a wine destination, and it lives up to the hype. This is oenophile heaven, and you could spend days going from tasting room to tasting room. There’s a flourishing restaurant scene, too, featuring everything from Michelin-starred standouts to tiny local bistros.”

CLICK HERE to read the full article and see other destinations that topped the list for 2011.

The post Best Food & Wine Destinations first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Restaurant Month in California

admin — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:52:25 +0000

All around California, restaurants are celebrating the month of January with fabulous dining specials and savings for lunch and/or dinner. Splurge, savor, and save is the name of the game. See if your favorite restaurant or one you always wanted to try is on the list in the regions below.

Gold Country. You may not find gold, but with savings on food like these, you might as well have! Restaurant Week in Gold Country is January 32-30 with a grand finale on January 30th where the area’s finest chefs will offer a unique opportunity to be an El Dorado Epicurean in a countywide progressive dinner. More Details

Monterey County. Catch some fresh seafood in Monterey during Restaurant Month. Participating restaurants are offering prix fixe dinner menus for $20.11 all month long. More Details.

Napa Valley – see our Food Writer’s top restaurant picks for deals and steals. Or see the full list of Napa Valley restaurants and their specials here.

Santa Barbara Wine Country

Santa Barbara -Dubbed “Film Feast”, the prix fixe restaurant program coincides with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival all happening January 27-Feb 6, 2011. Film goers and foodies are invited to choose from “Short” (two-course), “Feature” (three-course) and “Epic” (four-course) length seasonal menus at participating restaurants. MORE DETAILS.
Santa Ynez Valley – The foodie fun begins January 23rd and ends January 29th. It’s this region’s first time participating in Restaurant Month and they will be featuring special 3-course tasting menus for $20.11. A list of participating restaurants is listed, but you will need to contact restaurants directly for specific days, dining hours and to make reservations. MORE DETAILS.

San Luis Obispo. There’s still time to make a quick getaway to San Luis Obispo (aka SLO) and savor fresh, locally grown produce and meats prepared at restaurants throughout the area. In celebration of Restaurant month, enjoy 3-course, prix fixe menus for only $30! See list of participating restaurants. More Details.

Temecula. Indulge in special prix fixe and specialty menus from participating restaurants throughout Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country.Must contact individual restaurants for their specific Restaurant Month special. MORE DETAILS.

Tri-Valley/Livermore. Enjoy a true culinary extravaganza-Taste of Tri-Valley Restaurant Week between January 23rd – January 30th! During this fabulous event , food lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy a prix fixe meal, specialty dish or special offer at Tri-Valley restaurants. MORE DETAILS.

The post Restaurant Month in California first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Take a Gourmet Retreat

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:46:28 +0000

CALISTOGA, CA – What better way to experience the essence of wine country cuisine than with a gourmet retreat? If you are an avid home cook or food enthusiast, then take your cooking to the next level with a culinary vacation in Napa Valley.

At Gourmet Retreats, located in Calistoga, CA at CasaLana B&B, sign up for hands-on cooking classes taught in a professionally equipped kitchen. To ensure personalized attention and one-on-one attention, classes are limited to only 9 participants. They include printed recipe handouts and a generous sampling or meal of the food prepared served with wine/beverage. All kitchen equipment is, of course, provided as well.

Gourmet Retreats offers Culinary Vacations, Boot Camp, One-Day Wine Country Classes, and Gourmet Weekend Retreats as well. Choose from a variety of class lengths ranging from as little as 5 hours to 5 days.

View sample Itineraries for a Culinary Vacation

You can also book accommodations at the on-site bed & breakfast Casa Lana. The Mediterranean architecture, tranquil river setting and lush gardens creates a secluded and relaxing atmosphere to help you unwind from the day’s culinary activities. Guest rooms are spacious and feature a private entrance, private bath and many other amenities. Additionally, the Napa Valley bed and breakfast is only a short walk from downtown Calistoga offering world-class restaurants, spas, and boutique shops.

Book your Culinary Vacation today!

The post Take a Gourmet Retreat first appeared on WineCountry.com.