Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Sonoma wineries that require reservations

Search

Sonoma wineries that require reservations

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 27th, 2005, 01:36 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sonoma wineries that require reservations

Hi Everyone!

My husband and I will be staying at the Vintner's Inn over Memorial Day weekend. Are there any wineries in the area that are "must-sees" that also require reservations? We plan on going all over ... Sonoma ... Russian River Valley,,etc. etc.

Thanks so much in advance. We'd hate to miss out on someplace just because we didn't have a reservation.
DreamingOfItaly is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2005, 04:40 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here's a link to the Sonoma wineries. Click on the Winery tab and check them out. http://www.wineroad.com/

They're in alphabetical order. First one on the list, A. Rafanelli Winery, does require an appointment. Their Cabs and Zins are Outstanding!!!
Budman is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2005, 06:40 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Budman,
What are your favorites?


weimer is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2005, 06:36 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,244
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I haven't hit all 105 wineries in the Sonoma area, but here are a few that I really liked.

Downtown Healdsburg -- Sapphire Hill for Pinot Noir. Good but a little pricy -- directly across the street, Davis Family Winery -- Just released their 2003 Pinot. I liked it so much I bought 1/2 a case to bring back. Camillia Cellars is in the same area. I bought 1/2 case of their Sangioveise futures to be released next March.

Right outside of town is Pezzi King. Their tasting room was in the Madrona Manor, but I think they have since moved to downtown Healdsburg. Their 2000 Zin is fantastic.

Nalle on Dry Creek Road has some great Zins, and of course A. Rafanelli has Superb Cabs & Zins. Make an appointment to go taste there. They are a Class Act in my opinion.

Lambert Bridge was barrel tasting their Merlot when we where there. After seeing Sideways, I hesitated in tasting because of the "No Merlot" scene, but I must say, their Merlot was really good and should be a "winner" when it is bottled.

La Crema has some great Pinot, and even their 2002 Syrah was fantastic. Picked up some of those also.

Of course, everyone's taste in wine is different, but those were some that I found extraordinarily good.
Budman is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2005, 08:12 AM
  #5  
Kal
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd have all sorts of reservations going into a winery with B'man.
Kal is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2005, 10:24 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Budman,
I like the heavier reds myself - zins and petites in particular. I haven't been to a few on your list but will try to on my next trip to Sonoma in May.

May I reccomend Christopher Creek for zins and Stryker for great zins and reserve cabs.

Drink up!



weimer is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2005, 10:26 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I second Rafanelli's. Bring cash or check, they don't take credit cards.

I also enjoy Michele Schlumberger, which requires reservations.
Grasshopper is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2005, 10:27 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
By the way, since you're dreaming of Italy, be sure to go to Ferrari-Carano. It's a great Italianate villa.
Grasshopper is offline  
Old Apr 29th, 2005, 05:52 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks everyone. Some great suggestions. We can't wait!
DreamingOfItaly is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dannyyoung
United States
13
Oct 26th, 2010 06:32 AM
Becca
United States
5
Aug 26th, 2008 11:07 PM
doc04
United States
8
Apr 24th, 2006 10:17 AM
ringerlu
United States
22
Jul 20th, 2005 03:59 PM
travelchic
United States
9
Apr 8th, 2005 05:28 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Your Privacy Choices -