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Our annual pilgrimage to Sonoma/Napa is booked – Finally! Given my new schedule, which is predicated on last minute, unexpected travel, I wasn’t able to book this trip as early as I hoped. Rather than visit during the summer as I did last year, I’ve opted for March with the hope of avoiding some of the crowds and having more quality time with winemakers in their ‘off season’ (if there is such a thing for a winemaker/vineyard owner).
I have a handful of items on our to do list while we’re out there – include attending a bloggers tasting event, as well as meet ups with a couple of friends and winemakers – but, I would also like to solicit additional suggestions, especially from locals.
I would be most grateful for any interesting, cool, neato, amazing, gotta-do recommendations for small out-of-the-way boutique wineries, hikes, restaurants. Please email me directly or leave a comment here. Or, if you are around the Sonoma/Napa area and want to get together for a drink, please let me know.
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Drink What YOU Like 
Phenominal winery you may not have heard of (and I have no stake in) Woodenhead — 5700 River Road — try and go when Nikolai and Zina are around. Incredible zins and pinots… Also, go to Sidori — fer sure.
Train Town — Downtown Sonoma — very Sonoma along with the Vella Cheese Company.
Sugarloaf for an awesome hike — just behind St. Francis Winery between Santa Rosa and Sonoma.
Thai House — Santa Rosa. Killer Thai food.
Russina River Brewing — Santa Rosa. Great IPA’s and others.
If you go South a bit to Marin County and love great hikes and incredible views – go to Mt. Tamalipas. Magnificient. Plus, Mill Valley (downtown) wicked, cool town.
I think of some more; I’m sure.
Great blog and I totally get your “about” page…
Thank you, Rich. I appreciate you stopping by, and all of the recommendations. Siduri and RR Brewing were on my list – so many have great things to say about both. I’ll check in to the other recommendations. My plans for two of the days are still fluid so I may be able to check out Woodenhead.
Man I came so close to driving down to Carmel a few weeks ago when I was working in San Jose – but I detoured over to Santa Cruz. The Carmel area is amazing.
All the best, Frank
Go to one of my favorite places in Napa, Biale. Drink the Black Chicken.
Contact Jayme Silva
Robert Biale Vineyards/Hill Climber
Tel 707.257.7555
Fax 707.257.0105
Sutter Home dude. Your trip to Napa wouldn’t be complete without stopping there.
On a more serious note, check out Flora Springs on the main drag. The tasting room looks like a giant boulder. Kinda weird yes, but they’re claim to fame is pure single vineyard cabs that score high and are quite tasty. Last time we were there they had a DJ spinning tunes with half naked elves running around serving sparkling (it was Christmas time). Again, kinda weird for a tasting room, but the wine is worth it. Also, right next door is a huge Dean & Deluca store for you to pick up some amazing bread, cheeses and cured meats.
Sutter Home is a definite on any trip to Napa area. 😉 I’ve passed Flora Springs several times during previous trips, and will try to stop by this trip. I like the idea of ‘half naked’ elves running around serving drinks. That’s a winner in my book!
Thanks for the recommendations.