nectar of the gods

Every once in a while, Ron and I enjoy drinking a nice glass of wine. This is something we learned to do after moving to California. Since living here we visit Napa about 3 times a year on average – much more when people come to visit us. We love to share wine country with friends and family.

We just spent another lovely day up north among the vines. This time we concentrated on wineries in the Russian River Valley. We took Beckie and a friend to sample some Pinot Noirs and to try out some new wineries. Napa and Sonoma Valleys are two of my favorite things about living in California.

The other day Mandi called from New York to say that a friend from there was coming to California and wanted some recommendations for wineries to go to while she was here. Mandi wanted my recommendation for my top 5 favorite vineyards. First of all, I was surprised that she asked me and not Ron. He is more of a connoisseur than I am, but I do know what I like. I thought it would be very difficult to come up with such a limited list…my top 5 favorite wineries….hmmmm….and then I immediately came up with this list - for whatever it’s worth!

#5. Dutton – Goldfield, Sebastopol – We found this winery when we took Beckie to Sonoma for her 24^th birthday. The gentleman that supervised our tasting and poured for us was incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable. He poured a variety of wines for us, but we were especially impressed with the Pinot Noirs.

#4. Markham, Napa – We have made several trips to this tasting room. Besides the incredible quality of the Merlots they pour, I enjoy the ambiance of this tasting room and its rock and roll sensibility. The wine bar is roomy and welcoming. Photos of rock artists decorate the walls and the music playing is classic rock and roll.

#3. Kendall - Jackson, Healdsburg – Talk about a total experience! We have been to this winery several times to experience the wine and food pairing they offer. The food is prepared by a seasoned chef that knows exactly how to showcase the wines being poured. Depending on the weather, the tasting is conducted either outdoors on the patio overlooking the vines or in one of the beautiful banquet rooms. It’s probably the second most commercial winery we go to, but it’s a great place to take out of state visitors for an impressive tasting adventure.

#2. Buena Vista, Sonoma – There is so much history at this winery. Buena Vista is the oldest winery in California. The first time we went there, we were fortunate to get a very chatty tour guide who also poured the wines at our first sit down food pairing and tasting. He was such a character, but really knew his way around the grapes. He told us all about Count Haraszthy and his love of the vine and how his work helped to save the European wine industry.

#1. Domaine Chandon, Napa – Easily my favorite for many reasons. First of all – it’s on absolutely beautiful grounds. Secondly, is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy a really good sparkling wine? This is also a great place to take someone for a tasting if they are visiting from out of town. They give a lovely guided tour and thoroughly explain the process of bottling sparkling wines versus still wines. It’s very interesting. Finally, you can purchase a bottle and drink it right on the grounds while overlooking the fountains or koi ponds. It’s quite idyllic.

When I told Ron what I was writing about, you can believe that he wanted to put in his 2 cents about his favorite wineries…I told him that he should start blogging so that he can write his own list! These are my favorites. If you ever decide to visit California, please come see us. We would both be very happy to take you to wine country and show you around.