The Happy Tummy: Sonoma County, Wine & Dine.

    As a fairly new wine enthusiast I have limited wine tasting experience to draw from and few expectations that need living up to.  I don’t know much about tannins or quality ratings and I’m not stuffy or sophisticated, a.k.a. stuck up.  I’m a down home girl who knows what tastes good to me and what doesn’t, even when it is the most expensive and prized vintage on the menu.

   

   I’ve much more experience in drinking wine than with attending vineyards and tasting rooms.  In fact, I’ve only been to a total of three wine tastings, two of them being in the Sonoma valley at the Dutton Estate Winery and Sebastopol Vineyards and the Russian River Vineyards.
 

   Dutton Estate, like it’s name suggests, is a family operation with an old money feel infused with a noticeable coziness.  Even at the end of the day, which is when we arrived, the staff members were more than welcoming and informative.   By the way, showing up near closing time is one way to ensure more personalized attention, however, you do run the risk of the employees being worn out and obviously ready to go home—you know the type!  Another quaint aspect of the estate grounds are the garden paths and the grape vines right on site.
 

   Russian River vineyards’ tasting room is chic meets backyard BBQ and is paired with a full menued restaurant.   The tasting room opens up to an airy patio beneath the trees where tables and chairs are set up to enjoy the great outdoors while sipping on your wine or other drink of choice.
Regardless of a wine’s “pedigree” or prestige, it’s really about what tastes good to you!   Different brands of the same type of wine taste different, even if they’re from the same region.  And it doesn’t hurt to branch out; this coming from a former white-wine-only drinker!   Pinot Noir, a red wine, is now on the list of favorites.  So try one, try all—just keep track of your favorites and remember to drink responsibly. 

 

   Unless you are one of the fortunate folk who actually live in Sonoma Valley, it’s inevitable that you’ll be spending some time in the car in order to reach the previously mentioned establishments.   With the travel of long distances comes the need for food and other unmentionable amenities along the way.  It was in desperate search for such amenities that we, my boyfriend and I, haphazardly came upon a quaint little diner off of California’s highway 121.  Think classic vintage diner, a little bit of southern country charm and an easy-going west coast attitude meets the slow food movement and you’ve just walked into the Fremont Diner.  From the homemade hot dogs with fresh baked buns, grilled goat cheese and asparagus sandwiches, pulled BBQ pork sandwiches to a variety of breakfast options, there is definitely something for everyone’s palate.   A definite must see!
 

   Although many of the details escape me, due to being the last stop on the wine tour, Willow Wood Market Café is another must see. Located within wine country itself, this market café offers an assortment of fare breakfast through dinner.  You may also peruse the books, unusual gifts, and bottles of wine for purchase.
 

   All in all, if you get the chance to road trip a bit through Sonoma Valley, whether for a day or longer, I definitely recommend it. 


Post written by guest author RK.