A passion to travel the world is what led tomy interest in wine. I know of no better wayto learn about wine than to visit the regionswhere it is produced. For years Mike and Ihave always planned our travel itinerariesaround the restaurants we want to try. We areplanning an incredible Mediterranean cruisein the fall for goodtastewithtanji.com viewers– come with us! But in the meantime, let’s talkCalifornia.
One of our favorite destinations is Sonoma. Iabsolutely love visiting Sonoma. It’s a bit morerural than Napa, more spread out. If you’re aPinot Noir fan, you must go to Sonoma. Thereare some fabulous vineyards and wonderfulrestaurants. The drive between wineries isbeautiful, so relax and enjoy the scenery.
Some of my favorites include:
Gary Farrell – Amazing Pinots and a beautifulwinery with incredible views from the tastingroom.
Domaine Carneros – Do this the momentyou arrive! This is a beautiful property withglorious views of the wine country. Enjoy awonderful glass of champagne and plan yourwine adventures.
Benziger – Mike Benziger was our tour guideand I’m a fan of this vineyard for life. Organic,biodynamic and outstanding! A beautifulplace with wonderful wines. (I’ve got more onBenziger on my Web site under Gems)A Rafanelli if you love Zins.
Gloria Ferrer – Excellent sparklings and apretty property.
Kendall Jackson – A beautiful tasting room.
Take the tour of the organic gardens and dothe food and wine pairing tasting.
Merry Edwards – Fabulous Pinot Noirs(appointment only)
Rochioli – Wonderful Pinot Noirs and I alsolove their Sauvignon Blanc.
Arista – Owners are from Austin, and thePinot Noirs are what they’re known for. Try theSauvignon Blanc too.
Dutton–Goldfield – Again, Pinot Noirs! Sogood!
My favorite place to stay in Sonomais Healdsburg. It’s a charming town withwonderful restaurants and shopping, most areclustered around the town square.
Dining out in Healdsburg is such a treat. Asis true with most of northern California, thegood restaurants source locally grown organicproduce – the food tastes better.
We absolutely love Willie’s Seafood & RawBar. They feature small plates and a varietyof very fresh raw oysters. Willie’s is a mustdo when in Healdsburg. The lobster roll isincredible as are the bar–b–q bacon wrappedscallops, the baked oysters with poblanos,bacon and parmesan and the tuna tartare withcoconut milk, jalapenos and cashews. OK, nowI’m hungry.
Dry Creek Kitchen is always on my list.Acclaimed Chef Charlie Palmer (of the famousAureole’s in New York) is the mastermind herebehind the scenes. He’s known for ProgressiveAmerican Cuisine – the fish dishes are superb,the salads fresh and creative. If I recall, theduck breast was also very good.
Chez Ralph right on the square is a wonderfullittle café. Very small, very charming with verygood food. Good for lunch or dinner.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion,then by all means dine at Cyrus. It’s an elegantrestaurant that has won acclaim from foodcritics all over. For a real treat, order from thecaviar and champagne cart to start. It’ll set thetone for your entire evening. We celebratedmy birthday there, and it’s an evening I’ll neverforget.
Zin is also very good and very popular. If youare in the town of Sonoma, the Girl and the Figis what I recommend. It’s a very casual place,but you probably need reservations.
Now, back to that Mediterranean cruise Imentioned. We’re stopping in Spain, Franceand Italy, and our group will have special wineevents onboard. If you’re interested in going,head to goodtastewithtanji.com for all thedetails. Your deposit is refundable until July, sothere’s plenty of time to plan.
