This trip was much slower-paced than our usual sojourns to wine country because we took hubby’s parents and aunt with us. It was also March, which is the earliest we’ve ever visited. While green, the bud break hadn’t started and the evenings were quite chilly. We flew into Sacramento and stayed at our favorite winery, The Terraces.
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| View from The Terraces in the morning. Check out the hot air balloons! |
Two of the three days were repeats for us as they are all wine clubs we have so you can find detailed reviews in some of my previous Napa and Sonoma blog posts. They included DeLoach, Campana Ranch, Buena Vista, Raymond, Pope Valley, and The Terraces. The three new-to-us wineries were:
Artesa is located in the Carneros region with fantastic views of the north side of the bay on a clear day and boasting of biodynamic processes. They have some interesting varietals, and we really enjoyed our tasting. I do want to note that since it was first thing in the morning, we chose to forego the outside patio seating area for some warmth. If you are doing your tasting in the main salon, you will want to be prepared for having to listen hard to your host due to echoing and louder than necessary music volume. On our next visit, we look forward to a patio tasting to take in the views.
Saddleback Cellars is a neighbor to Opus One and B Cellar and, just across the hill from Screaming Eagle - without the price tag. The winemaker, Nils Venge (ven gay), has been making wine for a long time and has consulted with many well-known wineries. It’s super laid back, very small, and has a pretty large range of varietals, including Teroldego, Vermentino, and Tannat. Craig was a very knowledgeable and welcoming host.
Nichelini Family - The drive isn’t for the faint of heart so I recommend starting your day there when you are fresh and alert. Now, this place is awesome, and I think it’s a worth a visit. Aimee, the current winemaker, is a 5th generation Nichelini and is producing some really fantastic juice. The house is original to the property and literally right on the highway with scant parking. The firefighters saved this historic property in the Atlas Peak fire, and when you see the aerial photograph showing the burn lines around the property, you’ll understand just how lucky they are to still be there. They are small-production and do not keep a library so if you like it, buy it.
While we did eat a few meals at the house, we had some good food out. Here’s where we went:
El Coqui In Santa Rosa - cute Puerto Rican cafe with trifongo on the menu (I LOVE trifongo) and peppered vinegar on the table. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Please be aware that parking can be tricky since they don’t have a dedicated parking lot.
Grace’s Table - the skillet corn bread with lavender honey butter - just do it! They have a solid wine list and seasonal, farm-to-table food. I suggest you make a reservation since it’s a very small restaurant.
La Hacienda on Old Sonoma Road - really great chips and salsa. Awesome chimichanga, huge burrito, and nice seafood dishes. Would go back again.
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