Joe Becerra, Author at Wine Country Getaways

Napa Valley on a Budget?

May 12, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Napa Valley on a Budget – It can be done

The recent announcement by Heitz Cellars of their $1000-per-person wine tasting experience, and the recent opening of Napa’s Stanly Ranch ($1000-a-night rooms), triggered a bevy of news reports on the high cost of visiting the Napa Valley. Lettie Teague wrote in the Wall Street Journal: “Who can afford Napa Now, not this Columnist.” The article brought somewhat of a rebuttal from S.F. Chronicle wine writer Esther Mobley, “Yes, Napa’s expensive. But you can still visit on a budget.” Both online newspapers require a subscription, so you may not be able to read these articles. No worries, because we have our own take about visiting the Napa Valley on budget. We have been visiting the Napa Valley much longer than the above wine journalists. Our first trip to the Napa Valley was in 1967.

Sadly, we must report that visiting Napa Valley wineries is not as much fun as it used to be. We can’t afford to purchase most of the wine, and the tasting fees are very high compared to other wine regions. We also feel a little uncomfortable with what is now the norm, the appointment-only tasting format. We get too much wine speak and not enough casual conversation with other visitors.

Napa Valley on a budget, yes — Before COVID – the tasting room bar

Napa Valley can be done on a budget barely — The appointment-only tasting experience – too much wine speak?

We have been keeping track of what it costs to taste wine in the Napa Valley for several years. We track ten wineries and list the price for the lowest level of a wine-tasting experience. The average price in 2020 was $32.50 per person; now, in 2022, it is $54 per person. Take a look at the list and start your research on which wineries might fit your wine-tasting budget.

Napa valley on a budget wine tasting fees — Rhine House at Beringer Vineyards

Beringer has a one-hour tasting experience for $45 per person, The Legacy Tasting. “Choose five wines from our current collection of these limited released wines available only here at the winery. Each of the wines showcase a vineyard, variety, or growing region. After their experience, guests can enjoy a walk around the beautiful gardens and estate.” There is also a $30 self-tour experience that includes the historic caves and a glass of wine. The Rhine House is a lovely structure dating back to 1883. See more here.

There is no getting around the high tasting fees. If you are on a budget, it means fewer wineries to visit. Choose wisely. You can save on fees if you visit a tasting room in the towns, but it is more fun and educational to visit a working winery. When your tasting is done at a winery, ask if you can see the cellar and barrel room and take a walk in the vineyards. You might get the nod!

See the 2022 Wine Tasting Fee Index
See how we save money in the Napa Valley

How Much to Wine Taste in Napa Valley 2022

March 27, 2022 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

Napa Valley Wine Tasting Index

Planning trip to the Napa Valley? Be sure to include wine tasting fees in your expenses. Realize that wine tasting fees will take a big chunk out of your budget.

For 2022 we’ve seen a significant increase for travelers to sit down and taste wine at a winery. Many wineries are offering lavish types of wine tasting experiences beyond a basic tasting of four or five wines. Wineries find that a wine and food pairing menu, vineyards walks, and tours attract more tourists and is more profitable. One significant change since COVID is that most wineries require a reservation. Drop-in visits are no longer the norm.

We list the tasting fees for ten wineries along Highway 29 in the Napa Valley. For purposes of the index, we are listing the price of an entry-level tasting.

Napa Valley Tasting Room Index 2022

These wine tasting fees represent the entry-level wine tasting.

Alpha Omega – $75 – Two whites and two reds
Beaulieu Vineyards – $55 – Five vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon
Beringer Wines – $45 for five wines
Grgich Hills – $60 for five wines
Louis Martini – $55 for three wines
Peju Province – $50 for five wines
Pestoni Family Estate Winery – $40 for four wines
Robert Mondavi – $65 – Seated, one-hour tasting
Sequoia Grove – $40 – for four wines
Whitehall Lane – $56 – for four wines

Back in 2020, just before the start of the Pandemic, the average tasting fee for a basic tasting for this set of wineries was $32.50. Today, the average is $54 per person. We are providing links to each winery. Tasting fees and tasting procedures are in a fluid state. Be sure to book your tasting reservations long before your trip to the Napa Valley.

Important Napa Valley Articles

Far From the Madding Crowds

March 22, 2022 by Joe Becerra 1 Comment

A visit to Ridge Monte Bello

Ridge Monte Bello – Notice the Redwood Trees

The Ridge Winery address is 17100 Montebello Road, Cupertino. One might think the winery and tasting room sit in the middle of Silicon Valley. Or one may think the winery is a neighbor of Apple Computer. Such is not the case. Ridge Monte Bello is far from the high-tech world, as it sits atop Monte Bello at an elevation of 2400 feet. What a view at the top and that is just the beginning.

Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is one of California’s most esteemed wineries. Ridge’s Cabernet Sauvignon wine was one of the California wines entered in the “Judgement of Paris” competition in 1976. The tasting was reenacted in 2006 and 2015 with California vs. Bordeaux’s same wines. While the Ridge wine was not the top selection in 1976, it was the best in the next two taste-offs. Paul Draper, the winemaker for 48 years, is one of the most respected winemakers worldwide. Paul is retired now but remains as Chairman of the Board.

There are two Ridge Vineyards locations. Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is the original winery (1959), and is in the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA. Ridge Lytton Springs (1991) is near Healdsburg in Sonoma County and resides in the Dry Creek Valley. Monte Bello specializes in Bordeaux varieties, but Lytton Springs is all about Zinfandel. We visited Ridge Monte Bello last week. We love the ride from Highway 280 in Cupertino up Monte Bello Road. It is a three-mile ride to the Ridge mountaintop location. One would hardly guess that there would be a winery nestled high above the Silicon Valley in this high-tech region.

Far from the madding crowds — Great views from the tasting room at Ridge Monte Bello

The views are spectacular. On a clear day, views of San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Silicon Valley are breathtaking. But watch out for cyclists on the narrow, windy road to the top. Cyclists cherish the workout and, better yet, the exhilarating ride down the mountain. Ridge Monte Bello requires reservations. See visiting details for reservations and tasting fees.

Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

There is something special in the terroir at Monte Bello. The high altitude brings a vast difference in temperatures. Nighttime temps drop dramatically at this altitude. The soil is limestone, adding a touch of minerality to the wines. And, what can we say about Cabernet old vines and the intensity of flavors they produce? Year after year, Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most prestigious Cabs produced anywhere globally. Check out the 2107 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Monte Bello.

Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1949

Another reason to love Ridge is the philosophy of the winery. The original owners, four Stanford engineers, purchased the old property and released their first vintage in 1962. They wanted to grow the grapes with as little harm to the environment as possible. Today, the new owners, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, carry on that philosophy. The vineyards are dry-farmed, and the vines are organically certified. Most of the staff is full-time, and some even live on the property. Now, that’s loyalty to your employees.

In recent years, Ridge has increased its lineup of wines. The vineyard manager and his team scout California for outstanding vineyards. Once Ridge finds a great vineyard, they purchase grapes, and from there come great wines!

Guerneville – A Secret wine town in the Russian River

March 16, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Guerneville has wine — Visit Guerneville

Visit Guerneville for wine and other fun activities

Guerneville is a sleepy little town on the banks of the Russian River in Sonoma County. The town is 150 years old and, for most of those years, has been a resort and vacation destination for San Francisco and Bay Area residents. In the 1970s, Guerneville became a friendly travel destination for the San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ community. Guerneville is artsy, hippy, and eclectic. Growing up in San Francisco, we visited Guerneville almost every summer. Today, Guerneville looks just about the same as it did when we visited with our parents. Guerneville is a town to be explored. Here are some fun things to do in Guerneville.

Visit Guerneville for wine

Guerneville is in the heart of the Russian River Valley wine appellation or AVA. This is where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive. These grapes love the morning fog and the cooling afternoon breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Coast is only 13 miles away. Here are three wine stops to choose from while spending time in Guerneville.

Korbel Champagne Cellars – one of our favorite wineries with a historic past – do not miss it
Porter-Bass Winery – Biodynamic winery, family run, and a throwback to the old days of wine tasting
Equality Wines – in town and supporting equal rights for all through wine sales

Korbel winery - Guerneville fun — Korbel for sparkling wine and history

Visit Guerneville for family activities

Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods is one of the amazing places to visit in all of Sonoma Country. Take a short hike of one mile and you will see some of the most spectacular trees in the world. Come in the early morning and beat the crowds. When it is quiet, you can almost hear the Redwoods whispering to one another. Another idea is to pack a lunch and enjoy the Redwood picnic area. The nature walk is very informative, great for both adults and children of all ages. The Redwood Trees will leave you with inspiration.

Life on the beach

During the summer season, many love to enjoy activities at the lovely Russian River beaches. Head down to Johnson’s Beach for swimming, wading, sunbathing, and canoeing. Here is a link to find everything about Johnson’s Beach. Stay safe; the Russian River has many deep holes. Stay in the designated swimming areas.

Fishing

In Guerneville, be sure to go to King’s Sporting Goods. The place has been there for over 60 years. The Russian River has fishing all year round. In the winter months, it is all about Steelhead Fish. I have never caught a Steelhead, but I have seen people battle this fish. It is a fight for 30 minute or more. In the summer months, it is fishing for small-mouth bass. King’s can you get started on the secrets of fishing on the Russian River.

Walk the town

Take an hour or more to explore Guerneville. Walk Main Street and the side streets to get a feel for life in this small resort river town. You will be sure to find some different and unique shops. At the Bank of Guerneville Building, now Guerneville Bank Club, you can view historic photos of the Russian River and buy gourmet ice cream and goodies from the Chile Pies Baking Company. Another attraction is the old Guerneville 5 &10 Store. It dates back to 1949. Take a walk across the historic Guerneville Bridge (1922) now closed to auto traffic. Here you can get a bird’s eye view of the Russian River and Johnson’s Beach.

Lodging and Restaurants

Boon hotel in Guernevll — Enjoy the solitude at the Boon Hotel and Spa in Guernevlle

Dining and lodging in summer months can be a challenge. Book early.

Another option for visiting Guerneville is to take a day trip from Healdsburg. Take Westside Road from Healdsburg town center for 12 miles. Turn right onto River Road and proceed to Guerneville. This route will take you through some of the most scenic backroads in wine country. Healdsburg has many more options for dining and lodging. Whatever you decide, a trip to Guerneville is lots of fun.

If you like the Guerneville trip, you might also like these Russian River Valley outings

Occidental – More Redwoods and Wine
Geyserville – Don’t miss Pedroncelli
Westside Road – Wine country in the Russian River
Hidden wineries in the Russian River Valley

Anderson Valley For Wine & Redwood Trees

February 16, 2022 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

This article is the third in a series featuring wine and Coastal Redwoods in a wine country getaway. Head to the Anderson Valley for wine and Redwoods.

take a walk in a redwood forest when in wine country — A walk in the Redwoods

Why we love the Redwoods and Why you will, too

The Coastal Redwood trees are some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world. When you walk in a Redwood Forest, magic will happen. Look up and see the majesty of these trees. One of the most remarkable attributes of these trees is their resiliency. They can withstand fires, smoke, floods, insects, and more. Their intricate root structures help other trees and plant life in the forest. When you walk in a Redwood Forest, you can feel the trees’ resiliency, strength, and perseverance. These are the attributes that we want in ourselves.

Why vineyards thrive where Redwood Trees are living

Not all vineyard varieties grow alongside Redwoods, just those that like the same type of climate as the Redwoods: Grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian grapes. These are cool-climate grapes that love the environment of fog, cooling breezes, and moderate temperatures.

The Anderson Valley in Mendocino County is one of our favorite wine country destinations. We prefer it over Napa Valley or Sonoma.

what is an ava — Anderson Valley AVA in Mendocino County

From the Golden Gate Bridge, a car ride is about 2 hours. A good stop on the way for lunch in Healdsburg (70 miles) is the Healdsburg Bar & Grill. Rather than stopping for lunch, we prefer stocking up with picnic food at Big John’s Market in Healdsburg. We leave early from our Peninsula home and get to our favorite Anderson Valley winery at about 1 pm. The Anderson Valley is on Highway 128.

Why you should go to the Anderson Valley Wine Country and not Napa Valley or Sonoma

Fewer tourists
Food and lodging are far less expensive
Tasting fees are reasonable or, in some cases, there is no tasting fee
Fantastic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Alsatian wines, and sparkling wines
Stunning scenery and a serene experience
Many small and unique wineries
Very friendly people
An abundance of Coastal Redwood Trees
Not much in the way of wine snobbery or wine speak

The main town in the Anderson Valley is Boonville. You can find lodging in Boonville as well as restaurants. Since the area is less touristy, restaurants are relatively few. Check accommodation and restaurants here.

Spend one or two nights in the Anderson Valley. That will give you a chance to visit some fantastic wineries and explore the Redwoods. Mixing wine country and Redwoods is one of life’s great delights.

Redwood trees in the Anderson Valley and vineyards — Fun viewing of Redwoods in the Anderson Valley

You will find Redwoods living next to vineyards, but visit Hendy Woods State Park to get an eye-popping view of the Coastal Redwoods. This State Park is eight miles northwest of Boonville, a half-mile south of Highway 128 on Philo-Greenwood Road.

Pack a lunch, hike, or relax among the amazing Redwood Groves. Bring some wine and toast these magnificent trees.

Anderson Valley Wineries

Handley winery, unique and fun wine tasting, family owned, small

Check our listing of all the terrific wineries and finds ones that suite your style of wines. We love the older wineries that are family-owned. These include Navarro, Husch, and Handley. For sparkling wine, nothing beats the view and tasting at Roederer.

Coastal Town of Mendocino

Many romantic B&B or AirB&B in Mendocino on the coast — Many romantic B&B’s or AirB&B’s in Mendocino on the coast

One of the most Romantic small towns in the USA is Mendocino. It is an escape to another time and place. The Pacific Ocean bluffs and views are unbelievable. We like to stay at least two nights in Mendocino. We do this at least once a year. Now that COVID seems to be waning, we plan to make up for lost time.

On the way back

If you are still interested in doing some unusual wine tasting, try these two wineries in the Yorkville Highlands wine region. It About 25 miles east of Boonville on 128. Artevino/Maple Creek Vineyards and Yorkville Cellars. Artevino is the name artist Tom Rodrigues denotes to his wines. The labels are his works of art. The wines are just as good as the art.

find redwood trees at Maple Creek vineyard — The vines at Maple Creek – Redwoods in the background

Yorkville Cellars, a family-owned and operated winery, was the first winery certified in 1986 by the CCOF. Yorkville Cellars is a classy winery with passionate farming and winemaking. The wines are mostly Bordeaux style and excellent. If you stop there, you’ll see something you won’t find in a Napa Valley winery.

More vineyards and Redwood Trees – read these articles

Fun Things to Do in Wine Country in January 2022

December 16, 2021 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

fun in january in wine country — A spa in winter is ideal – in Calistoga

Some very fun Things to do in wine country in January

There are plenty of fun activities to do in January in wine country. Many tourists stay away from wine country in January, so all the better to travel to Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and more. There will be days of inclement weather, but then comes sunshine, clear air, and spectacular views. Even when the weather is not favorable, there are plenty of fun things to keep you happy and excited. Many lodging establishments offer lodging discounts during the off-season in wine country. Try calling your favorite hotel and ask about winter specials.

Covid, fires, and smoke have brought many changes to tasting and touring in wine country in the past couple of years. Traveling the off-season wine country is a big help to the travel industry.

Here are several suggestions for fun things to do in January in wine country.

Bare vines with cover crops just beginning to grow

Joe and Janelle at the Soda Rock temporary tasting room – The old barn is still in service

Take a hike

Yes, it may be chilly, but hiking in wine country is invigorating. Work up an appetite and take in views most travelers do not see in wine country. Check our “Things to Do” in each of our wine regions and you will find some very nice hiking paths and trails. We like hiking the Napa Vine Trail from Yountville toward Napa. In Healdsburg, we love the Healdsburg Ridge Hike.

Winter is Spa Weather

Spa treatments can be found in any of the wine regions. Napa Valley and Sonoma are particularly known for their many spas. Calistoga in the Napa Valley has made the mud bath and hot springs an inviting activity.

Art Galleries in Healdsburg and Napa Valley

Each wine country town has an excellent collection of boutique shopping and art galleries. Around the Plaza in Healdsburg, the Sonoma Plaza, or Paso Robles City Park, you can shop all day long. Antiquing is also a good choice. The bonus in January is that there are fewer travelers and more time to browse and get great deals. If you want to combine wine tasting and art, follow the Art and Wine Lovers’ Trail in the Napa Valley.

In Healdsburg, be sure to visit the Paul Mahder art gallery. Not only does the art gallery have spectacular works of art, one can taste wine in the gallery. See the Grapeseed Wine Fund.

Things to do in January in wine country — At the Paul Mahder Art Gallery – GrapeSeed provides wine tasting

Head to Mendocino

Mendocino is a very romantic town on the Pacific Coast, but getting there adds to the experience. The Anderson Valley is on the way to Mendocino. It is the land of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian white wine varieties. Highway 128 to the coast is breathtaking. The town of Boonville in the Anderson Valley is a delight. We love what we call the Big Three wineries. Pack a lunch and, even in cold weather, picnicking among the vineyards is rejuvenating.

Head to romantic Mendocino, and on the way taste wine in the Anderson Valley

Events in January 2022

Because January is the quietest month in wine country, several wine regions schedule planned events. Here is a list:

Napa Valley Restaurant Week January 21 to January 30, 2022
Enjoy lunch and dinner with multi-course, prix-fixe menus. Lunch $20, dinner is $38 or $48. See details at Napa Valley Restaurant Week

Winter Wineland January 15 and 16 in the Healdsburg Area – this can get crowded and hectic, but folks love this annual event. See details

Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport
This event runs from December 4, 2021 to February 6, 2022. Purchase passports and enjoy activities at 17 Calistoga wineries. See details at Winter in the Wineries Passport

January in wine country what to do — Lunch at Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg – nothing like freshly baked bread

Vineyards & Redwoods in Santa Cruz Mts.

October 27, 2021 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains are all about the stunning forests of the Coastal Redwoods. Interspersed among the Redwoods are mountain homes and mountain wineries. The Santa Cruz Mountains have thousands of acres of Redwoods and 200 small vineyards. It is a stunning area and where one can enjoy wine, vineyards, and Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Continuing our theme of enjoying the Redwood Trees and vineyards (See Previous Article), we take a one-day trip to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Beauregard Vineyards

We began this trip by taking a beautiful ride south along Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay to Bonny Doon Road. Bonny Doon Road is just past the town of Davenport. We turned left onto Bonny Doon Road, and drove 3.7 miles to Pine Flat Road and Beauregard Vineyards.

The Beauregard winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The vineyards are close to the Pacific Coast and receive a daily dose of beautiful fog and cool temperatures. Where we find a climate ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, we find the Coastal Redwoods.

The tasting room at Beauregard is small but cozy. COVID produced a better tasting venue for Beauregard, outside among the breathtaking Redwoods. Beauregard takes walk-ins; but it is best to have an appointment, especially on weekends. At the time of our visit, the tasting fee was $25 per person. The well-informed staff pour five wines at a leisurely pace. Visitors can also buy wine by the glass or a full bottle and enjoy a picnic lunch under the Redwoods.

Check out these photos of Beauregard:

More Redwoods, Vineyards, and a Steam Engine

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

About 20 minutes away from Beauregard is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The road is curvy, so take your time and definitely have a designated driver. Program your phone map and take Ice Cream Grade and Felton Empire Road to the park entrance. There are many hiking trails in the park, and nearby is the Redwood Forest Steam Engine. Adults and children love this exciting steam engine ride through the Redwoods. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the lovely park.

We headed back home via Highway 9 and Highway 35. We made one more winery stop at Thomas Fogarty Winery, 19501 Skyline Blvd in Woodside. The views of the San Francisco Bay and the Peninsula are fantastic. The wine is equally as good. The winery requires reservations, so book ahead of your trip.

There are several other great wineries to visit in the Santa Cruz Mts. Some favorites:

Take a look at our Santa Cruz Mountian section on Wine Country Getaways

Mustards Grill – Since 1983

August 10, 2021 by Joe Becerra Leave a Comment

Excellent wine choices at Mustards Grill

Why we like Mustards Grill

Yountville is one of the best restaurant cities in the entire U.S. Most restaurants in Yountville are on Washington Street in the downtown area. Mustards Grill is on Highway 29 just north of the business area. Travelers can easily miss Mustards Grill. That’s fine for the locals, less waiting time for them. The restaurant is in its 38th year of serving great food to diners. It is one of our favorite wine country restaurants. We love dining there for lunch.

Because of the COVID 19 Pandemic, Mustards created an outdoor dining area adjacent to their beautiful vegetable and flower garden. I hope it is here to stay; it is a fantastic addition to the restaurant. The site is tented and ready for all the weather elements. Indoor dining is now an option, but the outdoors in the Napa Valley for lunch or early dinner is ideal.

Seafood Tostada is a favorite – This one has Sword Fish

The dining is casual at Mustards Grill. We love the down-home atmosphere and the great food choices on the menu. When you are dining at Mustards, it is fun eavesdropping on the tables around you. You will find winery owners, winemakers, and restaurateurs eating at Mustards. It is the place to be.

Popular menu items are the Dungeness Crab Cakes, the Seafood Tostada, and the fantastic half-pound hamburger. If the seasonal Spanish Padron peppers are on the appetizer menu, go for those. They are mildly spicy and very tasty. There are many wine choices by the glass or bottle. Mustards also has a full bar.

Cindy Pawlcyn is the founder and executive chef at Mustards Grill. We once took a short cooking class from Cindy at the old Franciscan winery. What a great lady and an excellent teacher. Part of the class included a signed copy of Cindy’s cookbook, Mustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbook. It is, along with another one of her cookbooks, Big Small Plates, the most-used on my kitchen shelf. In the Mustards Grill book, my go-to entertaining dish is the Achiote marinated chicken with black beans and mango salsa. In Big Small Plates, I love the empanada recipes and the tostada recipes.

Be careful entering and exiting Highway 29 into Mustards Grill. it is very busy, and many people drive too fast.

Explore Yountville

Washington Street is where all the action is in Yountville. One can spend the entire day exploring. It is fun to browse the boutique shops, art galleries, and wine bars in Yountville. Yountville has many excellent restaurants and places to stay.

Where Vineyards Meet the Redwoods

August 8, 2021 by Joe Becerra 3 Comments

Russian River Valley in Sonoma County

The Coastal Redwoods depend upon the fog bank that forms along the Pacific Coast from the Monterey area to the Northern border of California. Fog equals cool climate temperatures. Wherever Redwood trees thrive, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian varieties of grapes also thrive.

The Russian River Valley AVA is home to many wineries producing quality wines from this cool-climate region. The Pacific Ocean and the waters from the Russian River provide a daily dose of morning fog to the area. It’s the perfect environment for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Redwoods love this environment. The Redwoods have, of course, been here long before the first grape vines were sowed. There are many places to view vineyards and Redwoods together, but we will focus on two areas.

Korbel Champagne Cellars

redwood trees at Korbel winery — Beautiful Redwood trees surround the Korbel Winery

One of the fun wineries that has a connection with Redwood Trees is Korbel Champagne Cellars. The Korbel Brothers originally made cigar boxes from the Redwood Trees. Later, they cleared the Redwood Forest in front of the property and planted the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes needed to make sparkling wine. The Korbel winery began in 1852, and it is a historic fixture on River Road. It is one of my favorite places to visit. We love the atmosphere and magic of this beautiful brick building. By the way, the inside structure is all Redwood. You can visit the winery and see the magnificent Redwood Trees that surround the winery. Korbel is at 13250 River Road, just a few miles east of the town of Guerneville.

Armstrong Grove State Park in Guerneville

Armstrong Grove State Prk — One of the beautiful groves of Coastal Redwoods at Armstrong Grove State Park in Guerneville

Not too far away from Korbel is one of the more fantastic groves of Redwood Trees at the Armstrong Grove State Park. An easy loop trail takes you through thick groves of tall and ancient Redwoods. It is a magical experience. For the more adventurous, try one of the many longer hikes in the park that will give you lasting pleasures of the amazing Coastal Redwoods.

Occidental Area – lots of wineries, lots of Redwoods

Vineyards along Graton Road on the way to Miramar Vineyards

Occidental is a quiet town nestled in Redwood country. Several backroads lead to beautiful views of both vineyards and Redwoods. Read about our stay in Occidental. This area is the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA. Check out our Wine Trail in this area. This photo shows vineyards belonging to Miramar Estate Vineyards and Winery. Miramar Torres is the proprietor, and a member of the famous Torres Family of Spain. The Pinot Noir wines are terrific. The winery is on Graton Road near the tiny town of Graton. Graton has three terrific places to dine. We love exploring the backroads in this area of the Russian River Valley. One backroad leads to another, and around each bend there is something exciting to see or do. Check out the map below.

Next up, in our series of Where Vineyards Meet the Redwoods is the Santa Cruz Mountain Area.

Solitude at Mill Creek Winery

July 12, 2021 by Joe Becerra 2 Comments

Here is a winery that is easy to miss among the big names near Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery is a small family-owned winery on Westside Road. The second and third generations of the family are at the helm with a production of 7000 cases from 45 acres of vineyards. We have been visiting for many years, but hadn’t since the COVID Pandemic. Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery is just around the bend on Westside Road as you pass the famous Madrona Manor. Like most wineries in the popular wine regions of the post-Pandemic era, reservations are required.

Visit Mill Creek Winery and see the water mill

A visit to Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery was just the right medicine for us. Tastings are held outdoors on a beautiful patio. The coolest feature at the winery is the water mill. There is something so peaceful about watching the water mill and listening to the pleasant sounds of water spilling into the pond. The glorious Redwoods are scattered around the area, adding to the setting of solitude. What a great place to relax! This might not be the case on weekends, but we had the place all to ourselves. It was a Thursday, and we’d booked the reservation the day before. Mill Creek is definitely one of the off-the-radar wineries.

Tasting is $25 a person, and one tasting fee is waived if you purchase one of the wines on the tasting menu. Five wines were on the menu. Our tasting started with a Rosé that is 96% Merlot. It is not too often we see a Rosé from Merlot grapes. This wine is delicate, yet has a great mouthfeel. A Chardonnay followed; this version is crisp, with apple and pear flavors. It is aged in neutral oak, so no heaviness to this Chardonnay. They do have a more oaky Chardonnay available in their lineup of wines.

The third white was a dry Gewürztraminer. Mill Creek has been making this wine since 1979. The 2019 vintage is very flowery, a bouquet of garden flowers in a glass. Next came two reds, a Zinfandel and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are lovely wines, but the Rosé and the two white wines were much more enjoyable in the warm weather.

We capped off the visit by enjoying a picnic lunch. The winery gave us the okay because Mill Creek had only one other party scheduled for a tasting. A great place to buy your picnic goodies, salads and sandwiches is at the Big John’s deli in Healdsburg.