Who would of thought that the tiny Russian River town of Geyserville would someday emerge as a destination spot for wine tasting and gourmet dining? Yes, amazingly, this little town and its surrounding countryside has much to offer for those who love to visit wineries. Here are five wonderful wineries to visit in the surrounding area of Geyserville. This route will take you to some absolutely beautiful vineyards along the Alexander Valley and into the Dry Creek Valley.
Head north on Highway 101 and take the Independence Lane exit some 20 miles past Santa Rosa.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
You will either love it or hate it. This is Hollywood time in the Alexander Valley. It’s got swimming pools, cabanas, Bocce courts, the Tucker automobile, movie memorabilia and something for the entire family to enjoy. The Rustic Restaurant is a “must” for lunch and if the weather is nice you should ask for an outside table. What a view! You can take a tour of the winery and taste wines galore; there are many options at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The winery is open daily 11 to 5 pm.
Trentadue Winery
This winery is directly east of the Francis Ford Coppola winery on Geyserville Ave. The winery is situated on beautiful grounds in a lovely Tuscan setting and has a great lineup of delicious wines. You can even take a “Gondola Tour” through the estate Alexander Valley vineyards for $15 a person. The tasting room is open daily 11 to 5.
Trione Winery
From Trentadue continue north on Geyserville Avenue. The landmark Old Stone Building was once the Nervo Winery. Today the Trione Family owns the winery and the family has built a beautiful tasting room and winemaking facility. They have restored the inside of the Old Stone Building to its former glory. The picnic deck affords fabulous views of the Alexander Valley. The tasting room is open Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pedroncelli Winery
This is was of the oldest wineries in the area with a starting date of 1927. To get there from Trione, pass through the town of Geyserville, cross under the freeway and take Canyon Road to the west. This leads to the Dry Creek Valley. The winery will be on the right, about a one-mile drive from Geyserville Avenue. You will find some of the best and most reasonably-priced wines around. The Mother Clone Zinfandel is a great value wine.
Frick Winery
From Pedroncelli, head along Walling Road for one mile. If nothing else, you must drive this road just for the breathtaking views. This is fabulous wine country. Winemaker Bill Frick has some unusual varietals to try like Carignane, Cinsaut and Counoise. These are Rhone wines that are under the radar. You will also enjoy some of the more standard Rhone wines produced by Frick, like the delicious Syrah and Grenache wines.
Tasting room is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12-4:30 in the summer months and Saturday, Sunday 12-4:30 the rest of the year.
Lodging Recommendations
Geyserville Inn
Hope-Merrill B&B Inn & Hope- Bosworth B&B Inn
Dining Recommendations
Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria – fun dining, great pizza and many gourmet Italian dishes.
Catelli’s Restaurant Run by long-time Geyserville family.
Hoffman House – Good breakfast spot
Rustic Café at Francis Ford Coppola – exquisite Italian cuisine at reasonable prices
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