Writers: July 2010 Archives

By Courtney Cochran

Yountville has never been hotter, and - fittingly - visitors to this popular Wine Country hamlet have never had better options when it comes to things to do. In this spirit, read on for a wine tasting itinerary starring four of the town's top vinous haunts; we're sure you'll find plenty more reasons to call this a hot spot once you've tasted its best in red, white and bubbly.

By Courtney Cochran

You'll be hard pressed to find a cuter - or more gastronomically gifted - town than Yountville. With its myriad hotels, spas, restaurants and retail shops right within a several-block radius, it's a self-contained Wine Country hamlet literally tailor-made for tourism. Now, with the addition of Maisonry, Yountville packs more appeal than ever before.

By Courtney Cochran

The birthplace of the California wine industry, Sonoma Valley - more romantically known as the Valley of the Moon - is today home to dozens of wineries and the historic town of Sonoma, site of the Bear Flag revolt and home to California's northernmost mission, San Francisco Solano.  Beyond its impressive historic pedigree, Sonoma Valley is a gorgeous place to while away a few hours or even a few days sipping, shopping and savoring the bounty of this vinous enclave that's just an hour north of San Francisco.

>>Day 1: Los Carneros & Sonoma
>>Day 2: Kenwood & Glen Ellen

by Courtney Cochran

Kenwood & Glen Ellen
An easy drive north from Sonoma, the wineries near the rural hamlets of Kenwood and Glen Ellen beckon with superb hospitality perks and the dramatic backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains.

Kenwood Vineyards
Kenwood puts the country in your Wine Country visit thanks to its rustic-chic tasting room housed in a welcoming, circa-1906 Redwood barn.  Hewing close to Sonoma's reputation for responsible environmental measures, Kenwood employs sustainable business and winemaking practices in producing its wide variety of wines, most of which are on offer daily in the tasting room.  Don't miss the spot's historic Jack London series of award-winning reds, produced each year from lava-terraced vineyards on the renowned Jack London Ranch in Glen Ellen.
9592 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, CA 95452 * (707) 833-5891 * @KenwoodVineyard

by Courtney Cochran

Los Carneros & Sonoma
Our first itinerary is within easy reach for those driving north from San Francisco for the day or staying overnight in Sonoma.

Anaba Wines
Named for the anabatic winds that cool the vineyards of Sonoma, Anaba is a postcard-cute stop at the intersection of highways 116 and 121. Housed in a modest converted farmhouse, the cozy tasting room offers affordable pours of Rhône blends and Burgundian varieties along with informed commentary. Just about a year old and anxious to establish a good rapport with Wine Country visitors, Anaba is an ideal stop for those who enjoy one-on-one conversations with tasting room staff alongside a pleasingly varied vinous lineup. 

60 Bonneau Rd., Sonoma, CA 95476 * (707) 996-4188 * @AnabaWines