posted 09-27-2010 12:45 PM            

First, thanks for some winery suggestions that we have not visited but will do so in October.

As you know, we normally stay at the Stevenson Manor Best Western in Calistoga, but have ventured once to the Dry Creek Best Western in Healdsburg. We did stay in one of their new "Tuscan" Rooms and found it to be quite satisfactory.

Have never tried Soda Canyon Grocery, but sounds like we must sometime. All you have to do is mention cab and chocolate in the same sentence and my wife will follow anywhere (well, almost).

It has been several years since we went up Spring Mountain and Schweiger is one we have never tried, but put it on our agenda for October. When I talked to them on the phone, it sounded like a fun place.

We are planning to picnic at Keenan also a recommendation from you. We are also adding Spring Mountain Winery and Pride Mountain Vineyards to our stop list along with our last stop of the day at Guilliams winery. I was originally going to taste at Barnett Vineyards, but when I called I was told the tasting fee is $40.00 per person which is applied to the purchase 6 bottlers of wine. I JUST DON'T LIKE TO HAVE A SHOTGUN POINTED AT THE BACK OF MY HEAD AND TOLD WHAT I AM GOING TO DO! So I declined, politely for the way I felt.

posted 09-25-2010 08:34 AM            

First stop was at Soda Canyon Grocery, to pick up our picnic supplies. They have wonderful sandwiches with a choice of salads to pack up and picnic with. Then we stopped in St. Helena so that we could shop at Olivier (olive oil store) and Woodhouse Chocolates - they are next door to one another and a perfect stop before heading up Spring Mountain. The chocolates are expensive, but oh, so lovely - and make a nice gift for my daughter

First tasting of the day was at Keenan and we also planned to have our picnic there. They have a couple of picnic tables with a lovely view. Our tasting was at a large table with a charming, down-to-earth hostess and was very casual and relaxed. They had a large number of wines to taste! I lost count While we enjoyed our tasting there, none of the wines were quite our style/taste/palate.

Next stop was at Schweiger Vineyards. We met the winemaker, Andrew Schweiger, and the owner/head Dad, Fred, and daughter Diana, who took us on a tour and poured the wines for us. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with the Schweiger family and we thoroughly enjoyed their wines. We joined their wine club! That is the danger of having so much fun at a winery - it makes it so easy to join!

The last winery of the day was at the top of the mountain. Barrnett Vineyards - this was our second time there. We do find their wines to be perfect for us - from the Sauv Blac to the super expensive Cab. We’ve enjoyed tasting their Rattlesnake Cab, but have yet to plunk down the $100 or so. Last time we stayed in the barrel room to taste - it was a dreary February day. This time was sat on an observation deck and had a gorgeous view to enjoy, and great weather to go along with it. Eventually we tore ourselves away from that view and headed back down the mountain to St. Helena and then north through Calistoga to make our way to Healdsburg.

In Healdsburg, we stayed at the Best Western Dry Creek Inn. Our first time there and it was comfortable enough - they haven’t updated quite as nicely as the BW Inn of the Vines, but we spend very little of our time in the room! After checking in, we headed to Zin, just off the square, for dinner. Busy place, and after tasting their food, I see why! The Pork Chop was outstanding, as was the Pot Roast. Dessert looked yummy, but I was too full to have any