posted 06-18-2012 05:19 AM         

---

Hi D'.
Its so slow I hoped that someone would reply...we are out of wine trip mode at the moment, but will get back to it 'round mid-July or so.
Always fun to read your planning...look forward to seeing it

IP: 71.65.254.43

posted 06-17-2012 08:23 PM            

---

Yeah, it is disappointing when folks forget to come back and tell us how their trip was...

Meanwhile, I've started thinking seriously about our October trip! Perhaps I'll post a few thoughts about that this week.

Cheers!

IP: 76.31.52.34

posted 06-17-2012 02:39 PM         

---

BUMP-UP!
Hoping this will stimulate trip reports from some of our recent posters.
PLEASE! Tell us about your trips- the good, the bad and the ugly!

[This message has been edited by yesilovewine (edited 06-17-2012).]

IP: 71.65.254.43

posted 11-30-2011 05:12 AM         

---

That will probably limit you to either Sonoma (town) or Healdsburg, unless you are willing to sacrifice "ambience", then you can try the area of Santa Rosa known as Railroad Square.
Glen Ellen may work, but I've never been there at night.

IP: 71.65.250.120

posted 10-21-2011 02:08 PM            

---

I would love to hear about your lodging in Sonoma when you return. We have already talked about finding a place in Sonoma County for the next trip. The Marriott in Napa was nice, but we would like to find an area where we can walk to tour around after the vineyards are closed for the evening.

IP: 65.190.36.126

posted 10-21-2011 08:25 AM            

---

Pirategirl,

Glad you enjoyed your trip. We are heading out that way in a few weeks. Spending 4 days in Sonoma and Napa (and staying in Sonoma (town)).
We took the tram tour at Benziger several years ago and enjoyed it. They weren't originally on our list for this trip, but Jerry Benziger just happened to be doing a tasting last night at our local wine store here in NJ. Now we have a tram tour and private tasting scheduled!
Audelssa is on our list, and we may have to stop at Sonoma Enoteca also. Thanks for the tips.

IP: 155.178.5.10

posted 10-20-2011 04:01 PM         

---

If your spring trip hits the right time, there is a new Sonoma Valley wine event called the Sonoma Reserve/ experience the hidden gems of Sonoma Valley ( or something like that) which we did last spring and had a great experience...its over a weekend and offers 1- or 2-day tickets that include 4 wineries, lunch, transportation and all fees for under $100 pp. There are around 20 tour choices and the tour groups are limited to about 15 folks. Check it out as an option for your visit- its a great opportunity to meet and visit with the winemakers and tour the wineries in a special way.

IP: 71.65.198.80

posted 10-20-2011 03:26 PM            

---

I guess this goes to show that the "wine and cheese" crowd expands beyond Chapel Hill... in an excellent way! (Although I also found a new beer in Sonoma when taking a wine-tasting break.)

[This message has been edited by Pirategirl (edited 10-20-2011).]

[This message has been edited by Pirategirl (edited 10-20-2011).]

IP: 65.190.36.126

posted 10-20-2011 03:21 PM            

---

I will hopefully be going back in the spring. (would go back in a week if I could) I have already started researching new places to try, so will definitely add those to my list! Thank you

IP: 65.190.36.126

posted 10-20-2011 01:54 PM         

---

WEll, Go Pirates!
We enjoy Ledson as well...though we became disenchanted with them after some problems with our wine club shipments we still like their wines.
When you go back, do try the Pinots at Roessler Cellars and the chocolate-infused Port at Charles Creek.
Hopefully you won't have to wait too long to return!

IP: 71.65.198.80

posted 10-20-2011 01:16 PM            

---

I am an ECU girl
We actually stayed in Napa, but spent one full day in Sonoma County. We decided that Sonoma needs more attention the next trip out... there will definitely be more trips to wine country in the future! Loved it!
There were other nice places..Ledson was beautiful and was worth the tastings. We spent quite some time at Sonoma Enoteca. That was a wonderful way to try wines from several different vineyards (I believe they had tasting for 12 vineyards available). Favero was one of our favorites there.. found a tasty Sangiovese and Monte di Sassi. Not to mention Manzanita Creek Alfonso Old Vine Zin - 2007.
I haven't even started on the Napa wineries, but Audelssa just stood out in my taste and mind - the chocolate just topped it all off. I wanted to bring home several more of their wines, but was only on day 3 of our 6 day trip!
Glad to see another local person on the message board. I read a lot of your comments before going out to Ca.. everyone was very helpful with tips and places to go!

[This message has been edited by Pirategirl (edited 10-20-2011).]

[This message has been edited by Pirategirl (edited 10-20-2011).]

IP: 65.190.36.126

posted 10-20-2011 04:10 AM         

---

Thanks so much for responding, Pirategirl!
Audelssa is one of our new favorites since last spring. Isn't the chocolate sauce amazing??
How did you like staying in Glen Ellen? It is so quaint that I see it as a great chance to experience that "winecountry ambience" that many people crave- but its so small that it seems like there wasn't much "to do" other than taste wines or eat.
Hope you will find time to reply and join us on here!
Hey!!! I see you're in Raleigh...we're in Durham!! are you an ECU gal???

[This message has been edited by yesilovewine (edited 10-20-2011).]

IP: 71.65.198.80

posted 10-19-2011 09:19 PM            

---

I am a first time user and was recently a first time visitor to Sonoma and Napa Valley, but had to share a few places in the Glen Ellen area that my mother and I thoroughly enjoyed.
We drove out to Benziger and decided to take the tour. They take you around their beautiful property and shared some very interesting information on Biodynamic and sustainable farming methods (something neither of knew much about). The wine was good and brought home a bottle of 2009 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley.
Right down the road was the Audelssa tasting room. We enjoyed the company of our server, Greg, and loved their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley and the 2009 Chardonnay. Greg even let us taste test their Cabernet Chocolate Sauce. A bottle of all three came home with me.

[This message has been edited by Pirategirl (edited 10-19-2011).]

IP: 65.190.36.126

posted 10-19-2011 05:36 AM         

---

Seems like there were some folks headed to Sonoma county recently- would love to hear about your visits- winery experiences as well as wines you may have tried....
The board is slow and I'm still getting over having to miss Harvest Fair!

IP: 71.65.198.80

All times are ET (US)