| Favorite Wine Tasting Locations? |
| Category : General Discussion |
| |
|
|
Domestically - I personally prefer Sonoma Coast, Mendocino, and Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara) Less hustle and bustle than Napa and the like.
Foreign: Chateauneuf du Pape is fun and accessible. The Rheingau (Germany) is a great place because doors are always open (same with Alsace, France)
Anyone have specific places they like to visit? Regions? Wineries?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I unfortunately have not been out of country tasting yet though it is in the planning stages. Being from Sacramento, however, I often head to napa, sonoma, foothills, etc. The key to Napa is going during the week and off the beaten path -- aka up spring mountain, howell mountain, etc. Talk the talk and they will treat you well. The best experiences come in the Sierra Foothills. The wine here is often inconsistent (and sometimes awful) but there are some hidden gems. Furthermore, almost no paid tasting, very personal and friendly staff, and often the winemaker or owner is serving you. By far the best service is here and even better if you find some good wine to go along.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J-Sho...what are some of your "Foothill favs?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agreed- Spring Mtn. and Howell Mtn. are key
I also like Silverado Trail (Stag's Leap etc)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paso Robles is always a good time, lots of wineries in a pretty localized area. Generally much less pretentious than Napa
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amador County Favs:
-- C.G. DiArie Vineyard and Winery: very nice grounds and tasting room. Love their Zins and Syrahs.
-- Cooper: loved their whites
-- Wilderotter Vineyard: see Cooper
For Zins try Sobon, Karly and Renwood.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foothills fav's -- mount aukum is good, toogood winery, convergence winery. Sometimes there is year to year variance but you can hit a whole bunch in one day if you have a good driver. Try to stick with wineries that push syrah, grenache or even tempranillo or sangiovese. I think those varietals, especially rhone varietals, are going to be the forte of the area. If you like zin, there are many (I'm not a big fan), but some do it better then others. Try to avoid anyone making cabs or chards, they just don't work in the foothills.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Foothill suggestions...I'm going to a wedding in a couple months up there and would love to check out some wineries there to see for myself how they are.
What do people think of places were multiple wineries get together and offer tastings? I know there's a place in SF you can go to to do this, and I've also been to a place south of Sonoma.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My wife and I are going to be in Santa Barbara the 3-7 in September and I am looking for the best hotel to stay at that will allow us to visit some wineries. I think I will be able to go up as far as Paso Robles so the earlier post from John S is helpful. I'm looking for some place that will not break the bank so I can spend my money on wine. Any recommendations on hotels and must visit wineries will be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Oregon Umpqua valley is great. It is a little off I5 near Roseburg. You can typically tour the area in 2 days if you take your time. Most of the winery are small and don't have any major dist. Some do such as Henry Estates and Giradet. We have found if very relaxed and not very crowded. This really gives you a chance to discuss the wines and the winery. For an unbelievable experience try Reustle winery's cave tasting. Do not miss out on the Tempranillo's
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groups > View Threads
