A warm sunny February morning set up a very pleasant trip through some spots I like in the Carneros region.. My sister in law joined me and we left Petaluma late morning..
One of my favorite areas for pinot noir grapes is the Lakeville region of the Sonoma Coast appellation - part of the Petaluma Gap. Roessler Cellars Griffin's Lair is a particular favorite so we treked southeast to Lakeville Highway to explore...Griffin's Lair Vineyards is a grape growing farm so no tasting or general public access is available - but the Lakeville region is host to a number of high quality pinot noir vineyards in an otherwise almost industrial area servicing the Petaluma River. Public perception of top quality wine growing areas of California generally conjure up images of broad driveways and elegant chateau. Nothing like that in Lakeville..But the pinot noir from here is stellar.
Lakeville Highway terminates into Route 37 - which we took toward Carneros. 121 north took us to our next stop - Cline Cellars. Very crowded for a Monday tasting but I've been a fan of their zinfandels and Rhone varietals for many years. Their tasting room is pretty old school Sonoma - which I like.
I'll add that most tasting rooms now have extensive selections of trinkets and souvenirs of every sort - which I ignore. I'm there to taste wine. I appreciate that these trinkets are a revenue source for them but, no offense, they dont interest me.
From Cline it was on to Domaine Carneros. There are few points in the Sonoma/Napa region that offer as elegant a tasting room and spectacular views as Domaine Carneros. Their sparkling wines are first rate and the tasting menu allows for a good bit of exploration into their various sparkling wine offerings. Domaine Carneros also produces still pinot noirs, which lean toward a lighter style. They're quite pleasant although not always remarkable in my experience. Domaine Carneros is a must stop for me - and I slate my visit early in as the views truly energize me. You want to see more after visiting Domaine Carneros.
Next on to Folio Winemakers Studio off of Dealy Rd. I remember this winery as Carneros Creek - and remember it with great fondness. Michael Mondavi has opened a pretty spectacular tasting room here that I enjoyed quite a bit. They had a syrah on special for $10 a bottle that was quite good. We bought a case to take home. Folio was a very pleasant surprise !
Back home to Petaluma along 121 to 116 and Old Adobe Rd - a scenic route to be sure !
Next - Westside Road.
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