Kelp below crowds the small inlet inside Russian Gulch

Russian Gulch, one of California’s  most spectacular State Parks, is located just  two miles further north of the town of Mendocino. When I was younger, my family stayed only at Van Damm State Park. Only in the last ten years have I discovered the hidden cove known as  Russian Gulch which goes unnoticed when I had traveled on Highway 1 so many times without seeing the fascinating scenery below the gorgeous bridge. I had  never noticed the cove below. I happened to stay with a  friend who lives nearby on the bluffs just north of the park when I first discovered the beauty of this park. This weekend I once again experienced the surprises of the grandeur of this hidden treasure of a cove with water the color of  green to light blue only rarely seen this side of Hawaii.

I walked down the winding road down to the creek and to the shallow cove which appears so peaceful with its crescent shaped beach protected from the wind of the Pacific Ocean. Both sides of the cove have strikingly beautiful cliffs and assortment of statuesque trees which perch precariously on the edge of the meadows above.The stunning weather this past July 4th weekend of  cloudless skies warmed the sand and even the tide pools on the rocks were warm. The meadow above the cove has a sink hole where on rushing water from the majestic Pacific Ocean rushes in through a cave to this strange sunken treasure.

Californians are blessed with so many of these exceptional state parks. I just hope that we can find a way to fund our proudest possessions that makes California, and Sonoma County the best place to live, at least for me, in the  world.  I hope that the proposal to fund the state parks with an added $15 fee to our car registrations will be passed and will save our beautiful parks for all the world to enjoy.

Stunning Bridge which spans the inlet below

Stunning West Dry Creek Valley 40 acre Estate Bulding site with spectacular views of vineyards and Dry Creek Valley below.  Cleared and ready for the most discriminating buyer who is looking forward to building in the most gorgeous area of the wine country in Healdsburg.  The property is located on the bench line on the western side of  West Dry Valley directly behind the award winning Raymond Burr’s winery.  All trails and roads have been improved so that you can tranverse the entire property.  The southern part of the property boasts a possible building site already leveled and with an additional extraordinary view. No matter what you goals are, this property is a rare find of a buildable site,  existing 12000 gallon cement water tank, existing new well drilled in November  2009 as well as other water sources, and a new septic system has been designed and permitted by the County  and is ready to be installed.  Electricity is on the property attached to the antique home  which can be used to live in while you are building your dream home. A seasonal stream and beautiful trees add to the serenity of the parcel.

In addition, this property enjoys ideal Healdsburg weather  conditions where the sun rises over the eastern part of Dry Creek Valley and lights this property so you can have your morning coffee in the sunlight. The views  from the older antique home are spectacular of the well manicured  valley below.

If you are thinking of building in the wine country,  this is the property that you must see and bring a glass of wine to stop and enjoy the views.

The price is $1,350,000.

Please contact Sheila Giovan at 707 495-4356 for a private showing.

About a mile past the bridge you will be treated to one of my favorite places to enjoy a light sandwich at the well known Jimtown Store. It is located at 6706 Highway 128. Alexander Valley Road becomes Highway 128 at the stop sign. Just continue on straight and Jimtown Store is on the left. once you have enjoyed this little bit of history, proceed on Highway 128 where you will  have several choices of very fine wineries.

My favorite is Hanna Winery which has won consistently in the Harvest Fair for its excellent wines. Hanna Winery is located on the left at 9280 Highway 128 up a spectacular driveway to its tasting room. One year Hanna Winery received the award for best of show. Besides I especially enjoy the placement of their wine tasting room which gives you a commanding view of the valley below with great service and friendly servers. The owner of the winery, Dr. Hanna truly enjoys his life in Sonoma County and his winery shows his love of the area.

Down the road a bit is Field Stone Winery that has a lot of character with the wine tasting room part of the storage and super friendly folks who are part of the winery. They have lots of picnic tables situated under large oaks.  I have enjoyed several parties at this fine establishment with local wine growers and it is always fun to be here.

At this point it is best to go back Highway 128 to where Alexander Valley Road stopped and turn right on Highway 128 toward Geyserville. Next you can stop at one of the wineries where I am a wine club member. It is called Stryker Winery and has won awards for its fantastic design. When you are in the wine tasting area, the owners designed it so you are looking directly out at the Valley. Also, the staff is super friendly and it is worth joining the wine club because you can then taste all their wines that are opened without charge.

Finally, continue on to Geyserville and turn right on Geyserville Avenue. Here you will find a marvelous restaurant named Santi Restaurant, 21047 Geyserville Avenue. It is a famous restaurant with various past owners and now is owned by great chefs. Not to be missed.

To return to Healdsburg just go south on Geyserville Avenue and proceed south on Highway 101. One last thought, you might enjoy a stop at the fantastic renovated remodeled and glamorous Rosso and Bianco Winery, formerly known as Souverain. It is a show stopper designed by the new owner Francis Ford Coppola. You can exit the freeway at Independence Lane and go west.

For any additional information and recommendations, please call me at 707 495-4356. I think that this day   trip should not be missed.

One place to stop for refreshments and a great viewing of all the people who frequent the area is the Dry Creek General Store located at 3495 Dry Creek Road. The food and sandwiches are great and you can pick up lots of different types of  drinks. The staff there is friendly and helpful. Also, don’t miss the exceptional bar to the left of the store. The walls are lined with antelope and deer heads and  olden times relics.

The next fantastic spot to visit is the Ferrari-Carano Winery(8761 Dry Creek Road) which features the best garden setting of the eniire valley. You feel as if you are entering an Italian Villa overlooking the valley. Don’t miss the fantastic private garden similar to the Japanese Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This place is heavenly and should not be missed. In addition they serve delicious wines and it the winery has many  types of wines to taste.

Continue on Dry Creek up to the Lake Sonoma where you can cross the bridge onto Rockpile Road located on the otherside of the lake. It affords a terrific view and is maybe five more miles past the Brandt Memorial Building where you can stop and learn about the history this dam.

Once you return back towards the Dry Creek Store, turn right onto Lambert Bridge Road and cross over to West Dry Creek Road which features even more lovely wineries where you can taste their wines. I am especially fond of the Bella Winery which is located to the right at the end of the road. Here you can wine taste inside their underground cave.

Once you have enjoyed the Bella Winery, return and follow the meandering West  Dry Creek Road where you will find numerous wineries. The most famous for Pinot is the small Rochiola winery located at 6192 Westside road. Dry Creek Road deadends into Westside Road and be sure and turn right onto Westside Road and drive along this scenic and delightful road lined with vineyards featuring pinot grapes. Rochiola is world famous for its Pinot Noir and has won more awards than anyone. Usually you can only buy one bottle of the Pinot Noir, however, everyone in your party can buy one. It is worth the drive.

After visiting Rochioli, return to Healdsburg to enjoy a stroll around the town square. Often times, there is music performed in the center of the square and you can enjoy a great dinner at the numerous restaurants within two blocks walking distance from the center of town.  One that I love is Ravenous which is located at 420 Center Street, just a short walk north on Center from the square. It also has a smaller location next the the big theatre in town at 117 North Street. Another one of my favorites is not to be missed is Bistro Ralph, 109 Plaza.

If you need any other recommendations, just call me on my cell phone 707 495-4356. I am happy to help you enjoy this paradise.