A great way to spend a day wine tasting is to visit the beautiful Alexander Valley just north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. You will be astonished with the gorgeous mountains and the long valley with hundreds of acres of premium wines. The best approach from Highway101 is to exit onto Dry Creek Road and turn right for about three blocks until you reach the traffic light at Healdsburg Avenue. Turn left and start your journey up the graceful drive to Alexander Valley Road. Turn right at the intersection of Alexander Valley Road and proceed to follow the meandering road where some of the best wines in the country are grown. You’ll cross over the historic Russian River, named for the fort that the Russians had established long ago. Luckily, we got control of the area and the Russians left.
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.
{ 0 comments… add one now }