Last minute trip to Wine Country
2Good morning fellow Casematers and former Wine.W**ters. I’m taking a last minute, first-time trip with friends (party of 4) from S. Florida to San Francisco October 23-30. I’m looking for any recommendations and/or advice on how to make the most of our trip during this time of Covid and the devastating fires. What are some of the wineries that we shouldn’t miss that are open and we can get into on short notice? Any tours or other resources that we can look into? Thanks in advance!
- 3 comments, 6 replies
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Make sure you call and make appointments for all wineries. IIRC, drop-ins are no longer okay.
What wines do you like?
@MarkDaSpark thanks for the tip. We are partial to Cabs but enjoy many other reds. Finally have some time today to do some online research but hoping for some local knowledge or recommended wineries.
@MarkDaSpark at the wineries yes, at remote tasting rooms it’s fine to drop in for the most part.
@JonnyA9497 @MarkDaSpark
Well, an obvious choice would be to visit Cathy Corison, if your budget allows.
@JonnyA9497 @MarkDaSpark @rjquillin it’s a good stop even with no budget, I’ve tasted and not bought there.
@JonnyA9497 @MarkDaSpark @rjquillin Corison is appointment only. Make sure you call. I’d also recommend my cousin’s winery - William Harrison at the intersection of Silverado Trail and Zinfandel Lane. Across the valley from Cathy’s winery, 5-7 minutes away. Rutherford Red (Bordeaux blend) and Cab are excellent. Varietal Cabernet Franc is also outstanding: Bill has been bottling varietal Cab Franc since 1992. We had a bottle of the 1992 recently and it was remarkable. Pinot and Chardonnay (I think) come from Petaluma Gap and are lovely.
@MarkDaSpark @rjquillin thank you! I will admit that I had to Google Corison, but that’s just what I was looking for.
I don’t claim to have much experience in the Napa region, but the ones I have enjoyed are Stewart, Frank Family, and Montelena. Also I liked “the tasting room” at Napa wine company because they have a lot of different wines all in one spot; Not sure if it still exists though.
If you decide to go on the Napa side, then also make sure you visit Vincent Arroyo. And if you like dessert wines, then Prager Port Works is a good stop also.
Sonoma side: Harvest Moon, Iron Horse, Hook & Ladder, Hawley, Pedroncelli, Teldeschi, and many many more.