Yesterday, we returned to Sonoma to pick up a wine at Rochioli Vineyards. Matt and Rachel had gifted a lovely Sauvignon Blanc to me for my birthday, so i went to pick it up. It is indeed a lovely wine, and a beautiful winery, on a beautiful road in Sonoma. I have no idea how anybody ever finds all these wonderful wineries, it is a fun challenge and often a beautiful ride to find them.
We were to meet Kathleen in Healdsburg for dinner, but since we were early, we drove north from Healdsburg, past Geyersville and Cloverdale. We drove up into the hills a bit, found them quite rough and challenging. One road, that went up to "geysers", was gravel and one lane, and very steep. We decided we weren't quite that adventurous in our trusty Chevy Venture van, so we turned around. Found a few other roads, also going up steep inclines. It would be intriguing to go up there, but we didn't really have the time. (or the right vehicle) It's interesting how incredibly rural it is out there in the hills. Again, we saw vineyards and livestock farms. Very different from rural parts of Michigan, where the farms are in the middle of the towns, along the roads, everywhere.
We then drove to Lake Sonoma, which is also quite beautiful, and we had never seen before. It isn't Lake Michigan, however, or even Lake Leelanau!
We then drove to Healdburg, and met Kathleen at Zin, where we had eaten before. We really like this restaurant, and think it will be a regular annual stop. It was great to see Kathleen, she had been off on her own trip to Manhattan, so we hadn't seen much of her.
Another nice day.
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ReplyDeleteDan
Rochioli was one of the wineries I recommended you visit. Were you able to taste any of their pinot noirs? Their Sauv Blanc is available at the Village Corner in A2, but the pinots are rarely available here. It's one of Sonoma's best wineries. The patio, with its vista of the vineyards, is a great spot for a picnic. Westside River Road is famous. Lots of good--some great--wineries along it!
ReplyDeleteI did intend try the Pinot Noir, it was wonderful! In fact, I don't normally like pinot noirs, except for the very good ones, and theirs was the best I have tried. Too expensive to buy, however.
ReplyDeleteTheir wines have been served at the White House many times for many banquets. They had a book with pictures in it with the menus, very enjoyable to look at, except for the pictures of our previous president!
Pat