Sonoma on my Mind
When you spend a summer touring around the West Coast, and the December chill sets in on New York, the daydreaming starts. Today, I'm thinking of Sonoma and the amazing time my friend, Maddie, and I spent romping through vineyards. To commemorate this experience I thought it to be high time I shared a slice of the Sonoma experience!
1. Head in the Clouds
We started our trip off in the dead of morning (both of our biggest weaknesses). A flight into SF and a short car ride later we arrived to our first stop. Just 20 minutes outside of Healdsburg we would be spending one night in the Redwood forest sleeping in -or, on rather- an airtent. This is not an experience for the weak of heart, it isn't necessarily a good night's sleep. It is however, a little rustic and 40 feet can feel like 400 feet at 2am when you're pillow falls and you're waiting for the drop...
2. Coastal Cruise
Take a cruise down the coast and feel the wind whip through your hair! An hour long drive down the Westside Road will take you from Healdsburg down to Jenner, California. Make sure to make a quick appointment at Arista Winery, their Russian River selections are incredibly charismatic! Once you get to Jenner take the Coast Highway along the Russian River and watch as it meets the ocean. When your cruise is over, stop over at Cafe Aquatica for a cup of coffee and amazing views of the river.
3. sommelier for a Day
Taste through Sonoma and begin with Medlock Ames. By luck of the draw we toured around with Kelsey Huggins, a Montana gal, whom I had been acquainted with in Missoula. We travelled all over the vineyards learning about the biodynamic properties of the estate. Starting with a glass of Viognier that was crisp and floral we moved onto a large portion of their portfolio, my favorite being their Bell Mountain estate red. It features a luscious texture, intense cherry red fruit, earth and mineral align in a beautiful medley that leads into a vanilla cocoa finish. Delish!
Next stop, Porter Creek for delicate California wines (not an oxymoron). Their Zinfandel blew me away (only 14% alcohol!) Moshin Vineyards seasonal rosé was crisp with citrus love, and J Vineyards & Winery featured a sparkling flight that made my heart giggle.
