Napa and Sonoma Wine Tasting: Sonoma: July 4, 2011 (100 Level)

July 4, 2011 Itinerary
(Alexander and Russian River Valleys)

Number of wineries: 5
Average rating: 4.10
Wine Route Rating: Beginner (100)
Highlight of the day: Field Stone (4.38)

Notes: This relatively low-key day (no appointments) featured first-time stops to 3 wineries and disappointing repeat visits to Hartford and Martinelli. Meredith Barlin joined after lunch to seek out places that would feed her snacks while tasting and "cute boys" to pour wine for her. Moshin provided both (goldfish!), but we didn't find many wines to excite us on this one. An easy day for any one to duplicate -- lots of cute tasting rooms, and a day to do if you're more interested in small friendly places than in outstanding wine.

Location	Start Time	Stop Time	Reservation?	Notes
Chalk Hill (4.13)	11:00	11:45	Not Needed	We started our day at the source of one of the first wines (Chalk Hill's Chardonnay) that made me appreciate finer wine
Field Stone (4.38)	12:00	12:30	Not Needed	With Chalk Hill finishing early, we squeezed in a stop at Field Stone before lunch. Small, firendly, and good value for some decent wines
Lunch at Russian River Brewing Company (NR)	12:45	1:30	Not Needed	When Rosso was unexpectedly closed for the 4th of July, we stopped in to this local brewery for pub food and beer for lunch
Hartford (4.06)	2:00	2:45	Not Needed	After a great initial visit to Hartford, we had two sub-par visits in a row. They still make some great wine, but not a great place to taste.
Moshin (4.19)	3:00	3:45	Not Needed	Goldfish! Meredith was extra-excited when she was presented with a bowl of goldfish crackers here. Unfortunately, the wines were just so-so
Martinelli (3.75)	4:00	4:30	Not Needed	A quick stop on our way back to Santa Rosa, and I was once again disappointed by the wines avalable to taste and the high prices
Tex Wasabi (3.81)	8:00		Not Needed	With many Santa Rosa restaurants closed for the 4th of July, we settled for a return visit to Tex Wasabi's for "gringo sushi"