Sonoma/Napa: May 17, 2012 (200 Level)

May 17, 2012 Itinerary
(Sonoma Downtown morning; Napa West afternoon)


Number of wineries: 10!
Average rating: 4.11
Wine Route Rating: Moderate (200)
Highlight of the day: I enjoyed my stop at Elizabeth Spencer (4.25), but I think the best overall stop was at Paradigm (4.44)

Notes: I managed to top the previous day's 9 wineries with 10 stops this day, although I didn't try any wine at Viansa because of the bus crowds. Coming from my hotel in Petaluma, I stopped around downtown Sonoma on my way over to Napa for the afternoon. Despite the high number of stops, this day didn't require much in the way of planning and so rates a 200-level route.

LocationStart TimeStop TimeReservation?Notes
Viansa (N/A)10:2010:30
 
Not Needed
Mobbed with busloads of people 20 minutes after opening
Anaba (4.00)10:3511:10
 
Not Needed
So-so wines and a so-so stop
Homewood (3.88)11:1511:45
 
Not Needed
An old favorite from my early days of tasting, sadly the wines just weren't very good here any more
La Luna Taqueria (3.81)12:1512:45
 
Not Needed
It's not fancy and it may wreck your palate if you eat the hot sauce, but a solid authentic Mexican food option if you want something other than meats, cheeses and baguettes
Elizabeth Spencer (4.25)12:451:15
 
Not Needed
High on Stephanie's list for its "cuteness factor", I lucked out when Pamela took over my tasting from the guy who started. Pretty good wine and a very good atmosphere.
Paradigm (4.44)1:302:30
Heidi Barrett wine on the valley floor -- sold!
Sequoia Grove (4.19)2:353:15
 
Not Needed
A bit pricey for what you got, but the single vineyard Cabernet tasting is worth the stop.
St. Supery (4.06)3:203:55
 
Not Needed
Outdoor tasting on the wraparound porch. Decent wine, but not amazing
Swanson (3.94)4:005:00
Very pricey tasting for some so-so wine. Nice food pairings, but not worth a repeat visit.
Jessup Cellars (4.25)5:156:00
 
Not Needed
Late closing time (6pm) and a friendly staff, but tasting and wine both a bit pricey for what they are.
Somerston (Yountville) (4.00)6:007:00
 
Not Needed
Almost more of a wine bar feel than a tasting room, this is a decent spot that's open late if you're having dinner in Yountville
Zuzu (4.44)7:309:30
 
Not Needed
NO reservations can mean a longer wait at this tapas place, but during the week it's a nice, differnet option in downtown Napa

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