Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
best known for traffic. If you have more than a day, explore Sonoma's quiet, rustic western
side, along the Russian River Valley, and continue to the sea.
Sonoma Hwy/Hwy 12 is lined with wineries, and runs from Sonoma to Santa Rosa, then
to western Sonoma County; Arnold Dr has less traffic (but few wineries) and runs parallel,
up the valley's western side, to Glen Ellen.
Sonoma Valley Wineries
Rolling grass-covered hills rise from 17-mile-long Sonoma Valley. Its 40-some wineries
get less attention than Napa's, but many are equally good. If you love Zinfandel and Syrah,
you're in for a treat.
Picnicking is allowed at Sonoma wineries. Get maps and discount coupons in the town
of Sonoma or, if you're approaching from the south, the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau at
Cornerstone Gardens.
Plan at least five hours to visit the valley from bottom to top.
Homewood
WINERY
121/12; tasting $5; 10am-4pm; )
Barn cats dart about at this down-home winery, where the tasting room is a garage, and the
winemaker crafts standout ports and Rhône-style Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah - 'Da
redder, da better' - plus some late-harvest dessert wines, including excellent Viognier and
Albariño. Bottles are $22 to $42, the tasting fee is waived with a purchase.
Robledo
WINERY
116; tasting $10-15; by appointment 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun)
Sonoma Valley's feel-good winery, Robledo was founded by a former grape-picker from
Mexico who worked his way up to vineyard manager, then land owner, now vintner. His
kids run the place. The wines - served at hand-carved Mexican furniture in a garage - in-
clude a no-oak Sauvignon Blanc, jammy Syrah, spicy Cabernet, and bright-fruit Pinot
Noir. Bottles cost $18 to $60.
