Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Glen Ellen; tasting $15-20, tram tour adult/under 21yr $25/10;
10am-5pm, tram tours
11:30am-3:30pm; )
If you're new to wine, make Benziger your first stop for Sonoma's best crash course in
winemaking. The worthwhile, non-reservable tour includes an open-air tram ride (weather
permitting) through biodynamic vineyards, and a five-wine tasting. Great picnicking, plus
a playground, make it tops for families. The large-production wine's OK (head for the re-
serves); the tour's the thing. Bottles are $15 to $80.
Wellington
WINERY
len; tasting $10; 10:30am-4:30pm)
Known for port (including a white) and meaty reds, Wellington makes great Zinfandel, one
from vines planted in 1892 - wow, what color! The noir de noir is a cult favorite. Alas,
servers have vineyard views, while you face the warehouse. Bottles are $15 to $30 and the
tasting fee is refundable with a purchase.
Loxton
WINERY
707-935-7221;
www.loxtonwines.com
; 11466 Dunbar Rd, Glen Ellen;
11am-5pm)
Say g'day to Chris the Aussie winemaker at Loxton, a no-frills winery with million-dollar
views and free tastings. The 'tasting room' is actually a small warehouse, where you can
taste wonderful Syrah and Zinfandel; non-oaky, fruit-forward Chardonnay; and good port.
Bottles cost $16 to $30.
Kaz
WINERY
tasting $5; 11am-5pm Fri-Mon; )
Sonoma's cult favorite, supercool Kaz is about blends: whatever's in the organic vineyards
goes into the wine - and they're blended at crush, not during fermentation. Expect lesser-
known varietals like Alicante Bouschet and Lenoir, and a worthwhile Cabernet-Merlot
