More of Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma

More BV pics.
Just a quiet charming place to hang out!

Buena Vista Winery

Here is another fun way to spend a weekend afternoon. You can go and do a tour and tasting with Count Harazathy who was the original founder of the Buena Vista Winery in 1856. George Webber leads the tours. At 2pm you can enjoy a full on play that illustrates the life and times of Count Harazathy.
There are picnic tables to hang out at and enjoy a bottle of great BV wine and some cheese and snacks.

The Napa Walking Tour with George Webber!

Here is the fun thing to do before wine tasting, its the perfect thing for after brunch and before wine tasting, a walking tour of downtown napa which includes beer samples at Downtown Joes and then wine tasting at the Ceja Vineyards tasting room.
George is an actor and historian who brings old Napa to life in your 3 hour tour.
This is not a stuffy history tour, its got beer and wine, humor and facts.
contact george: george@georgewebber.com

Napa Sonoma Marsh and Wetlands/ Dog Heaven!

If you continue from Bouchaine and take a right out of the parking lot you will be heading for the California Department Of Fish and Game parking lot. Keep going down a gravel road past vineyards until you cross over the railroad tracks and come to the parking lot.
This place is great hiking for bird watchers, dog lovers, and in the fall duck hunting, you can also trailer your horse out here to ride.
Here is the thing: From February until July 1st No dogs period. This is a nesting habitat in the spring, open to dogs all Summer and the fall it is dedicated to Ducks Unlimited, but hiking with dogs during duck season is ok, just be aware and respectful of the duck hunters, who by the way are the nicest bunch of dudes you will ever meet. Fall and Winter are the best times for hiking out here. You might get muddy but you will see great horned owls, an occasional bald eagle and many shore birds.
Coyotes too but only in the early morning.
My favorite part about this place is that you can hike for 2 to 3 hours and never see another human being... ahhhh

Bouchaine Winery

After Acacia continue down Las Amigas rd, take a left out of the parking lot and head towards Buchli Station rd. Take a right and proceed to Bouchaine on your right.
To me this winery is like the little country bistro of wine tasting!
Once again you really should book ahead of time especially if you are a larger than a group of two.
You can take a vineyard tour walk or sit in the garden with a glass of wine. The deck area is reserved for the wine club members.
Dog friendly with advanced reservations.
Speaking of dogs, my next subject is right down the road from here and its dog walking paradise! No leash, required. That is another story coming up next.
ARF.

Wine Tasting: Acacia Winery

Here is the next stop on the Carneros loop. Acacia is located at 2750 Las Amigas rd so when you come out of Domaine Carneros take a right out of the driveway and head up the hill, there are some great vineyard views on Duhig rd.
Continue on Duhig rd. until you come to Las Amigas then go left. Acacia is the first winery on the left. Acacia is known for its Pinot and the St Clair vineyard across the steet is one of the best pinot producing vineyards in the valley.
Acacia is small so you need to make a reservation before you come, however if you don't have time just walk in and they write you into the book. Its a small tasting room but this is what I like best, the personal attention and no wine club pressure selling. If you like it you buy it! There is a Bocce Ball court and picnic tables overlooking the whole Carneros region with a view of the bay in distance.
Love this place!

Great Start To Your Wine Tasting Day, Champagne!

Here is the place to start your Carneros wine afternoon.
It is Domaine Carneros and it is located at the intersection of hiway 121 and Old Sonoma Rd.
For 15 Bucks you get a great champagne buzz with a flight of 3 of the most popular vintages. Or pick your bottle and share that! Artisan cheese platters available but the house almonds come with any tasting and they are perfect.
Beautiful views and a massive patio seating over looking the vineyards. The De Rosa art preserve is across the hiway.
If you join the wine club you get exclusive back patio privelage and you can avoid the Hoi Paloi.