California related - Ducati.ms

stucatz · May 25th, 2006, 9:03 pm

Not a duc related question but rather for the California group.

My wife and I are planning a vacation this October and I have always loved California and now want to do the wine region.

We are thinking of flying out to San Fran and driving north to wine country and do the "sideways" (was that the movie, can't remember) thing, that is to say vineyard hopping.

Say a night in each vineyard for a week or 2, B and B's would be great. Is anyone on this board in this industry and if so I would like to give them the business.

Many Thanks

Stopwatch · May 25th, 2006, 10:57 pm

I'm not in the industry but I do reside in the heart of wine country and can help you out with suggestions and hints. Are you planning on renting a moto for a little two wheel touring or just doing the usual tour stuff?

October is a great time of year and depending on the summer weather pattern you could be here in the middle of crush (when all the harvesting and crushing is done). There is always a kind of buzz in the air during crush because when the grapes are ready to pick, they are READY, one day either way can make the difference in an average product or a killer vintage. The weather can be Indian Summer with hot temps but it is usually fairly mild with nice warm days. San Francisco is socked in with fog most of the year; fall is the nicest season.

There is plenty to do and see and a week or two is probably just about right to see both Sonoma and Napa counties with a day or two in The City (locals lingo for San Francisco).

Let me know what your interests are and I'll see what I can do to help.

jbcaddy · May 26th, 2006, 12:02 am

I have family in the Napa valley and if you PM me your address I will have them send you some tourist info. the sister in law works at one of the wineries. one of the small towns in the valley is also called Oakville.

brianmdavis · May 26th, 2006, 8:52 am

Hi,
I'll help if I can. I'm a winegrower in Sonoma County. We grow Pinon Nois and Chardonnay. I live 6 miles from Healdsburg and know Sonoma County very well. Let me know your tentative plans and I'll help fill in the blanks,

Brian

rob · May 26th, 2006, 1:08 pm

Not sure if you're into this sort of thing, but I have a buddy whose mother worked in that area at a sake distillery. She doesn't work there anymore, but AFAIK the distillery is still there. I've gotten some samples -- really good stuff. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that even if you think you don't like sake you should still give it a try. They have some really tasty varieties that can't even remotely be compared with the stuff that comes off the grocery store shelf.

If you're interested, I'll try to get the info from my bud. Might be a nice change of pace to visit there after you've had your fill of wineries.

jack · May 26th, 2006, 2:56 pm

If you get to Sonoma Valley, try to stay at the Kenwood Inn, I'm sure they have a web site. It's a bit pricey but my wife loved it and still talks about it. In Napa valley there is a dinner train that takes you throughout the Valley. Francis Ford Copolla's vineyard is pretty cool, lots of movie memorabilia to go with the wine. On a Sunday morning we stopped in Sausolito for a vintage car show on the waterfront. Late September, early October is prime time. have a blast.

joepug · May 27th, 2006, 1:17 am

Minor detail, but the wine country in the movie "Sideways" was not the Napa Valley north of San Francisco, but the Santa Ynez Valley north of Santa Barbara, about 2 to 2:30 hours north of L.A. Just in case you wanted to really recreate that movie. Napa is the real deal though...

RotoRooterGuy · May 27th, 2006, 11:14 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by jack

If you get to Sonoma Valley, try to stay at the Kenwood Inn, I'm sure they have a web site. It's a bit pricey but my wife loved it and still talks about it. In Napa valley there is a dinner train that takes you throughout the Valley. Francis Ford Coppola's vineyard is pretty cool, lots of movie memorabilia to go with the wine. On a Sunday morning we stopped in Sausilito for a vintage car show on the waterfront. Late September, early October is prime time. have a blast.

That train is called "The Wine Train." I have been on that. It's fantastic.

http://www.winetrain.com/

And Coppola's winery has been renamed "Rubicon Estate." Of all the wineries, they put on a fantastic show, so to speak. Lots to do and see. I like where he has on display the desk used in The Godfather's scenes where Don Vito Corleone takes care of business.

http://www.rubiconestate.com/site.php

**John** · Jun 3rd, 2006, 11:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianmdavis

Hi,
I'll help if I can. I'm a winegrower in Sonoma County. We grow Pinon Nois and Chardonnay. I live 6 miles from Healdsburg and know Sonoma County very well. Let me know your tentative plans and I'll help fill in the blanks,

Brian

Nice grapes Brian.

T2000 · Jun 3rd, 2006, 11:44 pm

Not in the business but grew up in Napa and now appreciate the region. A few of my favorites which are less known...
- White Cottage, sit down with the wine maker and drink his stuff (if he still does this)
- Pride Mountain, big bold cab with huge tannins (make a reservation)
- Merryvale Winery, cool tasting, they break out each main component of wine and let you taste them seperately, then finally together and then finally taste their wines.
- Prager Port (if you like port)
Personally I prefer Alexander Valley wines which are north of Calistoga (Napa Valley). They are cheaper as well :-)
There is some great riding up the valley, over to Winters and up to Healsburg if you are going to be on two wheels.