#1 Post by Brian Tuite » March 26th, 2014, 2:38 pm

Where are you going?

Where should you stay?

Are you traveling with Children? Or is it an Adult Only affair?

What's your budget?

What's the weather like?

Winery Listings by AVA

Click to see spoiler: As used in the winery listings:

AG - Aglianico

AB - Albarińo

AL - Alicante Bouschet

AR - Arnies

BA - Barbera

BF - Blaufränkisch

BR - Brunello

BX - Bordeaux Bland

CB - Charbono

CE - Couniose

CH - Chenin Blanc

CF - Cabernet Francs

CG - Carignane

CL - Claret

CN - Cinsault

CS - Cabernet Sauvignon

CY - Chardonnay

DO - Dolcetto

DW - Dessert Wine

FB - Fumé Blanc

GB - Grenache Blanc

GN - Grenache

GV - Grüner Vetliner

GW - Gewürtztraminer

IW - Ice Wine

LG - Lagrein

LH - Late Harvest

LR - Lenoir

MA - Malvasia Bianca

MB - Malbec

MG - Meritage

MO - Moscato

MQ - Musqué

MU - Muscat

MS - Marsanne

MT - Merlot

MV - Mourvédre

NB - Nebbiolo

ND - Nero d'Avola

OV - Old Vine Field Blend Red/White

PB - Pinot Blanc

PG - Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

PN - Pinot Noir

PN - Pinot Meunier

PO - Primitivo

PT - Port

PV - Petit Verdot

RB - Ribolla Gialla

RG - Riesling

RH - Rhone Blend

RO- Rousanne

RS - Rosé

SB - Sauvignon Blanc

SC - Scheurebe

SE - Semillon

SG - Sangiovese

SM - Sauvignon Musqué

SN - Siena

SO - Schioppettino

SR - Southern Rhone

SV - Sylvaner

SW - Sparkling Wine

SY - Syrah

SZ - Shiraz

TA - Tannant

TF - Tocai Friulano

TG - Trousseau Gris

TJ - Tokaji Aszú

TM - Tempranillo

TN - Touriga Nacional

TR - Trousseau

VD - Verdelho

VG - Viognier

VN - Vernaccia

VR - Vermentino

WR - White Rhone Blend

ZN - Zinfandel

Berserker Businesses

Click to see spoiler: Graton

- Dutton Goldfield - daily 10-4:30 Graton Rd @ Hwy 116 CY, PN, SY

- Red Car Wines - daily 10-5 next door to Dutton Goldfield CY, PN, SY



Sebastopol

- Castelli Vineyards - By appt only - Estate grown PN, NB

- Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery - Daily 11-4 @ "The Barlow" CY, AB, PN

Click to see spoiler: - Ankota Wines - Allocated to mailing list CS

- Hans Fahden Vineyards - By appt CS

- Peter Michael Winery - Tasting for list members only CY, SE, BX, PN

Click to see spoiler: - E J Gallo Winery - CY

Click to see spoiler: There are no wineries within the Rockpile AVA but the following labels use its' fruit.

- Beekeeper Cellars

530 Molino St. Loft 218, Los Angeles, CA 90013

707-939-5611

- Bella Vineyards

9711 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA

707-473-9171

- Branham Wines

1929 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA

707-738-0577

- Bruliam Wines

P.O. Box 92, Healdsburg, CA

707-738-0577

- Carol Shelton

3354-B Coffey Lane Santa Rosa, CA

707-575-3441

- Davenport Wines

P.O. BOX 863, Geyserville, CA 95441

707-849-3743

- JC Cellars

55 4th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

510-465-5900

- Mauritson Family Winery - Daily 10-5 Dry Creek @ Lytton Springs CY, CF, CS, PS, SY, ZN, BX, SB, MB, PT

- Paradise Ridge Winery DESTROYED BY FIRE

4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

707-528-9463

- Robert Biale Vineyards

4038 Big Ranch Road, Napa, CA 94558

707-257-7555

- Rock Wall Wines

2301 Monarch Street, Alameda, CA 94501

510-522-5700

- Seghesio Family Vineyards

700 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA

707-433-3579

- St. Francis

100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409

1-888-675-WINE

- Stryker Sonoma Winery

5110 California 128, Geyserville, CA 95441

800-433-1944

- Valdez Family Winery

595 Santana Drive Suite A, Cloverdale, CA

707-894-3710

Click to see spoiler: - Argot Wines - By appy PN

- Bevan Cellars - By appt CY, SB, PN, CF/CS, CS/MG

- Coturri Winery - By apt CY, AC, BA, BX, MT, PN, SG, SY, ZN

Annual Wine, Wine/Food Events

Farmers Markets/Street Fairs

Click to see spoiler: - Forestville Farmers Market - Tuesdays 4-7pm June thru October in Downtown Forestville across from Canneti Roadhouse Italiana

- Healdsburg Farmers Market - Saturday - 9:00 am to Noon from the first Saturday in May through November in parking lot behind Hotel Healdsburg. or Wednesday 3:30 PM to 6:00 pm from the first Wednesday in June through October behind Hotel Les Mars

- Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market - @ Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Mark West Springs Rd @ US-101 Year round Wednesday: 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, Saturday: 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

- Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market - Open May through August downtown 4th St from Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping Center to E street. Farm fresh produce, flowers, fresh seafood. Vendors, Food, Wine, Live Music 5pm-8:30

- Sonoma Tuesday Night Farmers Market – throw-out a picnic blanket and hang with the locals. It is legal to drink in the park, so bring a bottle or two to share. Fair-type food vendors are present or bring your own bites. Very kid friendly. Runs from first Tuesday in May through the last Tuesday in October.

- Windsor Certified Farmers Market - ~ Town Green ~ Old Downtown Windsor ~ Music ~ Bring Your Dancing Shoes Every Sunday 10-1 and Thursday 5-8 April-December

You Gotta Eat Somewhere

Click to see spoiler: How does such a postage stamp of a town have so many good places to eat? It's our little slice if Heaven in West County.

- The Backyard - Locally sourced ingredients including vegan entrees

- Canetti's Roadhouse Italiana - Tuscan Country Italian

- Corks Restaurant - @ Russian River Vineyards. The only Winery/Restaurant combo in West County. Best outdoor dining location!

- The Farmhouse Inn Restaurant - We are spoiled in Forestville

- Nightingale Breads - Brick Oven Breads to die for! Wed-Sat

- Twist Eatery - Tuesday-Sat 11-4 Great upscale lunch menu. Beer and wine too!

Click to see spoiler: - Catelli's Restaurant- Home Style Italian

- Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria - We do like our Italian here in Sonoma

Click to see spoiler: - Underwood Bar and Bistro - Hang out where the winemakers hang and eat

- Willowood Market Cafe - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Wine Country Style

Click to see spoiler: - Café Citti - Italian Trattoria, order at the counter, dine at the table. Limited wine choices, Pliny the Elder on tap!

- Kenwood Restaurant - Wed-Sun 12-8

- Lonchera Emily Taco Truck Hwy 12 @ Dunbar (Pagani Ranch) Kenwood - Great Al Pastor among other meats.

- Palooza Gastro Pub - Very casual, good bar food, nice selection of on tap and bottled beers. Pedestrian wine list

Click to see spoiler: - Cowgirl Creamery - Wed-Sun 10-6 Cheese, cheese, cheese!

- Hog Island Oyster Co - They don't get any fresher than this. Reserve a picnic table, bring some briquets and grill some fresh oysters while you enjoy a great wine!

Click to see spoiler: - Retaurant Hazel - Mediterranean inspired menu

- Howard Station Café - Best Breakfast in the County!

- Union Hotel - Family Style Italian, Award Winning Pizza

Click to see spoiler: - Burgers and Vine – Just opened so still working out the kinks, however all signs point toward a more tourist and party crowd focus. Not a bad spot for a beer before or after dinner.

- Café La Haye - just delicious food

- Della Santina's - Italian done right

- El Dorado Kitchen -

- The Girl and the Fig - Country food with a French passion– usually tough to get a reservation within 48 hours of seating, but one of the few restaurants on the Square open late with a limited bistro menu. Cocktails are very good, Pliny the Elder on tap, Only Rhone-styled wines on the list. The best burger in town.

- Harvest Moon Café – seems to be rarely talked about, but always good – surprisingly good, actually. A somewhat stiff corkage policy though.

- LaSalette – Portuguese/Mediterranean inspired fair – a fairly ‘exotic’ dining choice for Sonoma Square, with menu items like whole sardines baked in the wood fired oven, escargot, etc. The fish cakes are a huge favorite when available, and the anchovies are some of the best I have ever had. The wine list offers some fun Portuguese whites that are a great budget alternative to the typical Cali Sav Blanc or Chardonnay.

- OSO Sonoma - Small plates and raw bar. Small but exciting local wine list.

- Sonoma Cheese Factory - Cheese, sandwiches, salami/salumi, wine tasting, grilled meats

- Sunflower Cafe - Breakfast and Lunch. Sandwiches, Smoothies, Beer and Wine

Click to see spoiler: - El Brinquito – they do BBQ chicken out front of the market on Wed/Friday/Sat/Sunday, corner of Hwy 12 and Mountain Ave. Follow your nose – it smells as good as it tastes and is cheap. This is strictly to-go.

- El Molino Central - Mexican street food, primarily from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Very good but not cheap. Simple, patio seating - can be very busy with a long wait during dinner hours. Blue Bottle Coffee also served.

- Fremont Diner - CLOSED

- Hopmonk Tavern – Sister of the Sebastopol locatio. Upscale pub food, Pliny the Elder on tap. A favorite with locals, great patio seating in the summer.

- Hot Box Grill – Upscale comfort food, known for the duck fat fries and fried chicken plate.

- La Bamba Taco Truck – usually in the auto body shop parking lot directly across the street from the Sonoma Mission Inn - usually after 7pm. This is the most popular truck in town for good reason. The wait can be long. The perfect late night snack after a long day of tasting.

- Rancho Viejo - authentic Mexican from the Yucatan peninsula. Don’t let the proximity to McDonalds scare you (next door), the cochinita pibil is awesome.

Click to see spoiler: - Rocker Oysterfellers - Casual comfort food, Oysters, Crab Cakes, Buffalo Wings, Fried Chicken, Fish Tacos, Clam Chowder, Burgers, Oyster PoBoy. Dinner Thu-Sun, Sat Lunch, Sun Brunch

Wine Bars/Winery Tasting Collectives

Click to see spoiler: Sophie's Cellars - Wine tasting and retail sales daily 11-5 Fri 11-7. Free corkage at local restaurant of wne purchjased at Sophie's. On the way to the Coast 15 min W of Guerneville on Hwy 116

Click to see spoiler: - Bergamot Alley - CLOSED

Click to see spoiler: - Palooza Gastropub & Wine Bar

Click to see spoiler: -Cellars of Santa Rosa - Featuring: Amorosa Bella, Gann Family Cellars, La Sirena, Bonneau Wines, James Family Cellars & TR Elliott Winery in Santa Rosa's Railroad Square

- Pizzeria Rosso & Wine Bar - Nice selection at the Wine Bar by the glass or bottle. Great food aside $10 corkage

- Willi's Wine Bar - Closed due to Tubbs Fire

Click to see spoiler: - Sonoma Enoteca - A part of Della Santina's. Buy the wine at Enoteca and corkage is free at DS. Brutocao Cellars, Il Cuore, Dreyer Sonoma, Favero Vineyards, Manzanita Creek, Seabiscuit Ranch, Seabiscuit Ranch, Victor Hill Wines featured. Much more available for purchase.

Breweries and Brewpubs

Click to see spoiler: - Ruth McGowan's Brewpub

Click to see spoiler: - Stumptown Brewery

Click to see spoiler: - Bear Republic Brewing

Click to see spoiler: Barley and Hops Tavern

Click to see spoiler: - Hopmonk Tavern - House brews, local ales and sours on tap and over 100 different bottled beers.

- Spirit Works Distillery at "The Barlow"

- Woodfour Brewing Company - at "The Barlow"

Click to see spoiler: - Old Redwood Brewing Company

- Russian River Brewing Company - 700 Mitchell Ln Windsor, CA 95492 (707) 545-BEER

195 Seat BrewPub/Tasting Bar/Retail Store

Hours: SUN-THU 11AM-10PM / FRI & SAT 11AM-11PM

Guided Tours by Reservation - Self-Guided Daily 11AM-5PM

- St Florian's brewery and Tap Room

You Gotta Sleep Somehwere

Click to see spoiler: - Case Ranch Inn - Quaint 3br main house plus a guest cottage nestled in the hills of Forestville.

Farmhouse Inn - Cozy Cottages or The Barn, Spa services and Michelin Starred Restaurant - Voted Best Hotel in California and #8 Best Hotel in the World by Travel and Leisure Magazine

Click to see spoiler: - Gaige House - A long time Michelin Guide favorite. Spa services

Click to see spoiler: - Applewood Inn & Spa - They call themselves a B&B which is a a stretch. Mediterranean villa styled resort. Great restaurant.

- Sonoma Orchid Inn B&B - next door to Korbel on River Rd "Great breakfasts, friendly and helpful hosts, each room different and varying in price. Some cabins for more privacy, and other rooms in an older house."

Click to see spoiler: - 1br Cottage Amongst the Vines - Vineyard and lakeside 1br retreat for less than a hotel room!

- Honor Mansion - Pricey and a bit overly precious, but good breakfasts, helpful staff (for getting reservations, etc), and beautiful grounds (bocce court, outdoor massage, etc).

- Madrona Manor - Vintage elegance

- Raford Inn - Great setting, wonderful proprietors, centrally located in RRV. Headlsburg address but it's a home run swing away from Forestville.

Click to see spoiler: - The Acorn House - Romantic Cottage on 4 Private Acres of Vineyards and Oaks

- Kenwood Inn and Spa

Click to see spoiler: - Fairfield Inn & Suites - Gravenstein Hwy South

- Sebastopol Inn - Conveniently located on Hwy 12 across from The Barlow

- Wineberry Lodge (Rental Home) - Next door to Merry Edwards Winery - Great for large groups.

Non Wine-Related Activities

Click to see spoiler: Charles Shulz Museum and Research Center

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Peanuts and much more!

2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Phone: (707) 579-4452

https://schulzmuseum.org/



Green Music Center at Sonoma State University - Weill Hall is a World Class music venue. Year round performances of Symphony, Jazz, all forms of popular music, Shakespeare etc... Indoor and outdoor events.



Transcendence Theater Company, Broadway Under the Stars - Transcendence Theatre’s Broadway Under the Stars in Jack London State Park is an award-winning series of Broadway-inspired concerts that feature incredible talent from the NY and Hollywood stages and screen. More than just a standard musical review, each concert weaves your favorite Broadway and popular songs into a spectacular evening unlike anything you’ve seen before.



To top it off, each evening begins with picnicking on the great lawn, alongside the park’s sprawling vineyards. Here you’ll enjoy local pours from numerous Sonoma wineries, food from local vendors and pre-show music. With all this magic in one place, how could you possibly leave without what Before It’s News calls “...goosebumps all around” ? - June-August

Location (map)

Jack London State Historic Park

2400 London Ranch Road

Glen Ellen, CA 95442

Order Tix Here

Click to see spoiler: Graton Resort Casino - They are getting closer and closer to the population centers. LV Gambling in Rohnert Park

River Rock Casino - East side of the Alexander Valley in Geyserville

Click to see spoiler: SonomaCounty.com has a great article covering the local companies offering Hot Air Ballon rides

http://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/ho ... oma-county

Click to see spoiler: Redwood Empire Ice Arena "Snoopy's Home Ice"

Opened by Minnesota native Charles Shulz in 1968

1667 West Steele Lane

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

707-546-7147

http://www.snoopyshomeice.com

Click to see spoiler: Annadel State Park - Miles and miles of paved and unpaved hiking, biking, mountain biking trails through the oak studded hills of East Santa Rosa.

6201 Channel Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409

(707) 539-3911



Armstrong Woods State Park - Hike amongst the giant redwoods. Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville

17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville

(707) 869-2015



Bouverie Nature Preserve - Hwy 12 In Glen Ellen

13935 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen, CA

(707) 938-4554



California Carnivores - Vegetarians Beware! These plants bite back. This Sebastopol garden features the largest collection of Carnivorous Plants in the US.

2833 Old Gravenstein Hwy, Sebastopol, CA

(707) 824-0433



Jack London State Historic Park - Hiking, Museum, Historic Landmarks

2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442





Luther Burbank Home and Gardens - "I firmly believe, from what I have seen, that this is the chosen spot for all this Earthas far as Nature is concerned." ~ Luther Burbank - This famed horticulturist is responsible for over 800 plants including 200 fruit/vegetale/nut varieties. The spot is a National Horticultural Landmark. Tours Daily.

204 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

(707) 524-5445



Point Reyes National Seashore - Unspoiled, wildlife, coastline, hiking trails...

1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956



Quarryhill Botanical Garden - One of the pre-eminent Asian botanical gardens globally, featuring one of the largest collections of documented, wild-collected Asian plants in the world.

12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA

(707) 996-3166

Click to see spoiler: Rio Theater - Step back in time in this WWII Quinset Hut Movie Theater opened in 1950. Ceilings in theater adorned with the largest pieces of Christo's Running Fence in existence. Second run features, Independent Films and Classics. Monte Rio Hwy 116 @ Bohemian Hwy

Peggy Sue's All-American Cruise - A 4-day event the 2nd weekend of June. 800 classic American Cars and Hot Rods pre-1975. Friday Chilli Cook-Off Wine/Beer Tasting, Sat and Sun cars displayed all day. Sat night Downtown Cruise in Santa Rosa. Huge event and a can't miss for the car buff.

Click to see spoiler: Vertex Climbing Center

3358a Coffey Lane

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

(707) 573-1608

Mon-Fri: 8am to 10pm

Sat & Sun: 10am to 6pm

Vertex is conveniently located in the same industrial complex as Donelan Wines, Salinia, The NPA, Carol Shelton, Vinoteca Collective if you get my drift.

Click to see spoiler: Bob Burke's Canoe Trips - Since the 1960's from Mirabel Park in Forestville to Guerneville May-Sep

8600 River Rd @ Mirabel Rd, Forestville, CA

(707) 887-1222

River's Edge Kayak and Canoe Multiple trips available

13840 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg

(707) 433-7247

Click to see spoiler: Train Town Sonoma - Got kids! Or are you just a kid at heart.

20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 938-3912

Click to see spoiler: Safari West is a 400-acre private wildlife preserve located in Sonoma County, California, United States. The selection of wildlife emphasizes species native to Africa, including giraffes, rhinoceros, cheetahs, and numerous species of birds.

3115 Porter Creek Rd,

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

(707) 579-2551

http://www.safariwest.com/

Click to see spoiler: Sonoma Canopy Tours

6250 Bohemian Hwy,

Occidental CA, 95465

http://www.sonomacanopytours.com

info@sonomacanopytours.com

888-494-7868

Sonoma County, or Sonoma as it is regularly referred to on the wine boards, is a very large area spread over nearly 1,800 sq/mi and incorporating 16 different AVAs. Elevations from sea level to almost 2,700' make it an area of multiple hills, valleys, pastures and micro-climates. So many threads pop up here asking where to go and/or where to stay when visiting Sonoma. Being a local I want to scream "Be more specific!" Sonoma is a town but is also the name of the County. To me Sonoma is the town of. To the traveler it is the wine region. Giving you the proper advice hinges on multiple factors. Here are a few things to consider when asking for advice from Berserkers.Some AVAs are spread apart to where visiting more than one or two in a day is not a good choice so be aware of the location of your winery choices before mapping out your tastings.- Begins Southeast of Healdsburg and reaches to Cloverdale in the North- Extends Southeast from East Santa Rosa.- Nestled between the Southern edge of Napa and the Southern edge of Sonoma along San Pablo Bay.- Stretches from the southeast of Windsor (Pleasant Ave) north to Hwy 128 in the Alexander Valley.- Stretches West of Healdsburg to Lake Sonoma- Within the Northern part of the Sonoma Coast AVA- A small area within the RRV to the West of Hwy 116 and the East of the Occidental Ridge, North of occidental Rd up to Forestville and the Russian River.- South of the Alexander Valley under the looming Mount St Helena- on the West facing slope of the Mayacamas overlooking Sonoma.- This AVA encompasses everything that isn't within the Sonoma Coast and Sonoma Valley area but has a small piece that holds the name Northern Sonoma and that is in between the Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Coast AVAs along Skaggs Springs Rd through Annapolis.- Cloverdale Peak above the North end of the Alexander Valley- The newest AVA, the Gap stretches from Rohnert Park in the North, thecWest faving slopes of Sonoma Mountain in the East, to the town of Bodega Bay in the West, South to Point Reyes and Southeast through Chileno Valley, Petaluma and follows the Petaluma River to San Pablo Bay. Map Link - Stuffed up into the hills at the Northwest end of the Dry Creek Valley overlooking Lake Sonoma- Central-most to the County this AVA stretches from Rohnert Park in the South to Healdsburg in the North. This AVA alone and its' 100+ wineries could be the focus of an entire week.- Runs the length of the County from San Pablo Bay to past Fort Bragg in the North containing the Petaluma Gap, Occidental, Freestone, Bodega, Jenner, Sea Ranch, Cazadero and more.- Approximately 10 miles of ridgeline beginning at the southern tip of Bennet Valley and stretching South.- Along Hwy 12 from Pythian Rd (Oakmont Retirement Community) to Carneros in Sonoma. Encompassing Kenwood, Glen Ellen, Agua Caliente, Boyes Hot Springs, El Verano and Sonoma proper.It would make sense to set up camp close to where you are planning to visit, taste, eat for convenience sake as well as for punctuality because traffic can be unpredictable.Tasting in Carneros, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain AVAs? You probably should be staying in either Sonoma, Glen Ellen or Kenwood.Bennet Valley, Russian River Valley, Green Valley, Sonoma Coast locations are begging you to stay in or around the Santa Rosa area. This includes Sebastopol, Forestville, Occidental, Guerneville to the West in order to make your plans flow easily.Chalk Hill, Dry Creek, Rockpile, Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Pine Mountain wineries say Healdsburg/Geyserville/Windsor are your best lodging choice. Knights Valley is a tough one as it is closer to Calistoga than anywhere else but then again there aren't a lot of wineries there, just vineyards.It may make sense to spilt your stay between different locations to accommodate your plans. Or, if you like driving, choose one central location and travel out from there. Just keep in mind that if you are staying in Sonoma and you want to have dinner in Healdsburg you have a drive of over an hour, much of it on winding 2 lane roads, to get back to your room.Some accommodations/wineries/restaurants are not as kid friendly as others. This may factor in you plans in a big way. Knowing this information up front ensures you get better advice. Also, knowing you have children along for the ride means you may need some non-wine related activities as well. Lots of this around here from Canoe Trips on the Russian River, to the Charles Shulz Museum/Snoopy's Redwood Ice Arena, to Safari West Wild Game Preserve, to Sonoma Canopy Tours Zip-Lining, Coppola has lounge chairs around a pool where you can swim and enjoy the sun etc... Be specific!Not everyone can afford Madrona Manor, The Farmhouse Inn, Dry Creek Kitchen, $1,000/btl wine lists, $75+/btl wineries. Some might want to cut back on the hotel to be able to afford more/better wines. Others may just be looking for the overall experience. Knowing your price range plays a big role.The weather is generally mild most of the year, compared to other parts of the country, but temperatures can vary drastically from one AVA to the next. More so in the Summer/Fall months. Winters are rainy but otherwise sunny. Spring brings warmer days but cool evenings. As soon as the sun dips the temps drop 20 degrees. Don't get caught with your pants down. Summers are normally warm and sunny with morning fog that burns off between 9-11am depending on location. If you wake up early and see blue skies and no sign of fog or any overcast be prepared for a hot day. Afternoon temps range from high 70's to high 90's with occasional 100+ spurts. The afternoons bring breezes caused by the coastal fog influence. They blow between 4pm and 6pm. Once the temps stabilize the wind goes away and the evenings are mild and pleasant. Fall is one of the best times of year as the days are warm and the evenings stay beautiful. Best times for night time outdoor activities is Aug-Oct.The rainy season is Halloween through May. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day rain is rare. The hillsides dry up and everything other than trees and irrigated farms and landscaping turns brown. Fire danger is very real. Keep cigarette butts in ash trays not out windows. Roadside fires in Summer months are very common.Be prepared for hot to cool weather. If you are leaving your hotel in shorts bring a pair of long pants and a sweater just in case. Vice-versa if you are leaving in sweaters and long pants bring shorts, t-shirt and flip flops. You can leave 90 degree weather in Healdsburg and find high 60's and blowing fog in the Petaluma Gap. 80 in Sonoma, 90 in Kenwood, 75 in Santa Rosa 85 in Forestville and 65 in Jenner/Bodega Bay all in the same 1-1/2hour drive. Best to be prepared, especially if you are driving a convertable.(under construction)This started out as "Recommended Wineries" but what do I know, everyone has different tastes, not everyone is as geeky about this as the next. It's not up to me to decide who should or should not be listed here so I am listing every winery I am aware of. You can choose yours based on your preferences.Please note that many producers use Custom Crush Facilities such as Punch Down Cellars, Vinify etc... So where they are based may differ from where their fruit comes from or where their tasting will take place. Shore those details up with the winery beforehand.Disclaimer: I crossed the County Line with my Carneros listings but Carneros is Carneros. Part of it is in Sonoma and another part in Napa.If you have a Visa Signature card you can get free tastings at these wineries:VISA Signature also sponsors the "Taste of Sonoma" aka "Wine Country Weekend" held in September every year. The biggest annual food and wine event in Sonoma County. The grand tasting at MacMurray Ranch in Healdsburg is a massive event.(Under Construction)Here is a great place to map out your tasting dayClick on theunder each heading to expand.are Highlighted RedUnder Construction!Bodega BayForestvilleGeyservilleGlen EllenGratonGuernevilleHealdsburgKenwoodMarshall/Tomales/Point Reyes StationOccidentalPetalumaSanta RosaSebastopolSonoma On the SquareSonoma Off the SquareValley FordWindsorunder constructionDuncans MillsHealdsburgKenwoodSanta RosaSonomaCloverdaleGuernevilleHealdsburgOccidentalPetalumaSanta RosaSebastopolSonomaWindsorUnder ConstructionForestvilleGlen EllenGuernevilleHealdsburgKenwoodSanta RosaSebastopolSonomaUnder ConstructionSometimes buying wine is a gamble, non?