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Mead in Sonoma/Napa/San Fran?

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JB175

JB175

NewBee
Registered Member
Oct 18, 2007
73
0
0
Bucks County, PA
I'm taking my wife to Sonoma/Napa/San Fran next week for our anniversary and was wondering if anyone knows of any area wineries that produce mead, pyment, etc. or of any stores that have a good selection of mead. My trip is primarily limited to wineries the wife wants to check out (and of course Russian River brewing for my enjoyment), but I would love to try some good CA meads.

Thanks in advance for any tips
 
Same mead recommendation, but I also have wine region tips. My wife and I love to go to Anderson Valley; it's a bit north of Sonoma valley (NW of Santa Rosa on the way to the coast), but it's worth the drive if you like cooler weather varietals, fewer people, friendly pourers, and gorgeous hills. Good pinot noir up there, good Alsatian whites (for CA), some nice sparklers. And as a bonus, most of the tastings are free. Be sure to hit Breggo, Yorkville Cellars, and Lazy Creek; Roederer for sparkling. If you want to taste verjuice (sour grapes--Omphacomel anyone?), they sell it at Navarro. And eat at Libby's in Philo--the best restaurant in the valley (it's good greasy Mexican).

Otherwise in Sonoma, go to Benziger for a fun tour on a tram and a fairly wide selection of wine. We also like Matanzas Creek (awesome views too) and Kaz (which has some crazy wines made by a sort-of crazy guy). Haven't been much to the northern end of the valley though, and there are good ones up there too. In Napa we like Diamond Oaks (excellent value wine). And in Carneros (btw Napa & Sonoma), Domaine Carneros has expensive but very tasty sparkling wine. Their 1996 Le Reve was possibly the best bottle we ever drank.

If you want some "don't go there" recommendations, I can go find my notes for you.
 
Since you'll be there in the off-season, I'd also suggest calling the Anderson valley wineries to make sure they're open. I'll post up some phone numbers later tonight. It would suck to drive all that way to find them closed!

Also if you go, check out Anderson Valley Brewing in Boonville. Some good and very good beers there.
 
Had another thought for you. If you are looking for a place to eat in Napa valley, I suggest Bistro Jeanty (in Yountville). It's very good, French-inspired, and not too expensive. If you go, you MUST order the tomato bisque soup. The cassoulet and mushroom pasta are also very good. The crepe suzette (did I spell that right?) is also amazing. The service is also very good, the waiters are friendly and attentive without being over-your-shoulder.
 
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