Follow Me Wine Tour S.F. Sonoma & Napa 16 days

1. DAY ONE :
Outbound flight from Stockholm – Transfer at Newark Airport
INBOUND to San Francisco – Arrival ca. 17:00
Hire van(s) at the airport and drive North into San Francisco along the waterfront to view the
spectacular skyline. Drive along Market Street and see the bustling atmosphere and Cable Car
terminal. If time allows, stop at the California Tourist Office and collect brochures, tour materials and
events calendar.
HOTEL: Monticello Inn, Union Square
www.monticelloinn.com Check in time around 19:30
Check into hotel and after a relaxing break in the room, meet in the lobby to participate in an
introductory wine tasting featuring sparkling wines and snacks to toast arrival in the Golden City.
DINNER at leisure or enjoy the bar atmosphere and Mexican-inspired menu in the hotel restaurant
“Splendidos”
Monticello Inn
Incomparable Skyline Golden Gate
SSSSSAN
SAN FRANCISCO MAP

2. .DAY TWO :
San Francisco Orientation
Whole day in S.F. at leisure. www.sfvisitor.org
Recommend taking a city tour with traditional tour bus company in the morning. LUNCH at leisure
along the wharf, near shopping district of Union Square, Chinatown or in Financial District. Should
you wish, take a ferry tour under the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and shopping at Pier 39
attractions. Among other highlights:
Fisherman´s Wharf, North Beach, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Cable Cars, Nob Hill,
Embarcadero, Shopping.
Directly outside our hotel is the Cable Car terminus on Market Street – if time allows, take the cable car
in the evening to one of many destinations for evening activities.
DINNER in North Beach(Italian) or Chinatown (Chinese)$
DOWNTOWN S.F. MAP
DAY THREE :
Monticello Inn
Monticello Inn

3. Northbound to Wine Country
We shall pack up our bags and check out of our hotel early to start our journey up to wine country.
Our route through the city will take us through the famous Golden Gate Park where we will enjoy a
simple breakfast in the gardens. Soon after we stop at the Golden Gate Bridge to take pictures and walk
along the span. Continuing Northwards along the coast, we will come to Muir Woods to wander a bit
in the gigantic forests of Redwood trees which symbolize Northern California. These trees are among
the oldest living things on earth and reach heights of over 260 feet. Fantastic views of the Bay Area are
afforded as we travel over Mount Tamalpais to the charming artists´ village of Sausalito.
Shopping and sightseeing along the waterfront will be followed by a typical California lunch at a
landmark restaurant from the 1960´s hippie era.
LUNCH (Horizons Rest.) $$
A short drive through Marin County (with a stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Civic Center,
where twice a week is a fabulous Farmer´s Market) brings us to the vine-clad idyll of Sonoma Valley.
Our first wine adventure begins at CLINE Cellars at 14:30 with a tour and tasting (also from
barrel…) of their famous Rhone – inspired wines coupled with some classic Sonoma cheeses, breads
and meats. www.clinecellars.com
Check-in, Sparkling Wine Tasting in the atrium gardens by the pool.
HOTEL: Sonoma Valley Inn in Sonoma www.sonomavalleyinn.com
Walk downtown Sonoma City and Plaza and view the historical sites. www.sonomavalley.com
DINNER Piatti´s - Italian $$ or General´s Daughter – Nouvelle $$
$
Dennis Richardson of RICHARDSON VINEYARDS will join us before or during the meal
and present his highly regarded wines from Sonoma´s finest vineyards. A relaxing walk around the
historical sights of Sonoma by moonlight cap off a most adventurous first day in Wine Country.
DAY FOUR :
Introduction to Wine Country - Sonoma Valley www.sonomavalley.com
Solano Mission 1823 Bear Flag Revolt 1836

4. A simple buffet breakfast by the pool starts our first whole day visiting Sonoma´s splendors. Those
clients who wish to rise early may tour the Sonoma Plaza, do some window shopping and perhaps visit
the famous Farmers´ Market to sample local products which make Sonoma the center for gastronomy in
the Bay Area.
Our first winery to visit is appropriately the eldest in Northern California. This famous producer is the
progenitor of California´s own wine type – ZINFANDEL.
BUENA VISTA WINERY at 10:30 w/ LUNCH . www.buenavistawinery.com
We will be given a short private tour of the caves and Sherry House where the present day tasting room
and art gallery is located. An exclusive tasting of Buena Vista´s Reserve wines awaits us as does a
shady spot in their lovely picnic grounds for a catered gourmet box lunch. If time allows, we can take a
serene stroll through the picturesque gardens of the original Buena Vista Estate, now called
Bartholomew Park – which recently incorporated itself as a winery by local vintner Jim Bundschu.
The next exciting stop in our Sonoma sojourn is to the certifiable crucible of Zinfandel as we have the
honor and distinct pleasure to enjoy a private tour and barrel tasting provided by the guru of zinfandel
himself, Joel Petersson of RAVENSWOOD VINEYARDS at 1:30. Here we will be guided
through every conceivable nuance of the zinfandel experience by tasting both from barrel and bottle a
series of vineyard – designated wines. However, “ZIN” is not the only item on the menu as this world –
famous winery is also noted for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and “Rhone” blends. A handy tip to
remember after this visit is to pack a toothbrush as the tide of red wine rarely ebbs here !!
www.ravenswoodwine.org
After such a heady and hearty wine feast, we are on our own to wend our way back towards the hotel. A
visit to Sebastiani Vineyards is recommended well within walking distance or continue a few blocks to
sample cheeses at the VELLA CHEESE FACTORY (their “Show Reserve Jack” cheese is
incomparable!) or wander further to the town square for shopping or snacking. While there, consider
tasting local wines and purchases at THE SONOMA WINERY EXCHANGE – or warm a stool
along with local winemakers who daily frequent the beer-tasting bar there.
A bracing dip in the hotel pool is recommended before we begin a balcony wine tasting and sampling of
Sonoma´s famous local breads, cheeses and meat products. The owner or representative from a local
winery will be on hand to guide us further into Sonoma´s wine bounty. Among other choices we may
taste the wines from: CASTLE VINEYARDS, MAYO FAMILY or SONOMA CREEK.
www.familywineries.com
DINNER: At leisure in Sonoma, too many fine alternatives to list…
Or we could arrange a gourmet wine dinner on the elevated balcony terrace at the hotel

5. DAY FIVE :
Further Explorations of Sonoma Valley, NORTH
Poolside simple breakfast, shopping for picnic supplies and brief city wandering starts our day.
Heading Northwards up the Sonoma Valley with a short stop in an ancient Zinfandel vineyard to inspect
and taste the fresh grapes from the 100 + year old vines of the Chauvet Ranch. This is the perfect
setting for a brief lecture about viticulture and vineyard economics.
Just up the road we come to visit the winery of a stellar winemaker, Richard Arrowood who was among
the very first to use estate vineyard designations on his wines at Chateau St. Jean Winery.
Simultaneously, he started his own brand, and in 2000 it was sold to legendary Robert Mondavi Winery
in Napa. Dedication to sourcing nothing but the finest fruit has driven this producer to make exemplary
Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines in addition to perhaps the
finest late harvest dessert Rieslings.
ARROWOOD CELLARS at 10:30 www.arrowood.com / www.robertmondavi.com
We will have a short tour and tasting on the veranda overlooking their experimental vineyard.
Through the quaint village of Glen Ellen and up the flanks of Sonoma Mountain brings us to
Jack London State Park and Wolf House. This estate was developed by the famous Naturalist
author Jack London who named this expansive property Beauty Ranch. Sadly, the ornate redwood-
beamed house burned to the ground soon after its completion and Jack London was devastated by it.
BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY at 2:00 p.m. www.benziger.com
This neighboring estate was developed by New York Wine & Spirits executive Bruno Benziger and his
family in the 1980´s. In concert with his children, they succeeded in carving out a new niche in the wine
market in America: the so-called: “Fighting Varietals” segment. Led by their highly visible and
incredibly popular Glen Ellen brand wines (named by their grape varieties), the business grew into a
giant in the industry in short order. After Bruno´s death, the children decided to concentrate on their
estate grown grapes and sold the Glen Ellen name to Heublien.
The family atmosphere prevails today with a “down home” wine experience. We will take a private
vineyard tour by tractor to learn the true meaning of the family motto: “Flavors from vine to bottle”.

6. A short scenic drive up valley takes us to the sleepy village of Kenwood, home to many famous
wineries and perhaps the most picturesque section of Sonoma Valley. Our last tasting for the day will
be at a combination tasting room complex for THE FAMILY WINERIES OF SONOMA.
Here we will be greeted by the owner of TANTALUS VINEYARDS, Jim Harwood who
will guide us through this “boutique” winery´s range of exciting wines on the terrace. Best known for
their Bordeaux blend, Meritage Red, we will also taste separate bottlings (and barrel samples) of the
component wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Feel free to make your own
“Meritage Red”! Also in the works are some unique “small batch” releases of carefully sourced
vineyard designated wines such as Tempranillo and Zinfandel. Sample other wines to taste (and
delectables to eat) plus gift items from the FAMILY WINERIES.
While in Kenwood we could choose to enjoy an authentic Mexican dinner under the vine arbor at the
GRAPEVINE restaurant. Not only is their food fantastic, we may choose to partake in a round of
Margaritas to really get in the mood!
DINNER GRAPEVINE RESTAURANT or at leisure in Sonoma
DAY SIX :
Introduction to Napa Valley (Carneros District) www.carneroswineries.org
This day we “cross over” and begin our explorations of the more famous Napa Valley to the East.
After our traditional light breakfast by the pool, we make a quick visit to THE SONOMA CHEESE
FACTORY where we can sample their Sonoma Jack and other cheeses. They will prepare a box lunch
for us consisting of classic American sandwiches, coleslaw salad, drink and chocolate chip cookies “for
the road”.
A short drive through the rolling vine-clad hills of Sonoma Valley leads us to the famous wine growing
district of Carneros, which means “ram” in Spanish – referring to the original use of this scenic
Benziger
Arrowood
Buena VistaRavenswood
Tantalus
SONOMA COUNTY MAP

7. landscape as sheep ranching country. Here the fog lingers well into the day, providing the ideal climate
to slowly ripen the classic varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, among others. We will enjoy several
visits to this highly regarded region which encompasses the southern stretches of both the Napa and
Sonoma Valleys as they lilt towards the San Francisco Bay.
Our first tour takes us to the home of world famous Cognac producer Remy Martin – a California
version of the art and science of distillation.
REMY MARTIN (RMS) DISTILLERY at 09:30 www.rmsdistillery.com
Here we will have a guided tour and sensory tasting of their base spirits and eau-de-vie brandies which
have captured similar acclaim as their French counterparts. Aside from seeing the impressive barrel
cellars and distillation facilities, of particular interest is the multi-media and model presentation
designed by the famous image creators from Industrial Sound and Light – more famous for their film
wonders in such movies as Star Wars.
SAINTSBURY WINERY at 11:30 www.saintsbury.com
Our next visit is to one of the truly stellar Burgundy-inspired wineries of California whose Chardonnays
and Pinot Noirs have won them cult status. A short tour and tasting in the garden will reveal just how
close this famous winery has come to capturing the “Holy Grail” of replicating Burgundy in Carneros –
which gave rise to the company slogan “Beaune in the U.S.A.” !
By this time our lunch is a priority, and we will take a short swing through the vineyards to stop among
the vines to enjoy our picnic in a unique setting.
LUNCH picnic at WINERY LAKE ART CENTER www.dirosapreserve.org
Here, pioneer wine grower Rene di Rosa sculpted a fascinating estate where he combined his passion for
grapes and art. Many of California´s most prestigious wineries have sourced their grapes from this
renowned vineyard which is today owned by Canadian-based wine and spirits giant Seagrams

8. Corporation. However the home and grounds have been converted to a most impressive art gallery
featuring the works of international and local artists.
Perched above this spectacular property a marvel of architecture rises from the vineyards. Looking
much like an embedded space ship, the home of Spanish wine producer Codorniu commands a ridgetop
overlooking the vineyards of Carneros and the San Francisco Bay.
CODORNIU ARTESSA WINERY at 3:30 www.artessawinery.com
Originally this estate was designed to make wines in the image of the parent company´s Cava sparkling
products, but more recently they have decided to concentrate upon handcrafted small-scale wines which
have garnered much praise. The winery itself is a subterranean masterwork festooned with artistic and
architectural wonders which often detract from the magnificence of their wines.
DINNER (Foothill Cafe in Napa City) $ or enjoy a catered buffet with local wines
on the veranda at our hotel.
DAY SEVEN :
This day begins our
journey into the more famous wine district of the Napa Valley. As opposed to the more rolling hills and
ridges of Sonoma County to the West, Napa is a more open landscape cascading from the narrow
inclines of Howell Mountain and Mount St. Helena in the North to the wide stretches of vineyards
which cover the valley floor along the Napa River.
Napa Valley HEARTLAND (Oakville / Rutherford)
www.napagrowers.com
We retrace our steps through the Carneros district and enter the broad panorama of the Napa Valley. As
we approach mid section above the sleepy village of Yountville, we encounter the heart of Cabernet
country. The flanks of Mount Veeder (on the Mayacamus Mountain range) that separates Napa from
Sonoma Valley have proven to be the ideal location for the growing and proper ripening of the Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes. This region, sometimes called the Rutherford Bench, provides the perfect soil,
weather and sun exposures which have brought Napa Valley Cabernets such a stellar reputation.
Artessa
Carneros Creek
DiRosa Preserve
RMS Distillery
Saintsbury
CARNEROS MAP

9. No other California producer has promoted Napa more effectively than its avowed ambassador, Robert
Mondavi, whose eponymous winery has accomplished. He recognized the potential for Napa and its
sub-regions starting in the 1960´s and today is without question the standard bearer for quality and
prestige in the Napa Valley, and indeed in the whole Golden State..
ROBERT MONDAVI at 10:00 with LUNCH www.robertmondavi.com
A Mondavi Wine Educator will greet us and lead an exclusive tour of the winery followed by a
sampling of their fine wines and a simple gourmet lunch. If time and space allows, we may even get a
short tour of his property OPUS ONE, which is a joint venture with Chateau Mouton Rothschild from
Bordeaux. A third winery named LA FAMIGLIA DI MONDAVI, lies perched above the valley floor
with commanding views of the surrounding vines. Here, small production wines are made in the Italian
model as a tribute to the family heritage. An optional picnic is possible here along with a friendly game
of “bocce ball” in the olive grove.
Opus One Mondavi La Famiglia
HESS COLLECTION WINERY at 4:30 www.hesscollection.com
A meandering drive through the redwood forests up Mount Veeder takes us to the magnificent estate of
Swiss millionaire Donald Hess. This is the former site of the Christian Brothers Winery renovated as a
modern winery and art gallery. Three floors of enthralling artwork followed by a short winetasting
showcases the magical confluence of wine and art in this unforgettable setting.
Perhaps best known for their Estate mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon, this innovative winery also
produces exceptional wines from Napa and California appellations worthy of sampling.
Returning down the slopes to the city of Napa, we can take some time shopping in the Factory Outlet
Stores and/or partake in the Thursday night Street Fair downtown.

10. NAPA VALLEY MAP DINNER at leisure in Napa or Sonoma
DAY EIGHT :
Napa Valley MIDDLE, Cabernet Country (St Helena)
www.napavintners.com
A relatively early start initiates a busy day of wine experiences in the Napa Valley. On the way back
into Napa Valley, we will stop at the pioneering estate of Pinot Noir guru Francis Mahoney.
CARNEROS CREEK WINERY at 09:15 www.carneroscreekwines.com
Clos Pegase
Hess Collection
Robert Mondavi
Storybook Mtn
Diamond Creek

11. Beyond question the recognized patriarch of Pinot, this trailblazing winery began planting this elusive
grape in the 1960´s and today sets the benchmark for California (Carneros) Pinot Noir. Mahoney´s
experiments with this grape in this region have resulted in a series of wines which express all the
subtlety and finesse possible outside of – if not indeed including - Burgundy. If time allows, we can take
a tour of their new facility and sections of the original experimental Pinot Noir vineyard which is
planted to many different “clones” of this grape.
A brief backroad drive through the pastoral setting of Carneros take us back again to the city of Napa
where an unforgettable adventure of gastronomy awaits us on…
THE NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN vintners LUNCH www.winetrain.com
This famous attraction combines the elegance of luxury train travel á la Orient Express with the
culinary prowess of California cooking while we glide through the spectacular vineyards up to St.
Helena. Onboard we will participate in their highly successful Friday vintner’s lunch where a
representative of a local winery leads us through an exclusive food and wine combination. On the
return leg, we can visit their Wine Tasting Car, the Zinfandel, and your guide will take over the bar to
direct an open tasting of a wide selection of exciting Napa wines.
MONTICELLO VINEYARDS / DOMAIN MONTREAUX www.wines.com/monticel.html
An optional final stop for the day’s adventure awaits us a short drive up the Napa River to an expansive
estate winery. This impressive facility is dedicated to America’s first vintner, Thomas Jefferson who
first tried to make wine at his Monticello Estate in Virginia in the late 1700´s. From humble beginnings,
this family winery has expanded to include a small-scale sparkling wine facility, Domanine Montreaux.
After a long day of gastronomic delights, we may wish to top off our Napa excursion with their
acclaimed “method champenoise” sparkling wine made in complete accordance with the French
Champagne model.
As this day marks the culmination of our first week in wine country, plans for DINNER call for
something special. Among several options, we may choose one of the following:
• Picnic Bar-B-Que, featuring authentic Southern pork, Sonoma lamb and local sausages
in the vineyards at GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU WINERY. This “old timer” Sonoma
Winery was established in 1873 at their Rheinfarm Estate and still makes gutsy wines of distinction.
Should the dates coincide, they also sponsor a Shakespeare Play Festival.
• “Rock ´n Roll” Dinner at the B.R. COHN WINERY. Legendary Rock producer
Bruce Cohn now owns this estate, originally called Olive Hill Ranch. Mediterranean foods will
highlight the delicious olive oils made from the estate in addition to their famous Cabernet &
Chardonnay.
Ride the Rails Dine in style

12. • Should we be in Sonoma in late September an absolute MUST experience is to attend The Sonoma
Valley Vintage Festival with over 100 years of tradition. In and around the central plaza of
Sonoma (and the entire valley´s wineries) are exciting contests, food and wine tastings and Grape
Harvest competitions, no name just a few. On Saturday night is the Patron´s Tasting.
• In early October, the Sonoma County Fair and Harvest Festival showcases the “Bounty of the
County” through a celebration of Sonoma County´s agricultural diversity. The Wine pavilions are
a naturally popular attraction, but there is much else to see such as Grape Stomp competitions,
livestock exhibitions and an exciting carnival atmosphere.
• There are countless other year round attractions in the Wine Country too numerous to list, but
include Wine and Food pairings, Wine Auctions, Barrel Tastings, Bike Tours, Balloon Rides,
Airplane Gliding, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Canoeing and Adventure Tours.
HOTEL :Sonoma Valley Inn, Sonoma – Final Night
OPTIONAL FREE WEEKEND
DAY NINE :
Everyone to check out from Sonoma Valley Inn
For those wishing to:
 Be closer to S.F. check into SKYLARK MOTEL in Ignacio.

13.  Begin touring the Napa Valley, check in to available hotel
 Travel on your own to Carmel/Monterey, Mendocino, Lake Tahoe
DAY TEN :
OPEN DAY
DAY ELEVEN :
Return to Napa Valley
Entire group assemble at:
www.goldenhaven.com
Reunion wine tasting, everybody bring a bottle from their travels.!
DAY TWELVE :
Napa Valley NORTH, (Calistoga) www.calistogafun.com
After a short walk into the charming Western-style village of Calistoga and a quick breakfast at a local
café, we begin our explorations of the narrow Northern section of the Napa Valley. Here, the rising
mountain ranges of the Mayacamus to the West and Howell Mountains of the East converge at the
imposing shadow of Mount St. Helena. This makes this region the hottest in Napa as the fog intrusion
up valley from the San Francisco Bay is minimal and the airflow is restricted.
Gliding over CalistogaCalistoga mud baths
Mendocino
DisneylandCarmel Yosemite

14. Calistoga has a fascinating history and geothermal hot springs, which even today provide the foundation
to a thriving spa industry. A popular attraction is to soak in the mineral rich volcanic ash and stimulate
the senses for further gastronomic adventures. Shopping here is a must and there are plenty of
restaurants to enjoy the local color and cuisine.
CLOS PEGASE WINERY at 11:00, tour and see multimedia wine show
Our first stop takes us to the impressive Egyptian styled architecture complex of publishing millionaire
Jan Schrem. Extensive vineyard holdings from the warm climate around Calistoga to the cool breezy
flanks of the bay in Carneros give this producer a broad palette of grapes from which to blend their
wines.
We will be greeted in the vaulted courtyard and escorted through their extensive cave complex. A
possibility is to view their Multimedia wine and art show which creatively traces the historical and
cultural impact of winemaking. Mr. Schrem is a art collector and his passion is reflected in hundreds of
objects spread both inside and out in the landscaped gardens. www.clospegase.com
LUNCH picnic under the oak tree & gardens at Clos Pegase
We will enjoy a sampling of their broad range of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,
Cabernet Sauvignon and a superb Petit Sirah Port from their ancient vines behind the winery.
The next visit on our Calistoga journey will be to the avowed temple of Cabernet Sauvignon on
Diamond Mountain on the Western slopes of the Napa Valley. Here, the volcanic soil and Eastern
exposures combine to perfectly ripen Cabernet Sauvignon into wines of world class distinction.
DIAMOND CREEK VDS at 3.45 www.diamond-creek.com
This unique vineyard Estate is the pride and joy of owner Al Brounstein and his family who have
painstakingly carved out a quilt of vineyards from this legendary rugged site. While carefully farming
their different sections of this vineyard, they were able to define specific taste characteristics from each
tiny plot of vines. Flavor profiles for each section are distinct – the determining factors involve sun
exposures, soil textures, farming techniques and clonal selection of the vines themselves. The result
became a separate vineyard designation (bottling) for each of the various small patches of vines:
“Volcanic Hill”, “Gravelly Meadow” and “Red Rock Terrace”. In exceptional years, a limited amount
of a limited wine is released at an astronomical price called simply “Lake”.
We will take a vineyard tour and have a tasting of their fabulous Cabernets on the veranda above the
lake. The possibility exists to take a dip in the family swimming pool as well should we wish to.
With Cabernet smiles (and blue teeth) we return to Calistoga. The evening is at leisure to relax, discover
Calistoga or rest up for the next days activities.

15. DINNER All Seasons Cafe $ or Pacifico Mexican
Cantina
CALISTOGA STREET MAP
DAY THIRTEEN :
Today we depart the Napa Valley and our excursion takes us back to the rolling landscapes of Sonoma County.
www.gosonoma.com
After a short walk in Calistoga where a gourmet sandwich picnic will be purchased from the Pallisades
Market, we wend our way up over the Napa Valley.
STORYBOOK MTN VDS at 10:30 www.storybookwines.com
Tucked in a canyon in the Mayacamus Mountains, we will visit the home Estate of Dr. Jerry Seps and
his wife Ingrid. Complete with caves dug by Chinese laborers, this pre-prohibition property is home to
one of California´s cult Zinfandel producers.
Here we will sample the various bottlings of their Estate vineyard Zinfandels. Each wine comes from
old head-pruned vines which provide complex and intense mountain-grown flavors.
Golden Haven Spa & Resort
Superb Mexican CantinaCalistoga AtmosphereOld Faithful Geyser

16. NORTHERN SONOMA MAP
Dry Creek Valley ( Sonoma County) www.wdcv.com
The drive over to Sonoma County takes us once again through shady redwood groves before we are
surrounded by vines again as we approach the Santa Rosa and Russian River winegrowing districts.
A bit further Northward the wide expanse of vineyards in the Alexander Valley and Russain River
landscapes stretch before us. A short diversion into the narrow Dry Creek Valley to the West takes us
past many well-known wineries. At the head of this idyllic valley is the fabulous winery, visitors center
and gardens of Casino owners Bob and Rhonda Carano. www.ferrari-carano.com
LUNCH picnic in garden FERRARI-CARANO WINERY at 2:00
Dedicated to the magical combination of food and wine, this luxurious Estate produces a wide range of
exceptional wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Additional specialties with
Merlot, Sangiovese and a superb Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc round out an impressive portfolio. The
possibility exists to participate in a food and wine cooking demonstration, perhaps led by Rhonda
Carano herself – otherwise we can buy some wines and picnic in the lovely grounds of their sumptuous
Villa Fiore visitors center.
Ferrari- Carano
Gallo Sonoma
Garden Glory Villa Fiore Sangiovese Blend

17. Fully satiated by a day full of splendor, we drive down valley to check into our hotel. After a refreshing
dip in the pool, we can enjoy a winetasting on the veranda.
The City of Healdsburg is a small town jewel built around a central plaza with great shopping. We will
take a drive into town and walk around the town square. Here are many fine restaurants to sit and
watch the stream of (other) tourists. www.healdsburg.org
DINNER Bistro Ralph(?) $$½, or Zin $$, or Bear Brewpub $
HOTEL: Dry Creek Inn in Healdsburg www.drycreekinn.com

18. DAY FOURTEEN :
Russian River Valley - Sebastapol www.russianriver.com www.sebastapol.org
This final full day in California Wine Country is a magnificent close to our adventures with many
scenic vistas and a V.I.P. visit to the world´s largest wine producer, Ernest and Julio Gallo´s Sonoma
Estate in Dry Creek Valley called the Frei Ranch. This unbelievable visit showcases the dedication of
the Gallo family to producing the absolute finest possible wines – despite their incredible size!
E & J GALLO Frei Ranch at 10:00 w/ LUNCH www.galloofsonoma.com
We will be greeted by one of Gallo´s fine wine educators and led by bus through the 600 acre Frei
Ranch property. We will come to learn many interesting details of grape growing and the fine points of
winemaking in their gigantic underground facility. Returning to their visitor’s center, we will have a
technical sensory tasting of a selection of Gallo Sonoma wines, including the Estate Chardonnay and
Cabernet Sauvignon which have amply proven that this behemoth CAN make wines of astounding (and
outstanding) quality. This is followed by a gourmet lunch paired with even more wines – including a
number of new releases from this empire of wine. We leave Gallo awestruck and fully impressed with
their prowess.
Madrona Manor Healdsburg Vineyard
Russian River CanoeingFine Wine Country Beer
Stefani Vineyard Dry CreekNew Russian River VineyardBarelli Creek Alexander Valley

19. Apples in Sebastapol, Russian River and Redwood Forests
Sonoma Coast Beaches
www.visitsonomacoast.com
An optional scenic adventure is planned to take a spectacular drive down the entire length of the
Russian River to the Sonoma Coast beaches. An option would be to stop for a picnic and walk among
the towering redwood forest at Armstrong State Park. We could make a short stop and sample the
famous apple juices and fruit products made around the original Russian outpost of Sebastapol.
Practically the entire coastline of Sonoma County is a national park or wildlife
preserve, and we will make a brief stop to walk the beach and dip our toes into
the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean. This rugged landscape is indescribably
beautiful, but we shall push on inland again. A needed stop for coffee is
afforded just up the road at the Cape Fear Cafe..
DINNER – a buffet and grand wine tasting at
hotel
Each tour member encouraged to provide a “mystery bottle”
BODEGA BAY – SONOMA COAST MAP
Russian Fort RossWhale Watching Glider´s Paradise Rugged Coastline
Russian River Idyll
Apple Fancy Majestic Redwood Groves

20. DAY FIFTEEN :
San Francisco RETURN
We pack up all of our belongings and leave the hotel after a simple breakfast.
A final swansong visit is scheduled at a family winery within walking distance.
SEGHESIO WINERY and VINEYARDS at 10:00 www.seghesio.com
This Italian immigrant family settled in the Alexander Valley over a century ago and their great great
grandfather was the cellarmaster at the once famous (now nearly forgotten) Italian Swiss Colony
Winery. On the side, he wisely purchased a number of vineyards which his progeny have increased to
now include 5 separate parcels throughout Northern Sonoma County and the Russian River Area.
Originally, this family made wines in bulk under their own label or sold off the juice to other producers,
but the quality of their fruit made it imperative that they upgrade to one of California´s stellar boutique
wineries.
In addition to several old-vine Zinfandels and other fine wines, they control the oldest and largest
Sangiovese plantings in the state. True to their Italian origins, they make several blends using this
grape and are the only commercial producer of a white wine from the Arnies grape, native to Piedmonte.
Pinot Grigio is also a specialty.
With heavy hearts (and stomachs) we leave the Wine Country for San Francisco.
San Francisco
If time allows, we can make a stop along the waterfront in San Francisco for a light lunch at a bayside
bistro. There may be time for some final shopping at nearby tourist attractions and shopping district.
Return the rental vans at the airport
HOTEL Grosvenor in South S.F. (near airport)
DINNER : Bacchanalia Restaurant in South San Francisco $$$
Here we will enjoy a fabulous final wine dinner at this acclaimed wine lover’s restaurant. They have a
superb wine cellar, the food is delicious and we will be seated separately in their Wine Room.
DAY SIXTEEN :

21. DEPART San Francisco
Likely early morning departure, most international outbound flights
depart around 08:00 !
Bon Voyage !!!