Sonoma?
[Last updated 4/07] The wine growing area of Sonoma is far larger than that of the Napa Valley. Sonoma can be subdivided into five distinct regions: Sonoma Valley (Cab/Merlot), Russian River Valley (Pinot Noir/Chardonnay), Dry Creek Valley (Zinfandel/Sauv. Blanc), Alexander Valley (Zinfandel) and Carneros (Pinot Noir/Chardonnay), and it’s a fair hike in between the five. Sonoma is not as touristy as Napa (especially outside of the town of Sonoma) but US 101, the main N/S artery, can get very crowded during rush hour around the city of Santa Rosa. The wineries of Sonoma Valley and Carneros are some of the most easily accessible from San Francisco for a day trip. Wineries: Cline (Carneros)- Good Zins and Rhone varities Domaine Carneros (Carneros)- In the Carneros region of S. Sonoma, good sparkling wine, Pinot Noir Chateau St Jean (Sonoma Valley) Some good Chards – very good visit Ravenswood (Sonoma) – “No wimpy wines”; great visit Gary Farrell (Russian River) – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
