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Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- Far Niente

4/24/2016

The Winery: Far Niente
Unique Point: Past meets Present
Signature Wine/Varietal: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon

Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Far Niente produces critically acclaimed, estate bottled Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are renowned for their consistent house style and ability to evolve with extended age. Founded by John Benson in 1885, Far Niente prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when the winery ceased operation and the buildings and estate were abandoned. Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil and Beth Nickel purchased the old stone shell of a winery and spent three years restoring the building to its original, 19th century grandeur.

Far Niente

During restoration the name, "Far Niente," which romantically translated means "without a care," was found carved in stone on the front of the building. In 1998, Far Niente was reunited with its past when a bottle of 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, intact with its original cork, capsule and label, was found in a wine cellar in Marin County, California.

Guests Socialize In The Caves Of Far Niente

Guided tours and tastings are offered several times each day, by appointment. Tours begin with a walk through the historic, tri-level winery, which is built into the surrounding hillside. Guests are then led through a portion of the 40,000 square-foot Far Niente wine aging caves, which were the first modern wine caves built in North America when excavation began in 1980. The tour ends in the Carriage House, home to an incredible collection of classic automobiles.

A Far Niente Holiday Reception

Tastings follow each tour and feature the current releases of Far Niente estate wines, including a Napa Valley Chardonnay and Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as carefully aged Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Far Niente Cave Collection. A seasonal cheese pairing is also featured. Each tasting ends with a taste of Dolce, the sumptuous, late harvest wine produced by Far Niente’s sister winery, also called Dolce.

1350 Acacia Drive
Oakville CA 94562
707-944-2861
farniente.com

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Tastings/Appointments: (707) 944-2861

Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- ZD Wines

4/17/2016

The Winery: ZD Wines
Unique Point: Eco-centric, organic certified
Signature Wine/Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

Producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines is located in Rutherford on the beautiful Silverado Trail. Founded in 1969, ZD Wines is owned and operated by three qenerations of the deLeuze Family. ZD's mantra of "(Z)ero (D)efects" is based on founder Norman deLeuze's history in Aerospace. It sets the tone for the winery's focus on quality, consistency and style. The ZD style is to craft rich, flavorful wines that reflect the varietal character of the grape.

ZD also has a strong internal emphasis on ecology. ZD's Estate Vineyards located in Rutherford and Carneros have been certified organic for more than 15 years. The use of an implemented waste reduction program and a water recycling system are in place, and the entire winery is powered by solar, truly reflecting ZD's commitment to the health of the environment surrounding us.

The winery welcomes visitors 7 days a week for public tastings. In addition, special tour experiences are available by appointment including our Cellar Tour & Tasting, Eco Vineyard Tour, Unwined Tasting, Library Selection Tasting and Private Group Tastings. The ZD website provides more detailed information about each of these options at www.zdwines.com or call 800-487-7757.

Brewery Tours

4/10/2016

In a region known for internationally acclaimed wines, craft beers may not be the first beverage that comes to mind. But they should be, especially in Sonoma County. Take Petaluma, a sleepy farm town, recently reawakened by brew masters at Lagunitas Brewing Company. The company has gained a huge following (and multi-state distribution) in just a few years. You can taste why at the company’s in-town taproom where favorite brews include a classic IPA, plus Little Sumpin Sumpin and Hop Stoopid ales.

Lagunitas Brewing Company

Further down the road is Russian River Brewing, serving 20 beers, including legendary Pliny the Elder double IPA, in its Santa Rosa taproom. You can expect a crowd; this brew has gained cult-like status. Guerneville’s Stumptown Brewery, identified by the big white fermentation tank out front, pours three of its own brews as well as guest beers, ales, and stouts from other parts of the state.

Russian River Brewing Company

Carneros Brewing Company

Conveniently, most breweries do not require tasting appointments, so you’re welcome to stop in and grab a pint at your leisure. When you book through A&W Transport, we’ll be glad to create a tentative schedule that includes wineries, breweries or a combination of both.

Best Off-The-Beaten Path Tasting Rooms: Beaulieu Vineyards

4/3/2016

Beaulieu Vineyards, located in Rutherford, is one of the oldest wine producers in the Valley. BV tastings take place in the Maestro tasting room, and cost just $20 for up to 5 pours of Cabernets (their signature varietal) found only at the winery.

However, BV’s private historical tours offer a far richer experience. For just $35 per person, you will begin with a tour of the original winery building that dates back to the late 1800’s, followed by barrel tastings of Reserve Cab.

The intimate experience concludes with a tour of the Heritage
room that chronicles the history of wine-making from 1885, including the winery’s naissance, prohibition, and the development of the Valley’s first “cult cab.”

It’s an altogether unique experience that will encourage you to appreciate the history of the grape and the glass in your hand.

Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- Far Niente﻿

Best Off The Beaten Path Tasting Rooms- ZD Wines﻿

Brewery Tours

Best Off-The-Beaten Path Tasting Rooms: Beaulieu Vineyards

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