July 27-29th
Wednesday
Took a really early flight west; ran into quite the delay in Minneapolis. So I had some breakfast and made the best of it.
Eventually took off and made it to San Fran a few hours late; but it was ok – didn’t really have anything planned for today anyway.
As I headed across the Golden Gate Bridge, I of course needed to take photos while driving!
Got to my hotel in Sonoma. It was an odd Hilton property; but I got it for a good price and there was nothing wrong with it; just older and strange layouts of rooms. Here was my view
Sat out at the pool for a few hours. Was pretty overcast and slightly chilly – but nice to just chill out.
In the evening, I got “settled” and then walked over to dinner at the place on property.
Thursday
Today I am scheduled for a group trip to wine country! My friend Amanda suggested a tour group and so that is what I booked. It will have up to 8 people on the tour – which I think will be lots of fun!
Went for a walk around the grounds, then had breakfast.
Got ready and headed down to the lobby to meet the tour guide.
He showed up right on time and explained that I was getting a private trip because no one else had signed up for today.
My initial reaction was:
1. This is rather awkward
2. This sucks because I was looking forward to meeting other people and sharing my day with them
After I got over that, I decided it was going to be a great day and I didn’t have to go to any places that I didn’t want to.
My guide was excellent! He took me to a bunch of places and I was pretty sloshy before lunchtime!
Speaking of lunch, the tour included a picnic lunch – which was most delightful! Bruchetta, luscious breads, cheeses, meats, veggies – all served on china with table linens. Unlike any other picnic I have ever been on.
There are endless vineyards. It truly amazed me how many there are! And it worries me to know how many people are drunk driving on these windy roads!
I bought wine and or some sort of trinket at each of the wineries.
He took me back to the hotel in the mid-afternoon. I immediately headed to nap at the pool.
After I got too chilly, I went up to the room for another nap.
In the evening, I ventured down for dinner and then back to my room and went right to bed. A day full of wine tasting had completely worn me out!
If you are ever in the area and are looking for a tour, this is the way to go! It was a wonderful and most importantly, safe day.
www.valleywinetours.com
Friday
Today I am going to do some exploring. Several friends have suggested numerous places and vineyards for me to check out. I can’t possibly do them all, but I will do what I can.
I went for a nice walk around the hotel property and returned to my room to get ready and packed.
I started out at a DDD suggestion – Hank’s Creekside
They make a pretty good breakfast.
Then I ventured up to Healdsburg…
It’s a quaint little town with all sorts of unique boutiques and shops. I had a lovely time strolling thru most of them.
Next I made my way back down towards San Fran. I had a tour scheduled for the afternoon at Gundlach Bundschu – home of the most delightful GEWÜRZTRAMINER.
I was introduced to it by good friends Jonny & Amanda who happened upon this vineyard years ago on a trip to wine country.
I absolutely love the GEWÜRZTRAMINER, but it can only be purchased at the vineyard or online from the vineyard. I can get rather expensive! Plus it is only available at certain times.
The tour took us all over the vineyard.
And into these cave like areas where the wine is stored.
At the end of the tour, we sat at a large tasting table where we got to taste even more wines.
I didn’t really like anything we tasted on the tour as they were all Reds. But I had tried them anyway, just in case.
After the tour I purchased a few souvenirs along with several bottles of the good stuff.
I continued my travels south towards my work hotel – It was time to get back to reality!
After finding the hotel, which was less than desirable to say the least, I went to Houllihan’s for some takeout.
It’s been a wonderful couple of days – so glad I took the time to explore a little!
