Saturday was our biggest day – we had arranged for a driver! Throughout the trip we each took a shift as designated driver, but we wanted one full day when we could all fully participate and plan our most exciting adventure.
We used Woody’s Wine Tours, and Dean was our driver. He was loads of fun and pulled strings to get us some pretty awesome private tastings. Highly recommended – ask for Dean if you go!!
We started the day with another filling breakfast to get us going. More eggs and toast plus nectarine.
Our first stop of the day was DaVero, an Italian-focused winery with roots in olive oil.
The grounds and gardens were gorgeous.
We had a private tasting with the owner Ridgely in a small shed on the property and got to know all of his reasons for making Italian wine in Sonoma. (Hint: it has to do with latitude!) “Grow what belongs here. Be patient.” Ridge says.
We then tasted the DaVero flight!
The Dolcetto was our favorite in the group.
These nibbles went with the flight – the dehydrated Asian pears were grown right on the DaVero farm!
Our next stop took us high up into the hills – to Montemaggiore, a small family winery specializing in Syrah and organic and biodynamic farming. In fact, we went right into the owner’s house!
It’s too bad we didn’t bring our suits : )
And check out the view!
Vince gave us a lovely personal tasting. Paolo’s Vineyard Syrah – named after his son – knocked our socks off! We bought a bottle to take home.
Driver Dean also arranged for us to have a picnic lunch during our tasting. (We paid for the lunch and tasting.) Vince served a lovely array of snacks and fresh figs and olives from his property.
This tasted 10x better than the Whole Foods fig I had the next day
For lunch we had a platter of sandwiches from Oakville Grocery along with a quinoa salad that I loved.
Again, we were so thankful for these two first personal tastings. We learned that hiring a driver is more than just hiring someone to transport you from one place to another. Thanks to Dean for such a special day!
That afternoon we headed to Rochioli (loved the rose and pinot!)
And then to Thomas George, which was my favorite winery of the trip. Those are some perfect Russian River wines!
Our last stop of the day was Moshin, which was good but not amazing. Then we headed home!
We decided not to make dinner reservations to keep our plans open, but we ended up walking a few blocks to Hop Monk and lucked out with a table outside in their courtyard.
We were nice and cozy as the sun set
I had slowed down on my sipping towards the end of our day, so I was ready for my finale – a juicy Syrah from Cline Cellars. Perfection!
For dinner we had mussels and sweet potato fries
And shared a bunch of sandwiches – portobello and catfish. {Here is where I say: wah wah I miss my camera!!!}
We headed home to rest up for our final day in wine country!
Stay tuned for a bonus Saturday post to finish the trip recap.
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
Love your pink hi-lo dress! Where is it from!? 🙂
KathEats says
Thanks it’s by Langford Market
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says
It’s so funny how you and your sister have really similar styles, as do both Matts! It’s like looking at a Doublemint commercial! Everyone is so good looking. 🙂
Stacy B says
Looks like an amazing trip! Also, I wanted to check in to see if the winner of the Gemarva giveaway has been announced?
KathEats says
Yes, I notified the winner yesterday and just updated the post. I wish it were you!
Jeri says
Did you ask or did they say how the earthquakes effected them?
KathEats says
Everything was fine over in Sonoma surprisingly
mary @ minutes per mile says
sorry about your camera! dehydrated asian pears – what a brilliant idea. might have to give those a try at home!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
oh my gosh, this whole trip looks amazing! And I love Dean the Driver – he sounds like he really made the day!
Julie Rosene says
What a trip! Love seeing these recaps! And excited for tomorrow’s post!
Marisa @ Uproot from Oregon says
I loooove the sandwiches from Oakville Grocery – glad you had such an amazing experience, including the driver! I love that idea and will definitely be doing that in the future when I plan a trip to Napa. Jealous of all your wine drinking.. I can’t wait to do some tastings on my vacation in Portugal next week!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Such an incredible trip!! The fig looks sensational…jammy!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I love the places you went to on your third day because I haven’t heard of any of them! It must have been so fun to have a driver. I’ll have to look into that sometime. I love Cline’s syrah! Good pick.
Alex @ True Femme says
Those pictures are gorgeous! I really want to take a trip out there. The food, wine, and scenery all look amazing!
Emily @ Life on Food says
We did a tour once too and thought the same thing – so much more than a driver. I wish I was there now too.
Ash Bear says
I am going to reference these posts when we head to California wine country some day! For now we are spending lots of time tasting in Germany, France and Italy! 🙂
KathEats says
And I’m taking notes from you!
Christy says
What is biodynamic farming? Love all the photos, I’m so jealous of this trip!
Emily says
Love you and your sister’s matching sandals? Where are they from? Looks like a great trip!:)
Amanda says
I noticed the matching sandals too! 🙂 Would love to know what brand?
Kavi says
Your vacation looks like so much fun! It’s great that you had the opportunity to travel with your sister and brother-in-law as well; I love family trips 🙂 I am currently in Seattle and we are doing a day trip to the Woodinville wineries today. Hope we have as much fun as you did!
Alissa says
Oakville Grocery is the best stop for a casual lunch in the valley!! Good call 🙂
Anna says
NOOOOO!!! I just got an email that you will not have a second quarterly box!!! WHY?? 🙁
KathEats says
I know I’m sad. It just wasn’t in the cards to be a long term thing.
Anna says
Such a bummer, I was so looking forward to the next box too.
Kori says
Oh no! I should’ve bought the first one. 🙁
Holly says
They sold out of your box! I don’t understand how they cant continue it.
Emily @ It Comes Naturally Blog says
The first time I ate a fig was straight off the tree in Italy at the end of summer. It’s ruined me for all figs ever since 🙂
Katie says
Kath, what a beautiful job you did documenting your trip to Wine Country! I felt totally transported as I read your posts. Even though I’ve never ventured to the other side of the country, I was inspired to plan a picnic and do some wine tasting here in VA.
KathEats says
Thanks Katie!