Sonoma Valley is a major wine-producing region north of San Francisco. Hundreds of vineyards, ranging from small, family-run estates to international wineries, are set amid its rolling hills and valleys. We had been to Napa Valley back in 2014, so after our visit to Willamette Valley, we flew to California to check out this wine region which is more expansive, spread out, and laid-back than Napa.
First was the 2018 Chardonnay, Flora Marie Vineyard that was paired with Chilled Shrimp with Avocado Aioli, Chioggia Beets, Summer Melon, with a Madras Curry Lime Vinaigrette and topped with Sorrel. The second course was the 2018 Chardonnay from Hyde Vineyard that had more notes of vanilla and was paired with a light Salad of Pickled Nectarines, Heirloom Carrots, Arugula, Almonds with a Vanilla Nectarine Vinaigrette and Pecorino.
Third, we transitioned to red wine with the 2018 Pinot Noir, Roberts Road. This wine was paired with Ahi Tuna Tatake served with Confit Cherry Tomatoes, Charred Radicchio, Forbidden Rice, Pickled Pearl Onions & Garlic, and Chimichurri. This dish was full of flavor and my favorite pairing.
The fourth course featured the 2018 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard paired with Gochujang Marinated Bavette (Daikon substitution for me), Babaganoush, Cherry Mustard Jus, Tempura Pea Tendrils, and Cocoa Salt. The umaminess of the pinot noir was heightened in this pairing.
Lastly, we sipped the 2017 Red Blend, Cellar Note paired with a little dessert of Chile Spiced Budino, Chamoy, Rose Water & Pistachio Meringues.
After that great lunch, we continued north to Cline Cellars for an outdoor tasting on the expansive, historic grounds lush with 5 spring-fed ponds, willow trees, over 5000 rosebushes, and sustainably farmed vines. For $15 per person, we tried their award-winning wines with the Flagship Flight. Though I didn't care for the wines that much, the grounds were very charming.
We headed to our hotel to check-in a freshen up before dinner at The Girl & The Fig.
Day Two started out with a wonderful wine cave and vineyard tour at Gundlach Bundschu known as the oldest family-owned winery in California. At $65 per person, I really enjoyed learning about their sustainable farming practices, the winemaking process, and the Bundschu family history. We got to taste five estate wines including the 2020 Estate Dry Gewürztraminer and 2018 Estate Zinfandel. We were guided by Cat, one of their wine educators, who was super informative and personable. I especially geeked out when she let us use this little gadget to measure the sugar content of the grapes, as they were in veraison - where the grapes change color as the sugar content raises, signaling time to harvest soon. This was probably my favorite winery and I ended up ordering 6 bottles of wine for home.
Next, we headed to Domaine Carneros - a singular winery best known as a small grower-producer of méthode traditionelle sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, estate vineyards, and a breathtakingly beautiful château. Founded by the noble family behind Champagne Taittinger, we enjoyed a light lunch on the terrace for $90 per person called The Art of Sparkling Wine Pairing: Bubbles & Bites, The Flavors of Mexico.
Dungeness Crab Esquites made with sweet corn and Chile de Arbol Crema was paired with the 2016 Ultra Brut. A lovely Scallop & Ceviche Crudo with Avocado Mousse and Spicy Mango Salsa was paired with the 2016 Estate Brut Cuvée. A Yucatan Style Chicken Pibil Tostada was paired with my favorite - the 2017 Brut Rosé. Lastly, both the Lamb in Mole Negro (tofu substitute for me) and the Corn Husk Meringue with Sweet and Salty Mousse were paired with the slightly sweet 2016 Vermeil Demi-Sec to show how this wine can pair with both savory dishes and desserts.
The grounds were lovely and we felt quite bougie here. This spot is great for celebratory events and if we visit again, I would splurge for the caviar pairing. Oui Oui!
Lastly, we stopped at Buena Vista Winery. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery, and its history is as colorful as it is proud. Just outside the town of Sonoma, the original winery is now a California Historic Landmark. We did a tasting for $25 per person and really liked the 2019 Reserve Zinfandel, 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2019 Sheriff of Buena Vista.
Tonight's dinner was at the Santé at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. We stayed at this hotel and recuperated the next day by lounging at the mineral pools before heading out for one last dinner at La Salette.
