Benziger Family Winery

Here's a wonderful winery I've enjoyed for the past 15+ years. A must visit in the Sonoma Valley!

The Scoop:

Benziger is located just outside Glen Ellen (near Sonoma) and virtually adjoins Jack London State Park at the base of Sonoma Mountain. Benziger has the prestigious Biodynamic Winery certification -- a giant step beyond Organic. Click here for Biodynamic info.

Must See:

• Truly fascinating 45 minute tram tour of the winery and vineyards. Hands down most informative wine tour around! ($10)

• Beautiful, serene picnic areas. Bring a picnic basket, grab a bottle of wine from the winery and enjoy!

Insider Secrets:

• Buy your tram tickets in advance (day before if possible). It always sells out.

• When you're finished at Benziger, head up the road and visit Jack London park. Beautiful hiking trails and points of interest.

More Info: http://www.benziger.com/

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Ferrari-Carano Winery

I had to start somewhere and this beautiful location is a great place to begin.

The Scoop:

Ferrari-Carano is just north of Healdsburg on Dry Creek Road. This is 70 acre estate vineyard created in the style of an Italian villa.

Must See:

• Magnificent gardens, waterfalls, ponds and grounds. 5 acres of mind-blowing beauty. Bring your camera!

• Enoteca Reserve Tasting Bar. Stroll down a spiral staircase to enter this beautiful tasting "lounge" located in the cellar of Villa Fiore -- the main visitors center. Special reserve wines tasted here.

Insider Secrets:

• Weekdays are much more serene than certain weekends. Crowds from San Francisco show up, especially during summer months.

• Call the special toll-free "Tulip Hotline" for garden updates -(707) 433-5349.

• Make sure to taste both the Chardonnay and Fume Blanc!

More Info: http://www.ferrari-carano.com/

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Let's start at the beginning...

I've created this site as a way share some very special places with you.

As this site evolves, I hope it will serve you as an indepedent guide to many truly magnificent wineries. These wineries will all be unique treasures.

Certainly they all produce fine wine.

But, these magical locations will also offer so much more.

Perhaps it's awe-inspiring views or amazing architecture. Maybe stunning gardens, breathtaking landscapes or fine picnic spots.

You get the idea. It's the wine and so much more.

My posts usually won't be long-winded. Hopefully just long enough to inspire your own exploration.

Your comments are always encouraged and appreciated. Please feel free to suggest a favorite spot as well. On with the journey!

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