Home from a sojourn to Sonoma

Just back from an extra long weekend in Sonoma county California wine country with Mrs. Geek. We both were in need of a break. We're not sure what decade we last went somewhere as a couple that didn't involve a family gathering. I picked the place as a birthday surprise for her after listening to a couple of wine-related podcasts: Cellar Rat and Grape Radio.

We had a great time in spite of unseasonable weather. What they call rain, we down on the Third Coast call mist. And we didn't really hit much of that. Just cool temps and an occasional sprinkle.

We stayed in a B&B in Cloverdale, kind of the northern edge of the Sonoma wine country. Did an early Thursday flight to San Francisco. After arrival and nabbing the rent car, we had lunch in the Fisherman's Wharf area, made a picture taking stop at the northern end of the Golden Gate, took a short side trip thru Muir Woods to gawk up at the tall trees, then on up 101 to Cloverdale.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were mostly devoted to finding small wineries and sampling their wares. We got a nice tour from Jerry at Michelle-Schlumberger on Friday and did the Korbel tour on Sunday. Saturday also included a loop thru the county out to the coast. We managed to hit a total of 11 wineries, I think. Shipped a half case home from one place and collected a bottle or two from most of the others. We lugged 10 bottles in two cardboard carriers onto the return flight on Monday.

I can't say I have a very educated palette for wines but I am beginning to be able to distinguish among varietals a bit. Even as a wine novice, this was a very fun and very relaxing time in spite of some extra pressures in our lives at the moment.