Russian River Wine Region - September 2006

We took off on a Friday morning to visit wineries in the Russian River area of Sonoma County.  Wine country visitors to this County often do not realize the size of this area. At the southeastern portion of the county is the Sonoma Valley.  Most of the wineries in this region run along the valley floor on Highway 12.  In the northwestern portion of the county is the Russian River Wine Region. Both regions are distinctive and should be thought of us two large wine growing areas.  Driving time between the two regions can be as much as an hour and a half.  It is best to concentrate on a trip in just one of these regions. For us, this getaway takes us to the fabulous wine region of the Russian River and Healdsburg area.

Day One in Russian River Wine Country

Marimar Torres Estate Winery

On our visit, which was mid-week, we were only able to taste two wines, one Chardonnay, and one Pinot Noir.  We were disappointed but completely understand the reason for doing this. This hidden winery gets few visitors during the week, and opening several wines for two people is just not practical.  The picnic area on the patio of this elegant Catalan inspired estate is stunning. The views of the vineyards below are just spectacular.

The Good: Beautiful Catalan style setting in the backroads.
The Bad: Wines expensive, limited tasting of wines.

Martin Family Vineyards

From Marimar Torres we head back on Highway 116 to the north and then onto Guerneville Road to Highway 101. From there it is about 15 minutes to the Dry Creek Exit in Healdsburg. We had a 3:00 pm appointment at the Martin Family Winery in the Dry Creek Valley. There are many small and interesting wineries that are popping up in the Dry Creek Valley. One of these is the Martin Family Winery. The winery is open to visitors by appointment only, but future plans call for a winemaking facility and tasting room at this location. All the wines we tasted were quite good. The Zinfandels are full-bodied and flavorful.

The Good: Good selection of wines, vineyard designated wines.
The Bad: Open by appointment only. Some wines sell out early.

Thumbprint Cellars

We headed back on Dry Creek Road into the town of Healdsburg and the downtown plaza.  We headed for the tasting room of Thumbprint Cellars. This is definitely a boutique winery. They have no vineyards or a winemaking facility. They make their wines at Mauritson Winery on Dry Creek Road. The tasting room in Healdsburg is very fancy and definitely inviting.  The staff is friendly and very accommodating. We enjoy all their wines but loved their Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. We purchased a bottle for our dinner that evening at the Manzanita Restaurant. 

The Good: Excellent wines, especially the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
The Bad: Tasting fee, no winery or vineyards to look at.

Dinner at Manzanita Restaurant

Whether a casual dinner or something very elegant, you can find it at the Manzanita restaurant.  The atmosphere is very warm and homey. We had a delicious dinner at a very reasonable price. Janelle decided on a pizza from the wood-fired brick oven and Joe had a deliciously prepared and presented grilled salmon.  This restaurant is definitely underrated and one of Healdsburg’s best kept secrets.

The Good: Casual but elegant atmosphere, deliciously prepared food.
The Bad: Corkage fee of $15 for our local Pinot Noir.

Accommodations – The Travel Lodge.

It’s harvest time in the vineyards and all the good lodging establishments are booked solid.  Unfortunately, we waited to the last minute and the only place we could find close to the Healdsburg Plaza was the Travel Lodge on the corner of Dry Creek Road and Healdsburg Ave.  All we can say about this place is that we will never stay here again under any circumstances.

The Good: None
The Bad: Small room, terrible continental breakfast, $160 a night for what!

Day Two in the Russian River Wine Country