Top Wineries in the Alexander Valley - Upper Road
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The Alexander Valley is a beautiful stretch of wine country in the Russian
River wine region of Sonoma County. It is the ideal growing area for almost
all of the classic wine varietals plus the lesser-known varietals of Syrah
and Sangiovese. This upper Alexander Valley route presents you with an interesting
array of wineries to visit. Each winery will provide the traveler with the
taste and charm of the Alexander Valley wine appellation.
This
landmark Chateau is now owned by movie director Francis Ford Coppola
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Winery Descriptions, Driving directions, Tasting Room Hours
Simi Winery
Simi Winery is on the left side of the road as you travel north
on Healdsburg Ave. Simi is one of the oldest wineries in California,
founded by two brothers, Giuseppe and Pietro Simi. The winery began
operation in 1881. Guiseppe’s daughter Isabelle ran the winery
from prohibtion time until she sold the winery in 1970 at the age
of 84. She was a fixture in the old tasting room. The tasting room
was then a large wooden wine barrel resting on its side. This is
one of the few wineries in the area that offers daily tours. The
tour leads you into the historic winery and gives a very informative
look at winemaking. Simi owns prime acreage in the Alexander Valley
and the Russian River Valley and is able to produce a very nice
array of wines. There is a $5 fee for tasting wines which can be
applied towards a purchase. The tour fee is $3.00
Tasting room open daily 10 am to 5:00 pm. ,(800) 746-4880,
e-mail: info@simiwinery.com, Simi
Winery
Trentadue
Winery
Backtrack to Dry Creek Rd and take the freeway north. Exit
at Independence
Lane turn right and then a left on Geyserville Avenue to
Trentadue Winery. This unique and small winery is owned and operated
by Leo and Evelyn Trentadue. They purchased the land in 1959.
They produce a variety of red wines but two are unique and definitely
worth a try: Trentadue produces a Sangiovese, which is the main
grape grown in the Chianti region of Italy. The Sangiovese grape
does very well in this region and several wineries are taking
the lead from Trentadue and planting Sangiovese vineyards. Trentadue
bottled the first Sangiovese back in 1984. The second wine is Carignane,
a grape which is often used as a filler. Rarely do you find Carignane
bottled as a wine. A new tasting room was opened in early 2003
and is a very comfortable and attractive.
Tasting room open daily 11 to 4:30 pm
(888) 332-3032, E-mail: customerservice@trentadue.com, Trentadue
Rosso & Bianco
Cross under Highway 101 on Independence Lane to the entrance of
the Coppola winery. As of March 1, 2006, Chateau Souverain has
moved to a new location in the Alexander Valley. The new owner
of this facility is Francis Ford Coppola. The name of the winery is now Rosso & Bianco This is an abolutely beautiful
setting with breathtaking views of the Alexander Valley. During
the warm months, the restaurant seating is outside affording diners
this wonderful view. For $5, visitors can taste wines from a daily
tasting list. Francis Ford Coppola also owns the Rubicon Estate
Winery in Napa.
Tasting
room open daily 11 to 4:30 pm, Rosso & Bianco
Meeker
Vineyards Tasting Room
Get back on the freeway. Take the Geyserville Avenue turnoff. The
Meeker
Vineyard is located in the town of Geyersville. Look for the Meeker
sign posted on the left side of the street at the stop sign as you
head north. The tasting room is located in an old Bank on the main
street of this tiny Russian River town. The bank still has the old
teller windows and a counter that acts as the tasting area. The tasting
area is small and can accommodate about six people comfortably. Meeker
is one of this regions best kept secrets. The winery sells most of
its wine through its avid 2000 member wine club or through the tasting
room. They make small lots of several different varietals, all interesting
and quite good. Meeker does not own a single vineyard, but buys it’s
grapes from selected vineyards throughout the region. Don’t
pass up Meeker, it is fun, unusual, and best of the all, the wines
are really good.
Tasting room open daily 10:30 to 5 pm
707) 431-2148, E-mail: charlie@meekerwine.com, Meeker
Vineyards
Geyser
Peak Vineyards
From
the Meeker tasting room, continue along Geyserville Ave. until Canyon Road. Go
under the freeway and turn right onto Chianti Road and up this road to the Geyser
Peak Vineyards. Geyser Peak was established in 1880 and is now owned and operated
by Peak Wines International, a division of Jim Beam Brands. The winery has received
several accolades for its wines. They make several varietals and four different
lables of wines. The Sonoma label is a good value and commonly found in many
wine stores and markets. The very special
labels can be enjoyed in the area
of the winery set aside as the Reserve Tasting Room. Geyser Peak also produces
wines under the Canyon Road
label.
Tasting
room open daily 10 to 5 pm
(707) 857-9400., E-mail: info@jbbwines.com, Geyser Peak
Rezonja
Wine Cellars
This is a great option for the adventurist
and spirited. This a very unique winery making some delicious wines.
This winery is open by appointment only. If you are interested
in visiting call ahead to the onwer and winemaker Steve Rezonja
to plan your excursion and get detailed driving directions. The
winery is located in the northernmost section of the Alexander
Valley AVA at an elevation of 2000 feet. It's quite a trek but
it is well worth the effort. You will be treated to some spectacular
views of the Russian River and the Alexander Valley plus taste
some fabulous red wines. Steve makes his wines from the vineyards
located here on Sky Pine Vineyards. At this altitude and mountain
terrain, the grapes are
severely
stressed resulting in fruit that
is instense and complex.
Winery open by appointment only.
(707) 431-1449, steve@rezonjawinecellars.com, Rezonja
The Alexander Valley Wine Tour - Lower Road
Where To Stay in the Russian River Wine Region
Where to Dine in the Russian River Wine Region
Best Picnic Spots in the Russian River Wine Region
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