Planning a Wine Adventure

We wine lovers who live in the inner Bay Area (San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, the North and East Bays) are so lucky. We not only reside in one of the most physically beautiful and culturally stimulating places in the world, but we’re also at the center of a mandala of wine regions that are easy to visit.

From Sonoma County and the Russian River Valley to the north, to Napa Valley, Suisun Valley, Livermore Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south, there’s something for everyone within a 60-mile drive.

Summertime is the right time to tour and taste in wine country. You don’t have to worry about rain, and the heat of these inland valleys comes as such a relief to coast-dwellers weary of the fog. When it’s 62 and chilly in downtown San Francisco, it’s more likely to be a sunny 92 in Healdsburg or Rutherford.

If you do travel to wine country this summer, here are some tips to make your trip more pleasant.

Try to get there on a weekday instead of a weekend, when everybody is on the road.

Highway 29, in Napa Valley, can be a traffic nightmare, especially on the approaches to St. Helena. If you “do” Napa, the Silverado Trail is much easier to drive. There are many crossroads between it and Highway 29.

Plan an itinerary in advance and have directions handy.

Bring lunch to save a few bucks. Many wineries have gardens where you can relax, picnic and sip under the trees.

Don’t just go to the big, well-known wineries. Discover the smaller ones, especially those that are open only by appointment.

An overnight stay can make your traveling safer and easier. Try for at least one splurge meal at a wine country restaurant with a good local wine list.

In the tasting room, take advantage of the pourer’s knowledge to learn something about the wine, the region, the winery, the varietals, their winemaking technique, etc.

The more you know about the wine the better it will be.

Remember, it’s okay to spit. In fact, it’s encouraged – you don’t have to swallow to enjoy and learn.

If you’ve never taken tasting notes, a tasting room is a good place to start. Get yourself a nice tasting book and record the wine’s aromas and flavors. You might be surprised how much fun it is.

E-mail: Steve@yummyletter.com

Yummy Recommendations of the Week

Big House 2008 White Blend, $10
There were fears that when Randall Grahm sold this brand to a corporate outfit, quality would diminish. Happily, Big House remains a good buy. This blend of Malvasia Bianca, Muscat Canelli, Viognier, and Roussanne is dry and delicious. Production of 35,000 cases makes it easy to find in most supermarkets, or you can call the company at 925-456-2500.

2006 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc, $200
Available at Fine Wines International, Pier 19, San Francisco
Phone: 866-600-9463
Email: info@vinrare.com

Yes, it’s expensive, but sometimes you just have to splurge. This white wine, from the Northern Rhône appellation of Hermitage is made from the Marsanne grape. The Chave family has been making wine since 1481. The ’06 is massive and oily, almost Californian in its sheer power. Will easily age for 15-20 years.

Sip-Worthy Wine Events

Franklin Square Wine Bar $1 wine tasting
Every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. 
2212 Broadway
Oakland
510-251-0100
(FSWB is in Oakland’s burgeoning Uptown District)

 

Pre-Fireworks Party – Cellar360 at Ghirardelli Square
Saturday, July 4
7 to 9:00 p.m.
900 North Point
San Francisco
415-440-0772
$40 per person

Start the night off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at this unique wine store, then watch the fireworks from Aquatic Park.

Check out my blog at www.steveheimoff.com for all the latest insider stuff.