Sonoma County, wine country

A July 2000 trip to Sonoma County by Phil

Quote: I've visited Sonoma county several times on wine-tasting and buying excursions. The beautiful coast and the awe-inspiring redwoods only add to the pleasure of the visits.

Sonoma County, wine country

Overview

Quote:

Armstrong redwoods preserve, fine dining, biking along the Dry Creek valley, visiting Fort Ross and visiting the many wineries for wine tastings.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

A rural and agricultural area, an automobile is the absolutely required to do justice to this area. (That is, in addition to the bicycle required to participate in the Healdsburg century bicycle ride mentioned under activities.)

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Fern Falls

Hotel

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A small complex of four cottages, nestled among the redwoods on a steep hillside. The grounds include a rocky creek in a craggy ravine (the landscaping won a national award). There a hot tub on the premises. Tastefully furnished, each cabin is unique. One has a four-poster bed, one comes with a grand piano. All come with kitchenette facilities.

Please note: this is a gay facility. It's about 15 miles west of Guerneville.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 24, 2000

Fern Falls
Austin Creek Road
Sonoma County, California
(707) 632-6108

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Cape Fear

Restaurant

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Cape Fear is a true find. While a very casual restaurant, the food preparation is anything but casual. Complete attention is paid to the menu and food, and the results show: truly fine dining. There's a limited wine list to accompany the entrees such as baked salmon and grilled portabella mushrooms. A spectacular Sunday brunch, too.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 24, 2000

Cape Fear
25191 Highway 116
Sonoma County, California
(707) 865-9246

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Fort Ross State Historic Park

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Attraction | "Fort Ross"

Quote:

Fort Ross was the most distant outpost of the Russian empire. Established in the 1800s as a fur and trading post, it flourished for about 30 years until it was sold to a local logging family. The current structure is a complete recreation, but a thoroughly authentic one. This must be on the must-see list of Russians visiting the United States, because on the day I was there the only other visitors in the fort were all Russian-speaking, lending an additional air of authenticity. The fort's not particularly big, and given that it's a reconstruction, I'd only suggest visiting for those who are history buffs or those of Russian ancestry.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on October 24, 2000

Fort Ross State Historic Park
Highway 1
Sonoma County, California
(707) 847-3286

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The Healdsburg Harvest Century Bicycle Tour

Attraction

Quote:

The Healdsburg Century, a yearly bike ride sponsored by the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and held in July of each year, is a teriffic ride and a great way to see a part of Sonoma county. Three routes are available, and they vary in length from 25 to 60 miles. Each of the rides loops through the scenic vineyard countryside, beginning and ending in downtown Healdsburg. The route is well marked, and the ride includes cue sheets. The Chamber of Commerce has several snack stops, and the meal at the end of the ride was one of the best presentations I've ever seen as part of an organized ride. The lunch alone almost justified the cost of the ride!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 24, 2000

The Healdsburg Harvest Century Bicycle Tour

Sonoma County, California
(707) 433-6935

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Dry Creek Valley winery tour

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Story/Tip

Quote:

The Dry Creek, one of the tributaries to the Russian River, is home to about 20 to 30 wineries. A very pleasant day can be planned around packing a picnic lunch into the car (stop by the Healdsburg Grocery for supplies) and just 'heading out'. I have some favorite wineries, including Mill Bridge and Lambert Ridge. Each of the wineries is unique, as is their product... and that's the joy of exploring. Far less popular than the Napa Valley, or even the Sonoma Valley proper, Dry Creek wineries produce some excellent wines, and there are almost no crowds in the tasting rooms. When the time is right, buy a bottle at one of the wineries and unpack your lunch spread. Almost all of the winer...Read More