Russian River and into the Pacific Ocean

Korbel Champagne Cellars was established in 1882. A history museum on the premise shows photos from the beginnings of their long history. One claim to fame is that it has been the champagne for several presidential inaugurations, including the Kennedy administration.

The process of "methode champagenoise" has been the process they have always used. This is the same process as the wine makers from the Champagne region of France. It has been my understanding that technically "sparkling wine" is the term that is supposed to apply to anything made outside of the France region, but the process for making champagne is the same.

In the summer months, the winery offers barrel tasting and musical events. Some are free and some cost a nominal fee. Tours of the winery are offered frequently throughout the day and last just under an hour.

Korbel is a beautiful, old, red-brick building, with a wonderful garden in front of it and vines climbing the walls of the building. In addition to this garden, there are others gardens that have tours as well. There are varieties of flowering plants, some are bulbs and some from seeds, providing nearly year-round blooming. Some plants are native of Bohemia, where the Korbel family is from as well as mine. Bohemia is part of present-day Czechoslovakia, where the "most beautiful" city of Prague is located.

The hosts in the tasting room are excellent. They poured glasses more than half-full, gave me the history of vineyards, and convinced me to try red champagne, which I ended up purchasing. I also found their brandy to be smooth and purchased a bottle of that too.

When I inquired about fishing in the Russian River across the road, I was told what lures to use to depending on the color of the water on that day. They were able to tell me about the size and variety of fish caught as well as good fishing holes.

A deli offers cheese and breads for a picnic on the surroundings or the beach. The gift shop provides souvenirs as well as practical items like cookbooks and corkscrews.

Drive north of San Francisco to Santa Rosa. The drive along a two-lane road parallels the Russian River, and in itself is a beautiful drive. After visiting the Korbel, keep following the road to the ocean where you will find sea lions basking in the sun where the river flows into the sea.