Wine Tour Ideas

[69Mini]

After the meet we plan to spend some time doing tourist stuff.  If we were able to make a couple of wine tours, any must see recommendations?

Thanks

[dr dave]

There are many wineries in the area.  You might want try a google search or check the Pleasanton, or the Livermore chamber of commerce websites.  On the way to the Autocross site, there is a scenic route that takes you past at least 3 or 4. 

dr dave

[Monocle]

http://www.livermorewine.com/ is one site.  Livermore is the little town on the way to the Autocross site.

[69Mini]

I did the Napa and Sonoma searches and it's a flip of the coin as to where to go.  Didn't realize a few were closer to the meet.  Will check out the Livermore info.  Any other recommendations, pass them on.  Thanks

[tmsmith]

I would defintely hit the Livermore wineries.
It is more like wine tasting should be, small and friendly, like Napa was 30 years ago.
I prefer the Sonoma Valley for the same reason, but now adays there are some expensive wineries in the Sonoma Valley also.

One of my favorites is Ravenswood.
There also a number in the Russian River valley between Sonoma and the coast by way of Santa Rosa.

Wente is a big one in Livermore, but Retzlaff is smaller and Concannon is in between.
There are a number of smaller wineries in the Livermore area also.

[69Mini]

Printed out the Livermore maps, good info, thanks.

[69Mini]

We had a great time chasing wine.  The first winery we went to was Wente.  Just before lunch we were the only two there when the taste testing got started.  After two flavors were tested another couple showed up and they got started.  During the conversation we came to find out that we were both there from Oklahoma City.  What are the odds!  The husband is originally from the Livermore area and visits family 5 to 6 times a year and takes advantage of spare time to visit the local wineries.  Anyway, after we finished at Wente, we had to eat lunch before anymore wine consumption.  Found a nice vineyard lunch at Garre Winery and Cafe, then on to Concannon and Retzlaff for more samples.  That was enough for one day.  Another day trip included stops at Mitchell Katz, Fenestra and Thomas Coyne Winery.  The drive to the various wineries in the Mini made it a special treat.  Didn't have enough time to make it to Sonoma or NAPA area, but my son did buy a bottle of Ravenswood at the Target behind the Marriott.  We didn't get to sample that one.  The staff at all the wineries we tested were very friendly and all the tasting was FREE.  They got their money in the end.  Great fun!