09 Nov Sonoma – Trip Diary- Part 3

Morning! This finishes my 3 part series on our trip to San Fran and Wine Country. I wrote Monday, about the San Fran portion of our trip, what we experienced, ate, and enjoyed. On Tuesday, I wrote about the Vineyards we visited in Napa Valley and truly enjoyed. It was so fun and the wines were delicious. I have written a few particular ones to buy for special times or occasions.  Today, I am talking about our visits to Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma – Gloria Ferrer Vineyards

First, I have to say “Thank you” to Cheryl, of Cheryl Shops blog, who lives in SF, and gave me some recommendations of places to visit.  One of those Vineyards, was Gloria Ferrer, a Vineyard we visited Wednesday, early afternoon, the first full day we were there.

Acres and acres of vines and grapes grace the sides of the highway and mountains are the scenic overview .

We were seated outside, on a gorgeous, sunny afternoon. One of my favorite things to do is sit outside, enjoy the scenery and have a glass, ( or two) of wine. I couldn’t have asked for a better week, it was sunny and cool. The temps were actually warmer in SF than Charlotte, as we had a cold spell of 45 degrees!

Gloria Ferrer is a winery known for its bubbles. Bubbly. I didn’t know that before we went, but I was glad we went there nevertheless. I am more of a dry, red wine girl and don’t like a lot of carbonation. My hubby is the same, however, we found that the wines were not overpowering with carbonation, and quite delicious. I enjoyed a Chardonnay. and the Pinot Nior in which they are known.  We sat outside, took our time with the tasting, and enjoyed a cheese board. I just love sitting outside, enjoying the conversation and atmosphere!

Gloria Ferrer is not only the first sparkling wine house in Sonoma Carneros, but also the first to plant Champagne clones and the first to plant in Carneros.” ( website)

Coppola Vineyards

Yes, I am talking about Francis Ford Coppola’s Vineyard. You know, ” I am going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

Not only is this place a vineyard, but an intimate museum of some of the artifacts, pictures, and work from his career. There were hats that were used in the movies, Vito Corleon’s ACTUAL desk used in The Godfather, and much more.

The car, a Tucker, from the movie, “Tucker”,  made in 1988, and directed by Coppola , was on display inside the restaurant, where the shop/museum was located.

Two vineyards a day was what we could handle. I am one to want to enjoy the atmosphere, and the surroundings, take it easy and relax, it was wonderful we got to spend time here and GF.

I hope you enjoyed my Trip Posts to San Fran and Wine Country, if you missed any, you can click on these links-

I will be back next week with some Fall fashion posts to look forward to.

Wearing a beret from the movies…I just bought one for winter. 🙂

Some of the memorobilia from The Godfather.

Viansa Sonoma Vineyards

A beautiful vineyard, this was our last stop on the last day of our trip. A boutique vineyard, the view was again, amazing. We went in and did some wine tasting, tasting some fuller bodied wines-sangiovese, pinot noir, and a Reserve Cabernet in which few cases were made. This winery  was noted as “one of the best picnic spots in Sonoma County”.

I could sit in this spot for hours just looking at the view and sipping some delicious vino.

Viansa has Outlooks for you to enjoy wine in a private setting. A small houselike stucture sits atop the mountain, and the wine tasting is brought to you. We did forgo this experience and just enjoyed the wine casually sitting coomfortably on a couch.

“Idyllically situated at the summit of the Sonoma Valley, Viansa Sonoma embodies the proud history of local winemaking. The legacy of Viansa Sonoma dates back to 1896 when Samuele Sebastiani arrived from Tuscany and saved enough money, while making cobblestones for San Francisco streets, to purchase vineyard property in 1904.”

Since this was the last day of the trip, this was the perfect ending. We came full circle in our vacation, starting with visiting vineyards on our first day, and ending with Viansa Sonoma Vineyards.

Here is my wonderful hubby – the man behind the camera! 🙂

We sat right there on that couch over looking the valley. Wow, what a view!

It was also interesting to note that Napa Valley was more about wine tasting and ordering bottles to enjoy. Sonoma was a bit more relaxed and one could eat food outside at tables, enjoying the view. We really loved experiencing both areas of Wine Country.

I hope you enjoyed my Trip series on San Fransisco, Napa and Sonoma. I am not sure where we will go next year, but there is talk of “Martha’s Vineyard” with the family! ( I am sensing a theme! 🙂 )

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jess xx

I’ll be back with some Fall outfit inspiration and hopefully some words of wisdom next week.