Russian River Getaways....I could use a getaway...and I am not even Butch Cassidy.

Imaginative road naming must be headquartered here- Eastside, Westside- simple, but effective.  Wine Road is 191 wineries and 56 lodgings clustered in a 30 mile radius and I am here to LIVE that truth!  Just traveled out Westside Road to Guerneville- took me just about 1/2 an hour, and if trees were not on the docket for cutting on my route, I would have made it even faster.  My plan was to head from Healdsburg to Guerneville- I wanted to visit Russian River Getaways for my Wine Road Concierge Member visit and also check in with a few spots in Guerneville, and then end up at J Vineyards & Winery for bubbles before returning to Wine Road HQ.

So, headed out the relaxing and gorgeous Westside Road from Healdsburg to Guerneville- my destination: Russian River Getaways, with scores of vacation rentals in the RRV AND excellent Concierge Service:

Go ahead: Ask them anything! They will guide you!

I wandered about on the main drag and visited the new boon hotel & spa endeavors, Big Bottom Market and the iconic boon eat & drink:

Named for the shape of the redwood trees...NOT what you were thinking!

Beckoning, totally cool-boon color scheme....

Totally fun, RRV merchandise....

Delicious food to be had...nice setting in which to devour...wines...

Spacious surroundings, friendly staff.

Downtown Guerneville, main street, visit! Hey- there I am on the right...hotter than Hades this day. But a DRY heat.

boon eat & drink....

Those crazy boon orange chairs- galvanizing recognition of place!

Those iconic orange chairs- here are two mated.

Guerneville- the Summertime place to be!

I asked Camille at Russian River Getaways about entertainment on the River in Guerneville- she mentioned the Monte Rio Theatre as being the closest spot for films (and most community oriented, awesome and special):

THE spot for films on the River-

And then, there is Jerry Knight’s River Theatre for LIVE shows!

Art Deco.

Ditto Deco.

BIG names at this venue.

View West....

Eastern view....

Armstrong Woods Road to the West- sharp right-visit them! Amazing....

Armstrong Woods- you must visit here- enchantment of the gods…

Now heading back towards Healdsburg.

We are staying the course....

Heading back toward J-

A quick trip back to J on Eastside- probably just about 25 minutes.

Here I am- back at J and Healdsburg....

Where else, but J? (Thank you, Tom....)

Here’s looking at you, kids,

TR

Collier Falls- Tasting at Timber Crest Farms location in DCV.

The hospitable, compact, handy and beckoning TR for Collier Falls up at the Timber Crest Farms is full of delights- wine tasting, gifts and cool wine-related items, Adirondack chairs on the porch in which to relax, as well as the al Fresco Kitchen right next door, where you can take the bottle of wine purchased at Collier Falls and enjoy an amazing lunch al fresco with it- fantastic views and surroundings.

What could be better than a lunch by Todd Muir paired with a delicious bottle of Collier Falls?

Collier Falls is all about sustainability and produces delicious wines the RIGHT way.  Collier Falls believes that a wine is only as good as the land it comes from; winemaker Marco DiGulio makes the magic.   The Wine Club makes you privy to cool wines and deals.  The vibe is All Dry Creek, all the time, appreciation of the place, the beauty, life and the wines.  100% of the proceeds from the Collier Falls Syrah du Soleil goes to ALS Research.

Adirondacks!

Warm and beckoning TR.

Whimsical touches, warmth, country-charm in the TR....

This winery was founded on romance, love and a true, pure vision; the wines are the embodiment and fruition of this dream.

Gorgeous, prime Dry Creek Valley benchland; finest kind.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Welcome to Woodenhead!

I recently visited Woodenhead, where Burgundy meets California,  just off River Road where it crosses Trenton, and noted an impressive broad range of visitors- a family with children in tow from Texas and folks from Quebec, as well as Bay Area regulars, all enjoying the warm atmosphere and staff (Zina Bower and Nick Stez were both on deck).  (“Hard-headed” and “stubborn” are affectionate tags for Nick- thus the name of this winery was born….) The Tiki-inspired/decorated TR, whimsical touches, three artists in rotation, gifts, great wines including a tasty sparkler, great views and inviting picnic area make this a favorite stop.  The view from the TR deck is spectacular, sweeping across the Santa Rosa plain of the RRV eastward, like being in a ship on the waves of vines.

The view will captivate you while you are enjoying your picnic and a bottle of Woodenhead....

Burgeoning....

Closeup to display the grape details....

Picnic Haven!

Tiki example in the TR- also prevalent on labels....

Three separate artists constantly on rotation and switch up- always something new.

Whimsy of Zina is apparent....

RRV focus, pinot, zin, a sparkler, even French colombard; a delicious array of wines await.  The Wine Club, with two levels,  “Pinot Love” or “Pinot Zin”, gets you special privileges.   Awards and reviews grace the walls of the TR, one of the most endearing and telling is the prestigious Pigs & Pinot Award.

The Pigs & Pinot Award is a huge achievement-

Here the wines are made the slow way- no fining, no filtering, hand-crafted, gravity deployed- truly a Burgundian Celebration in Sonoma County.  These wines are stubborn- and delicious.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

The Woodenhead Deck: Just like a Room with a View!

I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. Charlie Palmer!

My objective: Lunch at the Willowood in Graton- with all the fun all around!

Wine Road: 191 Wineries and 56 Lodgings clustered within a 30 mile radius- it is true- and I want to show you!

I wanted lunch and I wanted to have it at the Willowood Market in Graton, CA.  I had heard tales of fresh tomato salads, ling cod sandwiches, chicken prepared deliciously many ways- consumed in their quaint general store location- outside back patio, cool interiors:

Country charm, great food....

The Destination! The Route/Journey follows:

I took Highway 101 to the River Road exit- here are the Wine Road members I could visit on this simple route:

The Vintners Inn and John Ash & Co.:

Next up, Old World Winery.

Dappled-Summertime sunshine graces the Old World Winery sign.

Heading off River Road, a brief detour to the North: the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center:

Kendall-Jackson Wine Center (affectionately known as the KJWC) is a hop-skip-jump off of River Road, north on Fulton Road

Or, off of River Road, you could head south on Fulton Road to Wood Road:

Just a wee trip down Fulton from River Road....a sharp right....

Robert Rue Vineyards:

Robert Rue- with Robert, Carlene and Wilson- OPEN for biz!

Back up to River Road, left (west) and we are at Martinelli Winery:

I am about to take a little side trip off of River Road- heading right on Slusser:

Sara Lee's Vineyard along Slusser Road- fabulous flowers- and hey, nobody doesn't like Sara Lee!

Zipping to furthest winery out, La Crema Winery, on Laughlin Road- only open for special events- the Tasting Room is in Healdsburg:

Now I am doubling back over to Slusser Road- note the foggy morning, the ubiquitous eucalyptus trees:

A hidden, sweet route....

These belong in Australia....

Next up is Russian Hill Estate Winery:

Whenever I visit here, I feel much like Katie Scarlett and I always look for blue-eyed Ashley- not Rhett.....

Next door is Sonoma-Cutrer:

Now- back onto River Road in a westerly (right turn) direction, my next winery is Woodenhead- watch out! It is a quick, sharp right off of River Road onto Trenton Road- comme ca:

Woodenhead- also my unofficial and very affectionate nickname for our Wine Road ED, Beth....

Upon leaving Woodenhead, head on down this road...

Robert Frost must have come by---road narrows as you approach....

Joseph Swan Winery:

Now, completing this little loop, heading over to Laguna:

Touring like a local....

Amaryllis Belladonna (poisonous AND lovely) presenting quite a show....

Watch for the highest landmark around: the water tower at Martin Ray Winery!

Which brings us to Martin Ray Winery:

Heading along Laguna back over to Guerneville Road- will do a quick left then a right on Frei- Lynmar Estate is next in my sights:

RRV view....

Heading along west on Frei Road to where it crosses 116 and turns into Graton Road- next up is Dutton-Goldfield Winery:

Dutton-Goldfield Winery TR.

Right next door, Red Car Winery:

Red Car Winery TR.

I am now in Graton and had delicious lunch at the Willowood Market, as you saw above.  But now, I am continuing out Graton Road to:

Marimar Estate:

Marimar signs- but what you are sure to notice....

The awesome Marimar dogs!

Right around the corner is Avalon Luxury Bed & Breakfast:

Watch for faeries...they truly be here...

Occidental is just a hop-skip-jump away- the Inn at Occidental:

The Inn at Occidental....

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

RRV- looks like ocean-like waves of grapevines along the undulating hillsides.

The elusive Duchamp Hotel is hidden on Foss Street in downtown Healdsburg.

Private, secluded, elusive, hidden- all these descriptors are strikingly applicable to the charming, stylish Duchamp Hotel, seemingly lost from view yet in a fantastic location just a block off the downtown Healdsburg Plaza.  The style of this small, luxury hotel is understated, arty, minimalist, relaxing, comfortable, inviting.  The artistic vibe, evident in the architecture and painstaking remodel of these exquisite California bungalow-styled Villas, circled around the pool, lounging area and olive-tree decorated grounds, carries through in all the luxurious attention to detail and comfort; The New York Times succinctly sums it up: “Warhol didn’t sleep here, but you can.”  To steal from Elle Magazine: “SoHo in Sonoma….”

The approach up the private driveway, bordered by stunningly blooming white oleander, ends at the eclectic bottling rack that also serves as the sign at the approach to the Office and Lobby.  Hidden open space and Foss Creek meandering nearby add to the country feel; concierge staff and owners welcome and assist.  Proprietors Peter Lenz and Pat Lenz, accomplished artist, have made this a personal statement of their ideal of perfect accommodations.

The approach....

First glimpse.

Expansive grounds insulate, protect the privacy and quiet here at Duchamp Hotel.

Tropical, lush....

Distinctive....

Entrance to the Lobby/Office that is also the spot for the delicious Continental breakfast ....

Interior.

Eclectic. Unexpected. By Pat Lenz.

The accommodations are gated; the reveal is stunning:

Oasis.

Beckoning.

Special touches abound:

Pat Lenz design....

Private nooks...

Meanwhile, interiors:

Lofty, expansive, comfortable- cool interiors- awesome baths, linens, romantic design....

Love it; want it....

Get lost in downtown Healdsburg: the Duchamp Hotel….

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Peterson Winery, DCV, at Timber Crest Farms, is celebrating their 25th anniversary vintage this year.

Peterson Winery, celebrating their silver anniversary with this vintage, is home to Proprietor Fred Peterson and Winemaker Jamie Peterson, who believe completely in Zero Manipulation and who produce NO Soul-Less Wines.  They are all Dry Creek, all the time, with vineyards nearby, where wine begins; the TR, graced by two cats (as I recall, one is called Whitey and the other is called Red, and hey, they ARE) and newly arrived super-rescue dog, Seamus (named after “Jamie” by way of Ireland), is full of country-comfort with a bright bar area and lounging furniture inside, with umbrella shaded-tables and chairs outside on the patio.  The working winery is just beyond a sliding door and many guests are given the grand tour along with their tasting, either by Jamie or Fred; the winery is open on Saturday and Sunday and by appointment at other times so that guests can be given the utmost in personal attention.  The enthusiasm and passion for wine making is apparent.

The shaded patio, TR on the left, winery straight ahead behind the mural-decorated sliding door.

Flower-bedecked antique press....

Summer flowers spill out of barrels....

Country-stylish.

Ah- the Jack-A-Lope, international symbol for extreme manipulation...none of that around here!

Well, there is a stuffed Jack-A-Lope in the TR to emphasize the Zero Manipulation ideal.

The TR bar.

"After a brief navel career, Fred turned to wine."Fred Peterson served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War- here is his ship- and in the winery, a flag from his service graces one wall.

We talked about MR. ROBERTS and Henry Fonda- palm tree overboard....supply ships.

MR. ROBERTS:

“Sailing on the Boredom Sea, from tedium to apathy and back…” one of my favorite lines ever-gotta love Henry Fonda…and Fred Peterson- he lived it. And then turned to wine….

Efficient, personal, working winery- and you can get a tour!

Many cute winery dogs- Seamus (in Jamie's arms) and Lucas...Lucas was play-bowing- Seamus was just not into it.

Adorable! Seamus and Jamie.

Peterson is at Timber Crest Farms where you can grab some lunch from  al Fresco Kitchen and pair it up with some delicious Peterson wines- picnic!  And check out the Wine Club- why wouldn’t you join?  Friends of Fred! (and I hear he may just be pals with Hank Fonda….)

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Trompe l'oeil barn gig. I know my eye is totally deceived....

Pinot just starting to ripen, Lauterbach Vineyards, RRV AVA.

Veraison – what the heck? Ah- merely the fancy French term for “the onset of ripening”…for proper French pronunciation, click here.  I was thinking about all the ripening that is going on, preparatory to the start of the incipient harvest/crush 2011.  Right now, along Wine Road, it is high summer- and yet, there is also a feeling of fall, sleeping just around the corner.  It seems like we have not had the heat that everyone “remembers” from past years- but there is often a last hurrah of that in Indian Summer in October.

Tony Logan Immordino caught these amazing shots of veraison in zinfandel,  Mazzocco Sonoma Winery, Briar Estate Vineyards:

Exciting to see the color come up....

Different varietals, different locations, different ripening.

Luminous.

Amazing to see....

Warm temperatures, intense sun.

Lovely fruit to make lovely wines....

Some typical, regular weather and nature manifestations of August along Wine Road are:

Foggy mornings, with a heavy marine layer, when it seems that even in Healdsburg, you can smell the sea- we will start out in the 40 degree F. range and end in the 90′s on some days:

Early morning on the Russian River looking east.

Here comes the same view just a few hours later-

Brilliant sunshine and warm temperatures on the Russian River looking east by midday.

The living is easy for birds, fish and the Great American River Otter,

Close as I could get- there are 4 on the end of the dock, right side, playing with and eating a fish- good crunchy sounds. They are startlingly substantial in size and presence- and playful.

The California Buckeye- “First to green, First to brown”- my dad, born in Oakland, CA in 1918 always said that, and it is true:

Buckeyes- ready for fall first.

Poison Oak (Leaves of Three, Beware of Me!) are touched by the colder nights and turn a brilliant red, giving their presence away!

Watch out! We have no poison ivy in our area, but poison oak does well on its own.

Blackberries, extravagantly, wantonly wild along the roads and byways, ripen, too.

Lavender, French and English varieties especially, staples of winery and lodging gardens, after blooming profusely, starts to turn from lavender to a wee bit gray, though bees are still happy in their embrace:

English Lavender soon to be English Gray.

Starting to see a bit of fall color in local trees:

Tree version of "Silver Strands among the Gold"....

And we must not ever forget the phenomenon of the Naked Ladies, dear to our own Luther Burbank, amazing pink lilies, born from pioneers, that seem to spring completely gorgeous and fragrant, like Venus on the Half-Shell, out of seemingly desolate, dry and rocky soil:

Naked Ladies- sound totally more interesting than they are....

Ah, the smell of it (them)!

$7.50 per bunch at a local trendy Healdsburg market....hmmm, coals to Newcastle....

Our brand-new website is LIVE; while I have you: click here to see it!

Here’s looking at you, kids,

TR

August 11, 2011- look at that moon!

Healdsburg Country Gardens: Lodging, Wedding Site and Growers! Triple threat!

Healdsburg Country Gardens, just 1.5 miles from the Healdsburg Plaza, is snuggled along the Russian River, surrounded by estate vineyards, featuring three wine country vacation rentals, romantic wedding site with vintage, antique barn, gorgeous, lovingly-tended gardens and, vineyards.   Walt and Barbara Gruber are your hosts with the most and they are also growers- Clear View Vineyards-  of 18 acres of sauvignon blanc for Rodney Strong Vineyards and 2 acres of family-use zinfandel.  Guests can stroll the vineyards and gardens; this is a private, country-estate, with unique accommodations, and guests of the two larger houses (sleep 4 – 6) will find complete homes, including lovely, comfortable interiors, private decks or patios, private hot tubs and super barbecue set-ups. (Two or three couples traveling together will find an economical deal year-round- 15% off from Dec 1 – March 31, too- sharing, top-drawer, spacious accommodations, great surroundings, amenities, close to it ALL, with kitchens!)

The Romantic Wine Country Cottage for two- also doubles as the Changing Room during weddings....

Wine Country Home- the private deck featuring hot tub and BBQ facilities.

Side-view: garden enveloped....

Heading back to the main part of the garden....

Aviary in the gardens, one of two, adjacent to the Wine Country Home.

Sweeping approach to the Wine Country Farmhouse.

Front patio and view of the vineyards facing due west.

Backyard set-up- check out the hot tub!

The side yard....

Amazing vista, view from the Wine Country Farmhouse side yard....

Farmhouse kitchen.

Country-charming Farmhouse bedroom.

Heading back to the Gardens, I stroll through the vineyards, and note the amazing owl houses:

Owl accommodations.

The gardens portion of  Healdsburg Country Gardens is truly spectacular, too- an apt compliment to the lovely accommodations and wedding site.

Well-tended, lush, burgeoning, oasis-like.

Nice details delight at every turn.

Delighting.

Garden details....

Wine Country Weddings @ Healdsburg Country Gardens are romantic, fairy-tales in this idyllic, private, fully-permitted (up to 150 guests) location, including the Wedding Site under the gorgeous, spreading oak and the vintage, antique barn with grapevine-covered trellis.  At this location, you get to choose the wines you choose and plan it your way.  Lots included!

Entry arch....

Along the garden path....

Wedding site- gorgeous oak, vistas, gardens....

Ditto.

Grapevine-covered trellis outside the antique barn.

Barn decked out in Summer Greenery.

Side entrance.

Soaring interior.

Lavender-covered interior shot, view out to Grapevine covered trellis.

Lovely lavender.

Healdsburg Country Gardens: charming lodging, country-styled, luxurious affordability.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Kachina Vineyards-unexpected, eye-grabbing, modern"Chiller" font on their graphic- watch for the driveway on your right while heading north on Dry Creek Road, just prior to Timber Crest Farms. Remember to call ahead for an appointment.

Newsflash just in from Kachina Vineyards after blog published:

New, Starting August 2011:

Open every Sat/Sun from 11am-4pm or by appointment.

Closed for private events on:  Sat. Aug 21^st & Sat. Oct. 1^st

Kachina Vineyards, a Tuscan-styled, major “WOW!”  winery, all green, located at the end of its private drive bordered by spectacular oaks and vineyards, is completely the work, dream and love of proprietors/winemakers Greg and Nancy Chambers, who named the winery in honor of the inspiration they have had from the Hopi Indian Kachina Spirits.

The drive up to the winery is totally cool and scenic with vineyards surrounding, as well as oaks and Dry Creek vegetation.  The anticipatory feel is accentuated by the winding gravel road, amazing gates and then, in a clearing, the winery appears dramatically, in a small clearing, flanked by its Petanque court, gardens and outbuildings, including a sweet cottage that will be available  for rent in the Fall of this year.  The buildings were designed and executed by the Chambers, and there is an Italian- practicality about the design style that is beautiful- the brick-work and Tuscan feel are perfectly attuned to this lovely, secluded spot, and naturally provide insulation and even-temperatures for the interiors.

Just heading up the Kachina driveway, I paused at the first rise to catch the view of the Dry Creek Valley behind- wow!

Spectacular oak tree.

Typical DCV terrain- check those vineyards on the right....

Keep going....

Romantic, Italian-styled stone and wrought iron gates- great lights, great detail.

Beckoning.

Wrought-iron detail (over-wrought iron = extra fancy?)

We are there at the Kachina compound- Winery, Petanque court straight ahead....

Soon-to-be-Guest-Cottage: romantic, exclusive, secluded, private.

The Cypress-lined pathway to the front door of the TR/ Barrel Room.

Massive door- check the Italianate detail.

Interior entry arch to the Barrel Room- the skill to lay that brick brought my thoughts to the dawning of the Holy Order of the Masons (think PILLARS OF THE EARTH)- like a total step back in time...

Tanks just off the Barrel Room.

Petanque, s'il vous plait?

The Terrace for relaxing and tasting, as well as Food & Wine Pairings and hearty Tuscan fare in a delicious picnic paired with Kachina wines.

Well-engineered & substantial AND beautiful & romantic.

All tasting is by appointment only, and basic tasting is complimentary, though a Food & Wine pairing and lunch can be ordered up.  Your next special event can also be here.  Specializing in cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, port, chardonnay and the unusual (RARE) charbono, the newly launched wine club, The KIVA Circle, provides access to these delicious wines and lots of great perks.

At Kachina Vineyards, the wines are truly poured from the heart.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR

Olivet Road just off River Road- sign you see first off of River Road.

Woolsey Road just off River Road, too, but tucked slightly back- kinda a slightly unexpected, sneaks-up-on-you road: keep your eyes peeled!

My first stop is new member, Lauterbach Cellars- call for an appointment:

Lauterbach Cellars, Woolsey Road....Russian River AVA

Heading back over to Olivet Road, left, then I take a left on Viking Road and in no time at all, I am at appointment-required-but-easy-to- get-one Tara Bella Winery.

Tara Bella!

Tara Bella Bassets: Thornton and Presley (though I could not pick which is which in a line up situation...)

Back to Olivet and here I am at Harvest Moon Winery:

Harvest Moon Estate and Winery.

Heading down the road, next up is Hook & Ladder Winery:

Hook & Ladder.

Next up: Pellegrini Family Vineyards:

Pellegrini....

Russian River Valley AVA view- gorgeous day- by Pellegrini....

Next up, Inman Family Winery:

Inman Family Winery.

Heading south along Olivet Road, here we come to Sunce Winery & Vineyards:

Sunce.

Arty style Sunce sign....

Next is DeLoach Vineyards:

DeLoach.

DeLoach- GREEN.

Great day….

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR