River, Laguna, Frei & Graton Roads: to Graton for Lunch.

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:

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.

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

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

Robert Rue Vineyards:

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:

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:

Next up is Russian Hill Estate Winery:

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:

Joseph Swan Winery:

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

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:

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

Right next door, Red Car Winery:

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:

Right around the corner is Avalon Luxury Bed & Breakfast:

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

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR