TR’s Itinerary: Remembering Summertime in Dry Creek Valley

A dead-of-winter remembrance of what was and what will be again, soon:

Lyla, brand-new, Dry Creek Valley famous, Nalle Winery puppy.

On Saturday start at the top of the valley at Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves and taste in their cave and see a great view of the whole Dry Creek Valley from their grassy, olive tree dotted hillside- try their Lily Hill Zin.   Traverse the Valley and head up Canyon Road to Frick Winery and meet Bill Frick, the One Man Rhone Rock Star Band- all Rhone, all the time.  Right down the hill visit Pedroncelli, taste their delicious and affordable wines and get in a game of bocce on their court- right in the vines.  Head back over to Dry Creek Road and visit The Dry Creek Store for lunch – famous for delicious sandwiches and Valley atmosphere, sit right on the front porch and take it all in.  Head south on Dry Creek Road with your appointments set to visit Nalle Winery for their above-ground, rosemary-covered cave and to check out their zinfandels- then, compare/contrast with the zins across the way at Unti Vineyards and Winery.  Check into the Best Western Dry Creek Inn- ask for one of their new Tuscan-styled rooms arranged around an inner courtyard with breakfast, pool and Krug Event Center. After a swim and a rest, drive the couple of blocks back to Healdsburg for wine and dinner at Spoonbar at the h2hotel.

Home of Michael Bernard, Orsi Papale and Mantra.

After breakfast at Dry Creek Inn, zip over to the Oakville Grocery to grab a picnic and head out to visit Michael Bernard, Orsi Papale and Mantra- three tasting rooms in one cool, renovated California Bungalow, with a start of sparkling wine for the tastings; look out in their vineyards to see if strays from the Animal Shelter, close neighbor, are being exercised among the vines. Everett Ridge with their great views and outdoor pizza oven next, followed by a picnic at Mill Creek Vineyards after tasting in their water-wheeled tasting room building.  Head over to Veterans Memorial Beach for a couple of hours of beach time and playing in the summer-dammed Russian River- rent a canoe or kayak for an hour or two from River’s Edge and explore upriver- look for Great Blue Heron, osprey, turtles and otters all playing in the cool, green waters.  Back to the Best Western Dry Creek in prior to your dinner at the casual Healdsburg Bar & Grill- sit outside in the garden.

Healdsburg on the River- the place to be, forever beloved....

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR