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- 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....
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 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.
We are so lucky to live in this beautiful Wine Country setting. Also, Wilson loves the attention and treats from our visitors.
Great job showing off Sonoma County.
Thanks, Carlene, for reading my blog and for the kind words…Please pet Robert and Wilson for me! TR
TR -
We did that trip yesterday but just the reverse route! We stopped by the Wine Road office to pick up the new maps! Love it…tyw
Hi Tina- it is a lovely drive…sorry I missed you and Jerry! TR