Our last day in Napa/Sonoma was a second day in Sonoma. We only visited 2 wineries because we were heading to Half Moon Bay and our third visit closed early because of the holiday (we’re assuming). We did get to eat some fair food though!

Artesa 

We began the day at Artesa because Julie found it on a list of Sonoma wineries with the best view (“on a clear day, you can see the San Francisco skyline”). The view was definitely beautiful and from Artesa you actually look down on Domaine Carneros. They have three different tastings. Only the low-end can be shared, so that’s the tasting that we did. We also had a glass of the Brut Rosé since they were originally known as a bubble-house. They are now owned by a Spanish family and grow some Spanish varietals.

2015 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($38)     
2015 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Los Carneros ($45)     
2011 Limited Release Merlot, Napa Valley ($40)     
2013 Cabernet Franc ($42)     
2011 Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($42)     
2014 Codorníu Napa Grand Reserve Brut Rosé ($50)      (This was a nice glass of wine, we just didn’t believe that it was worth $50. Thus the 3 bottles instead of 4.)

Sonoma Plaza

We drove into Sonoma to try to get some lunch, but it was packed with the Independence Day celebration. We tried a few restaurants, but the waits were too long, then Julie said, “Let’s go have fair food.” Who was Walt to say no? When we parked, Julie was “excited” because we were parked between two “classic” cars: an old Jaguar and a 90s-era Prelude (first picture above). We walked to the Plaza and hit a couple of food trucks. Julie got the Fried Green Tomato BLT from The Girl and the Fig food truck. Walt got the Tri-tip sandwich from another food truck.

Gundlach-Bundschu 

Walt was looking for other wineries close to the city of Sonoma and came across Gundlach-Bundschu, the oldest, family-owned winery in California having been founded in 1853. Julie conveyed the story of her dad visiting his friend’s wine shop and he would help guys looking for a date night wine. He would tell them, “You should buy the Gundlach-Bundschu Cabernet and you’ll get lucky tonight.” The wine shop sold a lot of Gundlach-Bundschu when Uncle Berns was around. This was all Walt needed to add G-B to the itinerary.

The grounds are really nice, and they have many picnic tables. There were a bunch of people who brought picnics, and a few that bought wine, cheese and crackers at G-B for their picnic. Nora walked us through our tasting and Julie and I remembered how good the G-B wines are, and the fact that they are VERY reasonably priced. This is definitely someplace we’d visit again, and definitely recommend it.

2016 Gewurztraminer ($25)     
2014 Pinot Noir ($40)     
2014 Mountain Cuvée ($20)  (This was a very good wine that is an outstanding value.)
2014 Tempranillo ($45)     
2014 Zinfandel ($45)     
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon ($50)      (The “Get Lucky” wine!)

Sam’s Chowder House (Half Moon Bay, CA) 

Walt first visited Sam’s Chowder House while working in San Mateo, CA, with a client. It was in the regular rotation every week he flew out there. We have visited Sam’s on 4 of our 5 trips to Napa/Sonoma even though Julie is allergic to most of the menu. Walt ordered the Blue Crab and Andouille Gumbo and the “World Famous” Lobster Roll (his favorite and Selected Top Five “Best Sandwiches in America” by NBC’s The Today Show). Julie ordered the Butter Lettuce Salad and the Local Halibut.

This may be the end of our trip, but we will continue to post. So if you have any questions about wine, spirits or the food scene in Columbus, Ohio just ask!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Julie and Walt