Most flyers headed for northern California’s sublime wine country land at San Francisco International and press north, across the Golden Gate Bridge. But there’s a different way. Save time, frustration, and maybe even some money by flying into Snoopy’s very own airfield: Charles M. Schultz – Sonoma County Airport, or STS for those collecting airport codes. There’s nonstop service to this convenient portal from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle/Tacoma.
Once on the ground, revel in cool nights, warm days and the viticultural results this climate produces.
Cheapflights is lucky. We’ve got our own in-house wine expert, Michael Brazile, to guide us through the area. While wineries abound up here, he likes two in particular:
Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery is located in the gorgeous Russian River Valley, at 10701 Westside Road in Healdsburg. Brazile says this oenophilic enclave “produce[s] phenomenal wines.” He’s a particular fan of its earthy Pinot Noirs. There are also some stunning views of the surrounding Redwoods to accompany the great wine.
Gundlach Bundschu Winery is one of the region’s legendary operations, the life’s work of six generations. Jacob Gundlach bought 400 acres of land back in 1858, and the legacy of that prescient purchase is evident today. Brazile says, “Although Alsace is usually the origin of Gewürztraminer, Gundlach Bundschu makes one worthy of staying stateside. And, like well-made Alsatian Gewürztraminer, Gundlatch Bundschu’s also has incredible aging potential.” Just the thing to put away in what passes for your cellar. The winery is located at 2000 Denmark St. in Sonoma.
Unfortunately, we can’t live on wine alone. We need food too. Luckily, the Sonoma Valley offers everything from high-end dining to places that are affordable and adventurous. Here are a few:
Maya Restaurant is a West Coast take on a traditional cuisine. No need to order an appetizer (although the ceviches is tempting), as the chicken enchiladas make a meal all by themselves. They’re topped with a red mole sauce and house-made chaac mol chocolate. Go easy on the chips and salsa; you’ll want to save room for this. Head to 101 Napa Street in Sonoma.
Schellville Grill, located at 22900 Broadway in Sonoma, is very much on the map these days, especially since The Food Network bestowed its imprimatur. “Here’s this joint that you drive by all the time, and here’s this character making dynamite food,” waxes the channel’s Guy Fieri. Among the entrees is Ezio Granucci Tuscan Chicken. $10.50 gets you a dish babied in Tuscan spiced rub, and marinated in rosemary, lemon and sage. It’s topped by that most essential of all California vegetables, the artichoke. Sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives do their duty too.
The Breakaway Café is another testament to solid American food, the kind of place you can take the kids and enjoy a decidedly-decent meal without going broke. Try the Fancy Fish Burger – grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, pineapple salsa and chipotle aioli on a soft bun. It’ll run you just a little more than $13.00. Behold the Breakaway by pointing your GPS to 19101 Sonoma Highway.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: jimg944)
