NFL Kickoff weekend in Sonoma..need help!

[gbrett73]

I've been lurking the past few weeks in preparation for our 1st year anniversary trip to Sonoma. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's reviews and suggestions. Winesonoma, if you are reading this post, I'm hoping you will help me! My husband and I are diehard NFL fans and want to find a spot reasonably close to us (We're staying at The Lodge at Sonoma) where we can see ALL of the games that day. Do they have sports bars in wine country? It can defintiely be a dive, just want to be able to watch as many games as possible. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

[winesonoma]

Stieners on 1st west on the square or the Swiss Hotel (nicer crowd).

I've been lurking the past few weeks in preparation for our 1st year anniversary trip to Sonoma.    I have really enjoyed reading everyone's reviews and suggestions.  Winesonoma, if you are reading this post, I'm hoping you will help me!  My husband and I are diehard NFL fans and want to find a spot reasonably close to us (We're staying at The Lodge at Sonoma) where we can see ALL of the games that day.  Do they have sports bars in wine country?  It can defintiely be a dive, just want to be able to watch as many games as possible.  Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

←

[gbrett73]

Thanks Bruce, I knew you would hook me up . I've really enjoyed reading your posts and dining recommendations. Do you think Carneros is worth our time? We will be in the area 5 days and have reservations the last night at FL. I cannot wait for that! The 3 places I have at the top of my list are Girl and the Fig, La Poste and Cafe La Haye but can only pick 1. Which would you recommend? Or should we try someplace else?

Thanks again.

Anna

[winesonoma]

Girl and the Fig for lunch and La Haye for dinner. What else are you doing for 5 days? When are you comming? Wanna pick grapes?

[gbrett73]

We are flying in Thursday afternoon. We don't have much of a plan right now, just want to relax, eat some good grub and drink a LOT of wine We have a day at the spa Friday and our FL rez for Sunday night. I want to take a trip up to Healdsburg to check out A.Rafanelli and a few others. Taylor's Refresher may be enough to get us over to St. Helena. The rest of the time will be spent mostly in Sonoma at the wineries around town. Is Enoteca worth our time? Figured we'd hit Ravenswood, Gundlach Bundschu, Viansa and Cline, Sebastiani and Gloria Ferrer.

I saw your post about harvest.....I'd love to do that but I think my hubby is a little reluctant. How labor intensive is it and could we stomp some grapes?!

[winesonoma]

It's very labor intensive and unfortunately we do every thing else with machines. You might be able to stomp at Amphora in Dry Creek valley. Rafanelli is by appointment only. Visit the Wine Exchange on First St East right on the Plaza. Enjoy your visit. Go see Carolyn at Ladera if you get a chance.

[gbrett73]

Thank you so much for all of your help and insight. I've added Ladera to the list and we'll definitely check out the Wine Exchange. Enjoy harvest.

Anna

[ludja]

  Do you think Carneros is worth our time?  We will be in the area 5 days and have reservations the last night at FL. 

←

Welcome to egullet gbrett73 and have a great time in Sonoma.

Sounds like you have a great bunch of wineries already selected.

Here are a few wonderful wineries in the Carneros:

Cline Cellars (lots of interesting Rhone varietals and big reds, Zinfandel, Syrah, Mouvedre)

Schug (nice Chardonnay and Pinot; elegant wines)

Acacia (great Chardonnays and Pinots, beautifuil setting for their tasting room; very different landscape than other wineries nearby; it's in the heart of the Carneros; you can see the top of SF bay--need to make a tasting appointment--but this is easy to do if you call ahead the same day and set up a time)

None of these wineries are far from downtown Sonoma (~ 15 min).

[Stone]

Go to the Melkors's. They're o.k. people and they'll make you a big dinner.