Sonoma Wine Country - Pour yourself into it!!!

Whatever you do, pour yourself into it.

 -Robert Mondavi — 

Our journey on the Coast Starlight Express train from Portland, Oregon down to the Napa Valley area was a blast and we were ready bright and early to get into wine country!  (Check out my previous post HERE to learn more about the beautiful and scenic train ride we took).

From the train station, we rented a car and made our leisurely way up into Sonoma County less than an hour away for some tastings and lunch before checking into our inn for the evening.  Our first stop was Cline Vineyards and we had the pleasure of having Carolyn help us with our tasting.  Turns out working at wineries runs in her family and we so loved the wines and her hospitality that we joined their wine club!  By the way be sure to check with your inn or hotel as many times they have complimentary tasting coupons- there are also apps you can download too and it exposes you to some places you might not have known about!  

Artistic photo at Cline taken by Robert Billoni

Pretty property at Cline, interesting caution signs ;)

We were off to a fun start already..... so many choices, so many wines, so little time it seemed.  

Another great winery worth mentioning was the Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves... sparkling goodness and bright vistas!  

We took a stroll through downtown Sonoma as well and enjoyed a fantastic lunch at The Girl and The Fig. Here was a delicious sparking cocktail flight - and their quiche was out of this world!!

Then we ventured into Velle Cheese Company- not on the main square but a five minute worthwhile walk!  

Here is Robert at Unti Vineyards playing around with the wines.

At last we were delighted with the beautiful place we chose to stay for the night, just under ten minutes north of downtown Sonoma is Glenn Ellen- a great little town with wonderful wineries.  We had stayed here before but at the Olea Inn up the street and loved it.  This time we found a super great price at the Glen Ellen Inn which has a wonderful restaurant and martini bar onsite and seven cottages to choose from.  I recommend cottage 7 or cottage 5 for the most peaceful, comfortable and romantic stay!  

Room 5 view from the jacuzzi from glenellen.com

Room 7 view of wraparound fireplace between bedroom and sitting room from glenelleninn.com

Here we are in their beautiful courtyard enjoying the twilight before the chill comes into the air.  We would definitely stay at either place next time we are sipping our way through the area.

Good morning sunshine!  Woke up to the fireplace, a basket of goodies and ready for another fruitful day! 

Check back soon for my next post all about NAPA!!

Napa coming right up...... champagne flight at Domaine Carneros