Sonoma Wineries - Windsor and Russian River Valley

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Notre Vue Vineyards

Notre Vue sits on a bluff overlooking Windsor. The afternoon sun was bright but mild; it left a light sunburn on my nose.

This vineyard made me realize that I’m not exactly a wine connoisseur, though I love the taste. Upon tasting the first Chardonnay I stated, “I’m definitely registering a certain buttery flavor.” I then overheard the hostess say to a nearby table that their Chardonnay lacked the signature buttery taste known for the wine. Okay, so I’m not an expert.

Their Pinot Noirs were excellent and the view overlooking Sonoma was breathtaking. The wine drinking, coupled with a tasty charcuterie board, left me feeling lethargic but content.

The pizza I had afterwards made me feel even more lethargic, and consequently even more content.

Matrix Vineyards

We drove north through Healdsburg (a beautiful little town between Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley, rife with tasty restaurants and shops), then rounded south into the Russian River Valley to Matrix Vineyards. They have some award winning Pinot Noirs; let me just say that I hadn’t really tasted Pinots until I visited Sonoma. The winery sits adjacent to a resplendent little pond. Green rolling hills follow in the distance. I watched various birds while I drank, including hummingbirds and cranes.

I found it interesting listening to our host tell us about why vineyards (at least for these grapes) must sit on a slanted hill. I don’t recall the reason; I was a little tipsy by this point if I’m being honest. I also enjoyed listening to why the best Pinots were grown in the Russian River valley. It has to do with the region’s diverse climate; steady fogs, cool Pacific winds, cold nights, and hot summers. Pinot is difficult to grow.

Most wineries in Sonoma require a reservation before visiting. While this may seem like an annoyance, it adds an added layer of space and intimacy with your environs.

At night we ate in Healdsburg and walked around the downtown center.

I could spend a year in this region without getting bored!