Tag Archive 'Sonoma'

What’s in the Guide Book, Vol I

Posted in Alana Recommends on Nov 25th, 2009

It’s like a checkbook that fits into your purse or glove box. Inside, I describe my favorite places to taste, stay, eat & shop in Napa & Sonoma.  I invented the VIP Pass so you can enjoy special tours & tastings at each of my favorite places.  Each VIP Pass has my review, a picture of the winery, B&B or restaurant, & a description of what you get.  Each VIP Pass is worth a minimum of $40. In between the passes are Insider Tips, called A Tip of  the Glass, about where the locals’ eat, where to shop, plus wine tasting & buying tips.  Volume 1 has VIP Passes worth over $700 & expires Sept 2011.
List of VIP Passes in Alana’s Insider Pick’s & Tips Guide, Vol 1
  • Private Tour, Wine Education & Tasting for 4 at Gustafson near Healdsburg
  • Private Tour & Barrel Room Tasting for 4 at Quivira near Healdsburg
  • 50% of Any Estate Tour & Tasting at Michel Schlumberger near Healdsburg
  • Flight tasting for 2 and 10% off Purchases at the Wine Shop in Healdsburg
  • Welcome Champagne & Chocolate Strawberries for Guests at Honor Mansion in Healdsburg
  • Wine & Food Experience for 2 at Vintners Collective in Napa
  • Tasting Experience for 4 at Ceja in Napa
  • Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting for 4 at Casa Nuestra, SIlveradao Trail, Napa
  • In-room Amenity & 10% off Spa Treatment for Guests at Napa’s White House Inn & Spa
  • Walkabout with the Winemaker & Tasting for 4 at Loxton Winery in Kenwood (Sonoma)
  • Wine & Cheese Tasting for 2 at Kunde in Kenwood (Sonoma)
  • Free Alana’s Seasonal Tapas for Your Entire Party at Vineyards Inn Bar & Grill in Kenwood (Sonoma)
  • Girl with a Glass Etched Bottle of Rose Ranch Merlot for guests at the Private Casa Verde Guest House in Kenwood (Sonoma)
  • Insulated Case Box & 10% off with Vine Rover Tours (serving Snoma & Napa)
  • 25% off of etched wine gifts (Celebration Line) from Etched Images in Napa

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Robledo Winery, Sonoma

Posted in Uncategorized on Dec 5th, 2008

As I criss-cross through the wine country, enthusiastic tasting room staff, winemakers and owners share their winery’s rich histories, explain their wine making philosophy and welcome me and my friends to their home-away-from-home.

One of my favorite wineries is Robledo Family Winery. Mr. Robledo is only in his late 50’s and has enjoyed a 30+year career in wine making for some of the biggest players in California.  He has nine grown children, all of which live with 15 minutes of each other.

The story is wonderful and romantic but best of all, their wine is excellent!  Larry Robledo, our tasting room host, was warm and genuine. His mom is responsible for the winemaker dinners and I’m really looking forward to learning more about Mexican dishes and wine pairing.

You can read about them on the Robledo web site but better yet, visit their tasting room, meet Mamacita and a few of the brothers and sisters, see the Robledo’s wedding photos and enjoy their yummy wines.

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See Snoopy & the Gang

Posted in On My Mind, Tips & Travel on Jan 31st, 2008

Schultz Museum - Sonoma County Wine CountryI am a big fan of the Peanuts comic strip as well as the old T.V. holiday specials. If you are visiting CA Wine Country, I encourage you to visit the Charles M. Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa (Sonoma County, CA). My hubby and I had a great photo-shoot there. Both children and adults will love it. The building is gorgeous and houses giant displays of his comic strips, sculptures, and an outdoor garden (with Charlie Brown’s kite stuck in a tree). There is also a large gift shop and art gallery, Snoopy’s Ice Arena and the Warm Puppy Cafe. If you are taking pictures, it is allowed everywhere except in the main museum gallery.

If you tire of wine tasting, spend a few hours enjoying this fun and unique place.

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