TR’s Intinerary: 8 at the Gate

Eight at the Gate is your gateway to the Russian River Valley; eight wineries which produce and present excellent pinot noir and chardonnay.

Stop in at Hanna’s charming cottage TR on Occidental Road, followed by Balletto Vineyards & Winery, modern structure among the vines, with a distinctive outer courtyard and water features outside the TR- a wee bit down the road- stop in at Taft Street Winery followed by a visit to Lynmar Estate- reserve their picnic wine lunch by Chef Sandra Simile, and eat and taste on their visitor center terrace overlooking the Laguna de Santa Rosa and their Quail Hill Vineyards. Next stop is Occidental, tiny hamlet snuggled in the Redwoods, less than 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean where you will check into the Inn at Occidental.  If it is a Friday afternoon in the summer/fall, hit the Occidental Farmers Market 4pm to dusk for incredible organic produce, flowers, breads, foods, crafts and entertainment.  Stroll over to the Bistro des Copains for dinner, then retire.

After the full breakfast in the morning at your Inn, you will be ready to head out to explore the scenic Pacific Coast or you can “Zip the Redwoods” at Sonoma Canopy Tours just up the road where you will have 2.5 hours of thrills in the coastal Redwoods, with seven zip lines, one 1000’ feet long, two sky bridges and a majestic spiral staircase high in the air.  Back to Occidental to grab a casual dinner at El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant or the Union Hotel Pizzeria.

On the way back to SF the next morning, following breakfast, visit Marimar Estate, then Dutton-Goldfield in their new location, Dutton Estate-Sebastopol Vineyards and then Iron Horse, ending your quest for 8 @ the Gate.  Visit Kozlowski Farms for some great preserves then tasting at  Russian River Vineyards and lunch at their Cork’s Restaurant.

Friday’s blog will feature Balletto Vineyards & Winery.

Here’s looking at you, kids.

TR