This is the final part of our trip to Sonoma County (part 1 is posted here).  We had such a wonderful time, I thought I’d share some of our favorite parts of the trip with you as part of my Sunday Drive excursions on Mortgage Porter. 

Westside Drive in Healdsburg will take you along a beautiful windy road packed with wineries along the Russian River all the way to the Pacific.  We stopped at Twomey Cellars which has a great view and Matrix.   Hop Kiln Winery (pictured right) is another "must see".  It was too early in the morning for us to taste wines, we enjoyed walking around their grounds.   Located right next door is Rochioli Vineyards–this was also a recommendation from Dave Savage (DSR).  Sadly we were too early to sample these wines which are described as "legendary".

We drove along Westside Drive to where the Russian River meets the coast.  It’s really beautiful and nice to dig your toes into some California sand.   We headed south along the misty Highway 1 until we reached Bodega Bay.   We had lunch at the Sandpiper in Bodega–do have the oysters baked in the chipolte sauce (I’ve been trying to recreate the recipe ever since). 

Bodega Bay is famous for Potters School, where Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Birds" was filmed.  The Birds was probably the first "scary movie" I ever saw and is still one of my favorites to this day.  Apparently many others agree as Potters School had many curious visitors.   Note: no crows were harmed in this photo–this is a rental: 3 minutes for two bucks!

We caught Highway 12 to Highway 116 towards Forestville where we stopped at Iron Horse Vineyards.  Another great recommendation from Dave which has wonderful views over the valley of endless vineyards.  Our last winery on our vacation was Hartford Family Wines.  We really enjoy their Pinot Noir back at home and purchased two bottles while we were there.  And I was finally able to meet Dave Savage of Mortgage Coach, who not only provided us with great recommendations for our trip to Sonoma County, he also did a pod-cast interview with me a few months earlier.

You can check out photos from our trip here.

IMPORTANT TIP:  Do not try to carry on your wines from Sonoma County Airport (or anywhere for that matter).   The grumpy TSA person confisgated our two bottles of Hartford and would not allow us to check it or leave it for a friend (when he allowed the person right in front of us to check an item that was too large to be a carry on).  I was told that the wine was donated, the airport will not provide a receipt.  Lesson learned.

As you may know, I was in San Francisco last month for the Inman Connect real estate  conference.  I decided to add a few days to my trip and make the most of my air fair expenses by visiting Sonoma…specifically Healdsburg.  I know this isn’t quite a "neighborhood tour" like I’ve been promoting at Mortgage Porter…I’m hoping you’ll enjoy this post all the same.

It was a lucky fluke that we wound up based in Healdsburg, which is just north of Sonoma.  Sonoma is a nice town but if you want to really see wineries and enjoy a small town atmosphere, head north and you’ll be in the heart of the Russian River wine region.  Dave Savage of the Mortgage Coach provided us with some excellent recommendations which I’ll share with you too.  (I may abbreviate: DSR = a "Dave Savage Recommendation").

An inexpensive (compared to other places in Sonoma county) place to stay is the Best Western Dry Creek Inn which is located right on Dry Creek Road and Highway 101.  Breakfast comes with the room but I suggest heading out to the Flying Goat Coffee for your morning jolt of caffeine.  Dave says they serve the world’s best cappuccino.

We also enjoyed an incredible breakfast at Costeaux French Bakery which has been a part of this town since 1923.   You need a nice breakfast if you’re going to start your day early with wine tasting!

In the town of Healdsburg, we found some wonderful wineries and tasting rooms.  Two of my favorites are:

• Williamson Wines.  Bill Williamson pairs his wine tastings with food.  It’s an amazing experience.  Imagine having a piece of cheese with a bit of pickle on top paired with a sip of Chardonnay.
• You also must visit Seghesio Family Vineyards on of the oldest in Healdsburg…they have great wine too.  (Thanks DSR).

Dave Savage had spot on recommendations for places to dine in Healdsburg.   For dinner, he recommends (and I agree):

Ravenous.  Located next to the town theater on North Street.  This is a cozy restaurant that you may need reservations for.  We had the ribs and flank steak. (DSR)

Bistro Ralph.  We shared a steak served on a pile of the tiniest french fries topped with a dollop of horseradish.  Reservations are a must. (DSR)

Driving north on Dry Creek Road, you can catch a concert on Friday evenings at Mazzocco Wines.   Pack a picnic and they’ll happily uncork one of their nice wines for you to enjoy on the lawn.   Passalacqua Winery and Unti are also a "must stops".   Many people recommended Bella Vineyards and Wine Cave, which is beautiful; however, when we were there, it’s was also packed with tour buses…Preston Vineyards was a welcome break from the crowds where no groups over 8 are allowed.   At the end of Dry Creek Road, you’ll find Lake Sonoma and Sbragia Family Vineyards which not only boasts amazing views, they also have fantastic wine.

Healdsburg has amazing wines and I’m just touching the surface.  Watch for another post for the rest of our excursion to Sonoma County soon.