Wine Tasting in the Russian River Valley

Located among the rolling hills of southern Healdsburg along Old Redwood Highway is a group of wineries known as the Eastside Bunch. 

There is plenty of fantastic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in this part of the valley because of the coastal influences in this microclimate. 

Take a trip to the Wine Country’s Russian River valley.

 

Your tasting begins about 1.5 miles north of downtown Windsor.  On your drive, you’ll see valley views, farmhouses, and grazing sheep amid some cactus and plenty of grapevines.  Rustic farm equipment is spread here and there, some have painted murals.  For a really good map for your route, look here. 

Start at the southern most stop at J Vineyards (named for founder Judy Jordan), which shares a driveway entrance with Rodney Strong Vineyards.  J’s flight is a bit pricey ($20), but you’ll sample five of their signature wines including their sparkling Cuvee or Vintage Brut. 

The tasting room has a lounge type atmosphere with an  incredible sculptural wall, designed by the founder, representing the brown earth, J’s signature bubbles, and the Russian River.  Look here for directions to J Winery. 

Stop in to see their neighbor Rodney Strong, sharing the same driveway entrance.  See our previous post on what we love so much about Rodney Strong vineyards.

Travel up Old Redwood Highway to Acorn Winery, but make sure you have a reservation with Betsy or Bill Nachbaur, since this is an appointment only tasting room.  Acorn Winery is nestled in a dream like setting, where you’ll wind your way down a private gravel road past oak trees and wine barrels, and witness vines over 100 years old.  These grape growers pride themselves in making wines in an old world style, where grapes are planted and fermented together.  Read about Acorn Winery’s big Gold Medal win at the Harvest Fair here. 

  

Vines over 100 years old

  

We arrived on the day the mustard flowers were mowed at Acorn.

 

[Just a stone’s throw north of Acorn Winery is Limerick Lane, home to several smaller wineries in the Russian River Valley.  We are saving a visit to these wineries for a different day, so stay tuned.]

Continuing up Old Redwood Highway toward downtown Healdsburg, you’ll make one final stop at Foppiano Vineyards, established in 1896.  

Enjoy your glass of their famous Petite Sirah, while you sit at their picnic tables under the shade, surrounded by roses and an incredible view of the Russian River Valley.

 

  

Now this is living in the Wine Country !