Try positioning NYC/WAS/PHL-SMF.

May have to check that region out, then. Is Sonoma a longer drive from SMF?

Yes, it is a bit further.

I haven't been to Sonoma, but I enjoyed the smaller wineries a lot more than the big name places in Napa. IMO, the true heart of Napa (and, from what I've heard, Sonoma) is found in the small, family-owned operations.

:-:

I went to quite a few of those last time, as well. Goosecross was a very nice place to spend an hour. However, I just love the grounds and scenery at Mondavi, and they really do provide an excellent tour (though it is certainly pricey).

I didn't have time for the tour but I will agree with you about the grounds and scenery! I just don't really care for the wine that Mondavi puts out...

1-Ply is better than no ply I found at the CLt stall I used the other day!! :rolleyes::mad::rolleyes::mad::rolleyes:

One of my favorite recipies ever for dinner tonight. It begins:
Open one can of beer and drink approximately half.

:D :D

First time lighting up the grill this year, too. Good stuff.

Beer butt chicken? beer can chicken....several names for it. is this what you are making?

Have you tried their Unoaked Chardonnay? IMHO, it's one of the best of the variety I've ever tried.

I also used to loathe Sauvignon Blancs. That was until I discovered that New Zealand and South Africa make stellar examples of the type. Still haven't found a California Sauv. Blanc that I like. Likewise, I've yet to find a Malbec that rubs me the right way.

I have tried Mondavi's Unoaked Chardonnay and thought it was decent (especially considering one of the things I dislike most about a wine is too much oak). I am, however, not a big Chardonnay drinker. For some reason, Sauvignon Blancs give me a headache so I tend to avoid those as well.

Malbecs have slowly started to grow on me. I recently purchased a few bottles of a Malbec from Ave (2007) that is pretty tasty - the fruit is a little on the heavy side, but it is still one of the better Malbecs I have tasted.

When all is said and done, I usually end up with a red from - in no particular order - Spain, Portugal, France or California (how's that for vague? :)).

@:-)

For reds, I go:

South Africa
Chile
Italy
France

For Whites:
New Zealand
South Africa
Moravian and/or German
Texas

roughly in that order. Then there's Port... sweet, delicious port. :)

The grounds at Ferrari-Carano in Sonoma are ^ as well.

Got my 5-day EUA on RSW-EWR for Sunday. On a 752, no less. :D