Midlife wrote:

> I could use a bit of help. I will be in the San Francisco area for (US)
> Thanksgiving and, as always, will spend some time tasting in the Napa/Sonoma
> area. That weekend there is a tasting, at Copia, featuring 31 Santa Cruz
> area wineries. Given all the tasting alternatives available, I asked Copia
> for the specific wineries list so that I could decide if that's how we
> should spend some time. Trouble is (as is happening more and more these
> days) I only recognize a small number of the 31 wineries on the list. Other
> than Burrell School, Clos La Chance, Kathryn Kennedy, Mount Eden, Ridge and
> Thomas Fogarty, the list is a mystery. Any comments would be helpful.


I am very partial to Sonoma County, particularly the Healdsburg area.
You could motor up to Healdsburg and go directly to the Ridge winery
there. And while you are at it, visit some more great wineries without
getting into the crowds that you find in Napa. There are now 5 or 6
tasting rooms on the square in Healdsburg and there is a combined
tasting room in Gyserville that is good. Rafanelli is close to Ridge
but you will need to call ahead to get the gate code. Chateau Souverain
is a great place to visit and they have a wonderful restaurant that
servers dinners. There is also a restaurant in Healdsburg called Zin
where every item on the menu is designed to complement the wine.