Iona C.
Yelp
I haven't been to very many wineries so I'm never quite sure what to expect. I tend to think of myself as more of a "beer" person since wine always seems to connote snobbishness. However, after visiting Sonoma Coast Vineyards this past Sunday and receiving a very thorough, but wildly entertaining, education of sorts with Amanda, I can definitely see myself warming up to wine.
Amanda was the ultimate hostess and provided an awesome start to a weekend spent celebrating a close gal pal's milestone birthday. Her knowledge of the wines she was serving, and various aspects of production and methods for tasting, was impressive; moreover, her enthusiasm and passion were endearing and totally contagious.
Another Yelper complained about the $25 tasting fee comped with a $150 purchase, but to me it was $25 well spent. SCV provides so much more than just a sampling of five different wines; they provide a complete experience where you feel encouraged to just savor the moment and who you're with. Whether you choose to stand in their pristine main tasting area, or mosey over to the other room complete with a fireplace and cozy blankets, your visit to SCV is guaranteed to be the highlight of your day.
Having come in on an empty stomach, I opted for the local cheese plate ($15) which, in addition to cheese, came with dried fruit and nuts, crackers, chocolate, truffle chips and truffle popcorn. It's amazing what even a little wine in your system will do to make everything seem amazing, haha, because the little spread tasted great.
At the end of the day, I ended up walking away with a bottle of their brut rose ($35)... which was promptly finished off when I got home later that evening.
The drive to Bodega Bay isn't like a trip to your neighborhood Safeway, but if you're in/around the area, SCV is a must.