34 - Sunday, May 24, 1992 — North Shore News Take a wine-tasting trip fo Sonoma V’D BE willing to bet that there are close to 500 wineries in California over 250 in the two famous valleys, Napa and Sonoma. I find it hard to believe that this is our second visit to that part of the USA in less than a year. We'‘know very little about wine. Brian. likes it far better than I do — most of it 1 dislike. More, I dislike ‘‘wine snobs’? who preach garbage like ‘ta modest little vin- tage’? or smack their lips over a label. I suspect that most of them would be completely deceived by a “modest little red,”’ slightly chill- ed and served from a fake bottle in a fine glass. - So, what are we ‘doing visiting the famous wine couniry twice in a calendar year? First, we were in Reno. Second, we wanted to drive the part of Highway #1 that we missed last years — more about that later. Fi- Rally, Brian wanted to revisit San Francisco. | didn’t, so we com- promised. (San Francisco is great, but ! don’t want to overdose.) After visiting both Napa and Sonoma valleys -last year, we agreed that Sonoma suits us best. The countryside is prettier. Compared to the Sonoma Vailey, (Valley of the Moon), Napa just doesn’t make it in the scenery department. We find the Sonoma Valley friendlier. The pace is slower — all those San Franciscans in their overpowered BMW’s seem to scream into Napa. The small city of Sonoma is a perfect headquarters for visitors who want to visit both valleys — the cities of Napa and Sonoma are only a few miles apart. The pleasures of Sonoma (city) are plentiful. Let’s assume you have an atias in front of you. Coming from the north, along 1-5, you'll bypass Sacramento by taking #505 which will give you an exit on Highway #80. (That’s the highway that br- ings you. out of Reno to * Sacramento.). Are you still with me? Jus south of Fairfield, CA, is a turnoff for Highway #12. Ig- nore the #12 east if you don’t want to end up in Stockton! Highway #12 west leads first to Napa, then Soncma. To make life easier, study your toad map before you leave home. Detailed winery maps of the area are available everywhere in both valleys. Now, arriving in Sonoma (youll love the place!) the first thing you'll see is the most marvellous central square. It’s a park and the site of all the public buildings. Around the perimeter — an easy walk — are shops, res- taurants and two historic hotels. A third is a museum, fully restored, that is open to the public. Vll give you the names and descriptions of the hotels at the end. Food is a priority with wine. May I suggest that you visit these shops around the square before you head for the wineries? Many of the wineries provide picnic tables in beautiful gardens, but we haven't run into many that provide food. Try these shops for wonderful food-to-savor (all around the square): The Sonoma Sausage Company: The Creole and other spicy sausages are wonderful. The Sonoma Cheese Factory: I could have spent hours in the shop. They will also pack lunches. They make cheese to die for — lots of samples, too, plus a shop with mustards, kitchen stuff — a great visit. Sonoma French Bakery: You’re still on the- square, buy that perfect loaf. Pick up fruit at the many little stands that dot highway #12, Many wineries give free tastings — you will be offered a small sip in the bottom of a glass. There’s usually a limit on how many sips you may have — four or so. Other wineries charge for tasting. Remember, you’re here to sip, not guzzie. Besides, you're driving and only a foo! would overin- dulge. Prices? That, too, is up to you. This isn’t a bargain hunt. should be looking for that special wine that pleases you. The wineries insist that there’s no “‘special’’ wine; the best one is the one that you like. With 250 (+) wineries to choose from, in a very concen- trated area, I can only tell you about our three favorites. Valiey of the Moon: A small winery, just off Highway 412, north of Sonoma in Glen Ellen. Brian says their Port is unparal- t Vax, Marlin: WP Travel NEW APPOINTMENT Marlin Travel is pleased to welcome Lynn Coules to their well-trained tearm of travel experts. She offers the same level of professionalism and dedicated service she provided during the past 20 years spent in the legal profession. Lynn looks forward to working with you and can be reached at Mariin’s Park Royal office. For all your § travel needs, call 922-9301 (B) or 921-7597 (H). You Barbara McCreadie TRAVELWISE leled. 1, a non-wine-drinker, love “Symphony”? — a lightly sweet white. Viansa: This is nearer Napa, 25200 Arnold Dr. We found it last year out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Beautiful premises, gift shop (well done!) and deli (unusual), They make ail sorts of wines, but their late- harvest dessert wines are delightful. Chateau St. Jean: On Highway #12, near Santa Rosa, east side of highway. Beautiful? Picnic area, free tasting but a charge for tasting late harvest wines ($2). Quality stop. The city of Sonoma has many good restaurants — just wander around the square. We chose Zino’s (East Ist St.) and enjoyed the dinner immensely. Classic Stalian cuisine, crisp vegetables, fine service, moderate prices. In- 44 The first thing you'll see is the most marvellous central square with shops, restaurants and two historic hotels. 99 teresting: Their table wines are all from Valley of the Moon. Two others, recommended by a lovely lady at Chateau St., Jean: Kenwood and La Citta. Both are near the Chateau (just south) on Highway #12. Now, about where to stay. We have a problem — both of us smoke cigarettes so most of the classic hotels and inns are out. We stayed at the Best Western but it was perfectly adequate — pricey at $91 — including tax. All ame- nities, including hot tub and con- tinental breakfast (good coffee, ordinary muffins). I snooped through the two classic hotels on the square: El Dorado: Partly a heritage building but only on the outside. Exquisite rooms, prices to match. Pool,’ garden (restaurant in-and.- out), historic fig tree. Expect to pay $140 a night (double). Special packages available (more expen- sive but with spa stuff). (707)996-3030. Sonoma Hotel: Old, old, old. Antiques everywhere, right on the square. Most rooms with private > FOR 1 EUROPE Great price on 12 Day cruise to Scandinavia & Russia } A London-Copenhagen-St. Petersburg-Helsinki-Stockholm-Amsterdam ALASKA ON SALE from $845 us. Space is limited. Call NOW for details! Over 120 locations in the world. CALL 984-6122 . 1325 Marine Drive, Nan. {next to Canadian Tire) 1 DAY CRUISE SALE! EVERYTHING on saie for Royal Cruise Line for 1992 & 1993 sailings. $5 holds your cabin for 30 days. Drop in and see films on some sailings with lain Perkins, District Sales Manager. 1 Day Only - SUNDAY, 11:00am 11:30am Hawaii Mediterranean Highlights Panama Canal Italy, France and Greek isles China, Japan & Orient Coffee & Doughnuts 12:00 Noon 12:30pm 1:00pm JUNE 7th Orient & Java Seas Scandinavia Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain Greek Isles & Ancient Civilizations Mexican Riviera 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:30 pm Door Prizes - Special EXTRA AMENITIES— THIS DAY ONLY At offices of ROSEWAY TRAVEL LTD. #106.- Kapilano 100 Building (ground floor of black office tower) South Park Royal Please: RSVP 926-8344 bath but others ‘‘European”’ with basins only and down-the-hall fa- cilities. All but two rooms have double beds (very narrow for my taste) but there are two twin rooms. Rates $65-$105. but nostalgic as hell. (707)996-2996, There are lots of motels around, but you’d better check a motel puide to find out what you're io] peenters your Bua: Fuise wrenhive Sovcvakits if you can’ afford a vacation You can afford a cruise vacation. For more details call 985-7447 (SHIP) 1823 Capilano Rd. SAN DIEGO CRUISE HOLIDAY Regal Princess jj . : from Cdn. a ae Bee Sept. 26 to Oct. 01/92 | SAN FRANCISCO | CRUISE HOLIDAY Nieuw Amsterdam from Cdn. 5499” an, Sept. 24 to 26/92 LOS ANGELES CRUISE HOLIDAY Princees Cruises Holland America Line | $549" from Cdn. ppidbl. Various sailing dates. In Sept. & Oct./92 HAWAIIAN CRUISE HOLIDAY } Princess Crulse’- § co, 2095" sen | Sept. 28 to Oct. 10/92 and Oct. 06 to 18/92