Day 4 - Guerneville to Napa via Sonoma

Sumptuous breakfast courtesy of Bob at the B&B, accompanied by Rich and Debs from Illinois with whom we had an excellent chat about politics both sides of the Atlantic, how our respective countries are portrayed and other topics, whilst scoffing fresh fruit salad followed by blueberry pancakes. Said our goodbyes to both them and Bob and ventured into the hills around the Russian River for some wine tasting.

First stop was Porter Creek vineyard, greeted by the enthusiastic Jonathan in a cute tasting room, who plied us with samples of wonderful Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays whilst chatting about our respective travels, how he ended up in California from Vermont, and his exciting break in film music. What a nice bloke, and he was thrilled when I pointed out there was a picture of him in the Lonely Planet guide! It was painful to leave - sipping divine wines surrounded by the vines they grew on, with the sun shining - heaven. Left with a bottle of said Pinot Noir for the wine rack at home - not cheap but god it'll taste good.

Next stop was Thomas George vineyard, as J had sampled a glass of their Sauvignon Blanc last night at Boon. Another free tasting, and another bottle bought. Two tastings under our belt, we headed to Sonoma and paused to have lunch a deli (The Sonoma Cheese Factory) on the main plaza (fat sandwiches). Last tasting of the day was at the Ravenswood winery in Sonoma - more commercial than the others but close to our heart as it's our favourite Zinfandel that we can get easily at home. Final bottle bought...

Finally ended up in Napa, with the Wine Valley Lodge being our abode for the night - a traditional motel with character. Walked a mile or so into the historic downtown area and had fantastic food and flights of wine (three each) in The Bounty Hunter wine bar - sliders for J and smokey ribs for me.

Top day.