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Bucolic is the word that comes to mind when I think of the drive out Bennett Valley Road to our first stop at Matanzas Creek Winery(10-4:30). Though located about 15 minutes west of Hwy. 12 past Glen Ellen, it may be a bit off the beaten track, but to chardonnay aficionados, it’s well worth the extra drive time. Ever since Jess Jackson bought this property, perfection has been the name of the game out there right down to their famous and perfectly groomed lavender fields. Be sure to visit around the end of June or later when the property will be literally buzzing with bees hovering around the beautiful wave of blue lavender blossoms – it’s an absolute delight to the senses. You might want to take a picnic lunch (from the Glen Ellen Market) and plan to spend the afternoon strolling their gardens or on their bocce court(please call ahead 707-528-6464).

And bocce is the perfect segue to our next stop in “little” Tuscany, or Petroni Vineyards(by appt. only), high in the hills off Cavedale Road with fabulous vineyard views. WOW! An expected late May rain changed our plans from an al fresco lunch by the pool to an indoor event and happily, as we were welcomed into the palazzo, the grande sala, of Lorenzo Petroni where he personally hosted a veritable Italian feast complete with accompanying wines. But, first we had to have our apperitivo, some wonderfully refreshing Sauvignon Blanc (only $16) with Lorenzo’s trademark EVOO – Delizioso! Petroni is home to the unique Brunello di Sonoma as they are best known for their hearty Italian style reds that go so well with such things as the pasta that was made for us by Lorenzo’s son and North Beach Restaurants chefs – bravo e grazie tanto!

Taking a break from wine we took a drive down to Jacuzzi Winery which houses the award winning olive oils of The Olive Press (10-5:30) . Once there we were given an overview and then a very instructive tour where we all got to see the olive from tree to bottle including the equipment and all the steps in the process it takes to make this lovely greenish gold liquid. Then, best of all, taste the various types including the infused olive oils, those made with blood oranges, meyer lemons and jalapeno peppers. If your guests are looking for the perfect gift to take home to their house or dog sitter, they should check out all the lovely, olive inspired items in their gift shop. Don’t miss a stop here or one at their press in Oxbow Market in Napa where you can refill your olive oil bottles!

We certainly ended the day on a high note at the small & intimate Mayo Family Reserve Room (10:30-6:30 by appt. only) in Kenwood where we did their special reserve wine & food pairing conducted by Meredith Mayo herself. As each wine was brought out with its accompanying gourmet bite prepared by their CIA trained chef, Meredith described the vineyard origin of the wine and how it was suited to the food and how the food brought out certain aspects of the wine. What an education we all had! And, what a stellar ending to what was a Perfect Wine Country Day here in Sonoma!

Nancy Boerum
Concierge
MacArthur Place
www.macarthurplace.com
707-938-2929