Wine Country

A short summary of the wineries I visited and tasted at on vacation:
D'Argenzio-
D'Argenzio was the first winery we visited. Timid and unsure what to expect, we headed in. We hadn't meant to go there, we meant to go to MJ Lords, but it wasn't open so we skipped over. Greeted by the winemaker, we smoozed, got our tasting comped, and some complimentary tastes to boot (one included Marimar, a favorite). Very satisfied with ourselves, and happy to have met nice people in Santa Rosa, we headed out. We came back for Wine Down Thursday with live music and 5 dollar tasting and glass, and had a nice time. Definitely a recommend despite the industrial setting.
Sunce-
A beautiful winery, with alright wine. The woman there was definitely cordial, but left something a little to be desired in service. A little cold to us, we departed. Bocce Ball and a beautiful countryside setting however.
Marimar-
Wonderful Chardonnay and Pinot, and wonderful service. We loved it. Wish we could have tried the tapas, but another time. The countryside was great, and this Spanish style winery was definitely among our favorites and the favorite of the day. Very scenic drive to this winery.
Korbel-
California champagne! Who would have thunk. Although pretty corporate, the tour and tasting was free, and fun. We bought some nice sec, even though it is hard to have so much bubbly sometimes. And a beautiful distillery tower.
Silver Oak-
Pricey, but very hospitable. The tour was cheap, and you get a free glass. Jim Grace, helped us out, gave us complimentary tastings at their sister winery Twomey, which we didn't use, but we took his recommendation to go to Frank Family, which we wouldn't regret. Free glasses in hand, we left very happy with out decision to go to there and pay for the tour. A little bit steep, we didn't buy any wine, but really enjoyed the hospitality. A beacon in the very corporate world of wineries.
Frank Family-
This smaller winery was fabulous! 10 dollar tasting, and very friendly service. We loved the wine, and bought some Cabernet Sauvignon. They also had a very nice bubbly, crisp and not overpowering, and not as dry as some of the champagnes we tried at Korbel. It had a very cute, hometown feel to it.
Rued-
There were some good Zinfandels and once you got to talking, there was very friendly service. It just goes to show how nice people can be when you chat and schmooze, a staple of wine country.
Ferrari Corano-
The best, in my opinion, of the hugely corporate wineries we visited. The private tasting we paid for, although a little pricey, was the best service we enjoyed at such a place. In a private room, we enjoyed generous tasting servings, delicious chocolated, and were allowed to revisit any of the tastes we liked.
Beringer-
Less than savory experience. Very coporate and impersonal, decent wine and pairing, but however, we really didn't feel the same camraderie of the other places we had visited.
Hagafen-
Friendly small joint, with a free online coupon for a complimentary tasting. Good Reds. Again, it was a nice chat.
Ridge at Lytton Springs-
Not as much chat, but some really good Zinfandels. A little less friendly. But it was busy and we had a nice time.
Martinelli-
Very unsavory experience. We shared a tasting, and one of the women was not tactful at asking for IDs, and embarrassed in front of teh present company. The wine was mediocre and overpriced.
Taft Street-
Small winery with good whites and pinots, in a chilled region. Very friendly company, and free tasting, it was welcomed.
Nalle-
We had an...awkward experience here. It seemed short staffed, and we had no idea there was a cost for tasting. The "cave" was a little odd. And although quirky, not our favorite stop.
Taste at Oxbow-
Classy establishment, we had a fun experience here. Not our favorite though. Just a tasting room.
Uncorked at Oxbow-
Very friendly service, very chill tasting room. We liked it a lot.
Ca-Mommi's-
Very friendly service and delicious rosemary crackers! Loved it here, very cheap wine prices.
Carpe Diem-
Very good food, but I didn't taste here. They have a small window for their taste deal and it was unfortunate because we entered thinking we would get something out of it, but it was a good restaurant.

So that is a quick summary! We had some delicious awesome pick in here, and very much enjoyed our time, and learned a lot about wine. Now to go back to yucky Utah wine....