I love going to Napa, but one of the biggest reasons I prefer Sonoma goes back to my childhood. No, it’s not drinking Sonoma wines as a young ‘un, although I confess to having quite enjoyed the occasional sip of Lowenbrau that my dad shared.

It’s actually all about developing a huge ardor for long rides “in the country.” And even in 2009, one can take just such a drive in Sonoma. As I did today, with Pablo Casals playing Bach’s Cello Suites as the soundtrack. I followed the route that I recommend to all friends who visit Sonoma:

Take Hwy 101 north past Healdsburg to the Dry Creek Road exit. Go left and you’re immediately in farm country. Stop at the Dry Creek General store for provisions. Keep heading north all the way to and above Lake Sonoma, stopping for an amazing view before turning around.

Go past the sign that reads “$1,000 fine for littering” (yay!). The first stop sign on the way back is Yoakim Bridge Road. Take that and when it ends take a left on West Dry Creek Road. It doesn’t get any more country than this, at least with paved roads. West Dry Creek is only marginally wide enough for two cars and passes through overhanging trees and near vineyards with think old-vine zins that look like nothing more than a forest in Munchkinland. Not to mention bougainvillea, olive trees and other gorgeous vegetation.

West Dry Creek eventually dead-ends into Westside Road. Go right, and there’s another gorgeous, winding drive en route to Guerneville. Go left, and you’re a mile or so from downtown Healdsburg. Tough call there.

This can be a leisurely 2-hour tour or an all-day affair, with stops at wineries such as Ferrari Carano, Unti, Bella and A. Rafanelli all recommended (and usually requiring an appointment). Taking Westside Road means a must-stop at Rochioli and a strongly advised appointment at Gary Farrell, where you’ll feel like you’re pretty much on top of the world.

But I feel that every way throughout every mile of this particular ride in the country.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.