Although we’ve still got 2 summer weeks available, most of our requests now are for the highly anticipated crush season. Best fall weekends that are still open include Pinot on the River 10/24, and the Annual “Tasting along the wine road” 11/6-7. Check the events calendar for the dates that best suit you, and book [...]
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The Seghesio family has been involved in the winemaking business in Sonoma County since 1886. Edoardo Seghesio first immigrated to the “Italian Swiss Colony” to work in the vineyards, and rose through the ranks to winemaker. In 1895, he and his wife finally purchased a home and surrounding vineyards in Alexander Valley, now knows as “The Home Ranch” where some of the Seghesio Zinfandel is produced.
The Seghesio family eventually purchased the Italian Swiss Colony and through the mid-1970s, produced most of the bulk wine here in Sonoma County. In 1983, the Seghesio family took the winery in an entirely different direction, producing wines under the Seghesio label.
Today, the family produces almost exclusively estate wines, many from the same vineyards Edoardo planted many generations ago. Some of their wines have received high marks: the 2007 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County, was ranked #10 in Wine Spectator’s 2008 “Top 100 Wines of 2008″, and rings in at an astonishingly affordable $24.
Seghesio’s tasting room, picnic grounds, and Bocce Ball courts are open daily from 10am to 5pm in downtown Healdsburg on Grove Street, just south of Dry Creek Road.
Seghesio has a unique “Family Tables” program; for just $35 per person, guests can enjoy a meal with Seghesio wines.
Visit the Seghesio site for more information.
Tours of The Melissa Garden, by Garden Designer Kate Frey
Garden Tour Date schedule for 2010:
Friday, June 11 ~ 10-11:30 am
Friday, July 16 ~ 10-11:30 am
Friday, August 20 ~ 10-11:30 am
Friday, September 17 ~ 10-11:30 am
Come experience the buzz and blossoms at our honeybee sanctuary with garden [...]
From the Windsor-Sonoma site:
We’re Building Our New Home!
We’re proud to announce that we recently acquired, and have begun to replant, a 40-acre vineyard estate on Westside Road in the esteemed Russian River Valley Appellation. Now that many of the grapes are firmly planted and growing happily, we are further [...]
The Farmhouse Inn is a full-service luxury bed-and-breakfast inn, but the Farmhouse Inn restaurant entices food enthusiasts from around the globe, whether they’re lucky enough to experience the luxurious accommodations as well. See the Farmhouse Inn site for rates and reservations information.
This exquisite dining experience has been rated and reviewed by virtually every top-notch food [...]
Screen Shot and text from the River Rock Casino site:
River Rock Casino offers 1300 state-of-the-art slot machines, featuring classics like video poker, video keno, and exciting in-house progressives, and many more of your favorites. Come and try your luck at everything from penny slots to $100 pulls. Guest favorites like Wheel [...]
Newsflash! We’ve just learned that Sarah’s Forestville Kitchen is now open for business on Front Street near Nightengale Breads, serving Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch every day but Tuesdays. (Front Street is the section of highway 116 that passes through Forestville just before Mirabel Road)
WIth menu items like Shrimp & Grits, organic egg omelettes, and Corned [...]
“Redwood Beauty, Mackenzie Challenge”
Recently recognized by Golf World Magazine as the #3 Nine-hole course
in America!
Enjoy a round of golf among the majestic redwoods in the heart of the Russian River Resort Area, just 10 miles from Westside Lodge.
Experience one of the most unique golf courses in the world, one of Alister MacKenzie’s [...]
Influenced by his family’s 400 years of grape growing and winemaking in Alsace, Jacques Schlumberger is committed to producing small lots of fine wine imprinted with the distinct terroir of the estate’s steep hillside vineyards. Winemaker, Mike Brunson, applies the highest standards to compose classic wines. Cheese and [...]
This incredible event is devoted to all things Pinot, with an intense focus on California producers, along with a few Oregon and Burgundy producers as well. One very special feature of Pinot Days is that many winemakers themselves are pouring their own wines, allowing for a kind of interaction Pinot lovers rarely get to experience, [...]
Thurs. April 29 • Bruce Weinstein & Mark Scarborough • 6-7 p.m. • Free
Ham: An Obsession with the Hindquarter. In their new book Weinstein and Scarborough take readers on a globetrotting tour of the whole wide wonderful world of ham, from the Philippines to Spain, the Caribbean, the American South, and [...]
The Uncorked festival features a host of sponsors, including many of California’s larger wine producers including Beringer, Stag’s Leap, Souverain, Chateau St. Jean, Meridian, and benefit’s San Francisco’s La Cocina, a culinary business incubator here in San Francisco. For more info about La Cocina, visit their site.
However, you’ll also find Westside Road’s very own John [...]
From the La Paulee site:
La Paulée is [Daniel Johnnes'] homage to La Paulée de Meursault, a convivial Burgundian fête shared by growers and their guests. At La Paulée guests will sample current releases and older vintages from over twenty of the most sought after Domaines of Burgundy. The wine service will be [...]
They’re here, they’re free, and they include Westside Lodge!
The 2010 Sonoma County Visitors’ Guide and Map are available by mail and at hundreds of locations in and around Sonoma County. Pick yours up while you’re visiting, or visit the Sonoma County Visitors Guide page to request one by mail.
Westside Lodge is a Featured Vacation [...]
The 2010 Golden Glass will celebrate the efforts of over 100 international wine producers who strive to protect, nurture, and revive the indigenous and classic varieties of their regions. The wineries will be clustered in designated, regional areas throughout the [...]
Saturday January 30 • Punch Contest!! • 4:00 p.m.
Are you an amateur mixologist just itching to show off your skills? Or a professional bartender with a lazy Saturday afternoon? Make up a bowl of your favorite punch (alcoholic or non), and bring it to our punch contest! Free to punch entrants; drinkers-only pay $5 at the [...]
On Saturday, February 27, 2010 consumers, press and trade will gather for the remarkable 8th Annual Passionate about Pinot Noir Summit at the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, California. An extraordinary array of palates will gather to assess “the best of the best,” from the8th Annual Pinot Noir Shootout.
The 8th Annual Pinot Noir [...]
We’ve yet to get a hold of Gracianna’s wines, but they have been quietly making a new and solid mark among the winemakers on Westside Road. On Vinography, Alder ranked the 2007 Gracianna Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley ($42) an 8.5, in good company with many established winemakers’ creations. We also see that Gracianna took a few [...]
Photo from Kim Kaldo-Alvarez, Sonoma West
Nightingale Breads is a newcomer to Forestville, doing business on Front Street, the section of highway 116 that runs through central Forestville (just under 4 miles from Westside Lodge). They’ve already won popular attention on many of San Francisco’s food blogs, and enjoyed medals at the 2009 Sonoma Harvest Fair [...]
We first heard about this on the Huffington Post, and laughed ourselves silly when we saw it… enjoy!
Upcoming events, as published on the Omnivore Books website. Where will you ever find a better place to do your Christmas shopping?
Visit Omnivore’s site
Wednesday December 2 • The Dumpling: A Seasonal Guide • 6-7 p.m. • Free
What makes a dumpling a dumpling? Why are dumplings found in every region around the world? How did this [...]
This morning, we found the Business Section of the newspaper amongst the remains of our busy Thanksgiving, and saw a great article profiling one of the city’s foodie microcosms: Bi-Rite. This store, creamery, and art space has proven that a single company and devoted group of people can turn a single location into an epicenter [...]
From the 231 Ellsworth newsletter:
January 15th, 2010: 5-Course Dinner Paired with Moshin Vineyards Wines
Located in Russian River Valley, Moshin Vineyards specializes in small lot hand crafted wines. Rick Moshin’s dream became a reality in 1989 with the purchase of a ten acre plot of land in Sonaoma County. Today, the winery controls 28 acres of [...]
Omnivore Books is one of our favorite little detours in Noe Valley. It’s easy to get lost in here, even though the whole shop is smaller than the living room at Westside Lodge. Stop by, enjoy a reading, and support our local bookstore. You can find Omnivore Books in Noe Valley on Cesar Chavez St., [...]
From the Winejudging.com site:
Save the Date! February 20, 2010.
The Public Tasting of the largest competition of American wines in the world is much more than just a wine tasting – it’s a wine and food experience. Featured at this event will be a sampling of hand crafted creations from premier artisan food purveyors, which will [...]
The Russian River can be fished year-round, and with some expert help, you’ll be taking home dinner (or at least a great story about the one that got away!) You’ll find Steelhead, Salmon, Bass, and Catfish. King’s Sport in Guerneville can provide you info on which fish you can keep, when you need a license, [...]
PinotFest 2009
A Public Tasting of a Sexy Wine
San Francisco’s original, all-pinot noir bacchanalia returns to Farallon Restaurant on Saturday afternoon, November 21, 2009. The extensive tasting of pinot noirs from over 50 of Oregon and California’s best producers is held from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. In addition, the afternoon features sumptuous hors d’oeuvres to complement [...]
Wednesday, October 14th 6:30-8:30pm
The Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center
101 Henry Adams Street, SF
VIP early admission 6pm
This food & wine event is a celebration of Wine and Spirits Magazine’s Top 100 Wines. Admission includes tastes from San Francisco restaurants including Flour & Water, Nettie’s Crab Shack, and Kitchenette, to name just a few. Additional [...]
Taste of the Bay is an opportunity to sample food and wine from some of the Bay Area’s premiere producers. Who will we be looking for?
Sarah Schafer, the Chef from Anchor and Hope will be at the event. Sarah’s menu at A&H is a melange of classic seafood dishes blended with sophisticated new preparations. The [...]
From the Press Democrat, 9/29
This farm, which sells to about 40 restaurants in the Bay Area, operates its own farmstand from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily on bucolic Westside Road, starting in late July through early November.
“It’s like walking out your back door and picking out of your own garden, without all the work,” [...]
Wild Flour on CNN
We happened upon Wild Flour Bread on the way back from a “research” outing to Osmosis Day Spa, and were stunned to find some of the best bread we’ve ever happened upon. (and we live in SF, less than 2 miles from the line-around-the-block Tartine Bakery)
Beautiful gardens surround the barn-like building, where they [...]
Winery Tour Hours: Winery tours are offered daily, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and Wine Shop/Tasting Room hours are from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Garden Tour Hours: The Garden Tour is offered daily, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (mid-April through mid-October).
Location: 13250 River Road, Guerneville, CA 95446 (about 5 minutes west [...]
A delicious visit, between Westside Lodge and Sebastopol. Don’t miss the apple or pumpkin butters, and the best-selling red raspberry vinegar.
From the Kozlowski Farms Website:
Located five miles north of Sebastopol near the town of Forestville, the Kozlowski Farm itself is steeped in California history. We’re part of the old El Molino Rancho, a large ranch [...]
The Dry Creek Olive Company invites you to stop by… this is a great stop to make when you’re tasting over on Dry Creek Road.
From the Dry Creek Olive Company Website:
Please stop by our newly opened tasting room to sample them for yourself. Our tasting room is located at Timber Crest Farms in Healdsburg, California. [...]
The Bishop’s Ranch
5297 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: 707-433-2440
Link to Website
From the Bishop’s Ranch Website:
Who We Are
On a sunny knoll nestled among the forests, farms and vineyards of Sonoma County is the Bishop’s Ranch — owned by the Episcopal Diocese of California since 1947. This retreat and conference center provides a variety of meeting facilities, comfortable [...]
Visit Madrona Manor Restaurant Page
Reservations: (800) 258-4003
1001 Westside Road Healdsburg, CA 95448
From the Madrona Manor website, about their restaurant:
Stylish, high-end cuisine in a cozy, old-world setting.
Guests have all five of their senses enlivened at Healdsburg’s most romantic destination. Madrona Manor provides a welcome retreat for enjoying exquisite cuisine that will please the most discriminating palate. Inventive [...]
This 5-day adventure will lead you through Vineyards in 5 different growing areas of Sonoma, and does include lodging in local hotels and inns, but if you choose to extend your trip or create your own walking wine tour vacation, Westside Lodge is a great place to call home during your stay.
Link to the 5-day [...]
This year, the Jazz and Blues Festivals will be combined for one powerful weekend of music. Book early–this weekend is sure to book quickly.
From the Omega Events site, as of May 27th, 2009:
Sat. September 12 (Jazz Festival):
AL JARREAU - 5 time Grammy Award winning vocalist
JAZZ ATTACK - a high-energy collaboration featuring three stars of contemporary [...]
This is a new event, so there’s not much info posted except what we’ve read on the event’s site at http://sfnaturalwineweek.wordpress.com/
8/24 Monday – Terroir
8/25 Tuesday – Biondivino
8/26 Wednesday – Uva Enoteca
8/27 Thursday – Arlequin Wine Merchant
8/28 Friday – Nopa
8/29 Saturday afternoon – The Jug Shop
8/30 Sunday – [...]
Special Info: Great place to sit outside, especially if you can score a patio table during the free Tuesday night summer concerts in the square. The $8 Angus burger with house-made bread & butter pickles on a Costeaux sourdough bun is a steal.
The Focus: American bar food, elevated with local, fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Westside Lodge recommends: [...]
Special Info: Top choice for a date or quiet night to catch up: Cena Luna is not near as noisy or crowded as many other restaurants in the square, and the food is outstanding. Michelin Rated.
The Focus: Refined Italian with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. You can spend from $15 to $50 [...]
Duskie and John do an American Gothic pose, Zazu Style
Special Info: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday are PIZZA & PINOT nights. Zazu makes pizzas paired for pinot noir and offers a paired tasting flight of pinot.
The Focus: Our kitchen emphasizes ingredients grown within a 50 mile radius of the restaurant unless a [...]
What better way to truly experience a vineyard than to walk through it with an experienced guide? Zephyr Adventures/Sonoma Wine Country Walks offers 1, 3 and 5 day vineyard walks and walking tours through different vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley and nearby vineyards.
The 3-day and 5-day tours include lodging in nearby Santa Rosa or [...]
Williams Selyem wines in the making
Williams Selyem is a well-respected maker of Pinot Noir and other boutique wines, including the highly rated “Westside Road Neighbors” Pinot Noir. They do not maintain a tasting room. Visits to the winery are by appointment only, for Mailing List members only. It can take a while to “make the [...]
Anyone who knows Russian River Valley Pinot Noir has heard the family name Bacigalupi. This family is responsible for some of the best-known and most highly regarded vineyards in the area, and has produced both Chardonnay and Pinot grapes that have been the basis for award-winning wines for decades. Some of the Russian River Valley’s [...]
Arista Winery Grounds
Arista Winery is located directly on Westside Road. In January of 2009, Arista received 90+ ratings on every one of its 2006 Pinot Noirs. While tasting these beautiful Westside Road wines, enjoy Japanese gardens and water garden, picnic on the grounds, or plan a private event here.
From the Arista site:
Come taste our handcrafted [...]
Feel like a leisurely horseback ride through one of the local parks? Austin Creek State Park and Armstrong Woods State Park both offer horseback rides of various lengths from short to pack rides.
ARMSTRONG WOODS PACK STATION
Jonathan and Laura Ayers; guides/ outfitters/ owners - Since 1983
Box 287, Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 887-2939
reservations made by phone only
visit site
C. Donatiello is one of our very favorite destinations on all of Westside Road. From the moment you get out of your car and begin ascending the herb-planted stairs to the tasting room, you’ll notice the incredible attention to detail of fragrance, color, and design that this winery also brings to everything it produces. Much [...]
Armida boasts incredible views, award-winning wines, and Bocce Ball! Try their “Poizin” zinfandel on your next visit.
From the Armida site:
Armida invites you to come to our Healdsburg Tasting Room and play on our beautiful bocce ball court, a great way to spend the afternoon! Our professional size bocce ball court is complete with balls and [...]
TGE bottle
From the Thomas George Estates site:
In 1972, Davis (Bynum) purchased the property on Westside Road where the Thomas George Estates Winery and Baker Ridge Vineyard are now located. In 1973, he turned two former hop kilns into a winery, the first to be established on Westside Road, and in 1990 planted 9 acres of [...]
This event is part of the week-long “Pinot Days” festival in San Francisco. For more information about the whole festival, be sure to visit the Pinot Days website at pinotdays.com
note: Westside Lodge is booked for this time slot already.
Friday, June 26, 2009 12:30pm-8:00pm
Meet at C. Donatiello Winery - 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 Cost: [...]
If you’re staying at Westside Lodge, or traveling through the Russian River Valley on the following dates, you will have easy access to Moshin Vineyards’ “Moshin Pictures”; movies at the vineyard.
$20 admission ($15 for Moshin Wine Club Members) includes a glass of wine, and all the popcorn you can eat. You’re also welcome to bring [...]
