Lowfalutin Sonoma Wine Country
Gravenstein to Dry Creek

March 4, 2009

Lowfalutin: Worthy yet humble; devoid of airs.

For a fun jeans and T-shirt day, you can't beat this lowfalutin journey through the land of gravenstein apples.

Saddle up to the makeshift plank that serves as a bar and sample great sparklers at Iron Horse Vineyards. High on a ridge at the end of a drive lined with palm trees, you'll find the outdoor tasting room. Don't miss the sweeter-than-normal sparkler that President Reagan requested Iron Horse create for his dinner with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Behind you unfolds a dramatic vista framed with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Be careful, if you're like us you'll be tempted to spend the rest of the day here. That would be short-sighted.

It's lunchtime, and Mom's calling. If you know what's good for you, you'll hurry back to the roadside outpost known as Mom's Apple Pie. Betty Carr, aka Mom, bakes some of the fruitiest homemade pies we've ever tasted. She's been bake'm for 25 years. For our Taste editor a meal starts and ends with pie, great for breakfast too, but if your mom says veggies first, Betty offers salads, soups, chili and freshly made sandwiches.

Head north to sample great pinots and zins at an American garagiste, Papapietro Perry Winery. Their self-proclaimed toolkit for success included "a garage...some old equipment...a burning passion for wine and a lot of humor." The humor is evident as soon as you see the branded T-shirts. Join in the fun with this merry band of city folks turned winemakers.

When the laughter stops, continue north. Turn onto the meandering gravel lane leading to Preston of Dry Creek and conjure visions of lemonade stands and happy childhood summers on a farm. Like an invited guest, be ready to explore and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a classic family farm. Depending on the day, taste from a surprisingly large sample of hard to find varietals such as Barbera, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignane, or Rousanne. Note the ever-present barnyard cats, spot homemade vinegar for tasting on the front porch (don't sample before you taste wine!) and examine free-range eggs for sale in the fridge. For a time forget life in the fast lane.

Are You a Wine Enjoyer?
Check out the options we have for wine lifestyle and
travel ideas delivered in small bites via email.

[ Read More Travel Minutes ]

Printable Format