A few days ago we made the trek up to see the progress on the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in northern Sonoma County – about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of San Francisco California (with good traffic).
While the focus is on the wine here there is actually quite a bit to explore on the property – 2 large pools, a restaurant, of course a movie collection, several tasting bars, bocce courts etc.
The pools opened sometime this fall and swimming this first season was be free.
We put together a short piece here:
http://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/francis-ford-coppola-winery-sonoma/
I like that little house with a little “steeple” on top of it, how lovely that little house is.
C
Dave, we just returned from wine country, 3 wonderful days of good wine and fine food. One of our favourite lunch spots is the Rutherford Grill and the Ahi; wineries include Artesa and we do love St Suprey’s Cab, cellared. Sorry to say we did not visit Coppolas, but perhaps next year… so many wineries, so little time. 😉
Hi Diana – Yes, Rutherford Grill is a fabulous choice – good salads and in season their grilled artichoke appetizer and sauce. Other nice places are Jole in Calistoga and the Long Meadow Ranch Farmstead in St. Helena. Well, its the Napa Valley, there are so many excellent choices! Chef Morimoto just opened a restaurant in downtown Napa.
The next time you visit, drop me a note and I would be happy to recommend some very nice small producers where your tasting and visit is extremely personalized.
Saw your garden site – my garden is doing ok, but this year its been an Arctic summer. I hope the northwest warmed up a bit this summer. Usually I leave b/c of our winters but was happy to be in warm places elsewhere this summer as well!
~ Dave
Hi Dave, Thanks for visiting and following my blog. Just stopped over to see you. You have my dream job, traveling. I use to try to plan 2 big trips a year back when I had money….
I really enjoyed traveling with you through your articles.
Great article! I have always wanted to go to Coppola’s Winery (and, in fact, the whole of that region!) It looks stunning. Glad to find your blog, love reading travel articles and love LA! Looking forward to reading more. x
http://citygirldiariesec1.blogspot.com/
Hey, I really love your website.
Glad you found mine & I was led back here. =)
You’re living a real dream to me.
I had just recently discovered this wine too. To be lucky enough to visit all these places…