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We map out our itinerary and
choose Valley of the Moon Loop. Named by Native Americans,
the valley acquired fame after Jack London's 1913 novel, Valley
of the Moon. His
ranch, now a state park, is on the route.
It's 17 miles and contains 6000
acres of vineyards, fruit and nut orchards, livestock and poultry
farms as well as world famous spas, restaurants and inns.
Chateau St. Jean Winery
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The beautiful
Chateau
St. Jean
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Our first stop is at the graceful and elegant Chateau St. Jean
Winery where we are greeted at the door and
directed to a large room where the wine tasting begins.
We are
served little sips of delicious whites and while we taste, we wander
around the room which doubles as a gift shop. There are all kinds of
beautiful wine glasses, wine stoppers, napkins, and bar tools. The whites finished,
we are sent to another big room which could easily be someone's living
room and are offered more sips of several red wines. The room lends
itself to dignity, so everyone mills around as though they are seriously
contemplating the wines. |
Ledsen Castle, another Sonoma Valley Winery
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| Our next stop is just
a few miles away. We've heard and seen pictures of the magnificent
Ledson Castle.
The wines they produce are only available at the
winery or some restaurants, so we know it will be a new experience.
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Ledson Vineyards
See
360º views of the winery
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| Driving up the long driveway, we
are flanked on both sides by vineyards. The castle in the
distance, although grand, doesn't look out of place in the
environment. We find out later that the two million bricks used to
build it, were fired in a tint that matches the natural surroundings!
We are ushered into a room
reminiscent of an upscale family room, with a fireplace, hardwood
floors, and a rich wood bar. The bar is naturally used as
the
tasting area and the servers are outgoing and congenial, creating a more
lively and fun-loving atmosphere.
At first we are impressed at
their generous tastings. Not only are the servings larger than
usual, but the samples keep coming. They offer us a chance to
sample futures
- wines
that have not yet been released - and make a good profit if we purchase
them now for shipment when they are ready to drink.
We are beginning to see the
light! The wines are not sold in stores. The servers are salespeople
and we are in the spotlight! We pass on the futures, but buy a
$20 bottle of Chardonnay! We'll save it for a special occasion. |
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