Guerneville: Wine tasting along Westside Road in the Russian River Valley; things to do

101 North

Wine tasting along Westside Road in the Russian River Valley

The Russian River Valley AVA is known for producing great Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.  You can hop along Westside Road, a back road that begins in Forestville just off River Road and runs into Healdsburg.  It permits tasting at a variety of small wineries that still express great passion for their profession.  And though they are set along the Russian River, they don’t rush things here.  

●Jersey Tom Wine Country Tours  

(775) 901-0508.  

Tom can arrange the perfect wine tasting tour for you.  He provides background during the ride, then waits in his van as the designated driver for you and your group.  

Thomas George Estates  

8075 Westside Rd., in Healdsburg, (707) 431-8031.  Tasting $50+.  

tasting room at Thomas George Estates in Healdsburg, California

Originally owned in the 1970s by area wine pioneer and legend Davis Bynum, the winery was taken over in 2008 by Thomas George Estates.  Bynum converted a 1920s hop kiln into the current modern winery building.  The basic Reserve Tasting takes place in a cave and includes five single-vineyard estate wines paired with food.  A special Wine Safari tour ($175/person) includes a bottle of wine and a ride up to the Baker Ridge Vineyard for a picnic with a view.  My favorites here are a light, summery 2015 Chardonnay Baker Ridge Estate Single Vineyard ($45) and a small production 2015 Pinot Noir Baker Ridge Estate Single Vineyard Backbone Block ($85).  Renovated 1920s houses on the property have been converted into guest rental accommodations.  

cave entrance at Thomas George Estates in Healdsburg, California

vineyards at Thomas George Estates in Healdsburg, California

al fresco tasting at Thomas George Estates in Healdsburg, California

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery  

10701 Westside Rd., in Healdsburg, (707) 473-2900. Tasting $35+; reservations required.  

tasting set up at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, California

A pioneer in this valley, the Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery began production in 1982.  The current winery was built in 2000.  Perched atop a knoll, the tasting room has a lovely forest view and an assortment of areas to relax and enjoy the wines, including an outside deck.  Many of the wines are limited production.  The guided Elevation Tasting samples four wines paired with artisan cheeses.  Another tasting includes five wines matched with cheeses as well as a tour, and yet another tasting zeros in on six Pinot Noirs paired with small bites.  My favorites here are the fresh, citrusy 2015 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay ($60) and the delicious 2015 Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Pinot Noir ($80).  

tasting set up at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, California

blogger Carole Terwilliger Meyers tasting at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
in Healdsburg, California

Moshin Vineyards  

10295 Westside Rd., in Healdsburg, (707) 433-5499.  Tasting $20, waived with wine purchase. 

tasting counter at Moshin Vineyards in Healdsburg, California

I am told that the winemaker here at Moshin Vineyards “is quite simply obsessed with grapes.  He gets dazzled by them.”  So with a gravity-flow winery built on four levels, he bends to the wishes of his Pinot Noir grapes that they not be overworked here and gravity pushes production.  Two Pinots I tried were particularly delicious:  a 2014 Calliope Vineyard, Russian River was a tasty stew of fruits and spices; and a 2014 Whole Cluster, Sonoma County was so delicious I exclaimed, “Oh!” on my first sip.  A 2012 Zinfandel, Carreras, Vineyard, Dry Creek was also very good and is reputed to stand up well to a burger.  The tasting room is cozy, decorated with art, and seems to have a sub-theme of hummingbirds.  It also has a very big fake toad that made me jump when someone unexpectedly set it down beside me.  

2014 Pinot Noir at Moshin Vineyards in Healdsburg, California

fake toad at Moshin Vineyards in Healdsburg, California

Porter Creek Vineyards  

8735 Westside Rd., in Healdsburg, (707) 433-6321.  Tasting daily 10:30am-4:30pm. 

tasting at Porter Creek Vineyards in Healdsburg, California

The focus at Porter Creek Vineyards is on organic, single-vineyard designate wines, and grape varietals from Burgundy and Rhone.  Located at the southern end of Westside Road, with a view of the Russian River and redwood groves, the simple tasting room is inside a  historic structure built with handmade redwood beams and decorated with local art.  

Introduction to Russian River Region.

More things to do in Guerneville.

More things to do in Forestville.

More things to do in Healdsburg.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Guerneville: Big Bottom Market; restaurant review

101 North

Big Bottom Market  

16228 Main St., (707) 604-7295.  W-M 8am-5pm.

exterior of Big Bottom Market  in Guerneville, California

In the 1860s, the small town of Guerneville was known as the “Big Bottom,” because it rests upon an alluvial flood plain.  Today this “lumberjack chic” gourmet grocery is known as the Big Bottom Market and purveys its own label of olive oil, salt, and wine.  Deli foods include gourmet sandwiches--the Parson Jones honors one of the largest trees in nearby Armstrong Woods with a mountain of turkey, havarti cheese, jalapeño jam, and arugula on a French roll, and the Sea Biscuit, and a Cheddar-thyme biscuit is stuffed with smoked trout, pickled onions, crème fraiche, chives, and a slice of lemon.  (Oprah picked a biscuit here as her favorite thing, and a new book--“The Big Bottom Biscuit,” by the market owner--was just released.)  Special tasting packs include local meats, cheeses, chocolates, and crackers along with complimentary tasting cards for local wineries; $15-$20/person.  A Community Dinner is served every Wednesday night.  Only one choice is offered for the one-bowl main course but the meal includes a veggie, salad, and biscuit ($17), and wine is a choice of red or white ($7).  The night I was here the dinner was a veggie Moroccan stew (a chicken addition was optional), which I enjoyed with a really good white wine.

interior of Big Bottom Market  in Guerneville, California

house biscuit mix at Big Bottom Market  in Guerneville, California

Moroccan cous cous dinner at Big Bottom Market  in Guerneville, California

Things to do in Guerneville.

Things to do in Forestville.

Things to do in Sebastopol.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Guerneville: Applewood Inn & Spa; hotel review

101 North

Applewood Inn & Spa  

13555 Hwy. 116, (800) 555-8509, (707) 869-9093.  19 rooms.  Unsuitable for children under 21.  Some gas fireplaces.  Unheated pool; hot tub; full-service spa.  Full breakfast. 

exterior of Applewood Inn & Spa in Guerneville, California

Built in 1922 as a private home, this Mission Revival-style mansion is now a county historical landmark.  Two newer Mediterranean-style villas are part of the 6-acre Applewood Inn & Spa complex, which features an idyllic pool area surrounded by tall redwood trees and a hot tub that is especially wonderful at night when all the stars are out.  Public tennis courts, located adjacent to the property, are a short walk away through a small orchard of apple trees.  The inn's decor is tasteful and unfussy, with aesthetically pleasing touches.  Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, and some have private patios or balconies overlooking the redwoods and peaceful pastures beyond. 

pool at Applewood Inn & Spa in Guerneville, California

guest room at Applewood Inn & Spa in Guerneville, California

A two-course breakfast is served in a separate building designed to resemble a French Barn.  The dining room has two river-rock fireplaces, lofty beamed ceilings, and windows looking out over tall redwoods.  Guests can choose from several menu choices, and items are simple, yet special--perhaps Crostini with Quince Paste, Sliced Pear and melted Brie, followed by Frittata with Chicken Apple Sausage or Bacon.  Some ingredients are fresh from the inn’s kitchen garden. 

crostini and sliced pear breakfast at Applewood Inn & Spa
in Guerneville, California

frittata and sausage breakfast at Applewood Inn & Spa in Guerneville, California

Introduction to Russian River Region.

More things to do in Guerneville.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Guerneville: Korbel Champagne Cellars; things to do

101 North

Korbel Champagne Cellars  

13250 River Rd., (707) 824-7000.  Tasting daily 10-4:30, free; tours daily 11-3, on the hr.; more frequent tours in summer.  Rose garden tour:  Tu-Sun at 11, 1, 3; Apr-Oct only; free.

view of vineyards across street from Korbel Champagne Cellars
in Guerneville, California

The nation's oldest producer of méthode champenoise champagne, the century-old Korbel Champagne Cellars winery also produces brandy and wine.  My personal favorites from the list are the lightly flavorful Blanc de Noirs Master’s Reserve and the nutty Cream Sherry (I wish I’d bought several bottles when I was there as it isn’t always easy to find their wines elsewhere).  Several varieties of champagne can be tasted, and chilled splits can be purchased for impromptu picnics.  A deli provides an array of tasty salads and picnic foods and offers seating on a deck out under sheltering tall redwoods.  Special events are often scheduled.

deli at Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, California

picnic deck at Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, California

The grounds are landscaped with beautifully maintained flower gardens.  An Antique Rose Garden is faithfully restored to its turn-of-the-century beauty and filled additionally with old-time flowers such as coral bells, primroses, and violets, as well as more unusual plants.  Among the more than 250 varieties of rose are rare specimens such as the original Burbank Tea, the Double Musk celebrated in Shakespeare's plays, and the True Ambassador (which was once thought to be extinct).

visitor center at Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, California

Introduction to Russian River Region.

More things to do in Guerneville.

10 wineries with free tasting in Northern California.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Guerneville: Visit the Shops and Art Galleries along Main Street; things to do

101 North

Visit the Shops and Art Galleries along Main Street in Guerneville

Shops and galleries come and go along Guerneville’s three-block Main Street.  It is fun to stroll up one side and down the other, stopping when fancy strikes . . . or maybe for some ice cream or snack.

Blue Door Gallery Studios  

16359 Main St., (707) 328-3235.  F-M 12-6pm.  

Artist Douglas DeVivo creates paper collages in his one-room studio and gallery, while artist Sam Russell creates acrylic paintings with details painted in oils in the back room in his own studio.  Blue Door Gallery Studios also displays some very interesting and colorful pottery by artist Jess Stimson.  Workshops are sometimes scheduled.

artist Douglas DeVivo in his Blue Door Gallery Studios in Guerneville, California

paper collage work of artist Douglas DeVivo in Blue Door Gallery Studios
in Guerneville, California

colorful pot by artist Jess Stimson in Blue Door Gallery Studios
in Guerneville, California

Russian River Art Gallery  

16357 Main St., (707) 869-9099.  Located just next door, the bright Russian River Art Gallery displays the work of many artists.

interior of Russian River Art Gallery in Guerneville, California

Guerneville 5 & 10  

16252 Main St.

interior of Guerneville 5 & 10 in Guerneville, California

Kuhr-Norris Art Gallery  

16203 First St. #B, (707) 486-1130.  This tiny space sits in what was once an open-air alley.  Since it was converted to a building, it has, among other things, served as a locksmith shop.  Now it is known as the Kuhr-Norris Art Gallery and displays the work of two artists--Suzy Kuhr, whose specialty is black-and-white film photography; and Katharine Norris, whose specialty is plein air and studio paintings.  Many of Kuhr’s prints are framed in recycled window frames, and some are additionally displayed just a few doors down in the atmospheric old-time Smart Pizza parlor she owns at 16205 First Street (where the dough is handmade and the pasta hand-stretched).

artists Katharine Norris and Suzy Kuhr in Kuhr-Norris Art Gallery
in Guerneville, California

work of artist Suzy Kuhr hangs in her Smart Pizza parlor in Guerneville, California

Sonoma Nesting Co.   

16151 Main St., (707) 869-33434.  

The eclectic collection at Sonoma Nesting Co. is an intriguing mix of art and antiques.  Many items have been restored, but others are just looking for a new home where they can be loved again.

counter at Sonoma Nesting Co. in Guerneville, California

interior at Sonoma Nesting Co. in Guerneville, California

Introduction to Russian River Region.

More things to do in Guerneville.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Guerneville: Guerneville 5 & 10; things to do

101 North

Guerneville 5 & 10  

16252 Main St., (707) 869-3404.  Daily 10-6.

Since 1949, this classic dime store has dispensed low-cost goods such as salt-water taffy, fake cigarettes, and Red Heart yarn.  Everything you need, but didn’t know you needed, is here at the Guerneville 5 & 10.  On my most recent visit, I selected a Big Cherry candy for my nostalgic purchase.  It was as good as I remembered, with a big red cherry in the center surrounded by sweet liquid and wrapped in a crispy chocolate cover.

exterior of Guerneville 5 & 10 in Guerneville, California

interior of Guerneville 5 & 10 in Guerneville, California

Big Cherry candy for sale at of Guerneville 5 & 10 in Guerneville, California

Introduction to Russian River Region.

More things to do in Guerneville.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2014+2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 5-28-19

Guerneville: Coffee Bazaar; restaurant review

interior of Coffee Bazaar in Guerneville, California

101 North

Coffee Bazaar  

14045 Armstrong Woods Rd., (707) 869-9706.

Located just around the corner from this town’s busy main street and particularly popular with locals, the mellow Coffee Bazaar coffeehouse operates in a spacious room with a wall of wood banquettes facing copper-topped tables.  Breakfast is served all day, but the excellent pastries disappear early.  I enjoyed a simple BLT and an exhilarating coffee bon bon cookie made with espresso.

Twice Told Books

Specializes in used books, operates on the other side of an open doorway to Coffee Bazaar.

entrance to Twice Told Books from Coffee Bazaar in Guerneville, California

More things to do in Guerneville.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

imagec ©2014+2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 7-19-19

Guerneville: The Creekside Inn; hotel review

101 North 

by guest blogger, Candy B. Harrington

The Creekside Inn 

is an a very accessible place to overnight while exploring the Russian River area.  There’s plenty of accessible parking, with barrier-free access to the office, and elevator access to the second floor of this 28-room property. The Lark Cabin is the most accessible unit, with wide doorways, barrier-free pathways and a spacious bathroom with a roll-in shower and a fold-down shower seat. Other bathroom access features include a hand-held showerhead, shower grab bars, a roll-under sink and toilet grab bars on the back and side walls. Access to the public areas is good too at the Creekside Inn, with a lift available for the pool and hot tub. There's also a barbeque area with level access and an accessible picnic table. And with the Russian River flowing in the background it's the perfect place to sip a glass of wine and enjoy the natural beauty of Sonoma County.


Candy Harrington is the author of 22 Accessible Road Trips; Driving Vacations for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. This great resource features 22 driving routes across the United States with information about wheelchair-accessible sites, lodging options, trails, attractions and restaurants along the way.


More things to do in Guerneville.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©Charles Pannell; depicts the accessible Lark Cabin