Sunday in Sonoma ~ A Boulangerie, A Picnic & Wine of course!

To continue the adventure I have been sharing with you since Monday, starting with the drive in, and walk around the square in Sonoma California, ending at the walk around the Sonoma State Park and the mission there. After we finished our brief tour it was time to grab a bite to eat. We decided to grab some fresh baked bread to go with the fruit, nuts and cheese that we had brought with us and take it all to the first winery to have a picnic before starting our wine tasting adventures for the day. So we took a brief stroll around the square to Basque Boulangerie Cafe. You know I could not resist a bakery, especially one with fresh bread and pastries! We stepped in and I was in heaven! I could have just stayed there and been completely happy they have a wonderful menu with everything from that perfect loaf of bread to box lunches and everything in between...you can even buy wine there, so it is possible!

 

The workers there suggested a pull apart to take along with us, and we also choose a few chocolate dipped butter cookies for dessert. Then we were back in the car and off to the first winery destination....Valley of the Moon Winery in Glen Ellen California, a near by town outside Sonoma.  Of course I could not resist taking some " from the car" photos, and once there I was snapping away, the setting was beautiful! The Serenity of the setting, from rolling hills of grape vines, mountains in the distance, open fields and the crisp blue sky...and then the actual winery....swoon worthy for sure!

Dash board shot....

and another...goodness hubby should have cleaned windows a bit more.

As we approach the winery, I am in love with the beautiful setting!

Here we are, do you not just adore the name. There is a park and such too from what I understand.

So inviting.

Lush greenery surrounds us at every turn!

The barrel cellar.

More lush gardens that lead into tasting room.

Our picnic...the bread from the local bakery mentioned above! Gourmet cheese, my fav crackers, fresh sweet fruit, and Spanish almonds.

Of course we had to have a cookie!

The lovely gift shop area, Tim & Robbie enjoyed doing a bit of shopping.

The tasting bar.

 The offerings that day were ...

• 2009 Caneros Pinot Noir 25.00
• 2007 So Co Sangiovese 19.00
• 2008 So Co Zinfandel 18.00
• 2008 So Co Syrah 19.00
• 2008 So Co Cabernet Sauvignon 25.00

 We liked the wines, and certainly put stars next to a few on the list, but we wanted to wait to purchase as it was the first stop, the warm up so to say....and we rarely buy at the first place. We always take notes however and if we really like them enough, we will go back. We are on a very small budget, so it is hard, even with our love of fine wine to part with money to buy any if we are not just bowled over. I do suggest you give Valley of the Moon a try if you are in the area, even if we choose not to buy. We avoided tasting fees by going here and printing out coupons.


You can find a listing of all wines and their descriptions here
You can find purchase information here

As always a pic with the tasting rooms glass.

After wine tasting, I simply had to take a stroll in the gardens, and hubby snapped a couple photos.

*SIGH*  I am not fond of close ups. Perhaps that is why I look a bit miffed.

More lovely gardens.

Back in the car and on our way to the next stop.

Join me tomorrow for the next stop on our mini wine tour.