These are not recommendations from a somalier or professional spirit experts. Rather, they're recollections of DKHT and friends whilst on various quests, when quenching thirst from a days' hard ride led to discovering favorite wines and spirits, most available online. In addition, we look for wineries and facilities that offer tours and tasting opportunities, so when you're on vacation you may want to stop in, see how your favorites are made, and get a chance to sample new choices. Be advised that online ordering may have some restrictions, based on availability, location and season.
 
Enjoy!
 

 
· Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery Visitor's Center · California
 389 Fourth Street East
 Sonoma, California 95476
 www.sebastiani.com
 
Comments: Back in the 90's I was able to attend a technical conference held In San Francisco. It was a 4-day long event and a co-worker and I finagled to take several vacation days and combined them in our trip, so that we had some time to explore this wonderful and weird city and surroundings.
My coworker, Denny, had a cousin that lived less than an hour away and showed up to be our guide and chauffeur. We crossed the Golden Gate and, heading north to Sonoma. The countryside was intriguing. We stumbled across the Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery. We enjoyed taking the tour, listening to the 100 year old, multi-generation history, and enjoying the tasting opportunity.
The winery visitor's center back then was different than it is today. The old building was from the August Sebastiani's era and was a old post and beam building with thick walls of stone and concrete. The tasting room and shops were in the front of the building, seperated from the wine aging/storage area by a huge, thick, wooden door.
The tour guide pointed out the intricate carvings on every exposed piece of wood; posts, beams, doors, vats, barrels.... She explained that a gentleman walked in one day years past and offered to beautify the place by carvings... for free! It seems he was a retired woodworking teacher who was bored with retirement. As the story goes, he carved for years until he covered virtually all exposed wood with his artwork.
It appears that this original building didn't meet California earthquake building codes and the present, new facility had to be constructed. I haven't been able to confirm if they have been able to save any of these old carvings; they were museum-quality!
The new facility looks modern and comfortable and I hope the new generation of owners carry on the traditions of friendliness, education and quality.
The Sebastiani labels can be found in many wine shops around the country, although the choices will probably be quite limited compared to online availability.
 
Sample Selections: (This is just a guide and product offerings may be changed at anytime by the company)
 

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon	Alexander Valley Merlot	Sonoma Valley Barbera	Sonoma Valley Valley Syrah
Sonoma County Chardonnay	Sonoma County Zinfandel	Sonoma County Pinot Noir	2003 Cherryblockh Cabernet Sauvignon
Sylvia's Symphony	Adagio Amador Port	Dolcino Rosso	Eye of the Swan