Known as the Gravenstein Highway to the locals, California State Route 116 gently meanders along the Russian River from the shores of Jenner through Guerneville, past Forestville and Graton, ending in North Sebastopol. Once a mecca for Gravenstein apples in the 1930’s, less than a square mile of orchards remain, outpaced and out priced by the value of the almighty grape crop. For a mini wine tasting tour down the infamous Gravenstein Highway, read on…
In sleepy Forestville, Joseph Jewell Wines is sure to please the most discriminating Pinot Noir or Chardonnay palate. Winemakers Micah Joseph Wirth and Adrian Jewell Manspeaker have it dialed in with their artisan Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from six designated single vineyards. Specialized tours are offered, including a helicopter tour over the vineyards.
Take a slight right turn off Gravenstein Highway to Ross Road to find Ektimo Vineyards. Not much tasting room ambience, but tasting room manager, Julius Orth and their variety of wines are sure to entertain ~ Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Chardonnay, Russian River Pinot, Zinfandel and a Cabernet plus a few other surprises, like a barrel tasting. Ektimo Vineyards operates a custom crush pad and winemaking facility as well, so there’s plenty going on here. [Read more…]
