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Category Archives: California

My First Visit to San Francisco in 1998: A Photo Journal

27 October 201414 September 2024

A Trade Show conference brought me to San Francisco for my first time in 1998. Not only was this my first opportunity to explore the Golden Gate City, but my first earthquake experience, which was thankfully, very mild.

The luxurious Sheraton Palace Hotel was my home for a week, centrally located on Market and New Montgomery.  This historical hotel was originally built in 1875 and after the deadly 1906 San Francisco Earthquake was demolished to make way for the new structure in its place.

I walked from my hotel to Chinatown and found Sam Wo Restaurant for lunch. I had learned that this amazing eatery had been in this location on Washington Street since the early 1900s.  The restaurant came highly recommended, so I met up with some new-found friends from the conference to enjoy a fresh take on Chinese food.  We entered the tight set of stairs and ascended to the third floor seated next to the small window overlooking the bustling streets below.  We ordered several small plates (dim sum) and shared our orders so we could sample several dishes of sumptuous food.

On a recent visit to San Francisco, I dined at Delicious Dim Sum on 752 Jackson and found that Sam Wo had relocated his restaurant to 713 Clay Street.

The Dragon Gate Entrance into Chinatown, located on Bush Street and Grant Avenue was a gift from Taiwan in 1969.  Chinatown was established in 1848 and is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America attracting more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge.  I loved strolling the shops and markets gazing at the unusual food finds hanging from the store windows. In addition to food, Chinatown is known for its open green space where locals participate in Tai Chi sessions as well as taking their seat at tables to challenge each other with a game of Chinese chess.

From Chinatown, it was a six minute walk to The Transamerica Pyramid, located at 600 Montgomery Street.  Standing in the area known as the Financial District, the tower, an architectural mix of pyramid and obelisk, stands 48 stories tall.  One of the first of its kind, it was built to sustain seismic activity.  It became a comfort to me as I toured the city because I could see it from most anywhere I happened to be standing.

Unfortunately the observation deck has been closed since 9/11, but there is a screen that displays the views from there.  Long ago, visitors could dine at a restaurant at the top and if you could afford it, a boardroom is available for rent on the 48th floor.   The light at the top is a beacon to protect the building from aircraft, and if you have a friend in high places, you too may be able to climb to the top.  At the opposite end of the Pyramid, excavations uncovered a Niantic whaling ship once anchored only feet away.

As I was shopping in Chinatown, I couldn’t help but notice another great landmark, Coit Tower.  I heard that this is also another location for spectacular views of the Pacific as well as the local  neighborhoods.  Standing at 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard in Pioneer Park, I caught the elevator to the top to explore the 360 degree panoramas.

On the first floor are colorful murals that depict life in California which include scenes associated with agriculture and banking.  Recently, there were more colorful murals that were discovered on the second floor and this is now open for visitors to enjoy.   The mural project, commissioned in 1933, included about twenty-five artists to create daily life scenes in the style of Diego Rivera.  Political ideals were introduced within these works of art which resulted in protests and picketing.

Following a zig-zag of streets, I continued strolling towards the shoreline where I arrived at Fisherman’s Wharf.  I spent a few moments watching the street performers near Pier 39.  Talented entertainers mesmerized their audience with magic tricks, feats of juggling and short stints at stand-up comedy.  It was the first time I had ever seen a silver painted mime and was amazed at his talent of standing so still that I was convinced he was a statue. 

Pier 39 is also home to the famous local sea lions.  Their barks can be heard from blocks away and they are so fascinating to watch.  Fighting for a spot on chain tethered blocks of wood, they compete for an opportunity to sunbathe.   Following the 1989 earthquake, droves of sea lions took over K-Dock and in 2009, nearly 1700 of these lovely creatures resided along the waterfront.

I couldn’t take enough photos of these sassy sea lions at Pier 39.

The view of Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid from Fisherman’s Wharf

Looking out towards Alcatraz from Fisherman’s Wharf.

The remains of the Pier 43 Ferry Arch stand scorched after a fire in 1998.

The famous Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco sign

Castagnola’s has been offering seafood and Italian dishes since 1916 and is the oldest restaurant on the wharf.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company opened in San Francisco in 1852.  I couldn’t resist visiting the original ice cream and chocolate shop located at 900 North Point, Suite 52.

A visit to San Francisco is not complete without a ride on the San Francisco Trolley.

Lombard Street is the “crookedest street” in the world with eight hairpin turns.

A look at Lombardi Street from the top of the turn.

A view of Alcatraz from Pacific Heights

By the end of the day, I found myself making my way back to the Palace Hotel.  By chance,  I happened to slip into one of San Francisco’s historical bars, the Iron Horse at 25 Maiden Lane.  Opened in 1954, this San Fran institution has served such notorious celebrities to include “Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin,Sammy Davis, Jr., and Liberace. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their wedding reception here.”

I can’t wait to book another trip to San Francisco in the near future to compare photos from over 20 years ago.  It will be extraordinary to see how things have changed and what has remained the same.

Have you been to San Francisco?  What were some of your favorite sights and attractions?   I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for scrolling through my photos of San Fran and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

  • Chinatown
  • Transamerica Pyramid
  • Coit Tower
    • Admission Fee:  Elevator entrance fees for Adult: $9 per person; Senior (62+): $6;  Youth 12 – 17: $6; Children (5 – 11): $3 and Children (4 and under): Free;  Discounts available for San Francisco Residents
    • Hours:  Daily from 10AM to 6PM; Last ticket for the elevator is 5:30PM. Holiday closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
    • Amenities:  Parking, restrooms, docent-led tours (available daily from 4 – 8 people lasting 30 – 40 minutes; $5 per person for the second floor and $8 per person for second floor and murals; These rates do not include the elevator entrance fees)
    • Scenic View:   Amazing views of the city of San Francisco and the Bay
    • Length of Visit:  1 hour
    • Tips for Your Visit:  Don’t miss the murals in the lobby.
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Pier 39
  • Alcatraz
    • Admission Fee:  Because there are several tour packages available, visit www.alcatrazcruises.com for the most recent prices for each tour option.
    • Hours:  Departures available every half hour starting at 8:30AM.  Holiday closures include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
    • Amenities:  Ferry transportation to the island; food is available on the ferry but not Alcatraz Island;  Limited restrooms available on Alcatraz Island.
    • Scenic View:   Amazing views of the city of San Francisco and the Bay
    • Length of Visit:  varies, depending on the tour option you choose
    • Tips for Your Visit:  Purchase your tickets ahead of time as tickets may sell out in advance. There are additional options for visiting Alcatraz, such as the Evening Tours, Behind the Scenes Tour and the Angel Island-Alcatraz Island tour.  Special programs led by the rangers are available on a daily basis (check the website).  Visit the website for a list of exhibits.
  • Pier 43 Ferry Arch
  • Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
  • San Francisco Trolley
  • Lombard Street

Where to Stay:

Sheraton Palace Hotel, now The Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA  94105
Telephone:  415 512 1111

Where to Eat:

  • Castagnola’s – The restaurant is known for its soups served in bread bowls.  Select the clam chowder bread bowl or the lobster bisque bread bowl.
  • Ghirardelli Chocolate Company – The world famous hot fudge sundae is the best seller.
  • Sam Wo Restaurant – I highly recommend the fish jook (also known as Congee is a Cantonese rice porridge, usually served with meat), chicken with bok choy and their delicious wonton soup.
  • Sotto Mare for its infamous cioppino, an Italian-American seafood stew that reminds me a bit of Spain’s paella.

Where to Drink: 

  • Iron Horse – Their signature drinks include the James Bond Martini, Goldfinger, Alice in Wonderland, Tiki Temple and Happy Fortune.
  • Absinthe Brasserie & Bar – This cute little bar in Hayes Valley has been serving drinks since 1998.  Don’t miss their champagne and caviar kit or try one of their absinthes.
  • Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Located in Mid-Market at the Proper Hotel, this gorgeous bar has gorgeous views of San Fran, fire pits, heat lamps and specialty drinks with cute names (Fifi the Flea)

What to Read: 

  • Cool Grey City of Love by Gary Kamiya
  • San Francisco Stories by Jack London
  • Zodiac by Robert Graysmith
  • Alcatraz-1259 by William Baker

Photo Guide for San Francisco: 

  • Aquatic Park is the best place to photograph San Francisco’s waterfront
  • Broadway Street in North Beach for its neon signs and was formerly known as the area’s “red light district”
  • Chinatown is absolutely amazing for taking photos of America’s oldest Chinatown.
  • Coit Tower for 360 degree views of San Francisco and the harbor
  • de Young Museum Observation Deck located at Golden Gate Park is perfect for panoramic photos of the city.  Bypass the line to enter the museum to reach the Hamon Observation Tower to take your photos.
  • Fort Point is a decommissioned military base on the waterfront which provides outstanding views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
  • The Marin Headlands is one of the best places to photograph the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
  • Treasure Island for spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline
  • See the entire city of San Francisco from Twin Peaks

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Alcatraz Island: A Visit to The Rock

11 August 201431 August 2024

+Taking the Alcatraz Ferry

The weather was clear on the day I decided to visit Alcatraz Island.  This infamous federal prison, also referred to as “The Rock”, is accessible from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California.  I couldn’t wait to board the ferry at Pier 33 to tour the “world’s most impenetrable island prison.”  The 45-minute boat ride was choppy as the waves splashed up along the sides of the boat.  The view of San Francisco’s skyline behind me was spectacular.

+020903 Approaching Alcatraz Island

As we approached the Island of Alcatraz, there were several buildings that came into focus.  On the far right, which is the northwest corner, is the Power House which supplied all of the power to the island.  There is also a tall structure which acted as the tower duty station, manned to keep visitors out and to keep prisoners in.

The island was first documented by Spaniard Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775.  He named this the “La Isla de los Alcatraces”, which translates to the “Island of the Pelicans”, because of the large number of pelicans that made their home on the island.

Over the years, the island has served various functions, first as a military prison.  It would later become a federal penitentiary, an occupation for Native Americans and eventually a historical museum, documenting its evolution.+Alcatraz, San Francisco

Alcatraz is most known for its use as a federal penitentiary.  The structure that remains today is the 600-cell building that was constructed in the early 20th century for housing inmates.  At its completion it was hailed as the world’s “largest reinforced concrete building” and was constructed to be escape-proof.  It was for this reason that the prisoners here were extremely dangerous or were too difficult to be kept in other penitentiaries.  The Warden’s House and a lighthouse was built at the highest point of the island overlooking the prison.

+Alcatraz

When prisoners arrived on the Rock, they were separated into three classes.  Those in the third class were under heavy restrictions and had limited privileges.  They were not permitted to have visitors or receive mail, were required to remain silent and were not allowed to check out reading material from the prison library.  Outside of the penitentiary was the harbor guards tower which monitored the traffic to and from the island.  It was also set up to ensure that prisoners did not escape.

+Another View of Alcatraz

Many of the structures were already in place when the island was a military prison.  There were housing facilities which were also used as chapels and schools for the children of the officers that lived here.  They were eventually converted into Bachelors Quarters for unmarried personnel when it became a Federal Penitentiary in the 1930s.

There was the Social Hall, also known as the Officer’s Club that had a small bar, library, dining facility and dance floor.  The workers could also play ping pong, pool and bingo, view movies, and bowl in the two lane bowling alley. I can’t imagine living on the island with some of the worst criminals in history, let alone having a family here as well.

In 1970, during the Occupation of Alcatraz by the Native Americans, the Social Hall was burned down.

+Inside Alcatraz

Over 1,545 prisoners would be incarcerated at Alcatraz during its 29 years as a Federal Prison.  There were quite a few notorious inmates and many of them were considered dangerous and violent.

+Jail Cell at Alcatraz

The average size cell was 5 feet by 9 feet.  They each had a small sink with cold water, a toilet and a cot.   There were a total of 336 cells in Blocks B & C, 36 segregation cells and 6 set aside for solitary confinement (D-Block).  Cell Block A was only used on rare occasions when a prisoner needed to be separated from the other prisoners but did not require solitary.

+Infamous Inmates at Alcatraz

Alcatraz became known as the penitentiary for the most dangerous inmates in the United States.  Here is a summary of the inmates, their convictions and length of time they spent in Alcatraz.

  • George “Machine Gun” Kelly spent 17 (1934 – 1951) years here on a kidnapping conviction.
  • The most notorious prisoner was gangster Al “Scarface” Capone, who spent four-and-a-half years here from 1934 – 1939 on tax evasion charges. He was transferred from the Atlanta prison because he continued his criminal activities and was known to have corrupted prison officials to help him with his illegal conduct.
  • Murderer Robert Stroud, aka the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” came to Alcatraz in 1942 and stayed until 1959 for a total of 17 years.  His nickname came from the birds that he was able to keep in the Leavenworth prison.
  • Meyer “Mickey” Cohen, imprisoned from 1961 to 1962 for racketeering was a gangster and part of the Jewish Mafia.  He later became involved with the Los Angeles Crime Family, and was known as the “King of Los Angeles”.  He later wrote a book about his experience at Alcatraz.  He died of stomach cancer in 1976.
  • Gangster Alvin “Creepy Karpis” Karpowicz , listed as “Public Enemy No. 1″ by the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover, spent over 25 years (1936 – 1962) behind bars at Alcatraz, reportedly more time than any other prisoner.   He was doing time for kidnapping and bank robbery.
  • Arthur “Doc” Barker was convicted of murder and Kidnapping, landing him at Alcatraz from 1936 – 1939.  He died attempting to escape, when a gunshot wounded him in the head.  He was recaptured, but died later from the wound.
  • Other prisoners of notoriety include Roy Gardner, James “Whitey” Bulger and Henri Young.

+Al Capone's Cell, Alcatraz

It is speculated, although not confirmed, that Cell Block 181 was where Capone was imprisoned during his stay in Alcatraz.

+Famous Alcatraz Escape

Once inside the confines of Alcatraz, there were strict rules and regulations.  Life on the Rock was unbearable, so it would come as no surprise that there would be 14 known attempts to escape. Reports confirm that out of the 36 would-be escapees, 23 were captured, six were shot and killed during their attempt, two drowned and five that were unaccounted for and to this day remain “missing and presumed drowned”.  Some sources state that two made it off the island successfully but were captured.

+Gun Gallery, Alcatraz

During the prison renovations, special gun galleries were created to protect the guards from the inmates and allow them to carry weapons.  The galleries were secure, elevated and out of reach of the inmates.  It was here that the cell block keys would be available and acted as a type of balcony so that the guards would be able to oversee the activities of the inmates.  The gun gallery was also the location where guards would be able to set off the teargas canisters installed in the dining hall in the event of a riot or violent outbreak.

+Alcatraz Island morgue

In 1910, the U.S. military made use of one of the island’s tunnels to create the morgue, equipped with an examination table and three vaults.  According to the prison documents, the morgue on the island was only utilized if a death at the prison occurred once the last prison boat had left for the mainland.  As a federal penitentiary, autopsies were not conducted at this location, but were instead performed by the San Francisco County Coroner.

+Warden's House at Alcatraz

On average there were approximately 300 civilians that actually lived on Alcatraz Island.  This included the staff as well as women and children.  Building #64 was the main living space for the families and there were three apartment buildings.  They had access to a small grocery as well as a soda fountain shop.  Because the prison boat made frequent trips between Alcatraz and the Van Ness Street Pier on a daily basis, the families did most of their shopping on the mainland.  Not much remains of the Warden’s House today.

So what triggered the closing of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary?   What was once the main reason to create a prison on Alcatraz Island, would be the primary factor for the prison’s closure in 1963.  Location.  Operational costs were much higher than other prisons because additional expenses were incurred for transportation of inmates to and from the mainland, housing for staff and their families as well as importing food and supplies.  In addition, the cost to maintain the prison structures was rising due to the deterioration of the facilities resulting from exposure to the salt in the air.  It became the most expensive prison in the system.

Today, Alcatraz attracts approximately 1 million visitors per year…a premier tourist site with a dark history.  Whether you come to learn more about the infamous prisoners, or to witness the island’s hauntings firsthand, you will not be disappointed.

Have you been to Alcatraz or another prison that you thought was interesting?  I would love to hear about your experience so please ;eave me a message in the comments below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Alcatraz and wishing you many Happy Travels!

To confirm the ferry schedule, visit the Alcatraz Cruises (the official ferry service to the island) website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance.  The ferry is located at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 33.

What to See and What to Do:

Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, CA  94133
Telephone:  415 561 4900

  • Admission Fee:  Early Bird Tour Adults:  $38.35;  Day Tour Adults: $38.35; Night Tour Adults: $45.50  Behind the Scenes Tour Adults: $90.95;  Alcatraz and Angel Island Tour: $76.60 (5.5 hours) All Visitors:  Refer to the Alcatraz Cruises website for additional discounts for Seniors and Children. www.alcatrazcruises.com
  • Potential Transportation Costs:  Alcatraz Cruises is the only ferry transportation for Alcatraz. The cost for visiting Alcatraz includes the ferry fee.
  • Hours:  The Early Bird Tour (2.5 hours long) departs at 8:45 AM. The Day Tours (2.5 hours long) depart at scheduled times between 9:10 AM to 1:35 PM. Night Tours (2.5 hours) depart at 3:50 PM and 4:45 PM while the Behind the Scenes Tour (4.5 hours) departs at 2:10 PM and 2:40 PM.  Please refer to the Alcatraz Cruises website for any changes to the schedule.
  • Amenities:  Night Tours and Behind the Scenes Tours are available as well as a tour that includes ferry transportation to Angel Island.  Group Tours and Family Packs are also available online.  Alcatraz hosts annual events as well as special events and exhibits which are posted on the Alcatraz Cruises website.  Visitors can choose to participate in a guided tour or rent the cellhouse audio tour which are both very informative and don’t forget to watch the orientation video.  There is also a museum collection at “The Rock” , and bookstore as well as the Alcatraz Gardens.  Wheelchair accessible.
  • Scenic View:   Views of the San Francisco skyline from the Ferry;
  • Length of Visit:  Depending on the tour you select, the length of the visit which includes the ferry ride range from 3.5 hours to 7 hours.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There are some areas of Alcatraz that are off limits to visitors, so please respect the request of the park as some of these areas are unsafe. Do not feed the birds on Alcatraz. Bottled water is available at the bookstore on the dock, but food is not sold on the island.  Food and drinks are only permitted on the dock.

Where to Stay:

San Remo Hotel
2237 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA  94133
Telephone:  415 776 8688

Where to Eat:

Fog Harbor Fish House
Pier 39
San Francisco, CA  94133
Telephone:  415 421 2442

The Fog Harbor House menu offers so many unique, amazing options, but I finally made my decision by ordering the Blue Cheese Garlic Bread made from sourdough topped with garlic and Pt. Reyes blue cheese and herbs.   Of course I had to sample their award winning clam chowder, so I ditched the bowl and ordered a cup so I could order one last item on the menu and decided on the Linguini and Clams.  Delicious!

What to Eat: 

  • Seafood Chowder in a bread bowl
  • Dim Sum in San Francisco’s Chinatown
  • Oysters at Swan Oyster Depot or Hog Island Oyster Bar
  • Hot Fudge Sundae at Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream Shop

Where to Drink: 

  • Iron Horse – Their signature drinks include the James Bond Martini, Goldfinger, Alice in Wonderland, Tiki Temple and Happy Fortune.

What to Read: 

  • Cool Grey City of Love by Gary Kamiya
  • San Francisco Stories by Jack London
  • Zodiac by Robert Graysmith
  • Alcatraz-1259 by William Baker

Photo Guide for San Francisco: 

  • Aquatic Park is the best place to photograph San Francisco’s waterfront
  • Broadway Street in North Beach for its neon signs and was formerly known as the area’s “red light district”
  • Chinatown is absolutely amazing for taking photos of America’s oldest Chinatown.
  • Coit Tower for 360 degree views of San Francisco and the harbor
  • de Young Museum Observation Deck located at Golden Gate Park is perfect for panoramic photos of the city.  Bypass the line to enter the museum to reach the Hamon Observation Tower to take your photos.
  • Fort Point is a decommissioned military base on the waterfront which provides outstanding views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
  • The Marin Headlands is one of the best places to photograph the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
  • Treasure Island for spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline
  • See the entire city of San Francisco from Twin Peaks

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

+020903 Alcatraz Lighthouse

Alcatraz is home to the West Coast’s oldest operating lighthouse

+Interesting Alcatraz

Alcatraz Tunnel Circa 1886

+Outside Alcatraz

The water tower and the chimney of the powerhouse

 

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Visiting My First Winery in Sonoma, Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace

19 June 201431 August 2024

Pouring ourselves glasses of champagne, we said goodbye to the city of San Francisco, boarded our limousine and continued our journey towards California’s wine country.  Not long after we had crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, the landscape opened up and we were greeted with vineyards as far as the eye could see.

Viansa Winery (Viansa Winery & Italian Marketplace), a small boutique winery in Sonoma, was the first stop on our wine tour. Reminiscent of an Italian village, we were looking forward to sampling their wines and shopping at their marketplace.  We arrived to the charm of the winery’s architecture and beautiful gardens.

Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace was founded in 1989 by Sam and Vicki Sebastiani. The name is short for Vicki and Sam who are descendants of the Sebastiani family making wines in California since 1904.

We began our tour of the winery from the central courtyard, beautifully designed.  Passing a statue surrounded by potted plants in the center of the plaza, we entered the stately wooden doors reinforced with iron.  Inside, we had entered the wine cellar lined with large oak barrels.

We found the tasting bar, reviewed the list of sixteen wines (red, white and sweet) produced by Viansa and selected our samples for the complimentary tasting.   Our pourer was extremely helpful in assisting us with our wine selections.   Since I prefer the red wines, I began with the light “Piccolo” Sangiovese, a blend of Sangiovese grapes grown in nearby Sonoma Valley and Carneros.

The 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 99.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in a American and French Oak barrels for a period of 20 months. It was a “complex and full-bodied wine with well extracted fruit and tannins; aromas and flavors of raspberry, blackberry, plums, anise and spice. Barrel aging adds nuances of sweet vanilla and toasted coconut. This wine has balanced acidity and an appealing cranberry, wild strawberry and red currant finish that lasts.”

Chosen as Best in Class at the 16th Annual 2006 Jerry D. Mead’s New World International Wine Competition, the 2002 Samuele Cabernet Franc was awarded the Gold Medal.  It is described as a “rich elegant wine with aromas of violets and beautifully balanced tannins and acids.” A red blend consisting of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is aged a total of twenty-six months in oak barrels.  Its flavors are comprised of blueberry and juniper making it a unique blend.

Another spectacular wine offered at Viansa is the Red Blend Riserva Anatra Rosso made with a combination of Merlot, Sangiovese and Teroldego grapes.  The 2000 Santerra Rosso is described as “a California grown Super Tuscan wine. Super Tuscan wines originated in the 1980s by a small group of producers in Italy’s Tuscany region who felt restricted by their country’s tough laws on blending and labeling. Super Tuscans are comprised mostly of Sangiovese and typically blended with varying amounts of Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Experts have rated the best of them as truly superior to traditional reds of the region, characterized by deeper color, fuller body, more depth and complexity of flavors, better balance and greater capacity for aging. The Santerra Rosso super Tuscan has a very smooth mouthfeel with appealing flavors of dried cherries, cranberry and sage. The fruit and tannins create a nice balance in pairing with a wide variety of foods. 42% Sangiovese, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Serve at 65 degrees.”

The following is a list of Viansa wines and descriptions that we did not sample.  The information was either provided by the winery or wine apps:

Ossidiana Red Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma County (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) “crafted mostly from Cabernet Franc, is Viansa’s flagship wine…a rich, intense red that can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 15 years.”

The Frescolina White Blend is described as a “delightfully refreshing blend of Muscat Canelli, Symphony, Viognier & Pinot Blanc, originally created as a dessert wine. The updated version is only slightly sweet and is a wonderful aperitif.”

The Viansa Nebbiolo Sonoma County (La Nebbia) comes from a “grape native to foggy Piemonte in Northern Italy. It is right at home in our Sonoma Mountain vineyard where it receives ample morning sun and afternoon shade. We blended in Primitivo (12.5%), Teroldego (2.3%) and Sangiovese (.2%) to round out this distinctive wine. A dry red with good acidity, our 2001 “La Nebbia” offers earthy flavors of tobacco and leather along with subtle notes of dried cherry and smoky oak.”

The Viansa Red Bordeaux Blend Sonoma County 2003 Lorenzo “has a nice entry with flavors of ripe boysenberry & blackberries. It boasts wonderfully balanced tannins and flows across the palate, with beautiful colors of blackberry with magenta hues. We suggest you decant for at least 1 hour before serving and can be cellared up to 5 years and would be at it’s best cellared for 1-2 years before enjoying.”

The 2004 Viansa Pinot Grigio Carneros Vittoria was an “Award winning Bronze Medalist for Chardonnay in the 2005 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition, Viansa’s Pinot Grigio has light flavors of apricots, pears and green apples with hints of orange and lingering nutty flavors reminiscent of hazelnuts and macadamia nuts.”

The Viansa Dolcetto Sonoma County Athena is “Crafted entirely from Dolcetto grapes, a varietal native to northern Italy. Viansa’s “Athena” Dolcetto is a fruity delight, an off-dry red bursting with notes of raspberry and cranberry and is a winery favorite, even of white wine aficionados. It pairs nicely with a variety of foods, varying from picnic fare to elegant entrees.”  This wine was awarded “a Silver Medal for its NV “Athena” Dolcetto, a delicious blend of three Italian varietals — Dolcetto, Muscat and Sangiovese.

After we completed our wine tasting and placed orders for bottles to be shipped home, we stepped outside to the most amazing views of the Sonoma Valley.  Vineyards stretched for miles and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.  If the Sebastiani’s vision was to recreate an Italianate destination winery producing exceptional wines, they have certainly succeeded.  If there was a hotel on the property, I would probably never leave.

Have you visited Viansa Winery?  Did you love the wines and fabulous views?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reminiscing with me on my trip to Viansa and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Viansa Winery
25200 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
Telephone:  707 946 4735 (extension 5 for reservations)

    • Admission Fee:  No admission fee to visit
    • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 5PM;
    • Amenities: Restaurant, terrace, picnic tables, marketplace, wine store, stunning views of Sonoma Valley, private tastings & tours (reservations required 48 hours in advance) 707 946 4735 x5;  for same day experience or groups larger than six, please also call in advance, visitor’s center; Entertainment is provided during the summer from 12PM to 3PM on Saturdays.
      • Private Outlook Tasting ($75 per person): accommodates 2 – 6, 90 minutes in the custom outlook with a flight of reserve wines and locally sourced cheeses. Discount for club members.
      • Viansa Summit Tour and Tasting ($35 per person): accommodates 12, 45 minutes to tour the estate and enjoy a flight of wines
      • Savor Sonoma ($50 per person): accommodates 2 – 10, 90 minutes to relax in the rustic Logia with award winning Reserve Wines and a selection of cheeses;
      • Signature Experience ($70 per person): accommodates 2 – 10, 90 minutes to sample flights from their Signature Series wines, seated in the wine library.
    • Guided Tours:  Guided Tours are available at 11AM and 2:15PM
    • Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours and an additional 1 hour if you intend to enjoy lunch
    • Tips for Your Visit:  Check the conservatory’s website for special events such as the Butterfly Exhibit and Orchids.  During the summer, the conservatory hosts a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays.

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa
1325 Broadway at Leveroni & Napa Roads
Sonoma, CA  94576
Telephone:  707 935 6600

Where to Eat:

The Girl & The Fig
110 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA  95476
Telephone:  707 938 3634  x10

I love the concept of food and wine pairings in this charming brasserie. I would definitely order the fromage tower.

What to Eat in Sonoma: 

  • Dungeness Crab from nearby Bodega Bay, usually starting in November.  Call ahead to confirm as “crab catches can be unpredictable”.
  • Free-range chicken from Petaluma Poultry has been serving up juicy birds since 1969.
  • Goat cheese
  • Lamb at Marin Sun Farms
  • The Olive Press produces Sonoma’s second-largest harvest of olives.
  • Peaches in Healdsburg from Dry Creek Peach & Produce
  • Pekin Duck from Liberty Ducks/Sonoma County Poultry in Penngrove has been around for four generations
  • Pork from Front Porch Farm which offers a wide range of breeds to include European Mangalitsa, Mulefoot, Red Waffle and Tuscan Cinta Senses pigs.

What to Read: 

  • Divisadero, by Michael Ondaatje
  • A Fire Story, by Brian Fies
  • Into the Forest, by Jean Hegland
  • The Life She Wants, by Robyn Carr
  • The Road to Hope, Crissi Langwell
  • The Underside of Joy, by Sere Prince Halverson

Photo Guide for Sonoma: 

  • Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve, Guerneville
  • The Barlow, Sebastopol
  • Domaine Carneros Villas and Vineyards for incredible views of the chateau and gardens.
  • Duncans Landing at Bodega Bay for coastal views and beach scenes
  • The Fremont Diner, Sonoma:  Check out the “Greetings from Sonoma” sign
  • Paradise Ridge Winery Sculptures, Santa Rosa for works of art throughout the estate
  • Petaluma Historical Library & Museum for its amazing interior
  • Petaluma Pumpkin Patch for the sunflower field and animals from the petting zoo
  • River’s End Restaurant in Jenner is perfect for photographing the sunset
  • The Russian River
  • Salt Point State Park’s Sandstone Hills showcases spectacular sandstone rocks and panoramas of the Pacific Ocean
  • Screamin’ Mini’s to photograph all of the ice cream flavors of the rainbow and interior
  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Santa Rose for beautiful waterfalls and spectacular nature
  • Tea Room Cafe in Petaluma for foodie photos
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Sonoma’s Sebastiani, Continuing to Make Wine History

12 June 201431 August 2024

During a conference in San Francisco, my boss Joe wanted to thank a few of our clients for working with us over the years, renting a limousine to tour California’s wine country.

One of the wineries on our list was Sebastiani, located in the heart of Sonoma.  This historic winery has been providing some of the best wines in the region for over a century.  Opening in 1904, Samuele Sebastiani, an immigrant from the Tuscany region of Italy wanted to provide wines to San Francisco restaurants and his friends and family.

The only Sonoma winery to survive prohibition (they provided wine to the local churches), the winery was passed down from one generation to the next (August, Sam) and has grown to become one of the most recognized wineries in all of Sonoma.  We were so excited to visit the winery’s tasting room and explore the winery with an informational tour.

Today, Sebastiani is focused on developing its exceptional estate wines from vineyards with optimal terroir for wine production.  Daily wine tastings are offered for groups of six and less without a reservation from 10AM to 4:30PM.  The 30 minute tasting costs $20 per person and wines by the glass are offered as well ranging from $7 – $10.  In addition, the winery offers a wide range of educational tasting opportunities to include wine and food pairings in addition to locally crafted foods, cheeses and chocolates, the winemaking process, and the history of winemaking.

Have you had the opportunity to visit one of Sonoma’s oldest wineries?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my brief visit to Sebastiani and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery
389 4th Street East
Sonoma, CA  95476
Telephone:  707 933 3200

  • Amenities:  a hospitality center, barrel room with antique redwood tanks, grand event space and daily tours and tastings; culinary and wine tastings;

Where to Stay:

Silverado Resort and Spa
1600 Atlas Peak Road
Napa Valley, CA   94558
Telephone:  707 257 0200

Where to Eat:

The Girl & The Fig
110 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA  95476
Telephone:  707 938 3634  x10

I love the concept of food and wine pairings in this charming brasserie. I would definitely order the fromage tower.

What to Eat in Sonoma: 

  • Dungeness Crab from nearby Bodega Bay, usually starting in November.  Call ahead to confirm as “crab catches can be unpredictable”.
  • Free-range chicken from Petaluma Poultry has been serving up juicy birds since 1969.
  • Goat cheese
  • Lamb at Marin Sun Farms
  • The Olive Press produces Sonoma’s second-largest harvest of olives.
  • Peaches in Healdsburg from Dry Creek Peach & Produce
  • Pekin Duck from Liberty Ducks/Sonoma County Poultry in Penngrove has been around for four generations
  • Pork from Front Porch Farm which offers a wide range of breeds to include European Mangalitsa, Mulefoot, Red Waffle and Tuscan Cinta Senses pigs.

What to Read: 

  • Divisadero, by Michael Ondaatje
  • A Fire Story, by Brian Fies
  • Into the Forest, by Jean Hegland
  • The Life She Wants, by Robyn Carr
  • The Road to Hope, Crissi Langwell
  • The Underside of Joy, by Sere Prince Halverson

Photo Guide for Sonoma: 

  • Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve, Guerneville
  • The Barlow, Sebastopol
  • Domaine Carneros Villas and Vineyards for incredible views of the chateau and gardens.
  • Duncans Landing at Bodega Bay for coastal views and beach scenes
  • The Fremont Diner, Sonoma:  Check out the “Greetings from Sonoma” sign
  • Paradise Ridge Winery Sculptures, Santa Rosa for works of art throughout the estate
  • Petaluma Historical Library & Museum for its amazing interior
  • Petaluma Pumpkin Patch for the sunflower field and animals from the petting zoo
  • River’s End Restaurant in Jenner is perfect for photographing the sunset
  • The Russian River
  • Salt Point State Park’s Sandstone Hills showcases spectacular sandstone rocks and panoramas of the Pacific Ocean
  • Screamin’ Mini’s to photograph all of the ice cream flavors of the rainbow and interior
  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Santa Rose for beautiful waterfalls and spectacular nature
  • Tea Room Cafe in Petaluma for foodie photos
Leave a comment
Share
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  • Share
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