Founded in 1981, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery was just the beginning of a long love affair with Sonoma County for Don and Rhonda Carano. Natives of Reno, Nevada, the couple were introduced to the beauty of Northern Sonoma County in 1979 while searching for wines to enhance the wine list at their Reno-based Eldorado Hotel.  Today, the Caranos are responsible for an incredible host of establishments throughout the county.  Make a day of it and see if you can visit each of their incredible properties.  Read on to learn more.

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Starting with a small, 30-acre plot of grapes purchased in 1979 to today’s 24 estate vineyards in six different appellations totaling about 1,900 sustainably-grown acres, Ferrari-Carano owns some of the finest winegrowing properties in all of California. Visiting the winery is a treat, as they are known as much for their wines as for their stunning grounds.  Choose to taste at the Villa Fiore Wine Bar, at the Enoteca in the dramatic underground cellar or outside on Il Terrazzo overlooking the vineyards and gardens.  Private tastings are also available daily, by appointment at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

And, there is a brand-new offering, A Tasty Trio: Wine, Cheese & Chocolate — a decadently delicious collaboration of three wildly different tastes combining to create a culinary trio of sublime delight in five pairings — no appointment necessary. If you happen to be at the winery on a Monday, be sure to ask about Uncorked Mondays, running through the month of April, when you may try two complimentary tastes of wine. The wines change each month, so be sure to check back.

Vintners Inn
4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa
Situated on 92 acres of vineyards in the Russian River Valley, just 60 miles north of San Francisco, Vintners Inn offers travelers a place to relax, rejuvenate and explore Sonoma County’s spectacular vineyard, coastal and mountain destinations. Amenities such as in-room spa services, a workout facility, a bocce court and more, guarantee an exceptional time.

John Ash & Co. Restaurant
4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa
Dinner nightly from 5 p.m.
A visit to the legendary John Ash & Co. restaurant, located on the Vintners Inn property, is a celebration of wine country cuisine.  Nestled next to the spectacular Vintners Inn, John Ash & Co. was the first Sonoma County restaurant to introduce seasonal cooking with fresh, local ingredients — and pairing these dishes with regional wines. Today, the restaurant remains an icon of gourmet dining with Executive Chef Thomas Schmidt continuing the high standards for cooking excellence that locals and guests alike enjoy.

The Front Room Bar & Lounge
4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa
Monday - Thursday from 4 p.m.  |   Friday - Sunday from 3 p.m.
Located next to John Ash & Co., The Front Room Bar & Lounge is the place to see and be seen!  Stop by on a Sunday for their ever-popular Burger Sundays, or any day for happy hour, a cocktail, glass of wine, beer or small bites. Happy hour is hugely popular, with varying specials offered daily, like Crush-the-Rush Wednesdays that includes free appetizers. Or, experience the Happy Hour Small Bites Menu daily, as well as special pricing on cocktails, wine, beer or Prosecco.

River Vine Café
4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa
Breakfast & lunch daily
Brunch Saturday & Sunday
The newly opened River Vine Café located at Vintners Inn, is a fun and inviting space for breakfast, lunch or brunch.  Delicious wine country fare is showcased by seasonal foods and produce from local farmers and the café’s own organic garden. Elegantly rustic, the café offers indoor and outdoor seating, and private rooms for larger groups, meetings or special events.

Lazy  Creek Vineyards
4741 Highway 128, Philo
Open Seasonally Friday - Monday 10:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Named for the creek that meanders through it, Lazy Creek Vineyards is located in the heart of bucolic Anderson Valley. Known as the second-oldest vineyard in the valley, Lazy Creek was established in the early 1900s by the Pinolis, an Italian family who began their American odyssey by farming plum orchards and vineyards. Committed to sustainability, the Carano’s are firm believers in preserving the land for future generations.  Lazy Creek specializes in luxurious Pinot Noirs and is open seasonally.

Seasons of the Vineyard Wine Shop
113 Plaza Street, Healdsburg
Open daily 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Rhonda Carano has created a charming wine country boutique in downtown Healdsburg.  Shop for gifts or keepsakes including local artwork and handmade ceramics.  Be sure to taste wines from Ferrari-Carano and Lazy Creek Vineyards while browsing, or try the wine and chocolate pairing!

Valentine’s Day – February 10, 11 & 17, 18

Love is in the Air
An Aphrodisiac Wine & Food Pairing
Sure to stimulate your senses and tease your palate

♥
2017 Dry Sangiovese Rosé, Sonoma County
paired with
Watermelon Bruschetta with Whipped Feta, Basil & Rose Balsamic Drizzle
“Watermelon contains citrulline, which relaxes the blood vessels…better than Viagra!”

♥
2015 Chardonnay, Sonoma County
paired with  
Ravioli Nudi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce
Pillowy balls of ricotta and spinach gently lavished with brown butter sage sauce.
“Sage is known to relax, sooth the skin and has a
calming influence on the body and mind.”

♥
2014 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
paired with
Chicken Paillard
“Ooh..La La!  A scaloppini in Italian, a cutlet in English … but let’s call it what it is.

♥
2013 Cabernet Reserve, Alexander Valley
paired with
Cocoa & Chili-Spiced Pork with Cherry Sauce
“Get Sexy! Love is in the air with the aphrodisiac qualities of cocoa,
chili and a decadent cherry wine sauce packed with potassium to get those
sex hormones playing your favorite tune.”

♥
Baci Dessert Wine, Dry Creek Valley
paired with
Pomegranate Brownies with Sea Salt & Cacao Nibs
“Love Goddess Aphrodite, credited in Greek mythology with planting the first pomegranate tree, didn’t know back then why Aphrodite was her name…but we do!
Studies show that eating pomegranates increases testosterone in both men and women, elevating your moods and sexual desires. We’ll take two!”

Cost $35, $30 for wine club members