Introduction

Wineries Beyond Napa Valley:
Dry Creek and Alexander Valley,
An Insider's Tasting Guide to the Hidden Gems of the Region

I’ve had my fair share of fruit-bomb Merlots and over-oaked Chardonnays. The steep tasting prices, the crowded tasting rooms, the over-the-top, “you really need to buy this one,” sales pitches the wineries gave me. The allure of wine tasting in Napa Valley quickly waned for me.
When I first started wine tasting in Northern California, I assumed that Napa was the place to go tasting. All the big boys were there—Beringer, Sutter Home, Mondavi. But the more time I spent in Napa, the less excited I became about that region, so I went exploring.

I stumbled upon two relatively quiet regions: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. I grabbed a wine map featuring these two regions and randomly chose a few wineries. I quickly loaded my car with the necessary wine tasting equipment: cooler, water, crackers, topped off my fuel tank and away I went up Highway 101 to discover this new world for myself.

Wow! It was as if I had landed in another country. The tasting fees were reasonable, the wineries were charming and the overall atmosphere was serene. The personalized attention I received was a welcomed treat. I began to try more and more of the wineries of the region. I was having a blast.

But I wanted a book that went deeper into the wineries, since there is so much more to wine tasting than the wine itself. I wanted to know what the tasting room was like, whether reservations were needed or if I could just stroll right in. I was curious about the overall characteristics of the winery. I wanted information on the wineries that went beyond wine ratings and national magazine reviews.

And so the idea for this book was born. I slowly began creating a “hidden gems” list of wineries I wanted people to try. To me, a hidden gem is a winery that is off the radar to most wine tasters. Some of these wineries are right out in the open, yet remain relatively undiscovered; others are tucked high in the hills with only an address on a mailbox to mark their location. Each one has something extra, from a “mom and pop” feel to a bit of humor and playfulness.

Combining the two wine regions, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, I built my list of 20 wineries that I consider hidden gems. I’m honored to present them to you.

Cheers,
Haydn