On Day 2 of the trip, we went to two of our favorite wineries. We are on their mailing/distribution lists, and love their wines. Unfortunately, if you’re not on their list, you can’t visit. I would highly recommend checking out these wines though, if you have a chance at a restaurant, etc. They are wonderful.
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We actually had purchased a tasting at Paul Hobbs during a charity auction and dinner for HeartGift, a local Austin charity. (We ended up getting on the list later.) Paul Hobbs makes glorious, lovely, elegant wines. The winery is secluded and very hard to find but it is beautifully designed - we sat at a wonderful dining table in front of this very modern fire place that was done in cool whites with black accents. We spent our morning with the events coordinator, who was extremely helpful and informative. We were able to taste some pinots, which we were really excited about, as we’ve only had the cabs before. We also tasted the 2005 Stagecoach cabernet sauvignon, a malbec, and two chardonnays. Altogether a fantastic experience!Our afternoon tasting was at Fantesca. This was another hard to find winery, but it was worth the journey. We got to taste a range of their 2008 wines - the chard and the pinot. We also were able to sample some fantastic cabernet. This winery was recently purchased and so they seem to be still discovering themselves. The pedigree of the vines and the winemakers (Heidi Barrett) they have on board are impressive. This is going to be a crazy wine. In addition the place has beautiful views, a crazy cave that is an old silver mine and great staff. It was a good visit.
This was my least favorite wine place by far. It’s really a quintessential tourist trap. Our driver thought it was the bees knees and we had always been curious about the massive medieval structure nestled in the hills. So we checked it out. All of the wine, while priced in the $20+ range, was disgusting. They all had residual sugar and were super frou frou. The castle was pretty intense though a tad goofy. The actual structure, in terms of building materials and breadth was impressive (it does look like it came straight from 1300’s Italy). Tons of kids were running around taking it all in. All together a kitschy experience. If you’re tired of tasting wine, check it out. Otherwise, don’t go.
29 North St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-3311
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-3311
Amazing. I mean really, just amazing. Cyrus is located in the Sonoma town of Healdsburg. It specializes in new American cuisine (read fusion flavors, locale ingredients, French preparation and techniques). We had an absolutely wonderful dinner there.
The dining room is a bit old-fashioned and is all creamy walls, mahogany wood and crisp white table cloths. It was a comfy setting for the meal. Immediately upon seating, we were offered 5 canapés in a tower representing various flavors – salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami. These ranged from spring rolls to glazed strawberries and all were delicately prepared. It certainly set the tone for this dining adventure. We then moved on to the caviar and champagne service. They wheel this large cart around which contains all of their caviars on off on ice as well as an old-fashioned scale to weigh out your ounce or half-ounce. It’s an impressive presentation and a fun way to start off the meal, especially since the accompaniments are re-imagined (the crème fraiche was frozen with liquid nitrogen and frozen and the eggs were somehow turned into yolk puddings – bizarre but tasty). After the caviar, we selected the 5 course tasting menu (they offer 8 as well). They have vegetarian menus as well. They were very easy going about subbing in vegetarian options. Stephen and I selected slightly different courses, and so we got to sample many dishes. While we were waiting for our first dish we were treated to their bread select which is vast and baked every 20 minutes (seriously) as well as an amuse bouche of smoked salmon (to give the chef time to prepare). Delish!
The wine list at Cyrus is very extensive. While we were tempted by some bottles, we opted to just have the sommelier pair wines with each of our courses since were having so many different dishes. I’m glad we did. We had amazing wines that were unusual and well-matched. I think my two favorites were a gruner veltliner and a madeiro, though we had a lovely American nebbiolo and a pear cider as well. Tough choices! We had never had any of the wines before, and we ended up tasting 9. I love their sommelier!
When we finally got to out meal we had everything from Artichokes a La Barigoule with Sauce Skordalia, Sea Bream with Galangal Rice Noodles and Banana Blossoms, to a Lamb Loin Roulad with Green Garlic Risotto and Fava Ben Ragout. Everything was meticulously prepared and the flavors melded harmoniously. As if this wasn’t enough food, we also had a cheese course and a dessert course. Upon sitting down at our table, I had noticed this amazing cheese cart. I had to have some. Stephen and I each selected three cheeses with the help of the cheese “sommelier”. They were all lovely. Finally we moved on to the dessert course. I had a deconstructed Tira Misu and Stephen had the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Tart with Caramelized Banana Ice Cream. Heaven. As if this wasn’t enough, the candy cart was brought around. As a parting gift, we were each given a box containing a brownie and were told to choose from their homemade lollipops, caramels, chocolates, nougats and cookies. It was almost too much! (They were all tasty treats later). Overall, Cyrus was one of my top five dining experiences. The service was impeccable, the food beyond well prepared, and the wine interesting and varied. A great experience all around!
25 Matheson Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(800) 889-7188
I love this hotel on the Healdsburg plaza. It is a little bit older structure, but it has been updated nicely. We stayed in a corner suite with a great view of the pool and courtyard. The level of quality here is great as well. Great spa products, nice coffee shop, and the continental breakfast is great. The downstairs sitting area is outfitted with little tray tables next to the fire place and you treat your self to fruits and yogurt, eggs, sausage, bacon, smoked salmon, etc. Very pleasant way to start the morning. Also, the concierge is very helpful. I highly recommend.
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