70 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE 70 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE Location. Location. Location. The Wine Road is the collective name given to northern Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). It is also home to the Schulz airport and specializes in offering wine experiences that go far beyond a flight, glass or bottle at the bar. By way of example, Jordan Winery — a pioneer in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon — invites guests into its 58,000-square-foot estate, which is designed as an homage to a French chateau, for its winery tour and tasting. During the experience, guests are whisked across the property and into the chateau to see grapes go from bud to bottle before being seated for a seated seasonal food and wine pairing prepared by the winery’s award-winning chef. Similarly impressive are J Vineyards, Dutton-Goldfield and Capo Creek. At J Vineyards , enter a world of enchantment via The Bubble Room . The expansive winery dining room boasts chandeliers designed to look like delicate sparkling wine bubbles as far as the eye can see. During this experience, guests will indulge in a seven-course meal inspired by the bounty of Sonoma County. Each course is paired with wine, notably J’s signature bubbles, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Dutton-Goldfield pushes tastebuds out of their comfort zone with a sushi and wine pairing — the vintners partner with Hana Sushi, who handmake selections by reservation only. At first glance, sushi and red wine may seem like an odd pair, but one taste of salmon with these small- production reds will prove otherwise. Capo is all about refined comfort food. The winemaker is also a doctor, mother of six and chef with Midwest roots, so she seeks to combine her handcrafted, limited-production varietals with recipes of her own design that she might make for a celebration among her large family. The only thing that rivals her prowess for pairings is the view of nearly the entirety of Dry Creek that may be enjoyed while dining. Certainly, there are more transitional dining experiences The Wine Road Jordan Winery J Vineyards FROM THE ROAD

Photo courtesy Red Heritage to be had as well, many thanks to rising culinary all-star chef Dustin Vallette. Over the past decade, he has opened Vallette , The Matheson and Roof 106 along the Wine Road in downtown Healdsburg. The region is also home to contemporary American powerhouse Spoonbar , celebrity chef Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery , where Coppola himself vets the menu regularly. Bonus : There are dozens of boutique and large-scale hotels tucked into every corner of the region, notably modern, chic Montage Healdsburg and The Ruse , a refined, modern take on a traditional bed and breakfast. Yountville In Napa, there are no bigger fish in the culinary sea than Yountville. Home to far more than Thomas Keller’s dizzyingly delicious French Laundry, Yountville is the epicurean epicenter of Napa’s wine country. Its walkable downtown alone is home to a Who’s Who of James Beard Foundation and Michelin Star darlings, including The Restaurant at North Block, Ciccio, Bistro Jeanty, RH Yountville, Bottega Napa Valley, Ad Hoc, Lucy Restaurant & Bar, R&D Kitchen and Bouchon Bistro . And while not as tenured as its esteemed sister eateries, downtown’s RO Restaurant & Lounge is making mouths water nightly with its Asian-inspired and caviar-forward menu, designed by Keller himself, as well as its impeccable sparkling wine and champagne selections. The Matheson SCAN THE QR CODE OR GO TO WWW.GREENLIVINGMAG.COM/STORE TO SUBSCRIBE We aim to educate, empower and inspire our readers to make eco-conscious choices for a healthy life and healthy planet. Educate, Empower & Inspire Your guide to an eco conscious life - delivered right to your door.