Before we even began we were treated to a tasting of their delicious cottage cheese, unlike any I'd had before.
Our guide was Vivien, whose family dairy farm makes the milk that goes into the cheeses.
We actually got to make our own cheese by adding rennet to fresh milk. Joan got to "cut the cheese"!
The Cheesemaker was fastidiously checking the curds for just the right moment to add the salt.
Here is their famous mt. tam cheese at different lavels of aging. We got to sample some with no aging, 1 week and two weeks of aging. What a difference in taste.
Next we were on to the beautiful Jacuzzi Family Vineyards - a gorgeous property modeled after the family's italian home.
Here is the motley crew in front of the fountain (no one fell in ).
Our private tasting room upstairs, where the ladies pour SIXTEEN wines for us. It was a marathon . . .
We brought in some of the cowgirl "redhawk" cheese for each table to have along with their wines.
The owner graciously shared with us some of his handmade balsamic vinegar that had been aging for over 12 years. We only got one oz between 23 people and it was plenty! SOOOO yummy.
Next we went to Schug Winery - where we toured the grounds and learned all about crush. Here is Katie examining the grounds up close and personal.
Sauv. Blanc grapes after being crushed.
Then we got to venture into the "bunker", an intricate system of wine caves under the ground.
Inside the belly of the beast.
After a few leisurely hours in lovely downtown Sonoma, we dined at the famous El Dorado Kitchen. This is the "Bridge Table", made from a solid piece of reclaimmed redwood right in the center of the restaurant. It was awesome.
First Course - an heirloom tomato & melon salad.
Second - gazpacho with shellfish and an avocado tartar.
Third - lobster rissoto.
Main Course - Filet with crispy miatake mushrroms and potatoes.
Dessert - chocolate shortbreadcovered with ganache, caramel ice cream and fresh caramel. SOO good!
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