Monday, October 25, 2010

Roche Winery Tasting Room-Sonoma,CA

When the fog is thick and weighing down San Francisco, the sun is usually warming the hills of Sonoma. Which is why a picnic is almost always a great idea! Sonoma has an adorable town plaza with a large amount of tables and perfect spots for blankets and baskets. But even if the weather is begging for a picnic and you are like me, you neither have the time nor the energy to pack goodies for grown-ups after loading baby changing necessities, emergency outfits, essential toys, the stroller, not to mention a selection of crackers, cookies, teething biscuits, bottles, jars, & sippy cups. If that is case, the Roche Winery tasting room is the perfect park alternative!

Roche's relatively new tasting room is less than half a block off Sonoma's Plaza. It has multiple classic-style picnic tables, as well as umbrella covered tables and chairs. There is also a lovely wrap around covered porch with tables and space to throw a blanket down for a little one to comfortably sit and play in the shade. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, but they also offer a great limited menu from the Sunflower Cafe. Besides the wonderful surroundings and availability of lovely treats, the wines are wonderful as well (they just received 90+ ratings). Obviously, wine tasting is offered, but also wines by the glass and chilled bottles are available at a very reasonable price. Water is also available and a plethora of non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased just a few shops down for the drivers/non-wine drinkers. The people who work at Roche are another reason to visit. You more than likely will meet a member of the Roche family during your visit but if you don't even the most unrelated employees seem to be an extension of the family. There is a warmth and welcoming air to the staff that adds an extra element of comfort to your visit-as if you were just relaxing at a friend's home on a beautiful sunny day.

Below is my personal rating system:
1 (I wanted to fight) to 5(Wow, Yay & Yum)  & other important details...
Wine/Food: 4
Service: 5
Child friendliness: 4
Best dining time: Lunch on a nice day
Baby changing station: No
Stroller access: Great
Winery website: http://rochewinery.com/tasteroom.htm

 Roche Winery Tasting Room-Sonoma, CA

 Roche Winery Tasting Room-Sonoma, CA

 Roche Winery Tasting Room-Sonoma, CA
 Roche Winery Tasting Room-Sonoma, CA

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