It’s no surprise that we escaped the summer fog in San Francisco for another weekend. When I found out our all-time favorite wine maker was having an event, I had to go. Anything Walt does, they do it right! All of their wines included. We visit their tasting room almost every trip to Sonoma, and really enjoy their chardonnay and rosé in the summer, and their pinot noir in the winter. I also love Walt’s sister winery, and “big brother” of the two, Hall, which has a really spectacular and probably one of the most beautiful winery’s I’ve been to.
This was a little bit of a splurge for a simple lobster lunch, and I thought this even more when we pulled up to an empty field at 10am in Sebastopol, but my mind was quickly changed once the event got going. The event staff truly thought of every little detail.
The event was kept very small – think two large rectangular dining tables that fit about 40 people each, something you’d see at a wedding. This kept it super intimate and fun. When we arrived, we snacked on cheese and fruit plates, then had a very hands-on tour through the vines (Walt doesn’t have an actual Winery. The majority of grapes are grown on the vineyard where the event was in Sebastopol, and they have their tasting room in Sonoma Square.) It was so fun to meet the actual wine markers and learn even more about our favorite wine. Walt was serving ALL of their current wines, unlimited and complementary! It was a dream basking in the wine country sun and sipping on my favorite Chardonnay and Rosé, while tasting the different reds they offered with in-depth commentary. After the tour, we sat down to feast! It was a blast spending time with our family we came with, and meeting new people that are also Walt Wine lovers! I mean, look at this spread…
After our indulgent afternoon, we headed to Sonoma and spent the day lounging around at our hotel, The MacArther Place pool, sipping cocktails and noshing on cheese. This hotel is my favorite place to stay in Sonoma, mainly due to its proximity to the Square, but also just far enough to be a few streets away from the crowds. I’ve stayed a few times, and have always had a beautiful, large, room – an absolute oasis after too much wine and sun! Their pool provides service for drinks and food all day and has an abundance of lounge chairs for guests. And, did I mention their free wine and cheese hour?! They are also renovating their restaurant and breakfast area, which I’m sure will be well done – I’m looking forward to visiting after the construction and sipping coffee in the new breakfast area!
We finished off the night at Girl and The Fig, which I’ve told you all about before – my FAVORITE restaurant in Sonoma, and possibly one of the best in the Bay Area. We then had a night cap at Sigh, which is the girliest champagne bar that recently moved into a beautiful new location right along the main square. It’s basically my dream bar and I can’t wait to return with my best friend, as my red wine loving date wasn’t as excited as me being surrounded by unlimited bubbles!
The next morning, we enjoyed complimentary muffins and piping hot coffee by the pool, and then grabbed a quick, but outstanding breakfast at Hare & Hatter, an absolute hidden gem which is owner owned and operated. Love simple places like this. The flat bread is a must!
After our family left, we decided to bite the bullet and become Walt Wine members. The perks are free tastings, “pick-up parties” when you go to pick-up your wine, and invites to member-only events. Does this mean I’m officially adulting?!
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