Customer Reviews

Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma

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We just returned from a vacation in Sonoma. Of the three guidebooks we brought with us, this is the one we turned to most. We have visited Napa a couple of times, but we weren't as familiar with Sonoma and had no idea where to start. The author lived in Sonoma for 6 years and the book has the feel of a local guiding you around the area. We were interested in discovering the little-known hidden gems the locals know about (but most guidebooks don't cover) and this was a perfect resource. Divided into sections by appellation, there's a concise, informative description of each winery and wines produced, with information on visiting (hours of tastings or tours, if you need to make an appointment, phone numbers, web sites, etc.) The amount of essential information and the way she captures the personality of the wineries in just a few paragraphs is impressive. We found these descriptions right on point each time.

The section on Dry Creek Valley alone kept us busy for an entire day, visiting wonderful wineries we probably would have missed. We were not disappointed with any of her recommendations. All of the wineries we visited were friendly and welcoming, with good to excellent wines. Her advice on not being shy about contacting the "appointment only" wineries is well-taken. Our tastings at these wineries was usually done by the winemaker or a family member and provided a unique opportunity to learn about the wine.

The photographs in the book by Paul Hawley, son of one of the winemakers featured in the book, are charming. If you are truly interested in discovering smaller, lesser known (but very worthy of knowing) wineries in Sonoma, this is the only book you need!

We have been to Sonoma multiple times and wanted a different experience. We purchased this book before our trip to Sonoma a couple of weeks ago in July 09. It literally made our vacation!!
Every winery we tried was wonderful, we were able to speak with the staff and enjoyed their stories, we never had more than one couple with us during wine tasting. The restaurant guide is also very good - we highly recommend the underwood cafe in Graton CA. This book was quite a find.

Jean-Claude & Cathy Ponzio

Brought this book to my first trip to Sonoma with me. It was well written and interesting, but I mostly used it as afternoon pool reading. Did get a couple of ideas where to go, but without maps included, you had to research and find/circle on a map the day before, rather than on the fly. Very enoyable reading.

I just chanced upon this book doing a google search and I must say that this book is what I was looking for - I wanted to get a list of "back-lane"/boutique vineyards for our visit to Sonoma - vineyards that are not large commercial operations.
I would say that visit to just one vineyard recommended by this book made it worthwhile for me, even if we discount everything else - the Robert Rue vineyard in Fulton, near Santa Rosa. This vineyard was everything described in the book and more.
So, if you are after what I was, then buy this book without any hesitation.

My son, Ben, is a Sonoma region tour guide. I sent him a copy and he reports:
I got it last week but was so busy I didn't open the package until a couple days ago. It's actually surprisingly good...actually does talk about some of the places I go and mentions some others that have been on my list for a while. At the very least I can use it as a reference for factoids (sorry to use an awful word but it seems the most appropriate) on places that I can refer to as I drive into their driveway. It's beautiful, yet small and sturdy, just the right size to become a new resident in my chauffeur's bag.

Great book. Well-researched, accurate, pleasant to read, easy to use. Got terrific info resulting in a wonderful winery experience in Sonoma.

Loved this book. It took us to great small quaint out of the way wineries in Sonoma. We love the Mom and Pops wineries where you can hear stories, taste great wines and sometimes even talk to the owners/growers. This book will give you many great reccomendation for the different areas in Sonoma. There are too many places to visit in a month let alone a week or weekend, but this book will help you hone in on places that produce wines that fit your pallet. This book will help you make the most of your time in Wine Country. This is not for the person that wants to see the big wineries that produce thousands of cases of your favorite wines back home.

Just a couple of months ago I reviewed three books about wineries that many of you send back word that you enjoyed as well. One comment mentioned how much they enjoy visiting wineries during travels around the country. That came to mind when I came across a pair of books written to facilitate such touring. :"Back Lane Wineries of Napa" ($19.95, The Little Bookroom, 272 pp.) and "Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma" ($19.95, The Little Bookroom, 256 pp.) both written by Tilar Mazzeo, are guidebooks to out-of-the-way places in two of California's most famed areas for quality wines. Napa and Sonoma both are populated with well-known wineries with regular visiting hours, guided tours and staffed tasting rooms. These books, however, introduce you to the other wineries. The ones that aren't so well-known, may not keep regular hours and the person who pours you a sample may be owners themselves. And as a bonus, the author even included a barbecue joint: Bounty Hunter Wine Bar and Smokin' BBQ, located in downtown Napa.

Very helpful product. Helped with all of our planning for a trip in July. Gave us a ton of ideas about some smaller wineries to visit

Great book. These are some of the best wineries. When people hear all about the major and most popular wineries, they miss out on these gems. Read it and go.