landscaped hill lined with hundreds of olive trees, Robert Domenici, a fifth generation Californian, greeted us at the beautiful entry of the Viansa Winery. This winery is thoroughly Italian in concept. However, the first fact explained to us was Viansa has no translation. It is not Italian, it is a made up word for Vicki and Sam, the owners. Their idea was 
to build a Tuscan sanctuary where wine, food and Italian traditions would be shared and celebrated in a natural environment For a few hours we felt like we were in old TuscanyWhen they started making wine here in 1989, 4000 cases were produced. Now the count is 64,000 
cases specializing in Italian style of 15 varietals. Olive oil is also produced here from their 1000 olive trees. While relating history of their wines and explaining how they process it,
we walked through the aging area underground. The oak barrels used for aging the wine cost $1200 each and are used for only two years
Following him outside, the valley opened before us and the vineyards seemed to stretch as far as we could see. Huge clumps of grapes
were hanging from the vines. It is harvest time. They hand pick their grapes from August to November. Grape vines are deep rooted and can live over 100 years. Pruning of the vines takes place in January and is done in the same manner as rose bushes
Guess what John did????Yes he did, another geocache at Viansa.
Of course we all visited the retail area and enjoyed the beautiful setting.
Then it was back to the campground where we enjoyed some time sitting in our chairs and talking about our wonderful time in Sonoma.
cases specializing in Italian style of 15 varietals. Olive oil is also produced here from their 1000 olive trees. While relating history of their wines and explaining how they process it, we walked through the aging area underground. The oak barrels used for aging the wine cost $1200 each and are used for only two years
Following him outside, the valley opened before us and the vineyards seemed to stretch as far as we could see. Huge clumps of grapes
were hanging from the vines. It is harvest time. They hand pick their grapes from August to November. Grape vines are deep rooted and can live over 100 years. Pruning of the vines takes place in January and is done in the same manner as rose bushesSonoma is the Native American word for crescent which is how the Sonoma Valley is shaped. In addition to wine this valley's other industries include sheep, cattle, goats, dairy, apples and other fruits. Robert gave us a short history of this region known as Los Carneros. He pointed out a unique 90-acre natural preserve the owners set aside that’s home to native California plants and wildlife.
Wine tasting and lunch took place outdoors overlooking the valley. Robert assisted by Vicki (not the owner) gave us many wine tasting hints as we tasted several of their wonderful wines. After an Italian picnic lunch under the vines on the patio, many of us browsed the retail area, the cheese and condiment counter (for tastes of course) and the dessert case. Vicki even entertained us with some songs and a little demo from her former acting career. It was a very pleasant and relaxing visit.
Guess what John did????Yes he did, another geocache at Viansa.
Our second destination in Sonoma Valley was Sabastiani Winery where the
very first vineyard ever planted in the area was started in 1823 by Franciscan priests. The grapes were appropriately called "mission grapes". Our guide, Bob, recounted the historical and geographical significance of the region in his "Soil to Bottle" tour followed, of course, by wine tasting. Samuel Sabastiani founded this winery in 1904 and produces 250,000 cases in Sonoma.
very first vineyard ever planted in the area was started in 1823 by Franciscan priests. The grapes were appropriately called "mission grapes". Our guide, Bob, recounted the historical and geographical significance of the region in his "Soil to Bottle" tour followed, of course, by wine tasting. Samuel Sabastiani founded this winery in 1904 and produces 250,000 cases in Sonoma. 
During the wine tasting, Bob taught us a great deal about how the soil, the sun, elevation and water allows the growth of particular grapes. How vineyard managers know when the grapes are r
eady to be picked, who picks their grapes, how to tell the probable alcohol level, storing wines and tasting. Their vintner (wine maker) has been with the winery for 30 years. Last year Bill Foley, owner of First National Title Company, bought Sabastiani.
eady to be picked, who picks their grapes, how to tell the probable alcohol level, storing wines and tasting. Their vintner (wine maker) has been with the winery for 30 years. Last year Bill Foley, owner of First National Title Company, bought Sabastiani.Of course we all visited the retail area and enjoyed the beautiful setting.
Then it was back to the campground where we enjoyed some time sitting in our chairs and talking about our wonderful time in Sonoma. 
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