Photo by Andrew Collins
I’ve noted a few great spot for enjoying a picnic lunch in some of my blogs over the past year, most recent Armstrong Woods, up in the hills above Guerneville. Within the Russian River region, as well as nearby, there are plenty of other scenic summer spots to set up a spread of gourmet victuals and perhaps a bottle of wine, and enjoy the scenery. You might try Goat Rock Beach, overlooking the Pacific in Jenner, or dining alfresco along the actual banks of the Russian River in downtown Guerneville.
Once you have a pleasant picnic venue chosen, there still remains the question of finding the perfect snacks and beverages to accompany your adventure. Here are a couple of spots in the Russian River that I’m a big fan of. In the heart of tiny Monte Rio, just a few miles southwest of Guerneville on Highway 116, Sophie’s Cellars carries and exceptional selection of locals wines as well as cheeses, pâtés, crackers, and other snacks. The shop has extremely knowledgeable owners when it comes to both wine and cheese – in fact, they’ll happily connect you with some of the lesser-known, smaller wineries in Sonoma, if you’re planning on doing some tasting as area vineyards during your trip.
Photo by Andrew Collins
Another excellent option, both for picking up prepared foods, sandwiches, and champagne to go, or for dining on-site, is Korbel Champagne Cellars, which lies just a couple of miles east of downtown Guerneville on Highway 116. The producer of Korbel’s esteemed California champagnes (I’m partial to the Blanc de Noirs), this beautifully situated, ivy-covered, redbrick winery offers tours of the facility as well as the adjacent gardens. For noshing supplies, drop by Korbel’s on-site deli, which sells prepared salads, house-made soups, outstanding sandwiches (try the salami and Brie with roasted peppers and olive tapenade), artisan cheeses, cured meats, espresso drinks, and tempting sweets. If you dine there, perhaps on the evergreen-shaded terrace behind the deli, you can also order champagne and wine by the glass, as well as mimosas and delicious pomegranate bellinis.
