Spelunking, Sonoma County Style

I went spelunking in Sonoma County recently. After an easy climb from the trailhead, I entered a veritable fairyland, a true “live cave” brimming with activity.

Imagine my surprise and embarrassment when I realized caving in wine country didn’t require my carbide headlamp, crampons, or rope. I was woefully over-equipped for the expedition.

Hans Fahden Vineyards Wine Cave

And the “life” forms in this cave? No stalactite or stalagmites here; just other travelers seeking to experience the ultimate in Sonoma County spelunking: Dinner in the Hans Fahden Winery’s cave.

Whether by verbal directions, GPS, or a paper map, we 21st century explorers all found our way into the upper reaches of the Mayacamas mountain range; 1,000-foot elevation and a mere 600 yards from the county’s eastern edge.

As most wine country visitors know, you pretty much have to be invited to a wedding, special event, or corporate meeting in order to dine in a wine cave. Not anymore. Hans Fahden Winery opens the cave to diners each Thursday evening through September.

Third-generation landowner Antone Fahden greeted guests with glasses of amazing cabernet sauvignon (the only varietal produced here) and led us on a tour of the property that’s been in his family since 1912.

Hans Fahden Vineyards Gardens

The gardens enticed with bright colors against the evergreen backdrop of Douglas firs. Tucked around the ponds were seating vignettes that reminded the strollers to sit and enjoy the peaceful, beautiful environs for a while.

The property is popular with brides. The amazing vistas and wild gardens give new meaning to the word “picturesque.”

No bridezillas for us to contend with tonight, just fabulous wine and delicious food. Antone’s staff joined forces with Hilton Sonoma Wine Country’s chef, Rene Jakushak, for an amazing catered meal. Guests can purchase cab from the winery or bring their own bottle, no corkage.

The first of a three-course dinner was lolla rosa and organic apple salad, with Laura Chenel goat cheese and Sonoma Vinegar Works white balsamic vinaigrette.

The main course was paired with the perfect reason to stick with the Hans Fahden cab: grilled petite filet mignon and Dungeness crab Oscar, served with fava beans, braised greens, and German butterball potatoes in sauce Bernaise. It was delicious.

And the dessert course epitomized the phrase “saving the best for last.” “Valrhona Chocolate Budino” with caramel sauce, whipped cream, and pistachio tuile. While several people at our table requested coffee, I found the rich, dark chocolate paired perfectly with Antone’s 2000 cabernet sauvignon.

Find more about the cave dinners, or book your own experience, at www.hansfahden.com. Reservations can be made up until noon Thursday for that evening’s dinner.

Hans Fahden Vineyards
4855 Petrified Forest Road
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-6760
www.hansfahden.com

Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves

Other wineries in Sonoma County offer tours of wine caves, either as part of a regular tour or by appointment. Here are a few examples:

Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves
9711 West Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg
CA 95448
(707) 473-9171
www.bellawinery.com

Benziger Family Winery
1883 London Ranch Road
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 935-3000
www.benziger.com

Deerfield Ranch Winery
10200 Sonoma Hwy.
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-5215
www.deerfieldranch.com

Deerfield Ranch Winery

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
23555 Carneros Highway 121
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 996-7256
www.gloriaferrer.com

Gundlach Bundschu Winery
2000 Denmark Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-5277
www.gunbun.com

Nicholson Ranch Vineyards and Winery
4200 Napa Road
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-8822
www.nicholsonranch.com