John and Cheryl Bickley, as part of a Shell retirees wine group, visited 15 wineries in five days in the Sonoma region. The tasting spree had a focus on the pinot noirs of the Russian River Valley. Highlights were the Copain, Acorn, Freeman and Dehlinger wineries. Other favorites included Rafanelli for their zinfandels and Chalk Hill for their white wines. A tour at the Jordan Winery included a special tasting in the “hidden” wine room, where a button behind a panel makes the reveal. Walking by the ancient trees in the Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve made them feel young.

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