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Fun Things to do Near Elk Grove-Wine Tasting

By Ray Henson

Real Estate Agent with Retired

October 02, 2022 06:43 AM

We are blessed to have some great wineries within a short distance from Elk Grove. There are some fun place to go in Clarksburg, just West of Elk Grove on the Delta. There is the Lodi area and, of course, there is the world famous Napa area less than two hours away. We recently visited the Amador Wine Region. With over 40 wineries to choose from in the area, there is a lot of variety. We visited Jeff Renquist Wines, Rombauer and Villa Toscano.

Jeff Renquist Wines

Jeff Renquist Winery

We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. The gentleman that poured us our wine was very friendly and made sure to explain each wine that we tried and there were several that I thought were outstanding. I ended up purchasing the 2021 Viognier, the 2021 Chardonnay, the 2020 Barbara and the 2020 Estate Zinfandel.

Rombauer

This one is a favorite to visit. I love the outside seating and our host here also explained each of the wines to us expertly. You can taste Rombauer wines made from several different areas at the Amador winery. They are all very tasty. I ended up buying a 2021 Carneros Chardonnay and a 2020 Zinfandel. There is also a Rombauer in the Napa area with a spectacular view. Also look for a copy of the cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, by Irma Rombauer. Good taste runs in the family!

Villa Toscano

This is a very beautiful location and a wonderful choice for lunch. They have delicious hamburgers and I had a great pastrami sandwich with a side of one of the best coleslaw's ever. They also had some desserts that looked incredible. After we had lunch, we tried their wines. They were good, but we did not make any purchases. The one I came closest to purchasing was the 2018 VT Montepulciano. I think I need to go back again. We were at the end of our tasting day and getting a little worn out, but oh, what a lunch.

Patrami sandwich at Villa Toscano

We only have about 37 more wineries to explore, but someone has to do it!

Ray, Anthony and Dave

Fun things to do near Elk Grove

KAYAKING IN ELK GROVE
APPLE HILL, THEN APPLE BUTTER
APPLE HILL, PORCELAIN AND 31 YEARS OF BLISS
PICKLEBALL AT THE OASIS
DAY TRIPPING-DEER CREEK TRAIL

Fun in Arizona

DAY TRIPPING ARIZONA STYLE-SAGUARO LAKE

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Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

I wine taste about two times a year, Nina Hollander, Broker, so even if every time is in the Amador area, it will be a very long time. It was a fun day, but I am much more likely to be playing pickleball. That pastrami sandwich was excellent!

Oct 02, 2022 02:23 PM

Nina Hollander, Broker

Charlotte, NC

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

Hi Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400. I went because my buddies were going and really, that was the most enjoyable part of the day.

Happy Sunday, Michael Jacobs. We really are blessed in our area with so many things to do. It has been a very long time since I have been bored. My friends just do not give me the time. 😉 I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!

Oct 02, 2022 02:27 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

We would have loved to have you along with us, Joan Cox. We could use a little charm and wit in our group.

It looks like the Broncos and Raiders are going to fight it out once again, It is 10-10 with 6 minutes left in the first half. And I do not have a TV!

Oct 02, 2022 02:30 PM

Joan Cox

Denver, CO

Joan Cox

I just got home from the celebration of life, and didn't see much, but saw the score. Congrats!

Oct 02, 2022 05:43 PM

Ray Henson

Thank you, Joan Cox and I am sorry for your loss.

Oct 05, 2022 07:38 AM

Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ

(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Ray,

I have been to Napa and Sonoma for a wine-tasting journey and experience. This time of year is a great time to go.

Oct 02, 2022 02:33 PM

Ray Henson

Goodyear, AZ

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

It would be fun to have you along for the ride, Will Hamm. Maybe we could squeeze a fourth winery in for that day. 😉 Do you have a Sunday feast going on today even thought the Raiders are going to win? Ha!

We have been looking at a lot of retirement areas over the last few years, Myrl Jeffcoat. There are not many places that offer as much as the Sacramento area does. We are blessed.

Oct 02, 2022 02:34 PM

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

It was a good day, George Souto. I hope you are having a great day!

Napa and Sonoma are truly special places, Sheri Sperry - MCNE®. We have had many memorable times wine tasting and visiting world class restaurants. And I certainly agree, the fall is a wonderful time to visit the area. There was a time I would have loved to live in the area.

Oct 02, 2022 02:39 PM

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA

Probate Real Estate Services

No doubt a lot of fun was had by all. I miss the days of wine tasting. My body will no longer tolerate wine. I can drink Prosecco ... 🍾

Oct 02, 2022 03:35 PM

Ray Henson

Goodyear, AZ

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

A good Prosecco is hard to beat, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist and it feels so festive whenever a bottle is opened. It is good to hear from you.

Oct 02, 2022 03:42 PM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

The best agent in Southern Utah!

Thank you for the wine tour, Ray, you are very lucky to live so close to such wonderful venues. We have a few small wineries in the area and would love to do a wine tasting one day.

Oct 02, 2022 04:44 PM

Ray Henson

Goodyear, AZ

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

I hope you get a chance to soon, Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! I would love to hear all about them.

Oct 02, 2022 05:41 PM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - W...

St. George, UT

Lise Howe

Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC

Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

You clearly hit a positive note here! Everyone wants to come along on your wine tasting!

Oct 03, 2022 04:04 AM

Ray Henson

Goodyear, AZ

Brian England

Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ

MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Can't go wrong with drinking wine and sharing a nice time with close friends! I remember the day-tripping Arizona style well.

Oct 03, 2022 05:40 AM

Ray Henson

Goodyear, AZ

Carol Williams

Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA

Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Ray,
Wine tasting is one of my favorite activities with my group of girlfriends. I also enjoyed an afternoon of wine tasting with Jim Paulson when I was in Boise last Fall.

Oct 03, 2022 07:23 AM

Jim Paulson

Boise, ID
Ray Henson

Goodyear, AZ

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

It is a fun activity for friends, Lise Howe, even my wife who really is not a wine fan, enjoys it. I think it is more about the good company and the fun destinations than about the wine. That probably tells you all you need to know about my wine drinking expertise. Namely, that I have no expertise. Wouldn't it be fun to have an AR wine tasting day?

Oct 03, 2022 08:22 AM

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

We need to enjoy many more Day Tripping Arizona Style outings, Brian England. Hope to see you soon. I will bring the wine!

Oct 03, 2022 08:23 AM

Brian England

Gilbert, AZ

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

I remember that wine tasting trip with Jim Paulson that you enjoyed and the rest of your wonderful trip, Carol Williams. It was inspirational. I would love to mirror a trip like that.

Oct 03, 2022 08:25 AM

Jim Paulson

Boise, ID
Carol Williams

Wenatchee, WA

Carol Williams

Do it! It'll be amazing, just like my trip was!

Oct 03, 2022 08:46 AM

Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ

602-380-4886

37 more wineries to go. I am so sorry for you Ray! LOL! That's sounds like a fabulous way to spend time with friends! We've done so many times over the years. Did you know there are quite a few wineries here in AZ. When you're here let's all go up to one outside of Cottonwood which overlooks a little creek. And there are many more.....very fun!

Oct 03, 2022 11:05 AM

Ray Henson

Goodyear, AZ

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

I will be ready soon, Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, Phoenix Broker. We should be in the area permanently in late November and we will be ready to explore. It looks like I will have to let those 37 other wineries go to some other hard working local resident. 😉

Oct 03, 2022 12:32 PM

Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Phoenix, AZ

Anna "Banana" Kruchten

LOL catch when you go back to visit friends Ray! Never let a good wine tasting experience go to waste!!

Oct 03, 2022 01:41 PM

Ray Henson

I am sure we will be back to enjoy some fun experiences with friends here in Elk Grove over the coming years, Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, Phoenix Broker. Our son and grandson live here and I am sure someone will want to go wine tasting with us!

Oct 05, 2022 07:37 AM

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Dolores and I have enjoyed our visits to many wineries.

It is always fun to discover a new favorite.

Oct 05, 2022 07:26 AM

Ray Henson

Retired - Goodyear, AZ

Retired Real Estate Agent

Good morning, Roy Kelley. It would be fun to visit some of those wineries (and your favorite breweries!) with you and Dolores. Thank you for stopping by!

Oct 05, 2022 07:40 AM