Address: 5700 Hwy. 116 N, Forestville, CA 95436
The Russian River Valley is one of the world’s greatest winemaking regions. Russian River Vineyards is owned by a fourth generation farmer and aspiring winemaker Mr. Giovanni Balistreri, and has a farm-to-table outdoor dining settings. The vineyard features authentic farm-to-table menu selections and is vegetarian-friendly offering vegan options. Mr. Balistreri won the “Best Red Wine in Sonoma County” award in 2016 at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Russian River Vineyards estate-grown Pinot was also named as the “Best Pinot Noir” by North Bay Biz Magazine. The Russian River Vineyards is about 1 hour and 20 minutes (72 miles) from San Francisco via US-101 North. It is open Monday-Thursday from 12 pm- 5 pm and Friday to Sunday from 12 pm- 6pm.
The Russian River Vineyards is by reservation and also accepts walk-in customers. We arrived early for lunch at the restaurant at around 12 noon which our appointment was scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Since, we arrived too early, we decided to check out the surrounding area. The property grounds are beautiful, clean, and relaxing. I also took a picture of a cool green truck that is in the middle of the parking lot area and owned by the winery. We were finally called, seated on an outside table with an amazing view of the vineyard. There were a lot of outdoor tables situated all over the property. And most of the tables have sunshade to keep their customers stay cool on a sunny day.
Our server/sommelier Leo was very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, fast, and provided us with an excellent service. We first ordered an apple juice and soda drink for both myself and my daughter while my wife had the wine “Chester” as a complimentary drink. There were a wide variety of appetizers but we ordered the appetizing Artisanal Cheese Board with local & artisanal cheese, seasonal fruit, & honey roasted nuts served with Costeaux specialty bread for $31. Pulled Pork Sliders with sweet and tangy BBQ pork on sesame slider with coleslaw for $15. Roasted Beet Salad with roasted golden & red beets, goat cheese, shaved red onion, candied pecans, & arugula tossed in balsamic for $15. Grilled Veggie Focaccia with roasted eggplant, zucchini, winter squash, caramelized red onion, marinara sauce, arugula & mozzarella cheese for $18. Meat Lovers Focaccia with journeyman cured meats, mozzarella cheese, topped with parmesan & arugula for $18. All the food that we ordered was served on compostable plates, spoons, forks, and knives. We didn’t order dessert as we were all satisfied and full with all the food that we ordered. My wife bought 2 bottles of wines and we’re lucky enough that the Vineyard owner signed one of our wine bottle that we had purchased.
Overall, we were satisfied with the quality of the food and the outstanding service of our sommelier Leo, and the entire staff. The relaxing view of their amazing vineyard, the outstanding service, and the beautiful sunny warm weather made our farm-to-table experience very memorable. Covid safety protocols are in place, such as compostable tableware, low-touch wine service, and cleaning/disinfecting between seatings.
Tips: There is a good cheese factory called Bohemian where you can purchase a wide variety of good, quality cheese. Request for outdoor seating with a view of the vineyard when making a reservation and be there early as it gets crowded by noon. They have a large parking lot area for all their customers. They also have a live performance to entertain their customers. Dogs and kids are allowed in the winery. The parking lot area is made up of sand and gravel.
Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about the Russian River Vineyard after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.
Click here to find a hotel close to the Russian River Vineyard in Forestville.