An Afternoon in Sonoma with Friends

I cannot remember exactly when the restrictions were dropped and people around here can go out and socialize face to face. So when finally we can do that a group of us decided to have an afternoon in Sonoma (the lesser known wine area) for some vodka tasting, yes vodka, and early bird chow.

In July of 2021 friends of us took us to a vodka tasting in Alameda at Hangar 1 Distillery. We had so much fun with that outing that we thought we'd replicate it but with one more couple joining us and this time at this place in Sonoma.

Our destination on that early September afternoon was Hanson of Sonoma Distillery. My husband and I discovered it on one of our drives to Sonoma. Tastings are more fun with friends so we got two other couples to join us for an afternoon of sipping and munching.

I am more of a wine person and not really vodka type, but I was willing to try anything that this wonderful region has to offer. We were seated outdoors in the garden and in addition to the tasting flights we ordered, we also got some food to go. While the food selection is quite limited in my estimation, this is afterall first and foremost a tasting place, not really a restaurant. So it's pizza, charcuterie and caviar with chips to go with our sips of vodka. We also got cocktails to go with the nonstop chatting. Towards the end of our stay there, we decided to also sample the whiskey that they make.

To be honest, the garden was so tranquil and so cozy that despite the tables and adirondacks seatings were all taken, noise from other people's chatting did not intrude into our little table.

I thoroughly recommend this for an afternoon of gal pal bonding. It could be romantic too, but with alcohol involved, isn't it more fun with friends?

Here are the photos I took of that afternoon.

To be honest, we did not want to leave. I think we were all thinking of excuses to stay - like ordering more food - but we had reservations at my favorite Portuguese tapas place in Sonoma town square, Tasca Tasca and our assigned time to dine was nearing. No choice but to go. I was looking forward to the tapas place and naturally we ordered enough food, but stayed away from any alcoholic drinks.

In lieu of dessert, we all ordered two shots each of the Portuguese liquer ginja on chocolate cup. Takes me back to Lisbon.

What a fun afternoon it was!