The Francis Ford Coppola Winery sits in Geyserville, California in the Russian River Valley. The winery is open for tastings daily from 11 am through 6 pm. But it also makes a great place to stop in for a bite to eat after a long day of tasting in the Russian River valley.

We stopped in for a late lunch after a long day of tasting wine in the region. It was our first visit to the region. Our plan was to visit each of the regions during our first trip and then go back to the ones we wanted to explore more during later trips. We spent a night in San Francisco, the headed north to explore the wine regions for 3 nights.

The first day was a visit to the Russian River valley. We tasted some exceptionally oaky Chardonnays and light Pinot Noirs. It was late in the day and we needed some nourishment. So we stopped into the Francis Ford Coppola winery (Chateau Sovereign at the time) for a lunch and another glass of wine.

There was an event going on that was about to wrap up. So we took a tour, tasted some wine and then grabbed a table with a view for a late lunch.

Our table had an amazing view of the vines. The food was very good at the old restaurant. I went with a blackened Mahi Mahi sandwich and Mrs. Weekly Flyer went with a mushroom risotto. Both were delicious.

This ended up being one of the most memorable lunches we’ve had in the California wine region. A trip to the Russian River valley is a must if you make it to the California wine region. There are a few options to stay near by, or you can make a day trip over from Napa or Sonoma.
Have you ever visited the Russian River valley? What was your favorite winery? Appreciate any tips you can share for others who may go there in the near future.

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