Wine Country (off the stuffy, tour bus path): Mazzocco

So you know about wine, you know what you like, and you know how to bullshit well enough to thrown in the occasional "blackberry notes" and "barnyard nose" commentary if absolutely necessary. But if you're like me, you only really want to schmooze about wine and stand at a counter listening to tourists or annoyingly sophisticated people schmooze about wine if it'll get you some free pours. Which it will, if you're a cute girl and/or slightly charming and down to earth. Here's one way (and there will be many more ways from Ferronlandia) to enjoy the best of the wine country without compromising your wallet or your company.
If you're a Zin lover like me then Mazzocco Winery is for you. Zinfandels are their specialty and they get better and better as you go down the tasting list. My favorite was Maria, she's full-figured and berrylicious, I'd curl up with her and some dark chocolate any day.

And speaking of food (oh, were we not talking about food?), before you stop at Mazzocco you should continue on and make a left on Dry Creek Road to stop at the Dry Creek General Store. They've got all the essentials: Salami, truffle tremor, gourmet popcorn, baguette and... well, if you feel the need to balance that meal, a delicious beet salad. Take it all to Mazzocco and ask to bring your wine glasses outside (they'll even let you borrow a knife for your cheese cuz they're cool like that). Sit in the picnic areas that overlook the vineyards and indulge. Cheers says Danny.

Got the travel bug?
Mazzocco: http://www.mazzocco.com/  Free tastings, bottles range $30 and up.
Sto': 3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA‎ (707) 433-4171‎