Sparklers are being poured, decorations are up, and winemakers might even have a spare moment to chat during this quieter time of year.
Ram’s Gate Winery, the high-design hilltop destination in the Carneros region, goes all out with red baubles in the courtyard, fireplaces that crackle on gray days—and a vintage cherry red MG parked in front, piled with presents and wine. 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-721-8700, ramsgatewinery.com. (Courtesy of Ram's Gate Winery)
A vintage cherry red MG at Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma. (Courtesy of Ram's Gate Winery)
Red baubles in the courtyard at Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma. (Ram's Gate Winery)
Abbot’s Passage in Glen Ellen is popular at the holidays for the thoughtful lineup of clothes, games, and other gifts in its mercantile, adjacent to the main tasting bar. 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen, 707-939-3017, abbotspassage.com. (Courtesy of Abbot's Passage)
Lioco Wine Co. in Healdsburg is a perfect jumping-off point for holiday shopping on the Healdsburg Plaza. 125 Matheson St, Healdsburg, 707-395-0148, liocowine.com. (Courtesy of Lioco Wine Co.)
At Lioco Wine Co. in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of Lioco Wine Co.)
For a holiday tasting that puts nature at the center, visit the grand Estate House at MacRostie Winery & Vineyard, with its handblown glass chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wintry vineyards. Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen’s 2018 MacRostie Sparkling Brut and 2018 MacRostie Sparkling Brut Rose make a special, side-by-side holiday pair. 4605 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-473-9303, macrostiewinery.com. (Courtesy of MacRostie Winery and Vineyard)
Wine tasting at the holidays means so much more than simply the chance to pick out a special bottle to go with a holiday meal. You’re catching the crew at a quieter time of year, when the rush of harvest has passed, new baby wines are resting in the cellar, and vines have gone dormant for winter. Sparklers are being poured, decorations are up, and winemakers might even have a spare moment to chat. Click through the above gallery for four Sonoma wineries to visit this holiday season.
