GLORIA FERRER CAVES & VINEYARDS
Sonoma County's southernmost sparkling wine house, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards is often a visitor's first exposure to sparkling wines produced in Sonoma County. The estate, overlooking the Carneros area of Sonoma Valley, provides beautiful views paired with estate wines and shareable plates.
GLORIA FERRER CAVES & VINEYARDS
Gloria Ferrer offers casual tastings and by the glass wines on their patio and recently renovated tasting room. Guests can select cheese and charcuterie plates to nibble on while checking out the view. Daily guided tours explain how sparkling wine is made using the traditional Champagne method.
Tastings start at $25. Reservations recommended. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last seeing at 4:15 p.m. 707-933-1917. 23555 Hwy 121, Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of Freixenet USA)
KUNDE FAMILY WINERY
The Kunde Family has been farming the land of their 1,850-acre estate in Kenwood since 1904. Today, the family produces a wide variety of wines using grapes from their estate vineyard, some which are distributed nationally, and many which are exclusive to their tasting room. (Photo by Kent Porter)
KUNDE FAMILY WINERY
Kunde Family Winery offers four different types of tastings. However, their mountain top wine tasting, which takes place 1,400 above sea level, will impress both novice and experienced vinophiles alike. The two hour tasting starts with a private tour of their wine caves, followed by a trip through the mountain top vineyard, which includes vines planted in 1882. Wrap up with a tasting of small production wines on a deck overlooking the vineyards.
The mountain top tasting is by appointment only. Tastings at the property start at $15. Kunde is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.(707) 833-5501. 9825 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood.
ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS
Since the 1970s, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has been attracting not only wine lovers, but foodies, to their Santa Rosa estate on the edge of northern Sonoma Valley. The winery offers wine tastings and vineyard tours, but is best known for its wine and food pairings.
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ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS
St. Francis Executive Chef Bryan Jones creates seasonal, multi-course menus that are paired with St. Francis wines. Pairings are include pan seared salmon with old vine Zinfandel and braised oxtail risotto with their 90+ point Anthem Meritage. Their pairings have earned them the title of "#1 Restaurant in America" by OpenTable.
Wine tastings start at $15 and wine & food pairings start at $68. Reservations recommended. St. Francis is open 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. (707) 538-9463. 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards)
BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY
A leader in eco-friendly wine production and farming, Benziger Family Winery is a must-visit for visitors interested in organic wine, green farming practices, and nature. In 2000, the winery became biodynamic, which is the highest level of organic certification.
BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY
Jump on board one of Benziger's daily tram tours and experience a behind-the-scenes tour of of their estate. On the 45-minute tour, guests tour the grounds, including visits to the fermentation facility, crush pad and caves, followed by a tasting. You'll also get to see their sheep in action, who help clear the land of weeds. It's perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about green practices.
Tastings start at $20. Tours are weather permitting and take place every half hour. The winery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (707) 935-3000. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. (Photo courtesy of Benziger Family Winery)
BUENA VISTA WINERY
Founded in 1858, Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California. A historic landmark, the winery went through a renovation in 2012, which helped retain the property's 19th-century charm and bring the winery into the 21st-century. Today, Buena Vista produces estate wine on-site in their original Champagne Cellars, which produced sparkling wine for the founder, Count Harazthy, so many years ago.
BUENA VISTA WINERY
Buena Vista is a must-see for any history geek, with various winery tours showcasing the history of the property and the wine industry, including the Historic Wine Tool Museum, which walks visitors through the history of winemaking. Bubbleheads will want to visit the JCB Bubble Lounge, which serves French sparkling wine made by Buena Vista Winery owner Jean-Charles Boisset. Be sure to say hi to the Count while you're there!
Tastings start at $20, reservations recommended. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (800) 926-1266. 18000 Old Winery Rd., Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of Boisset Collection)
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FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY
Owned by famous filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and his wife, Eleanor, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a self-described "winery resort." The family friendly property is a must for film buffs, as it features a display of memorabilia from Coppola films, including Don Corleone's desk from The Godfather, an original Tucker car from Tucker: The Man and His Dream, costumes from Bram Stoker's Dracula, and more.
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY
After wine tasting, guests can take a dip into the winery's pool, which offers poolside service. It's popular with locals and out-of-town visitors alike, so make a reservation. The property also includes two restaurants, a game area with bocce, chess, and other board games, and plenty of activities for children.
The winery offers free tastings of their Rosso and Bianco wines, with additional tastings start at $18. The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with RUSTIC, Francis's Favorites restaurant serving until 9 p.m. (707) 857-1400. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville.
CORNER 103
Owner Lloyd Davis created Corner 103 with the goal of serving small production wines that showcase Sonoma County's diverse terroir and to educate the public about wine and wine tasting in an unpretentious environment. It's a great opportunity for wine lovers seeking to improve their wine tasting knowledge, including learning how to serve wine and how to pair it with food both at home and when dining out.
CORNER 103
Davis created a series of food and wine pairings for his intimate downtown Sonoma tasting room and tastings are often led by Davis himself. Tastings include locally sourced small bites paired with seven wines and the Sonoma Cheese Experience, which guides guests through a tasting of six cheeses, made within blocks of the tasting room, paired with Corner 103 wines.
Wine pairings start at $40 and reservations are required. Corner 103 is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (707) 931-6141. 103 W. Napa St., Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of Corner 103)
PRESTON FARM AND WINERY
Organic, rustic and charming are just three words that can be used to describe Preston Farm and Winery in Healdsburg. The first grapes planted on the property were in 1895 and today Preston produces certified organic and biodynamic wine amongst a working farm.
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PRESTON FARM AND WINERY
Preston personifies the rustic nature of West County (everything west of Highway 101). Visitors can taste not only wines such Grenache Blanc, Cinsault, and Zinfandel, but also estate produced hard cider, olive oils, freshly baked bread from their onsite bakery, and pickled veggies. They also have tons of animals - from cats to sheep. A bocce court and shaded seating welcomes visitors to picnic and lounge about the grounds.
Preston is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. (707) 433-3372. 9282 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. (Photo courtesy of Preston Farm & Winery)
JOSEPH JEWELL WINES
Born and raised in Sonoma County, winemakers Micah Joseph Wirth and Adrian Jewell Manspeaker teamed up in 2006 to create their first vintage in their Windsor garage. Today, they produce 2,500 cases of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Their tasting room, located in Forestville, is a casual place to sip and swirl while exploring the more rural areas of Sonoma County.
JOSEPH JEWELL WINES
Joseph Jewell also offers two tasting experiences that will bring out the romantic in any Wine Country visitor. By appointment, they offer gourmet picnic lunches set amongst their named Starscape Vineyard, which includes a tour of the vineyards with the winemakers and a flight of single-designate Pinot Noirs. For those seeking to really impress, jump on board a helicopter to tour Russian River Valley with the winemakers, which includes the option of traveling down the Russian River to the ocean, to experience an coastal helicopter trip. Wine served on flight!
Tastings start at $10. Reservations required for picnic and helicopter tour. Joseph Jewell is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (707) 975-4927. 6542 Front St., Forestville. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Jewell Wines)
BARTHOLOMEW PARK WINERY
Steeped in history, Bartholomew Park Winery (or "Bart Park" to the locals) resides on the site of the birthplace of modern winemaking. Today, they produce sustainable and organically farmed wines. The property is a must-see for both history and wellness buffs, where activities as varied as historic exhibitions, yoga, and of course wine tasting, are offered.
BARTHOLOMEW PARK WINERY
After grabbing a taste of wine at the tasting room, guests can wander the museum, exploring the history of wine in Northern California, including photographs by acclaimed photographer Eadweard Muybridge. For those seeking to work off a bit too much wine tasting the night before, consider participating in one of their yoga classes, hosted on site, which ends with a food and wine pairing in an old growth forest. For those seeking something special, try their new Abbot's Passage reserve wine tasting in their historic Parlor, which features small-lot field blends paired with seasonal food pairings.
Tastings start at $15. Reservations required for yoga and Abbot's Passage tastings. Bart Park is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (707) 939-3043. 1000 Vineyard Ln, Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of Bartholomew Park Winery)
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PETRONI VINEYARDS
Founded by San Francisco restauranteur Lorenzo Petroni, Petroni Vineyards is located on a breathtaking 37 acre estate on one of the highest points in Sonoma Valley, the Mayacamas Ridge. Upon visit, one is transported to Tuscany, with the help of the steep, terraced vineyards, and the old world inspired wines produced from their estate vineyards.
PETRONI VINEYARDS
Open by appointment only, Petroni is great choice for first-time Wine Country visitors seeking an intimate experience. Drive up the windy way of Cavedale Road, enter through the wrought iron gate, and pass terraced vineyards, gardens and olive grows. Tastings include tours and a tasting within their vast, elegantly decorated caves. Their reserve tasting includes their Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and award winning Sangiovese, and a taste of their estate olive oil.
Tastings start at $45. Appointment only. (707) 935-8311. (Photo courtesy of Petroni Vineyards)
MANTANZAS CREEK WINERY
Founded in 1977, Mantanzas Creek has marked itself as a destination for both gardeners and wine lovers. Located just south of central Santa Rosa, in the Bennett Valley AVA, they have produced their signature Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, regardless of wine trends, for over 30 years. For those seeking a relaxing afternoon, sipping Sauv Blanc amongst beautifully manicured gardens, Mantanzas Creek is for you - especially if you love the provencal scent of lavender.
MANTANZAS CREEK WINERY
Pick up a picnic lunch in Santa Rosa, and after tasting through Mantanzas Creek wines in the tasting room, grab a bottle and head down into the gardens to enjoy lunch. During early summer, the entire property is purple with in-bloom lavender, making for a great photo opportunity. Play a little bocce, explore the gardens, and watch the sunset amongst the mountains.
Tastings start at $15. Mantanzas Creek is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. (707) 521-7016. 6097 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. (Photo courtesy of Mantanzas Creek Winery)
IRON HORSE VINEYARDS
A family affair, Iron Horse Vineyards in Green Valley was founded in 1976 by the Sterling family. Today, three generations of the family live on the property. Specializing in sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, Iron Horse's wines have been served at the White House multiple times - even the Queen of England has sipped Iron Horse!
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IRON HORSE VINEYARDS
The Iron Horse tasting room is located outside, in a rustic barn-style building overlooking the estate vineyards, and attached to the working winery. Tours are offered by appointment, including a weekly truck tour hosted by winemaker David Munksgard. Taste one of their many sparkling wines, including the Russian Cuvee, which was made specifically for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings, which ended the Cold War. While you sip a piece of history, be sure to say hello to one of the many winery cats wandering the property.
Tastings start at $25. Reservations recommended. (707) 820-1506. 9786 Ross Station Rd., Sebastopol. (Photo courtesy of Iron Horse Vineyards)
LARSON FAMILY WINERY
The Larson Family has worked the land at their winery since 1899. After raising dairy cows, ponies and horses, they planted their first vines in 1977 and now produce 5,000 cases annually. Just like the history of Larson Family Winery, the winery itself is family friendly - and that includes dog members of the family!
LARSON FAMILY WINERY
Larson Family Winery is very laid back, with a barn turned tasting room, a picnic area, large green space, bocce court, and yard games for the entire family, all nestled within their vineyards. They offer tastings inside and outside and encourage guests to bring a picnic and spend the afternoon. After a tasting, grab a bottle of their sparkling wine, Three Lab Meritage (featuring the Larson Family's three labradors on the label), or perhaps their jug wine, Wingo White, for an afternoon of fun.
Tastings start at $10. Larson Family Winery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (707) 938-3031. 23355 Millerick Rd., Sonoma. (Photo courtesy of Larson Family Winery)
KENDALL-JACKSON
An iconic Sonoma County winery, Kendall-Jackson wine is found on dinner tables throughout the country, making their estate a must-visit for fans of their accessible, sustainably produced wines. The property is popular with professional and home chefs alike, who visit Kendall-Jackson's 3-acres of gardens, which comprise mainly of organic produce and herbs grown for use in the estate's kitchen.
KENDALL-JACKSON
The Kendall-Jackson estate offers both wine tasting and food and wine pairings. Guests can sample reserve wines, available only at the winery, and tour the gardens. Foodies can reserve a food and wine pairing, which includes small bites, cheese, and chocolate options, all prepared in their on-site kitchens. For those seeking something more special, the winery offers summertime farm-to-table dinners that take place in the heart of their gardens, under the stars.
Tastings start at $10. Reservations required for food pairings. Kendall-Jackson is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (707) 571-7500. 5007 Fulton Rd., Fulton. (Photo courtesy of Kendall-Jackson)
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With over 425 wineries to choose from, it’s no surprise that first-time visitors to Sonoma County are often overwhelmed by the number of wineries to visit. Always eager to help out a fellow wine lover, we’ve lined up a few favorite experiences – from poolside pours to sparkling wine, historic tours to food pairings – that will make any first time visit to Sonoma Wine Country special. Simply click through the gallery above. Cheers!
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