From wine and beer to organic flavored spirits, here are five of the hottest tasting rooms in Sonoma County right now.
Silver Oak Cellars Alexander Valley, Healdsburg: Long known for its environmentally conscious choices, Silver Oak has upped the ante with the opening of its new winery in Alexander Valley. Designed to produce just one wine, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 75 acres of the 113 acre historic property are planted to grapes. The vineyard may be the star attraction, but the winery's eco-friendly design and approach to making wine are turning heads. (Courtesy photo)
Silver Oak Cellars Alexander Valley, Healdsburg: Believed to be a first in the industry, Silver Oak has installed a membrane bioreactor for water reclamation. Then there’s the 2,595 rooftop solar panels that will ultimately generate 100 percent of the property’s energy. (Courtesy photo)
Silver Oak Cellars Alexander Valley, Healdsburg: Reclaimed redwood siding used on the winery and tasting room was salvaged from old wine tanks built in the 1930s. Silver Oak hopes to earn a platinum LEED certification - it would be the second winery in the world to do so; the first being Silver Oak’s Oakville winery. (Courtesy photo)
Silver Oak Cellars Alexander Valley, Healdsburg: Walk-in tastings are always available, but other experiences including tours, and food and wine pairings, range from $30 to $90, and require a reservation. 7300 Hwy 128, Healdsburg, 707-942-7082, silveroak.com
HenHouse Brewing Company, Palace of Barrels, Petaluma: HenHouse Brewing Company now boasts a second Sonoma County location in Petaluma - The Palace of Barrels. Fresh cans of beer are released every Wednesday, food trucks roll in on the weekend. Sample five flagship beers: Saison, an ale brewed with black pepper and coriander, An Honest Day’s Work, a red rye Saison, Oyster Stout, an ale brewed with whole oysters and oyster shells from Hog Island Oyster Company, Stoked!, a rotating hop pale ale, along with an IPA. Open Wednesday through Friday, 2pm to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 8pm. Families and dogs are welcome. 1333 North McDowell Boulevard Suite A, Petaluma, henhousebrewing.com/petaluma. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
Hanson of Sonoma Distillery, Sonoma: Just 10 minutes from Sonoma Plaza, family-owned Hanson of Sonoma Distillery makes organic vodka and organic flavor-infused vodkas from grapes. In addition to the original straight vodka, flavors include cucumber, ginger, mandarin, and habanero. Tastings and distillery tours range from $15 to $35 per person. Reservations are recommended; space permitting walk-ins are welcome for all but the private tasting. 22985 Burndale Road, Sonoma, 707-343-1805, hansonofsonoma.com. (Photo by Nat & Cody Gantz)
Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards, Windsor: Just in time for summer, Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards has debuted a new outdoor Pavilion on its 710-acre estate with views of Mount St. Helena, and both the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill appellations. Overlooking a small lake, guests can sit outside and pair panoramic views with their tasting. The Sauvage Estate Tour and Tasting is $85 per person and lasts two hours. It includes a boxed lunch from Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg. Reservations require 48 hours advance notice. Notre Vue is open Thursday through Monday, 10:30am to 4:30pm, and by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday. 11010 Estate Lane, Windsor, (707) 433-4050, notrevueestate.com. (Courtesy photo)
Coming soon... Kosta Browne, Sebastopol: Kosta Browne is preparing to unveil a dedicated space for relaxed member tastings, overlooking the barrel room. Beginning August 9th, The Gallery will be open Monday through Saturday by appointment only for folks on the Kosta Browne mailing list receiving allocations, as well as those on the waitlist. 220 Morris Street, Sebastopol, 707-823-7430, kostabrowne.com. (Photo by Troyce Hoffman)
