With more than 425 wineries in Sonoma County, tasting rooms are found at just about every scenic turn. Some are set in historic buildings, others designed to the nines, whiles others almost hide out off the beaten path. We’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite Sonoma wine tasting rooms, organized by locations to make planning even easier. So, get a date on the calendar and enjoy!
Featured Photo Courtesy of Gretchen Gause
Geyserville
Bannister Wines
Originally opened in 1919 as a bank, owners Brook and Morgania Moore have transformed the more-than-a-century old corner of Geyserville Avenue, blending historic elements like antique teller cages with handmade, modern furnishings. An impressive steel vault now guards the entrance to a charming back patio where guests can sip a variety of gems ranging from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to Sagrantino and Ribolla Gialla. The tasting room does double duty as an art gallery, with new shows launching every four months or so. bannisterwines.com
Healdsburg
Aperture Cellars
Nestled amidst the picturesque Sonoma County landscape, Aperture Cellars promises a tasting experience like no other. The winery and tasting room — designed by Signum Architecture — is an architectural gem emulating the aperture of a camera. Here be offered an exquisite lineup of offerings showcasing what Bordeaux varieties in the cooler pockets of Sonoma are capable of. Choose from two different tastings or opt for a private tasting experience to try some of Aperture’s most sought-after wines. aperture-cellars.com
Silver Oak
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a modern barn-inspired tasting room adja- cent to the iconic Silver Oak water tower 10 miles east of downtown Healdsburg. Designed to “frame the vineyard,” the winery features panoramic views of the Alexander Valley bench, surrounding 113 acre estate and 75 acres of prime Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. silveroak.com
Marine Layer
Steps off ever popular Healdsburg Plaza, Marine Layer specializes in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. (The name Marine Layer pays tribute to the recurring blanket of fog that rolls in from the Pacific.) Designed by Hommeboys interior design studio in Sonoma, the space is eye catching, but with a low-key vibe that makes you want to sip slowly so you can linger longer. Don’t miss the mezze plate from nearby Little Saint. Available as an add-on it features seasonal ingredients from the restaurant’s farm in Healdsburg. marinelayerwines.com
Convene by Dan Kosta
The latest endeavor by Sonoma County native Dan Kosta, co-founder of cult sensation Kosta Browne, Convene features Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé of Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley regions. A rarity in wine country, Convene offers a complimentary flight of three tastings to all guests. Located in Bacchus Landing, home to more than a half-dozen tasting rooms, your next tasting is steps away at Smith Story Wine Cellars. convenewine.com
Smith Story Wine Cellars
Owned and operated by wife and husband team Alison and Eric Story, (and two adorable Goldendoodles named Soup and Sandwich, who are always happy to meet new well-behaved four-legged friends) Smith Story specializes in small-lot wines from family-farmed vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino County. The tasting room also features a small sundries shop with a curated selection of vintage decor that’s for sale — think glassware, porcelain, rare books and more. smithstorywinecellars.com
Medlock Ames
One of the first wineries in Sonoma County to earn the respected Regenerative Organic Certified designation, Medlock Ames specializes in Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, but there’s something for every wine drinker here including Chardonnay, Merlot and Malbec. If you can’t make it to the Bell Mountain Ranch property, the Healdsburg tasting room is the next best thing. On select dates the tasting room offers exclusive wine pairing lunches featuring bento boxes crafted by 3- Michelin star restaurant, SingleThread. medlockames.com
Sebastopol
Region
With more than 50 wines to taste, all under one roof, it doesn’t get much easier than Region. Located in Sebastopol’s Barlow Market District, each week one of the tasting room’s nearly 40 winery partners takes over, hosting winemaker events, food and wine pairings, and more. Kids and dogs are welcome! If you’re interested in nibbling while you sip, the tasting room works with four neighboring restaurants. drinkregion.com
Sonoma
Three Sticks
If you like the idea of sipping Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a beautifully restored Sonoma landmark, make a reservation at Three Sticks. Just a few minutes’ walk from Sonoma Plaza, this tasting room was originally built in 1842 by Salvador Vallejo, brother of General Mariano Vallejo, the man who founded Sonoma. On sunny days, plan on sitting on the sunny patio for a guided tasting. If you’re in the mood to indulge, the tasting room offers seasonal wine and caviar pairings (typically October-January) as well as wine and oyster pairings. (typically May-September) threesticks.com
WALT
Sister label to HALL Napa Valley, WALT is vintner Kathryn Hall’s maiden name — her parents grew wine grapes in Mendocino County in the 1970s. A short and easy walk from Sonoma Plaza, we recommend the Wine & Chocolate Tasting. A flight of pinots is paired with artisan chocolates from local favorite Fleur Sauvage. You can thank us later. waltwines.com
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