With more than 425 wineries in Sonoma County, deciding where to sip and swirl can be overwhelming. It’s hard to go wrong, but we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorites, organized by locations to make planning even easier. So, get a date on the calendar and enjoy!
Featured Photo Courtesy of Dutcher Crossing Winery
Healdsburg
When Debra Mathy purchased Dutcher Crossing in 2007, she was reportedly the first single woman to own a winery in Dry Creek Valley. What began as a small winery with 35 acres and five wines has grown to include 75 acres of estate-designated vineyards and a portfolio of 30 wines from American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) across Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties. If you’re traveling with a pampered pup, they’ll be spoiled here. Keep an eye out for resident winery dog, Lady; she’s always excited to make new friends.
In a time where the word sustainability is buzzy and often overused, Medlock Ames has made it a priority and is arguably setting the standard for other Sonoma County wineries to strive toward. 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. The winery’s Immersive Sound Experience is a one-of-a-kind offering; using headphones (supplied by the winery) guests listen to the stories of a handful of winery staff and discover the property’s amazing soundscape all while strolling through the stunning property.
Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley Winery boasts 75 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification. LEED Platinum is the highest level of certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Insulation containing recycled denim and redwood salvaged from 1930s wine tanks are just a couple of the unique materials used in the winery’s construction. The result is a stunning space where cabernet lovers can enjoy experiences ranging from vertical tastings, to food and wine pairings with offerings the likes of stonefruit gazpacho and ricotta gnudi.
This Alexander Valley estate specializes in limited-production Bordeaux-focused varietal wines and blends from its Alexander Valley estate. All visits to Skipstone are private and by appointment only. (Plan on 90 minutes for an experience.) The estate is also home to 550 Manzanillo olive trees; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Melina’s Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil is donated to the Geyserville Volunteer Fire Department. If you’ve ever dreamed of living like a vintner, the five bedroom Residence at Skipstone is available to rent for lux wine country getaways.
Sonoma
Founded by the Benziger family in 1980, the Biodynamic Tractor Tram Tour takes guests through the winery’s vineyards, teaching them about biodynamic farming practices as they go. The estate also boasts cattle and sheep, an insectary, and a wine cave. The tour concludes with wine tasting, of course!
Located within Bartholomew Park, profits from wine sales support the nonprofit park which boasts more than three miles of hiking trails, picnic grounds, and a duck pond. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. Outdoor enthusiasts can sign up to go forest bathing in the vineyards before their wine tasting, while foodies will likely be drawn to the three course wine and Eastern Mediterranean food pairing. Offerings including shawarma, falafels, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, pita with dips, and desserts from nearby Spread Kitchen are paired with rosé, sauvignon blanc and zinfandel. Hungry yet?
24500 Ramal Road, Sonoma
707.732.2200
Home to one of the largest accessible private sculpture collections in the world, The Donum Estate features works by the likes of Zodiac Heads by Ai Weiwei, Love Me by Richard Hudson, and Crouching Spider by Louise Bourgeois. In addition to art and wine experiences, guests can splurge for standout food and wine pairings. The Donum Estate is one of just a few wineries in Sonoma County to earn the respected Regenerative Organic Certified status.
Santa Rosa
Paradise for art lovers, family-owned Paradise Ridge offers both rotating and permanent art exhibits. But it’s the 12-foot-tall LOVE sculpture that tends to gather the most attention. The Estate Tasting includes a flight of two whites and two reds, while the Explorer Tasting features wines primarily from the Rockpile AVA, and is a great option for bold red wine lovers.
This eco-friendly winery utilizes a variety of sustainable practices throughout its business model, including green agricultural strategies, making it a trendsetter and staple in the Sonoma County wine region since its founding in 1971. Visitors to the mission-style tasting room can enjoy an array of wine-inspired experiences showcasing St. Francis’ impressive portfolio of Sonoma County-centric varietals and estate vineyard blends.
Sip and swirl in a rustic century-old dairy barn, then visit the estate’s wishing tree. The inspiration for the Belden Barns wine label — all guests are encouraged to add their wish to the many others already blowing in the breeze. Families are welcome; explorer backpacks are waiting for curious kiddos.
Coastal Sonoma (West County & Sonoma Coast)
If you like adventure paired with your wine, look no further than Chenoweth. You’ll have to hang on to your wine glass as your zip around the estate in a Utility Terrain Vehicle or UTV. Along with scenic vineyards the 800-acre property boasts towering redwoods. There’s a good chance a member of the Chenoweth family will lead the tour, so don’t hesitate to ask questions — the family homesteaded the property in the mid-1800s and has been part of the Sonoma County farm community ever since.
If you like bubbles (silly question, we know) Iron Horse Vineyards pours sparkling wines with equally brilliant vineyard views that stretch to Mount St. Helena. Tastings at this family-owned and operated winery take place in a covered area in front of an Instagram-worthy redwood barn-esque structure. We highly recommend the Ocean Reserve 2019; a portion of every bottle sold goes to The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.
Grab a seat on the deck and if the fog cooperates you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the Pacific while sipping pinot noir and pinotage, a varietal that’s hard to find in Northern California. All wine tastings are paired with small bites prepared by the winery’s in-house chef.
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