Rachel’s Recs: Sonoma Wine Tasting
As part of my wine tasting series, here I will share my Sonoma recommendations (continuously updated).
Here’s a link to my wine tasting Google maps (all regions) and check out my post on wine tasting trip tips.
Carneros Area
Meadowcroft Wines
Meadowcroft has both phenomenal wines and service. Their pinot noirs, GSM blends and interesting white wines (French Colombard) stood out to me. The tasting room is located in a quaint shopping complex and it’s a very casual setting. One of their vineyards is nearby, but you’re not overlooking their estate when you taste there. They have the standard bar tasting format for $10–15, as well as a seated experience with cheese, a vineyard tour, large group experience and a “make your own blend” experience. I am dying to go back for the blending one! More about visiting.
Schug Winery
Schug has a gorgeous property and great wines. I’d recommend Schug for someone who wants to experience classic northern California wines. They have a nice courtyard where they do a seated tasting ($20) but if you want to splurge for the estate tour ($45), you get to do your tasting in their stunning wine cave. More about visiting.
Cline Cellars
Cline is a very popular spot in Sonoma, and for that reason many people have been there, many people will be there when you go, and many people love it — including me. Cline has a large tasting room that you can do a standard tasting in ($10+) or surrounding courtyards for seating experiences. They also offer a picnic table rental, although it’s a bit pricey. Their wines are solid and widely distributed. This is a great spot to go if its your first time visiting wine country. More about visiting.
Larson Family Winery
Larson is casual in the best kind of way and great for big groups. They have an indoor tasting room ($20–30) or you can reserve a picnic table and do wine by the glass. They are quite family friendly and have bocce ball and yard games. Their wines are solid but the main reason to come here is the environment; it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. More about visiting.
Places I want to visit soon:
- Gloria Ferrer: known for great sparkling wines and a good place to start a day of wine tasting.
- Bouchaine Vineyards: oldest operating winery in Carneros and I have heard great things about their barrel tasting.
Healdsburg Area
Thumbprint Cellars
Thumbprint’s tasting room is located in the downtown square and open late on weekends (8pm) which is huge! Their wines are both fun and delicious, I am a huge fan of their Cabernet Franc and Viognier. One of the best things is that they do a little cheese pairing with their 5 wine flight ($16). Take my advice and plan to stop here if you’re near Healdsburg, and then maybe get dinner in the town! More about visiting.
Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery
Mill Creek is bike-able from downtown Healdsburg and is a small, friendly family-run winery. Their tastings are offered both inside standing at the bar and seated in their outside courtyard ($15–25). They also welcome picnics and are a great choice for a low-key relaxing tasting experience. More about visiting.
De La Montanya Winery
De La Montanya is a great casual and quaint winery with a tasting room located on their estate, fully equipped with bocce ball and picnic tables galore. They are a bit secluded off the main road which provides a more intimate experience. Their tasting room staff are some of the friendliest people I’ve met and they have a lot of interesting wines. More about visiting.
MacRostie Winery & Vineyards
MacRostie has a gorgeous tasting room overlooking their estate vineyards. It’s a seated style with more of a restaurant-like experience and service ($25–35). They are very well known and respected in the area for high quality wine, and their tasting room staff is very knowledgable. This is a great place to go if you are wanting to get a bit nerdy about wine while overlooking the rolling hills of Sonoma vineyards. Note that tastings are by appointment only to ensure you have a designated host. More about visiting.
Gracianna Winery
Gracianna is a small family owned winery with a great history and story that’s worth visiting for alone. Their wines reflect classic Sonoma and are quite good. Their tasting room is an open space with courtyards surrounding ($25). You can also stay on the property in their Airbnb! More about visiting.
Places I want to visit soon:
- Flowers Winery: appointment only but highly recommended by other wine blogger friends.
- Acorn Winery: small field blend oriented winery with good wines and picnic area, appointment only.
- La Crema: widely distributed wine with tasting room in downtown Healdsburg.
- Medlock Ames: heard good things about their wine and tasting experience, plus a friend works here!
- Copain Wines: really good wines and friendly people!
Sebastapool Area
Places I want to visit soon:
- Iron Horse Vineyards: apparently they have oysters on Sundays for pairings
- Red Car Wines: delicious pinot noir and friendly people
- Paul Mathew: an icon in the area and great pinot noir
Sonoma (Town) Area
Places I want to visit soon:
- Scribe: appointment in the books ;)
- Kamen Estate Wines: highly recommended by a wine blogger friend
