About Western Sonoma County Wine Country | top
This is a Special Place! Western Sonoma County, one of the most beautiful
California wine country vacation destinations, is home to some of the world's
finest wines, as well as some of the most beautiful wine country vacation
homes! Cradled between the cool, breathtaking Pacific Coast to the west
and the hot Sonoma and Napa valleys to the east, this spectacular land of
mountains, towering redwood forests, vineyards, and river and creek vistas
offers many opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and enjoyment of the
local award winning wines in a Mediterranean climate.
Just 70 miles north of San Francisco, a visit to the western Sonoma County
wine country is the perfect add-on to a San Francisco vacation -- or a
visit to San Francisco is a great extension to a Sonoma County wine country
vacation. There are also now non-stop
flights to Sonoma Wine Country from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle
and Portland, Oregon.
Sonoma County has thirteen appellations, utilizing more acreage than
Napa and producing some of the finest Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay
and Sauvignon Blanc in the world. While The Russian River area's fine
wines result from the historical recognition of the value of a cool, foggy
climate and verdant, alluvial soils when growing the finest wine grapes,
the myriad microclimates allow for growing every type of grape. Accordingly,
the variety of wines created is infinite. The Russian River Valley is
the area's largest appellation. Most of this appellation's wineries are
located on Westside Road, which features mediterranean-type scenery and
mostly family wineries where most tasting and tours are complimentary.
With over 50 wineries within a 20 minute drive of Guerneville, this charming
town is a great starting place for world-class wine-tasting. Korbel Champage
Cellars, offering tours, a Visitor’s Center, and a deli, as well as champagne
tasting, is just a few minute east of downtown. Westside Road in Forestville,
a few miles past Korbel, offers spectacular wine country scenery, with
one great winery after another: Gary Ferrell, Moshin, Porter Creek, Hop
Kiln, Twomey, Arista, Thomas George Estates, Matrix, Rochioli, Armida,
and Mill Creek. East of Guerneville, down Hwy 116, you’ll find Hartford
Family Wines, Russian River Vineyards, Merry Edwards, Iron Horse, Dutton
Estate, and Tafts Street. To find wineries off the beaten path, take a
look at the Olivet wineries, described below. And there are a number of
wineries a few minutes further east between Forestville and Santa Rosa,
including Woodenhead, Joseph Swan, Tara Bella, Pellegrini, Martinelli,
Harvest Moon, and Kendall Jackson.
Wine is in Our Blood
Few areas of the State can boast more historical California flavor than
Sonoma County; grapes and wine are an essential part of this colorful
history. As early as 1812, Russian settlers cultivated grapes on this
fertile land. They were followed by the Spanish, and countless other European
settlers who brought their knowledge, their vines, and their belief that
wines produced in Sonoma County could be as fine as those made in Europe.
Today, approximately over 230,000 tons of grapes are produced on nearly
60,000 acres of vineyards. While the history of wine making in Sonoma
County is long and distinguished, the industry is also growing by leaps
and bounds. Out of about 200 wineries, over half are less than 20 years
old.
The Joys of Western Sonoma County
Wines
Many of the wineries of Western Sonoma Wine County are small, family
owned enterprises, each creating its own unique style of wine. Visitors
may sample these delectable wares in a variety of settings, from grandiose
to humble, set amongst some of the most inspiring scenery in the world.
Many wineries offer picnic areas, and some offer tours of the winery and/or
vineyard. Western Sonoma County wineries don't customarily charge for
tasting; the pace is leisurely and uncrowded; the natives are generally
friendly and helpful. For some years, Napa County was synonymous with
California wine country and that has led to some problems for visitors
there. Read what Colleen Clark, who writes a travel column for Yahoo Travel
has to say:
"The fantasy: You and your special someone cresting vine-laced
hills in the Napa Valley on your way to an afternoon of tastings. Nighttimes
spent over five-course feasts prepared from the bounty of surrounding
farms. A see-where-the-day-takes-you, mellow country getaway."
"The reality: High season in Napa will leave you and
your lover bickering over directions in near bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Tasting rooms are often overrun with pretentious windbags pontificating
loudly about tannins and real estate deals. Dinner reservations are as
hard to come by as a reasonably priced room."
---Colleen Clark, Yahoo Travel
Western Sonoma County offers the exact fantasy that Yahoo Travel describes,
but the reality is fully met here in our beautiful wine country: no traffic,
no crowded tasting rooms, no problem getting dinner reservations, lots
of reasonably priced accommodation.
These maps for visiting
Russian River Valley, Green Valley, and Sonoma Coast wineries will help
you plan the perfect wine-tasting excursion.
Where the Grapes Are
Wine Spectator has called Sonoma County "California's
most diverse and promising wine region." Become
familiar with Sonoma County's variety by sampling an array of wines from
each of the regions of the County. The food and wine growing regions of
Western Sonoma County are: Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley,
Knights Valley, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast. To find out more
about Western Sonoma County appellations, please visit The
Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission website. For maps of the area
that include wineries by appellation, see Russian
River Wine Road's maps page.
More than Wine: Western
Sonoma County Has So Much To Offer
In addition to legendary vineyards, our scenery, recreational activities,
and hospitality make the Sonoma County, California Wine Country the wine
connoisseur's foremost vacation destination in the United States. Small
farms and dairies abound, providing an abundance of fresh produce and
gourmet fixings, while the Pacific Ocean provides fresh seafood. The scenic
Russian River hosts a variety of activities including swimming, fishing,
canoeing and kayaking. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, biking,
and horseback riding on the trails through the redwoods, along the river,
on the Pacific Ocean beaches and headlands.
If you enjoy shopping, Western Sonoma County features many small, picturesque
towns that are home to charming shops and fine cuisine. There are also
many wine and vineyard based events scheduled year round, suitable to
a variety of budgets.
| Where to Stay: While there are many wonderful lodging choices
in this area, Russian River Getaways' wine country vacation homes
offer you the opportunity to visit this vacation paradise by staying
in a home that offers the amenities you want. From simple cabins to
luxury villas, there is a wide range of choices whether it's for a
romantic couple, a family, or a wine club of 20 friends. Bring your
dog since virtually all these homes are pet-friendly; bring your laptop
as most have high-speed Internet access. And you can leave the driving
to one of the numerous driving and limousine services that serve the
area. See our wine country vacation rental homes
below. |
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"Many of the world's greatest
vineyards are associated with rivers...the Russian River, in California,
gives its name to the home of the world class Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays."
-- Larry Walker, Fine
Wine Folio, Vol. 12, No. 9 |
Local Wine Events | top
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Winter
Wineland
Annually in January, 100+ Wineries Offer Special Treats
-
Barrel
Tasting
Annually in March, your chance to sample wines still in the barrel,
buy "futures" and meet winemakers
-
Wine
and Food Affair
Annually in November, a weekend of wine and food pairing in the Alexander,
Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys
Local Wineries | top
Award Winning Grapes = Award Winning Wines
Sonoma County's varied micro climates and topography allow 25 different
varieties of grapes to be grown here, all used to make wines that are
acclaimed throughout the world. Here are some of our staff favorites,
both for their great wine and their good deeds:
- Armida Winery
is a family owned and operated winery specializing in the production
of hand-crafted Estate Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Part of the
proceeds from the sale of Armida's La Femme Mystique benefit UCSF cancer
research programs. 707/433-2222
- C. Donatiello
(formerly Belvedere) Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Aroma garden with koi
ponds and roses. Open 11am - 5pm Daily, Tasting Room: 4035 Westside
Rd., Healdsburg, CA 95448, Toll free: 800/433-8296
- Davis
Bynum specializes in Pinot Noir, old vines Zinfandel,
Merlot and Fume Blanc. Wines are handmade using "old world" techniques.
707/433-5852
- Davis
Family Vineyards "We are a small family winery that thinks
everything matters from vineyard to bottle. We make only small lots
of wine and literally handcraft each and every one. We are passionate
in our pursuit and believe wine is an essential element in a rich and
wonderful life---adding a delicious layer to both meals and to friendships."
Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Tasting
room: 52 Front Street, Healdsburg CA 95448, Phone: 707/569-0171, Toll
Free 866/338-9463
- DuNah
Vineyards & Winery is located in Sonoma County’s
Russian River Valley near the small country town of Sebastopol "surrounded
by nature’s ideal climate for grapes, mixing the seasonal sun, cool
evenings and fresh ocean breezes with the Goldridge soil and carefully
selected clones – all garnished with the valley’s characteristic fog.
Using traditional techniques of winemaking and with the addition of
our care and stewardship as winegrowers and winemakers, we handcraft
our limited production offerings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for your
enjoyment and pleasure." No tasting room. 707/829-9666, info@dunahwinery.com
- Dutton-Goldfield
"After working closely together as grape grower and winemaker since
1990, Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield merged their talents to create
Dutton-Goldfield Winery in 1998. Our mission is to craft world-class
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (along with a touch of Zinfandel and Syrah)
that display the brightness of fruit, complexity, structure and balance
that are reflective of our cool coastal home in and around the Russian
River Valley." Tasting room: 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa (midway
between Hwy 116 and Fulton Road), 707/568-2455 x30
- Gary
Farrell Wines was pioneered by one of Sonoma County's
finest wine makers. 707/473-2900
- Hanna
Winery A wide range of varietals grown in three appellations,
100% estate produced wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet
Franc. Tasting room: Open Daily 10-4, 5353 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa,
707/575-3371
- Hartford
Family Winery "Hartford Family Winery was founded in
1993 as a result of Don and Jennifer Hartford's appreciation for the
wines, the people, and the unique vineyards near their Russian River
Valley home. Located in the Sonoma County town of Forestville, the winery
is about 15 miles from the cool Pacific Coast." High personality wines;
single-vineyard and limited bottlings. Open daily from 10 - 4:30. Tasting
room: 8075 Martinelli Road in Forestville.
- Harvest
Moon A family-driven boutique winery nestled in the Russian
River Valley that focuses primarily on California's own Zinfandel. Although
the Estate Zinfandel is their pride and joy, they also handcraft a limited
quantity of Estate Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. Open Monday through
Sunday, 10:30am to 4:30pm. Tasting room: 2192 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa,
707/573-8711
- Iron
Horse, with its stunning hilltop tasting room, is a family
winery that produces famous sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,
Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals. Marketing Director Joy Sterling
has authored several beautiful books about her vineyard experiences.
707/887-1507
- Joseph
Swan is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley.
Vineyard designated pinot noir and old vine Zinfandel, plus small lots
of Rhone style wine, pinot gris and chardonnay. Tasting room: 2916 Laguna
Rd, Forestville, 707/573-3747 Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am-4:30pm
as well as by appointment on Mondays and Fridays.
- Kendall-Jackson
is a large producer whose wines are distributed throughout the country.
Produced from 12,000 acres of vineyards on mountains, ridges, hillsides
and benchlands throughout the cool California coastal regions. Tasting
room: 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, 707/571-8100, Toll Free 866/287-9818.
Open 10am to 5pm. Garden tours are offered daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm
(weather permitting). Private tours and tastings are available by appointment
only for groups of 10 or more at $5 per person. If you're booking a
vacation rental home with Russian River Getaways, ask at the office
when you check in for coupons for free entry.
- Korbel
Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars has been a part of America's
greatest celebrations for more than 120 years. It has been the exclusive
champagne of the past five presidential inaugurations, and was the champagne
of choice for the Camelot years of the Kennedy administration. Champagne
Cellar Tour; Rose Garden tour; deli and gift shop, tasting room: 13250
River Road, Guerneville, 707/824-7000
- Martin
Ray Winery Courtney Benham acquired the historic Martini
& Prati winery in July 2003, which is now Martin Ray Winery. Tasting
Room: 2191 Laguna Road in Santa Rosa, CA 95401, just off Guerneville
Road. Take a tour of the historic winery and learn about the winemaking
process from harvest to bottle. See cellar of 10,000 gallon old-growth
redwood tanks; sample homemade jug wine straight from the tank! 707/823-2404.
Winter hours Nov. 1 thru Mar. 31 Thu. thru Mon. 11am – 4pm ; Summer
hours Apr. 1 thru Oct. 31: every day, 11am – 5pm
- Martinelli
"The Martinelli family has long been prominent among the growers in
the Russian River Valley. They have over 350 acres of vineyards planted,
and have been the source for many top wines from other producers. Several
years ago Steve Martinelli began to estate bottle 4,000 cases, a relatively
small percentage of the Martinelli Vineyards' total production. However,
he had the luxury of choosing the best parcels. Beginning in 1993, with
the help of consultant/winemaker Helen Turley, he is bottling all the
Martinelli wines without filtration, and much of the production without
fining. The results are some of the most concentrated, complex, and
exciting wines being made in California. Prices for Martinelli's wines
have remained modest." (Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate). Tasting Room
and Art Gallery: 3360 River Road , Windsor, 800/346-1627
- Michel-Schlumberger
is a unique Benchland Wine Estate that utilizes experimental vineyards,
innovative farming, and Jacques Schlumberger's solid four hundred year
family wine making history to make its fine wines. 707/433-7427 or 800/447-3060
- Mill
Creek Winery White wines plus Merlot and Chardonnay.
Family owned and run; a single property which incorporates the entire
process from growing the grapes to selling the wine. Tasting room: 1401
Westside Road, Healdsburg. Two separate picnic areas with spectacular
views of Dry Creek Valley, Fitch Mountain, and Mount St. Helena and
a native plant garden.
- Moshin
Family Winery Known for great pinot, also producing Cabernet,
Syrah and Chardonnay. Both California and French style wines. Tasting
Room: 10295 Westside Road in Healdsburg, California along the Russian
River. Daily from 11:00am-4:30pm
- Pellegrini
Family Vineyards produce estate wines under the Olivet
Lane, Cloverdale Ranch and Pellegrini labels. Award-winning Chardonnay,
Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, as well as classic
Old Clone Zinfandel in special limited quantities and small lots of
Sauvignon Blanc, Carignan and Rosato. Tasting Room: Winery tours and
tastings offered daily by appointment 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM, 4055 West
Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, 800/891-0244 or bill@pellegrinisonoma.com
- Porter
Creek Winery A father and son duo creating great Pinot,
Carignane, Syrah, Chardonary, and Viognier from grapes grown on their
own organic, hillside, vineyard-designated grapes. Tasting Room: 8735
Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707/433-6321. Seven days a week: 10:30-4:30
- Raymond
Burr Chardonnary, Cabernet, and Cabernet Franc. Terrific
wine, but worth a visit just for the history display of this beloved
actor's life, as well as orchids on display from the huge collection
still maintained by his surviving partner. The Tasting Room is open
daily from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. by appointment only at 8339 West
Dry Creek Road. Call for an appointment: 888/900-0024
- Robert
Mueller Cellars This small winery combines the French
tradition and quality grapes to make a great wine that is also a great
value. 707/837-7399
- Robert
Rue World Class Zinfandel, all old vines, and now a great
Sauvignon Blanc in limited supply. Family-run business, caring for their
100 year old vines with great pride and devotion. Tasting room: Friday,
Saturday, Sunday 10 – 5. Other days by appointment. 1406 Wood Road,
Fulton, 707/578-1601
- Rochioli
is an award winning, family winery that has been growing premium grapes
since the 1930s. 707/433-2305
- Roshambo
Winery & Gallery Red, pink, and white blends, plus
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Cutting edge
architecture provides a stunning environment for emerging conceptual
artists as well as for wine tasters. Tasting room: 3000 Westside Road
in Healdsburg, Open daily 10:30am to 4:30pm.
- Seghesio
Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1895 with the vision
of bringing wine to the every day table, and is still tended by the
Seghesio family. 707/433-3579
- Suncé
Winery Over a dozen single vineyard varietal wines from
the winery on Olivet Road. Founded by Winemaker Frane Franicevic in
1991. A native of the Croatian island of Hvar, and the small fishing
village of Sucuraj, Frane was born into a family with a centuries-old
winemaking tradition. Among the most successful, award-winning varietal
wines are the Rodella Pinot Noir, the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
from the Hedin Vineyard, the Baker Zinfandel, the La Rochelle Sauvignon
Blanc, the Strycker Cabernet Sauvignon, the St. Olof’s Barbera, and
a dazzling Malbec also from St. Olof’s Vineyard. Suncé released its
own estate Pinot Noir, from Zora’s Vineyard (named for their eldest
daughter), in the fall of 2005. No tasting room.
- Tara
Bella Small, owner-operated family vineyard that specializes
in Cabernet Sauvignon only. They produce 200-500 cases annually. 3701
Viking Road, Santa Rosa, 707/544-9049, 877/698-WINE. No tasting room.
- Wild
Hog Vineyard is nestled in the hills between Fort Ross
and Cazadero along the Sonoma Coast. Wild Hog is a family owned and
operated, certified organic winery and vineyard that specializes in
red wines. 707/847-3687
- Williams
Selyem produces one of the finest Pinot Noirs in the
world, as confirmed by consistently high ratings from the Wine Spectator,
Robert Parker Jr., and the like.
Wine Tasting Off the Beaten
Track: Olivet Road
Olivet Road, only three miles long, is home to seven wineries, each different.
Here you can enjoy a day of wine-tasting with little driving and no crowds.
Just drive 6.3 miles east from the Hacienda Bridge in Forestville and
turn right onto Olivet Road. Note that some of these wineries do require
an appointment, so call ahead:
Wine Collections
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Sophie's
Cellars presents one of the most extensive and unique collections
of Sonoma wine. Located in Monte Rio, California, in the heart of
Sonoma Country at the boundaries of Sonoma's Russian River Valley
and Sonoma Coast appellations, Sophie's Cellars has built an extensive
collection of hard-to-find limited production wines, specializing
in Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Champagne and Sparkling Wine. And they have
a fabulous collection of local cheese. 4 Miles West of Guerneville:
20293 Hwy 116, Monte Rio, CA 95462. 11am-7pm, Closed Wed. 707/865-1122
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Wine
& Cheese Tasting of Sonoma County, while not a winery,
is the perfect place to sample the finest wines the amazing California
wine country has to offer. When all the wineries are sold out of their
best wines, you can often still find them here. 707/865-0565
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Wine Country Vacation
Rentals | top
Whether you're spending lavishly or working with a moderate budget, consider
a vacation home rental as your wine country lodging. With over 80 homes,
all within an easy drive of wineries, Russian River Getaways offers a
wide array of homes, all fully furnished and well-equipped to give you
the comforts of home. After a day of wine-tasting, enjoy your wine in
front of the fireplace, admiring the view from your deck, or soaking in
the hot tub. Grill outdoors for en plein air dining with a bottle of your
just-purchased wine. Virtually any place you choose will have beautiful
views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Below are a few of the homes most convenient to wine-tasting
excursions, all within a ten to twenty minute drive to major wine-tasting
areas. There are many more homes just a few minutes further. All the homes
are listed on Russian River Getaways' listings
page; real-time availability and online booking are available on the
site. Be sure to read our booking
policies thoroughly before booking a home.
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