The 10 Most Beautiful Wineries in Sonoma County

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Sonoma County

The 10 Most Beautiful Wineries in Sonoma County

By Hana-Lee Sedgwick May 15, 2024

Known for its stunning scenery, laid-back vibe, and locally-driven food scene, Sonoma County checks all the boxes as a dreamy Wine Country destination. But when it comes to beautiful wineries, Sonoma overdelivers. From wineries that showcase immaculately landscaped gardens to those with historic buildings and vineyard views, here are our picks for the ten most beautiful wineries in Sonoma County. After all, wine tasting is a sensory experience, so why not add some eye candy to your time in Sonoma?

Bubbles & Bites

Photos courtesy of J Vineyards

J Vineyards

11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-5430
Reservation: Recommended

Widely known as a top producer of California sparkling wine, J Vineyards truly offers something for everyone at its stylish winery and tasting room near Healdsburg—especially for those who love fantastic food. Head to the elegantly designed J Bubble Room for five courses of culinary delights and wine pairings, or enjoy a tasting of five wines from their comfortable, vineyard-facing outdoor terrace. Even more, J’s popular culinary series, Shifting The Lens, is a yearly happening that aims to up-level traditional winery food pairings. The limited series includes two chef residencies, featuring tasting experiences and special, five-course pairing dinners highlighting different perspectives on food, wine, and culture.

Mountaintop Splendor

Coursey Graves
Photo courtesy of Coursey Graves

Coursey Graves

6860 Serenity Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 867-1888
Reservations: Required

Nestled atop the slopes of Bennett Mountain, the 13-acre Coursey Graves is a breathtaking destination in Sonoma Valley. The property boasts stunning views in every direction, with vineyards, wildflowers, and oak trees creating a picturesque backdrop. But the winery is more than just a pretty face—it’s known for its exceptional Cabernet, Syrah, and Chardonnay wines, each one expertly crafted to highlight the unique terroir of Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Come for the scenery, stay for the wine—a wine tasting at Coursey Graves is sure to be a memorable experience.

Sustainable Surroundings

St. Francis Winery
Photo courtesy of St. Francis Winery

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, (888) 675-9463
Reservations: Required

Established in 1979, St. Francis Winery is a family-owned, Certified Sustainable winery dedicated to producing estate wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area. Enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards and Mayacamas Mountains from the mission-style tasting room, which includes a bell tower containing a 1,000 pound bronze cast bell that chimes each hour. The winery offers an array of tasting experiences to enjoy, from a fun trolley tour in the vineyard to a five-course wine and food pairing utilizing seasonal ingredients grown in the winery’s on-site garden.

European-style Grandeur

Photos courtesy of Chateau St. Jean

Chateau St. Jean

8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452, (707) 257-5784
Reservations: Not required, but recommended for certain tasting experiences

Founded in 1973, Chateau St. Jean offers an idyllic setting in Sonoma Valley, where a European-style, 1920s chateau is surrounded by lush gardens, vineyards, and mountains. Enjoy a tasting flight on the terrace or an elevated seated tasting in the historic chateau, and be sure to add a cheese and charcuterie board. If you need something a bit more substantial, plan to stay for lunch by booking the Dejeuner au Chateau: Estate Lunch experience. Each guest gets a half bottle of wine of their choice, along with a gourmet sandwich or salad from the on-site deli, to savor during this relaxing experience.

Culinary Delights

Jordan Winery
Photo courtesy of Jordan Winery

Jordan Winery

1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-5250
Reservations: Required

The ivy-covered chateau of Jordan Winery in Alexander Valley is an impressive sight, modeled after the chateaus of France. Beautiful winery building aside, it’s hard not to be captivated by the natural beauty of the 1,200-acre property, which features mountaintop vistas, rolling vineyards, and elaborate culinary gardens. Each of the unique tastings and experiences offered showcases the winery’s commitment to both quality food and wine, but to really get a taste of Jordan, book the Estate Tour & Tasting (available May through October). This three-hour journey through the picturesque estate includes al fresco wine tastings, food pairings, and a tasting of Jordan’s Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for a comprehensive (and memorable) Jordan experience.

Sonoma Scenery

Chalk Hill Estate | Alexander Rubin Photography
Photo courtesy of Chalk Hill Estate | Alexander Rubin Photography

Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery

10300 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 657-1809
Reservations: Not required, but preferred

With 1,300 acres of rolling hills, Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery shows off the best of Sonoma with views over the Russian River Valley and Mayacamas Mountains in the distance. To make the most of the picturesque scenery, book the Estate & Garden Hummer Tour & Tasting, which provides an in-depth look at this breathtaking property. It all kicks off with a terrace tasting of Chalk Hill’s white wines before venturing into the vineyards and woodlands in their estate Hummer. A walk through the organic culinary gardens, with more sips and bites, will further drive home how scenic this Sonoma winery truly is.

Idyllic Picnic Grounds

Landmark Vineyards
Photo Courtesy of Landmark Vineyards

Landmark Vineyards

101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA 95452, (707) 833-0053
Reservations: Recommended

Located in the quaint community of Kenwood, Landmark is known for its small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Tours and tastings are offered daily at the charming winery, but to really enjoy the surroundings, book the Bocce Ball Court and Wine Experience. You’ll get access to the court for two hours, a glass of wine of your choosing, and a curated cheese and charcuterie board. During the summer months, Landmark also hosts afternoons of live music on the idyllic lawn at their Hop Kiln Estate (on the first Sunday of each month). This event comes complimentary with any tasting room experience.

Italian-Style Ambiance

Ferrari-Carano
Photo Courtesy of Ferrari-Carano

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery

8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 433-6700
Reservations: Required for tours and private tastings

At the northern end of the Dry Creek Valley is Ferrari-Carano, a stately, Italian-style tasting room known for its Fumé Blanc and super Tuscan-style reds. Taste inside the Villa Fiore hospitality center or head outside to the terrace to sip while taking in the lovely vineyard views. Regardless of the time of year you visit, don’t miss the chance to wander around the winery’s extensive gardens—five acres to be exact. Here, you’ll find footpaths, bridges, a stream, fish ponds, thousands of tulips, and other impressive flowers on display throughout the colorful grounds.

A Taste of the Coast

Flowers Vineyards & Winery
Photo courtesy of Flowers Vineyards & Winery

Flowers Vineyards & Winery

4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 723-4800
Reservations: Required

The Sonoma Coast is widely known for its expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, and Flowers Vineyards & Winery is fully dedicated to perfecting this coastal dynamic duo. You can taste the fruits of their labor at the House of Flowers, where intimate experiences are the name of the game. Choose from the Sonoma Coast Journey or Estate Vineyard Immersion; either way, you’ll get to sample wines from either the lovely garden area, shaded by redwoods, or in a cozy and chic interior space. Besides memories of the delightful surroundings and wine, you’ll leave with a better understanding of what makes the Sonoma Coast such a unique AVA.

Join The Club

Photos courtesy of Scribe Winery

Scribe Winery

2100 Denmark Street, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 939-1858
Reservations: Required (open for members only)

Set on a piece of property that pioneered pre-prohibition Sonoma Valley winemaking, Scribe Winery attracts a young, hip crowd to its peaceful location for skin-fermented Chardonnay, Sylvaner, and Pinot Noir. Tastings of Scribe’s coveted wines take place in the estate’s renovated historic Hacienda, offering a glimpse of the past while you sip. A connection to the land has always been part of Scribe’s philosophy, which is why the winery has an on-site garden, dedicated chefs, and regular farm-to-table dinners held throughout the West Coast. Just note that to experience the winery and its events, you’ll have to join the Scribe Viticultural Society.