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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.
COVID-19 Note: Please be sure to check with each winery in advance to confirm operating details and to make a reservation, as some wineries may be offering limited service.
100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, (888) 675-9463
Established in 1978, St. Francis 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. St. Francis offers a superb, five-course wine and food pairing showcasing ingredients grown in the winery’s garden, but call in advance to book as slots fill quickly.
101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA 95452, (707) 833-0218
Located in the quaint community of Kenwood, Landmark is known for its small-production pinot noir and chardonnay wines. Tastings are offered daily at the charming winery, but to really enjoy the surroundings, opt to build your own picnic basket with local cheeses and charcuterie available for purchase on-site, then head outside to picnic with a bottle of wine.
8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 433-6700
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. Tastings normally take place in the Villa Fiore hospitality center or on the terrace, Il Terraza, where you can 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.
1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-5250
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 committment to both quality food and wine, but to really get a taste of Jordan, book the Estate Tour & Tasting (which resumes in June). 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.
1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, (707) 755-3300
Since 1975, DeLoach Vineyards has produced quality pinot noir, chardonnay, and zinfandel wines from throughout the Russian River, many from their Certified Organic and Biodynamic estate vineyards. At the tasting room, elevate your tasting with a cheese plate or boxed lunch from Oakville Grocery, or plan to keep it more casual with an afternoon glass of wine and a snack during their Thursday and Friday evening happy hours from 4 pm – 6 pm.
2300 Napa Road, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 939-1858
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 pinot noir, sylvaner, and skin-fermented chardonnay. Tastings of Scribe’s coveted wines take place at 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 (in normal times) regular farm-to-table dinners held throughout the West Coast. Just note that currently the winery is only open to members until further notice.
11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-3646
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.
8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452, (707) 257-5784
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 overlooking the vines or rose garden, or explore the marriage between food and wine during their Food and Wine Traditions tasting.
4551 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 235-6345
Situated off bucolic country roads in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, Reeve Wines charms with its peaceful, relaxed setting and small-lot wines. While the inside is as inviting as walking into the living room of a cool friend, the expansive patio makes for an especially lovely place to taste riesling or their proprietary red blend, offering a rustic-chic atmosphere that looks out at the surrounding vineyards.
9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472, (707) 887-1507
Iron Horse Vineyards is one of Sonoma County’s most popular family-owned wineries, known for its estate sparkling wines which can be enjoyed from the casual, rustic outdoor tasting room overlooking rolling hills of vineyards. This Russian River winery offers a wide variety of sparkling and still wines, but a regular favorite is the popular Wedding Cuvée, a crowd-pleasing bubbly that makes a great wedding gift.