Wineries are the very heart and soul of Wine Country here in Sonoma County. As you travel through each valley, you will find a variety of estates, each with their own unique vineyards and tasting rooms to appreciate and enjoy. Family-friendly venues with laid-back atmospheres exist alongside sophisticated and romantic locales to enjoy with that special someone. Whichever the case, the views are always astonishing, and the wine is variably superb.

Iconic Wine Country Views

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Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
9711 W. Dry Creek Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 473-9171
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 151 reviews
Reservations: Not required

The caves near Bella Vineyards are mesmerizing. Zinfandel lovers will have plenty to be happy about as well, since this vineyard’s Zinfandels are both well-known and highly regarded throughout the valley, with several of them having scored quite well in numerous top wine publications. If you want to have a picnic while enjoying iconic wine country views and surroundings, this is the winery to visit.

Insider tip: Stop by the nearby Dry Creek General Store to stock up on a few picnic essentials. The Reuben with homemade sauerkraut is divine.

Exclusive Wines

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Lambert Bridge
4085 W. Dry Creek Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 431-9600
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 102 reviews
Reservations: Not required

With a jaw-dropping VIP barrel room set on some of the most beautiful grounds in the valley, Lambert Bridge continues its long tradition of making wine as beautiful as the place where it’s produced. Visitors who want to be steeped in wine lifestyle and culture will enjoy the history and authenticity of this dog-friendly vineyard, as they walked through a list of superbly made varieties like Cabernets, Chardonnays and Merlots.

Insider tip: If you’re a fan of the wines you taste, grab them before you leave: they’re almost impossible to find outside the winery or on a restaurant’s wine list.

Intimate Estate

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Lancaster Estate Winery
15001 Chalk Hill Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-8178
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 37 reviews
Reservations: Required

Alexander Valley’s Cabernet king, many would say, boasts tours of stunning caves, as well as an estate tour and a food-wine experience. This is a relatively small estate; at only about 53 acres, they make about 6,000 cases per year, so make sure to call ahead for reservations so you can fully appreciate the great diversity in both the wines and in the surrounding landscape.

Insider tip: After tasting, you’re not too far away from the culinary haven of downtown Healdsburg, so conclude the day with a stroll around the main square as you decide where to dine.

Off the Beaten Path

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HANNA Winery
9280 Hwy 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 431-4310
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 32 reviews
Reservations: Not required

For those who prefer their wineries quiet and secluded, this winery offers an ideally focused experience. With an emphasis on wine education and history, the Hanna family, who owns and operates this winery, has a clear passion for the variety of the reds and whites they produce, and their appreciation for the grounds and history of the region is obvious and professional.

Insider tip: Christine Hanna, gourmet cook and wine aficionado, crafted a cookbook inspired by the wines produced here: check it out.

Seeing Red in Southern Sonoma

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St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
100 Pythian Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(888) 675-9463
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 216 reviews
Reservations: Not required

Right next to Mayacamas Mountains, in the quaint town of Kenwood, St. Francis Winery has become known as the “House of Big Reds.” You won’t experience any wimpy wines here, and with selections that include Sauvignon Blancs, Merlots, Syrahs, Zinfandels, and artisanal blends, there’s almost sure to be something for the cellar back home.

Insider tip: St. Francis offers a superb, five-course wine and food pairing, but call in advance to book, as slots fill quickly.

Idyllic Picnics

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Landmark Vineyards
101 Adobe Canyon Rd
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-0218
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 53 reviews
Reservations: Not required

On the corner of Highway 12 and Adobe Canyon Road, and with an unbelievable view of the mountains, Landmark is a Pinot and Chardonnay house, with scores in the mid to high 90’s. Wine lovers and newbies should be sure to take a couple bottles home, or maybe open one out in the idyllic picnic and garden area just to the side of the tasting room. Landmark is open to the public, and walk-ins are welcome.

Insider tip: If you find yourself not wanting to leave, maybe you don’t have to: there’s a private rental property located on the grounds.

Learn the History of Kenwood

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Muscardini Cellars
9380 Sonoma Hwy
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 933-9305
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 25 reviews
Reservations: Not required

A well-known, friendly staff is frequently accompanied by the proprietor and winemaker himself, Michael Muscardini, who is more than happy to tell about how he made the wines and what brought him to do what he does so well. The tasting room staff ensures that guests can learn as much as they want about Kenwood/Sonoma Valley wine history and surroundings, but ask for Jennifer if she’s around: she’s an expert not just on the wines and the beautiful surroundings, but on the history of Kenwood and all the best restaurants nearby to visit.

Insider tip: Check the website to find out when the monthly “pickup parties” are being held: they’re great chances to try some local fare, paired splendidly with the wines.

Tasting Award Winning Pinot

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Arista Winery
7015 Westside Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 473-0606
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 52 reviews
Reservations: Not required

Some would say this is the best Pinot producers in the Russian River Valley, period (their accolades include scores in the 90s across the board), though Arista winery has certainly made a name for its Chardonnays and Zinfandels as well. Tastings are held in a tastefully appointed outdoor space, but the proprietors are more than content to let you wander, glass in hand, throughout the property.

Insider tip: A Japanese water garden serves as the centerpiece to this winery; the picnic table on the edge is the most primo seat in the whole place.

Endless Hills

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Gary Farrell Winery
10701 Westside Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 473-2900
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 129 reviews
Reservations: Required

With a reputation most wineries wish for, Gary Farrell Winery boasts views, vineyards, an exceptional staff, approachable price points, and of course, justifiably delicious wines. Specializing in Pinot, but also producing a lovely Chardonnay and Zinfandel, guests are welcome to relax on their expansive patio, overlooking the rich, endless hills while snacking on some satisfying light bites.

Insider tip: Call ahead and plan to spend a couple of extra hours for a lunch tasting–the food is as exceptional as a view that is worth lingering over.

Get Transported

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MacRostie Winery
4605 Westside Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 836-3233
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 19 reviews
Reservations: Not required

Aside from the ample Pinots and Chardonnays being poured, the architecture at MacRostie Winery will lead you to believe you’ve been transported to another country, with a centerpiece patio that provides breathtaking views of the valley. The wines poured here embody beauty and conviction, and a high tier of hospitality and wine education provides both comfort and ease of enjoyment.

Insider tip: If this stop comes mid-day, make sure to visit the coffee bar on the way out for a pick-me-up.

These wineries, including their beautiful characteristics and wine selections, have solidified Sonoma County’s place as a premier wine-growing region. Each has its own story, each is approachable and welcoming, and each leaves an impression.