Most Beautiful Wineries in Sonoma County
You’ve seen gorgeous pictures of Sonoma County Wineries with scenic views of rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see, and you want to visit. But you don’t know where to find them. Chances are, the beautiful Sonoma Vineyards you’ve seen in pictures are in Sonoma County Wine Country. But with more than 425 wineries in Sonoma County and 3,031 wineries in CA, how are you supposed to know which are most worth a visit? As California-based experts in the wine industry, we’ve visited all of these wineries ourselves and can tell you these are some of the best wineries in Sonoma. Let our first hand experience be your guide to the most beautiful wineries in Sonoma County.
Sonoma County Wine Country is one of the most well-known wine regions in the country. Located in Northern California just above San Francisco, Sonoma County spans from the Mayacamas Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. With almost 60,000 acres of vineyards, Sonoma County is about twice the size of neighboring Napa Valley.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Sonoma County. With an incredible variety of climatic and geographic conditions throughout the region, the diversity of wines produced here is unmatched. Sonoma County has 19 distinct appellations (AVAs), each with its own unique characteristics that allow many different types of grapes to be grown – over 60 varieties. What this means is that you can sample everything from cabernet and chardonnay to merlot and pinot noir.
Looking to visit an incredibly beautiful region where you can taste wines that grow in cool mountain fog one minute and warm ocean breezes the next? Look no further than these beautiful Sonoma County wineries. We’ve planned the perfect route so that you can be sure to have an amazing time sampling delicious wines at the most stunning vineyards in Sonoma.
Wine Routes – Most Beautiful Wineries In Sonoma County
Travel Tip – Depending on where you’re staying, travel from North to South.
Route above optimized to start at the North end of Dry Creek Valley and work back South towards Sonoma.
Spotify Wine Tasting Playlist
Most Beautiful Wineries in Sonoma County
Wine Routes – Sonoma Wineries List
Top 10 Most Beautiful Wineries In Sonoma County
Ledson Winery
7335 CA-12 Kenwood, CA – (707) 833-2330
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignane, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Malbec.
An instant landmark, Ledson Winery, known as “The Castle” around the globe, is an architectural showpiece. The 16,000 square-foot French Normandy structure was designed entirely by Steve Ledson and features sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces, cathedral-style windows, coffered ceilings, several tasting bars, and over five miles of ornate wood inlays and mosaics, which were hand-cut and installed by Steve’s son, Mike.
The Castle provides a stunning setting for wine-tasting weekends, romantic getaways and executive retreats. VinePair called it, “One of the twelve most impressive wineries in the world” and the Boston Globe said, “This castle is a must-see.”
The Ledson Winery tasting rooms and marketplace are open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for. We encourage you to treat yourself to a private tasting. Please RSVP at 707.537.3823 or send an email to tastings@ledson.com.
Inman Family Wines
3900 Piner Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (707) 395-0689
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Blend-Sparkling, Proprietary Blend, Rose and Pinot Gris
Certified “Sonoma Sustainable” since 2016, Inman Family is passionate about growing grapes and making wines as naturally as possible, to ensure they embody not only the pure personality of the fruit, but also the singular character of the place where the grapes are grown.
Renowned for their OGV Estate Pinot Noir and an intentional direct-to-press Endless Crush® Rosé of Pinot Noir, guests are invited to taste wines among the vines, often with the winemaker Kathleen Inman.
In addition to single vineyard Pinot Noirs, Inman Family produces Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Extra Brut Luxe Cuvée, Brut Rosé, and a Blanc de Noir.
Inman Family Wines Featured in 8 Beautiful Places to Go in Santa Rosa That Locals Rave About | Redfin
Gamba Vineyards and Winery
2912 Woolsey Rd. Windsor, CA 95492 – (707) 542-5892
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Rose, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc
The Gamba Family wine growing legacy began six generations ago in Northern Italy, not far from the rolling hills of the famous wine-growing regions of Barolo and Barbaresco. Our family’s Sonoma County chapter began with Gus’ father, Agostino Luigi Gamba, when he left his home in Northern Italy in search of the American dream. Speaking no English, and with little money, he immigrated to the United States. He was drawn to beautiful Sonoma County, California, because of its rolling vineyards that reminded him so much of his native home. He soon met a vineyard owner named Cesare Barbieri who was looking to retire and sell vineyard land he planted in 1900 in the Russian River Valley. In 1947, on a handshake, Cesare agreed to sell the property to Gus Sr., with the understanding that payment would be made with each harvest. In 1983, Gus Sr. passed away, leaving his son, Agostino Gamba Jr., then 17, to manage the vineyards. In 2000, our family brand, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, was launched, the culmination of a lifelong dream.
In the hills of northern Italy, seven generations ago, began Gamba’s winemaking legacy. Today, we are still family owned and operated, with a strong sense of the past and an eye on the future. We proudly offer our small production, hand-crafted wines from our 120-year-old Estate vineyard and other vineyards in the famed Russian River Valley.
Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards
11010 Estate Ln. Windsor, CA 95492 – (707) 433-4050
“Top Sonoma Winery”
Specializing in – Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Notre Vue, meaning “Our View,” is breathtaking. Enjoy your Pinot Noir with views of 350 acres of protected open space and 250 acres of rolling hills covered in vineyards. On this property, you can enjoy a tasting at a lakeside pavilion or on a terrace overlooking the nature preserve. Choose to cozy up with a glass of wine and charcuterie board by the water, or even hike through their 14 miles of trails.
With such an expansive property with diverse terroir, Notre Vue produces 16 grape varieties, some of which are rare and not typically found in Sonoma County. Be sure to book a tasting to experience the rich European style wines.
Insider Tip: Book the Member for a Day package, which includes three bottles of wine and access to Notre Vue’s rolling hills and lakeside trails for a full day of wine and wellness.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
300 Via Archimedes Geyserville, CA 95441 – (707) 857-1400
Specializing in – Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Rose, Semillon, Syrah, Viognier
A winery with its own park that features two inviting swimming pools? Francis Ford Coppola is a truly unique Sonoma winery worth a visit. Begin with a tasting of award-winning wines surrounded by sustainably farmed vineyards. A seated tasting by the terrace is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy incredible views of Alexander Valley.
When you get too hot, gather up the family and head over to the park area to lounge by the pool. In your exclusive Cabine, you will have access to a private shower, changing area, towels, pool passes, lounge chairs and even a deck of cards. Order food and drinks from the Pool Cafe.
Wrap up the day with a meal at the full-service restaurant, where the chef serves up family-style meals that use fresh, seasonal ingredients and perfectly pair with wines. Dine outside to continue enjoying the picturesque views.
Insider Tip: Become a member of their Wine Family to gain access to members-only events, like Wine Family Pool Parties.
St. Francis Winery
Voted one of the Most Beautiful Wineries in Sonoma County
100 Pythian Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95409 – (707) 833-0242
Specializing in – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Port, Rose, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Meritage, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir.
If you are looking to sample award-winning wines on the grounds of an elegant Tuscan estate, St. Francis Winery fits the bill. The gorgeous architecture is stunning amidst the backdrop of mountains and vineyards. Explore the collection of artisan wines in the Sonoma Valley tasting room, stroll through the charming vineyards or engage in one of their unique tasting experiences.
St. Francis offers a one-of-a-kind vineyard tour and tasting excursion amongst the vines on a pedal-powered trolley. Learn the history of the winery and how their exceptional wines are made as you sip and pedal your way through the heart of the vineyard. If you’d rather walk, embark on the self-guided Vineyard Adventure, a 1.2 mile walk through the vines. Stroll past the grapes while sampling the wine they create.
Insider Tip: The 1,000-pound bronze bell in the winery’s bell tower was made in Italy and chimes every hour. You can hear it throughout Sonoma Valley. Be sure to book one of their World Class Wine and Food Experiences.
Medlock Ames
13414 Chalk Hill Rd. Healdsburg, CA 95448 – (707) 431-8845
Specializing in – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec Sauvignon Blanc, Rose
Medlock Ames was formed by college best friends who fell in love with Bell Mountain Ranch. For them, Bell Mountain is the heart of everything they do. The property includes over 300 acres of natural open space, 44 acres of vineyards, 650 olive trees, an orchard and a garden, all making for stunning surroundings.
Medlock Ames farms and crafts tiny production, high quality, artisan wines. The limited access tour and tasting experience allows you to explore the vineyards and sample exclusive estate and organically farmed wines paired with local cheeses.
Insider Tip: Try their new Cabernet Sauvignon, The Flag, which represents the pinnacle of Bell Mountain Vineyard.
Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
10701 Westside Rd. Healdsburg, CA 95448 – (707) 473-2909
Specializing in – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
From high atop a ridge in the Russian River Valley, Gary Farrell has panoramic views of the valley, which can be enjoyed from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the beautiful indoor tasting room or outside on the expansive terrace.
Enjoy a wine and cheese pairing in the tasting room or on the terrace while taking in views from high on the hill with the Elevation Tasting. Or join an Exploration Tour & Tasting or Inspiration Tasting for more specifics about the winemaking process and details about the vineyard while enjoying a wine and food pairing.
Insider Tip: The Winemaking Team Takeover Tour invites you behind the scenes with the winemaking team with an exclusive tasting of Gary Farrell’s pinot noirs with the Director of Winemaking herself.
Kendall-Jackson
5007 Fulton Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 – (800) 769-3649
Specializing in – Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc
No matter where you’re from, you’ve probably heard of Kendall-Jackson. This renowned winery’s popular, flavorful chardonnays are sold everywhere. But even if you’ve already discovered their wines from home, the winery itself is an experience of its own.
Prepare to be wined and dined at Kendall-Jackson’s majestic chateau situated in northern Sonoma County wine country. Wander through four acres of beautiful gardens that inspire the food and wine pairings created by the culinary team. Savor farm-to-table dishes paired with limited-release wines or take in the views of the vineyard with a charcuterie board.
Insider Tip: For some extra fun, challenge your tastebuds and test your wine expertise with a blind tasting, where labels are hidden and wines are served in black glasses. Also be sure to ask for a tour of the Garden. It’s amazing!
Arista Winery
7015 Westside Rd. Healdsburg, CA 95448 – (707) 473-0606
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Zinfandel
Arista Winery has idyllic wine country written all over it. The 36-acre estate in the Russian River Valley has scenic views of the surrounding countryside – acres of vines running along rolling hills. Marvel at the cooling fog shrouding the valley while tasting Arista’s incredible wines, most notably Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Embark on the Signature Tasting journey, a seated tasting that allows you to look inside the history, vision, and outlook of the McWilliams Family and their brand. Or feel like a VIP with a private Library Tasting, which allows you to explore Arista’s collection of wines from 2016-2018, originally held back and being shared for the first time now.
Insider Tip: A-List members have exclusive access to a members only terrace on weekends.
Amista Vineyards
3320 Dry Creek Rd. Healdsburg, CA 95448 – (707) 431-9200
Specializing in – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Blend-Sparkling, Grenache, Port, Red Rhone Blend
Venture to Amista Vineyards in the heart of Dry Creek Valley to have a relaxing tasting experience featuring fruit-focused wines in a beautiful setting. Unwind on the solar-powered patio, where a friendly team member will serve you an amazing selection of estate-grown varietals, including Rhone wines. Add a charcuterie plate to your tasting for the full experience. Or reserve a private table overlooking the vineyards and enjoy bottle service.
Situated on 20 peaceful acres, Amista offers tours through the vines along with a tasting. Discover the backwater pond designed to restore the natural fish habitat in Dry Creek. If you’d like to explore at your own pace, the complimentary Morningsong Vineyard Adventure Walk will take you through the property on a half-mile flat path suitable for children and dogs.
Insider Tip: The new special Creekside Experience will allow wine club members to reserve a private spot overlooking Dry Creek, where they can sit back with a bottle of wine and enjoy nature from Adirondack chairs.
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