Top 10 Best Sonoma Wineries 2023 Spotlight
When considering the Top 10 Best Sonoma Wineries to visit, there are many factors to consider. With almost 60,000 acres of vineyards spanning from the Mayacamas Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Sonoma Valley has some of the most incredible wineries in the world. Choosing the best Sonoma wineries to visit can be difficult. Whether you’re looking for amazing views or elegant tasting rooms, family-run wineries or large estates, picturesque vineyards or urban tasting rooms, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, we’ve considered everything. And we’ve used our expertise to develop a list of the top 10 best Sonoma Valley wineries.
Sonoma is home to 430+ wineries and 19 American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s), Sonoma County has distinguished itself as one of the most diverse wine-growing regions in the area.
In Sonoma, Pinot Noir Regins Supreme
Do you love Pinot Noir? You’re not alone. Pinot Noir is an incredibly popular and versatile red wine, and, although it is notoriously difficult to grow, some of the most exceptional Pinot Noirs are produced in Sonoma. The diverse climatic and geographic conditions in Sonoma County vineyards are responsible for producing over 60 varieties of grapes and a diverse range of varietals, including exceptional Pinot Noirs. There is nothing quite like Sonoma wine, and in Sonoma, Pinot Noir reigns supreme.
Top 10 Best Sonoma Wineries
We’re featuring 10 of Sonoma Valley’s best wineries that offer portrayals of what the most gifted growers and producers can do here. When planning your next visit to Wine Country, consider the below wineries. Use our preplanned Wine Route and our Sonoma wineries map as your guide on your own personal Sonoma wineries tour.
Top 10 Best Sonoma Wineries
Ram’s Gate Winery
28700 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 721-8700
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
High on a hill where the San Francisco Bay meets the edges of Napa and Sonoma County sits Ram’s Gate Winery. Its location between three of Sonoma’s best AVAs, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros, makes it the perfect place to experience genuine Sonoma wine tasting.
The gorgeous winery and tasting room feature a unique design inspired by the natural landscape. Enjoy an intimate seated tasting or a more casual wine flight at the tasting bar. Ram’s Gate also invites you to indulge in seasonal wine and food pairings, take part in a unique caviar experience, or relax with a bottle by the pond.
Insider Tip: Ram’s Gate’s stunning and unique event spaces, the Tasting Hall, Gallery, and Library, offer exceptional wines and delicious culinary experiences with vineyard views and elegant ambiance.
Gloria Ferrer – Sonoma Valley
23555 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 933-1986
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Pinot, Pinot Noir, Champagne, Rose
If you’re looking for amazing Champagne, look no further than Gloria Ferrer, the first sparkling winery in Carneros. Three-quarters of Gloria Ferrer’s estate is planted with Pinot Noir vines, and they boast 17 Pinot Noir clones. The wine-growing team matches Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines with the diverse estate vineyard sites on their two ranches, allowing them to create a variety of unique still and sparkling wines that express the distinctive terroir, including the exceptional Pinot Noir-based sparkling wines they are known for.
If you’re planning a visit to Gloria Ferrer, they offer a variety of tasting experiences and wine pairings that make them one of the best Sonoma wineries. Try a sparkling rose tasting in the VIP room or an outdoor tasting in the vista pavilion. They also offer a weekend brunch pairing, a terrace lunch pairing, an agricultural vineyard tour featuring a five-course meal, and other unique experiences. The monthly Chef’s Table Series features an eight-course food and wine pairing inspired by a different country’s cuisine each month.
Insider Tip: The views are some of the best in the region. Be sure to dress accordingly as most tastings happen outside. It can be hot, cool, or breezy depending on the time of day and year you visit.
Anaba Wines – Sonoma Valley
60 Bonneau Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 996-4188
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier
Another Sonoma Valley winery producing stellar wines with robust flavors and distinctive varietal characteristics is Anaba Wines. Located in the Carneros appellation, Anaba’s warm hospitality invites you to taste your way through wonderful wines at their beautiful estate. Some of their best-selling wines are Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Roses.
When visiting their brand new tasting room, you can relax on the patio or in the Vintner’s House with a unique monthly wine flight, challenge friends to a game of bocce ball or pickleball, or savor a delicious wood-fired pizza. Anaba After Dark invites you to experience breathtaking summer sunsets during special events. Members enjoy special perks and access to exclusive events, like yoga classes and pickleball bottle service.
Insider Tip: Anaba chose to name their winery after the cool, upward-flowing, and sometimes quite powerful, anabatic winds that blow through their sustainably-farmed Carneros Estate vineyards.
Larson Family Winery – Sonoma
23355 Millerick Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 938-3031
Specializing in – Blend – Sparkling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Meritage, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Rose, Syrah, Zinfandel
In the heart of Sonoma Valley’s Carneros region, Larson Family Winery is a fun, family-friendly, dog-friendly winery and is one of the best Sonoma wineries to visit. The land they farm was previously a dairy farm and home to the largest rodeo in Northern California. Today you can visit their farm animals and experience their country hospitality while enjoying vineyard views and sipping amazing Sonoma wine.
Larson Family Winery offers unique tasting locations, including the scenic back patio, handmade wooden gliders, and private cabanas. Grab a group of friends and book a game of bocce or cornhole while enjoying delicious Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Insider Tip: Larson Family Winery has three hard-working farm dogs, Ollie, Rosko, and Louie, who are the namesakes for their Three Lab Cab and can be seen greeting guests at the winery.
Kivelstadt Cellars
22900 Broadway Sonoma
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 938-7001
Specializing in – Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Blend – Rose, Blend – White, Grenache, Red Blend, Rose, Roussanne, Viognier
Looking for innovative wines and an authentic Sonoma experience? Unwind under the Sycamore trees at Kivelstadt Cellars & Winegarten. The fun, approachable style and playful atmosphere make Sonoma wine tasting accessible and engaging.
Take your time savoring the amazing wines here. With a full food menu that ranges from cheese and charcuterie to salads, sandwiches, and burgers, you can stay and play as long as you like. What other winery features wine tastings, a full selection of culinary delights, a dedicated kid’s menu, and even a special menu for your canine friends? Enjoy a day of quality family time, and end the evening with a S’more in a Jar. You won’t be sorry.
Insider Tip: Kivelstadt Cellars offers wine to go in both traditional bottles and in reusable growlers as another way to eliminate packaging waste and improve sustainability.
Sangiacomo Family Wines
21545 Broadway
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 934-8445
Specializing in – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Located in close proximity to the historic Sonoma Plaza and the gateway to Sonoma, Sangiacomo sits on 110 beautiful acres of vineyards where the family has farmed for nearly 100 years. Their high-quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produce an extraordinary range of flavors.
To enjoy the spectacular wines from Sangiacomo, visit the Home Ranch, the heart and soul of the family business. Reserve a Sonoma wine tasting out on the terrace or in the beautiful tasting room, overlooking acres of grapevines. End your day with Sunset on the Terrace, where you can savor wines by the glass or bottle accompanied by a gorgeous Sonoma sunset.
Insider Tip: Sangiacomo offers virtual tasting packs which allow you to discover their most popular wines from the comfort of your own home.
Ceja Vineyards
22989 Burndale Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 255-3954
Specializing in – Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
The Ceja family’s heartwarming story of going from immigrant vineyard workers to winery owners in one generation adds depth to their Sonoma wine tasting experience. During a tasting, they share their rich history along with their award-winning varietal and blended wines produced from Napa and Sonoma estate-grown grapes.
Their Sonoma wine tasting room features a private outdoor sitting area and expansive views of the Carneros countryside. The Ceja Wine Tasting Experience allows you to sample delicious wines from their portfolio of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Vino de Casa Red blend.
Insider Tip: Ceja Vineyards farms five vineyard sites across Napa and Sonoma. The vineyard sites are located on private property, so tastings are offered at their Sonoma wine tasting room.
Viansa Sonoma
25200 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (800) 995-4740
Specializing in – Barbera, Blend – White, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
For unmatched panoramic views of the entire Sonoma Valley and the opportunity to taste spectacular Italian varietal wines, visit Viansa Sonoma. A fourth-generation family-run winery, Viansa was created with inspiration from the family’s deep roots in Tuscany and a desire to welcome guests as friends of the family.
Expect warm, engaging hospitality at Viansa’s hilltop villa, inspired by the Italian countryside. Take in sweeping views of Sonoma Valley during a seated outdoor tasting, or enjoy your Pinot Noir in the Tuscan-inspired tasting room. Enjoy a taste of Italy with freshly prepared sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie, and authentic Italian delicacies from Viansa’s Italian Marketplace.
Insider Tip: Viansa’s estate is often referred to as the “Summit of Sonoma” because its hilltop location overlooks all of Sonoma Valley, including acres of vineyards and a 97-acre wetland preserve.
Scribe Winery
2100 Denmark St
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 939-1858
Specializing in – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah
Scribe Winery, a hacienda-style Sonoma winery bordered by palm trees, is managed by fourth-generation California farmers and brothers. Their terroir-driven wines are distinctive and site-specific, representing the vineyard’s natural expression. In addition to unique, flavorful wines, Scribe offers delicious, chef-crafted seasonal cuisine.
Currently, Scribe is only open to wine club members. In addition to vintner-curated allocations, members gain exclusive access to visit the farm for tastings, dinners, and events.
Insider Tip: To enjoy a taste of Scribe at home, recipe videos for some of their amazing culinary creations, like handmade farm pesto, can be found on their website.
Tin Barn Vineyards
21692 8th St E
Sonoma, CA 95476 – (707) 938-5430
Specializing in – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, Blend-Sparkling, Grenache, Port, Red Rhone Blend
For a completely unpretentious Sonoma wine tasting in a friendly environment, make your way to Tin Barn Vineyards, where you can sample boutique, single-vineyard wines that truly reflect the terroir of the best vineyards in Sonoma County.
A hidden gem, Tin Barn’s Sonoma tasting room is located right next to the cellars where their elegant, artisanally crafted wines are produced. They offer a fun, intimate tasting experience with their passionate staff.
Insider Tip: The name Tin Barn Vineyards comes from Tin Barn Road, the location of their debut wine.
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