5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Sonoma County Wineries
To get the best view, you must climb, and if your road trip has you headed up the hills of Sonoma County, California, the intrepid traveler can be rewarded with another welcome sight: Wine tasting!
Many of the wineries in Sonoma County are located off main thoroughfares and along rural roads, including sections designated as California Scenic Highways. There are miles of less-traveled roads to explore, so roll down the windows, take in the scent of the forest, and cruise around mountainsides to find one of these excellent vineyards.
Annapolis Winery, Annapolis
Coastal fog clears by the time it reaches Annapolis, an eight-mile drive from the misty Sea Ranch community. In a sunny clearing surrounded by redwood and fir, the Scalabrini family hand-watered a vineyard into existence in 1978 near historic Fort Ross. This winery will surprise and delight you with Sonoma Coast wine, including Cabernet, Gewürztraminer, Barbera, and more. If this rustic and bucolic vineyard feels like the ideal wedding spot, ask about it — they do ’em!
BobDog Wines, Cloverdale
There may be another winery with a talking dog on its website, but there’s no other winery in the Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak viticultural area. At 2,000 feet, BobDog awaits visitors faithfully at the estate’s Sky Pine Vineyards high above the valley. Big, mountain-grown Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cab Franc await you at this out-of-the-way destination, with 30-mile views and a folksy sense of humor. What more could you want for your Sonoma County Wine Country joyride?
Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery, Jenner
Discover this destination winery high above the historic Fort Ross Russian settlement and trading post. The scenic vineyard was founded in the 1990s by South African émigrés Linda and Lester Schwartz. Thanks largely to their efforts, the region was recognized as the Fort Ross-Seaview viticultural area in 2012. Set in the forested hills like a mountain lodge, this tasting room offers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in unique maritime conditions, plus something special for South African wine fans: Pinotage!
Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards, Windsor
Preserving the natural beauty of the land is at the heart of Bob & Renée Stein’s vision for Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards. The road to enter is not too far from the freeway, but once on Estate Lane, the drive alongside rolling green hills and natural flora and fauna feels like a world away. The estate, which includes 350 acres of protected open space, takes in the natural environment and stunning vistas. Enjoy a Lakeside Lunch Tasting or a Terrace Tasting for beautiful views of the Russian River Valley.
Pride Mountain Vineyards, Santa Rosa
Some people may think of this critically acclaimed winery as a Napa producer, but the family takes pride in the fact that the ranch is split between the counties — indeed, regulations require a line drawn down the crush pad to separate the two! A winery and vineyard at various times since 1869, Pride Mountain is known today for its Sonoma-Napa Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Seated tastings and tours are available.
Find delicious places to eat in Sonoma County Wine Country and great hotels, vacation rentals & B&Bs in Sonoma County, California.
Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight
The birth of a new vintage for Sonoma County wine may not look spectacular from a distance. Unlike fruit and…
While Sonoma County wineries are often best known for their vintages and tastings, there are plenty of area wineries that…
A toast to Sonoma County’s veterans and first responders! In Sonoma County, support of our service members takes many forms….
Autumn is a magical time in Sonoma Wine Country – the culmination of the year-long growing process. The vineyards turn from…
As you plan your upcoming Sonoma County excursion, you imagine that your Wine Country ramble will unfold in a certain…
With a massive flood of zero-proof beverages recently hitting the market, it’s become fairly easy to find nonalcoholic alternatives on…
From Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow to Justin and Hailey Bieber, you may bump into a few celebrities at Sonoma…
The term “ghost wineries” may conjure images of restless spirits wandering winery corridors, but it doesn’t refer to haunted vineyard…
One of the satisfying perks of the 21st century is being able to order just about anything and have it…
Harvest season is a time like no other in Wine Country, where an undercurrent of excitement and urgency flows from…
If you’re planning a trip to California Wine Country, then you’ve likely wondered, which is better: Sonoma or Napa? It’s…
How can you make your dream Wine Country vacation even dreamier? A slight tweak in scheduling might just deliver more…
Just because you’re visiting a winery doesn’t mean you have to leave your kids at home! From swimming pools and…
When it comes to buzzworthy winemaking techniques, everything old is new again. The latest cellar trick isn’t a trick at…
As both the birthplace of Women’s History Month and the first wine region in the world to earn sustainable certification…
Mustard flowers are turning Sonoma County’s vineyards and valleys a vibrant yellow, adding a pop of color to the local…
From beer gardens and night clubs to secondhand shops, here’s a locals’ guide to the best places for 20-somethings in Sonoma…
Sonoma County is one of California’s largest producers of wine grapes, with a history that dates back to the early…
Selecting a gift for a wine lover can be difficult. Especially if they already have a full wine rack and…
Contrary to popular belief, wine-tasting doesn’t have to exclude your extended family, both human and animal. Happily, Sonoma County has…
THIS IS WINE COUNTRY.
Share your experience using #SonomaCounty or #LifeOpensUp