13 Award-Winning Wineries in Sonoma County
The microclimates of the Pacific coastline, redwood forests, fertile valleys, and mountains play a role in the excellence of Sonoma County wineries.
Thanks to a unique blend of microclimates, Sonoma County is known as one of the most diverse wine-growing regions in the world. In fact, it’s home to 425+ wineries and 18 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), which produce a delightful range of varietals—from Chardonnay and Rosé to Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Here’s just a sampling of the many amazing wineries you can explore. Â
1. Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg
Known for welcoming service, stunning views and—of course—stellar wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards is the perfect place to spend a day in Sonoma County.
2. Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma
Set in the rolling hills of the Carneros region in southeastern Sonoma County, this certified sustainable winery makes some of the area’s most popular sparkling wines.
The grounds were designed to evoke both the historic California missions and the Catalonian heritage of the Ferrer family, owners of the Freixenet Cava brand. Book one of many curated tasting experiences to sip Spanish-inspired Rosé, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and more on a patio overlooking the corduroy of vineyards and rolling mountains.
3. Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma
Buena Vista is one of the oldest wineries in California, as well as the birthplace of the state's modern wine industry. In 1857 Count Agoston Haraszthy, Buena Vista’s founder and one of California’s first sheriffs, introduced cuttings from Europe's best vineyards.
4. Fort Ross Vineyard and Tasting Room, Jenner
Floating above the mist in the hills above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, this winery was designed to resemble the many historical barns that dot the landscape of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA.
Reserve your spot on the 90-minute wine and food-tasting experience to sip estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinotage and savor a seasonal menu of locally sourced small plates. Rolling vineyard hills, paths lined with swaying ornamental grasses and surrounding forest amplify the experience to peak bliss.
5. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Healdsburg
Trickling fountains, elegant topiaries, bright blooms and stately rows of vines welcome you to Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Wineries.
But don’t let the estate’s beauty distract you from its real stars: varietals including Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese Rosé, Merlot, Viognier and more. Enjoy their unique flavors and bouquets at reserved tastings under skyward-reaching olive trees, in the on-site wine library or during an Italian-inspired Sunday brunch.
6. Truett Hurst Winery, Healdsburg
Set in Dry Creek Valley AVA—named for the Russian River tributary basin that helps irrigate the region—you’ll find the marvels of Truett Hurst, a holistic vineyard and farm.
This down-to-earth Sonoma County winery boasts a biodynamic vineyard that produces fantastic wines, including Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sira. Book the eco-estate tour and tasting where you’ll meet goats, sheep and chickens before pairing wines with local cheeses. VML Winery, which shares the estate with Truett Hurst, specializes in single vineyard and barrel select Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
7. Matanzas Creek Winery, Santa Rosa
Matanzas Creek is an out-of-the-way winery tucked into the middle of Bennett Valley AVA. The estate boasts gorgeous grounds where terraced lavender gardens compete with vineyards for your attention.Â
Its park-like setting makes it a great spot for picnics. Stretch out underneath the outstretched arms of oaks and olive trees with a bottle of Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc and listen as gentle breezes blow through native grasses. Stop by the gift shop for essential oils, body butter and more—all made from lavender grown on-site.
8. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Santa Rosa
When is the top restaurant in America not a restaurant? When it's St. Francis' food and wine pairing. OpenTable.com users named the winery the top restaurant in the U.S. And they aren't wrong.
The pairing features a multi-course tasting menu prepared by the winery's own executive chef, who uses produce and herbs grown on the estate, paired with wines from St. Francis' artisan collection. The stunning Sonoma Valley view just adds to the experience. By appointment only — call to book or book online.
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9. Ram's Gate Winery, Sonoma
The wines and the architecture here offer visitors a strong sense of place. The winery, opened in 2011, resembles the weathered farmsteads that dotted the landscape 100 years ago.
Wines are crafted from grapes locally sourced, imbuing each sip with the taste of place. Food and wine pairing options are available, from a simple chef-packed picnic to pair perfectly with the wine choice, to the 'Behind the Gate' experience that's part tasting, part cooking class/demo. By appointment only — call to book.
10. Korbel Champagne Cellars, Guerneville
Founded by Bohemia-born brothers Francis, Joseph, and Anton Korbel in 1882, Korbel is the oldest continually operating champagne house in North America. Nestled in California's Russian River Valley, Korbel has always followed the time-honored methode champenoise tradition.Â
Enjoy a history tour, wine tasting, or grab lunch at the deli. Then sit on the deck shaded by towering redwoods and overlooking the vineyards. In the spring, visit for the garden tour.
11. Lynmar Estate, SebastopolÂ
At Lynmar, terroir, that special 'taste of place,' is found in the estate-produced wines and the onsite kitchen gardens that make the culinary program so spectacular. Offered from April to November, the Lynmar Experience includes a walking tour of the property followed by an elegant, seated, three course farm-to-table lunch paired with Lynmar's handcrafted wines and served on the veranda overlooking the vineyard and garden.
And from May to September, Pinot & Pizza features seasonally inspired artisan pizzas made with estate-grown vegetables prepared in our brick pizza oven, and paired with an array of Lynmar wines. Make it a complete Wine Country experience by booking an overnight stay at the winery's cottage, Bliss House.
12. Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville
Not content with just producing enjoyable wine, Francis Ford Coppola showcases it, complete with Hollywood magic, in Alexander Valley. Film memorabilia — including the Godfather's desk, a Tucker car, scripts, and Oscars — enchant visitors.
The estate is not just a winery, it's a resort that includes a full-service restaurant, snack bar, full bar, and pool. Yes, pool; complete with cabines to rent for the day — be sure to reserve your spot early; it fills up fast.
13. Ledson Winery & Vineyards, Kenwood
Ledson is one of Sonoma County's wine castles because of its perfect pairing of gothic spires and archways with the rugged, mountainous backdrop of this particularly scenic stretch of the Sonoma Valley.
The style is French Normandy, not Valhalla, and it was originally built as a family residence. Inside, it's handsomely furnished, has private rooms and a second-floor seating area, and a full deli. Picnic grounds under the oaks.
If your thirst isn't quite quenched, learn about all the wineries in Sonoma County. And check out our 7 tips for Sonoma wine tasting to help prepare for your California getaway.Â
