Guide to Wine Tasting in Petaluma

Stroll the relaxed city of Petaluma, California, on the banks of the Petaluma River, where you can walk to an array of wine-tasting rooms in the historic downtown.

Petaluma is graced with a beautified slough that gently winds through the town, complete with historic docks, railroad trestle, eclectic shops, premium wine, and eateries.

The bucolic surrounding landscape is an ideal growing region officially recognized as Petaluma Gap, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) distinguished for wine grapes. Explore the bounty with this handy guide to the tasting rooms and wineries in and around Petaluma.

Stroll and Sip in Downtown Petaluma

Adobe Road Winery Tasting Room

Founded by a performance racing team leader and named for the main road to the adobe where General Vallejo first planted grapes in the 1830s, Adobe Road pours their  Cabernet Sauvignon and other award-winning wines in the building known as the Great Petaluma Mill. Don’t miss this inviting destination for views of the water and a calendar of live music and events.

Black Knight Vineyards

Sample small-lot estate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sparkling wines at the Black Knight Vineyards tasting room downtown. This family-run winery has a rich tradition of grape growing. Embracing the area’s potential for cool-climate varietals, the Black family devoted portions of their vineyards to cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other unique varietals that thrive here. Come taste the delicious results.

Barber Cellars

Housed in the must-see 1923 Art Deco-style Petaluma Hotel and nestled inside their Petaluma Cheese Shop, this welcoming tasting room pours locally sourced wine in a fun setting. Sip a glass or a wine sampling along with gourmet charcuterie featuring artisan breads and local and international cheeses. This small, family winery is dedicated to hand-crafting delicious, honest wines from organic vineyards.

Sonoma Portworks

For a unique experience, visit the only area winery specializing in award-winning ports, sherry, and more. This rustic cellar tasting room is located on the riverfront in the historic Foundry Wharf. Sonoma Portworks has created elegant, well-balanced after-dinner wines with lush California grapes since 1994. Indulge in a sweet sampling of their delicious blends including treats like chocolate-infused port.

La Dolce Vita

At this stylish wine bar in Petaluma’s ‘theater district,’ you can compare specially curated bottles of Petaluma Gap’s finest with wines from around the world, as the wines by the glass offerings here are extensive and impressive. You’ll also find gourmet appetizers and sharing plates, plus a happy hour and classic films for a cool vibe.

Vine & Barrel Wines

Stop in at this well-stocked retail bottle shop that has something for everyone, including wines from all over the world, a 26-seat wine bar, flavorful small plates, and craft beers. Choose some bottles to bring along on your adventures — you might find the proprietor ruminating with visitors about exceptional area wine.

Other Wineries in Petaluma

Keller Estate Winery

Visit this beautiful estate, with sweeping views of the Petaluma River valley and one of the only wine cave tours in the region. Enjoy award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah produced from vine to bottle on this family estate. Bask on the pretty patio or reserve a memorable tour and tasting.

Azari Vineyards

Over rolling pastureland, the Iranian-American-founded Azari Vineyards is a family-owned boutique winery on a beautiful vineyard estate reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. Here, you’ll find plenty of hospitality along with estate-grown Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Stroll the grounds for panoramic views of Petaluma and a garden lush with giant succulents.

Restaurants in Petaluma

Petaluma, once known as “the land of butter and eggs,” today boasts a bounty of fine restaurants.

• Petaluma’s Central Market is a spacious farm-to-table favorite.
• Enjoy local Pacific Ocean oysters and other dishes at The Shuckery.
• Discover Where to Eat: Restaurants in Petaluma, or check the complete list of Sonoma County Restaurants.

Lodging in Petaluma

• Hotel Petaluma evokes the grand days of travel (a baby grand piano!) and is a stylish way to stay.
• Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country, on the banks of the river, offers views of the marina and easy access to walking and birding trails in nearby Shollenberger Park.
• The French-inspired Metro Hotel and Café has an eclectic assortment of rooms, cottages, and Airstream trailers.
• For more, check our listings of Petaluma Hotels and Lodging.

Discover 5 Fun Things to Do in Petaluma, Getting Around Petaluma, and An Evening in Historic Downtown Petaluma.

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Written by Sonoma Insider James Knight