Guide to Wine Tasting in Sebastopol, California

The eclectic town of Sebastopol boasts an abundance of charming wine-tasting rooms to easily walk or cruise to in this scenic Sonoma Wine Country haven.

Sebastopol is home to beautiful vineyards and wineries as it is located in not one but two ideal wine-growing regions: The Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. Sebastopol’s agricultural bounty goes beyond grapes, as fresh local ingredients feature in farmer’s markets and menus offering a delicious taste of the season’s ripest flavors.

Here’s a round-up of wineries to visit on a fun trip to scenic Sebastopol.

The Barlow

You can stroll along garden paths and shops to the fun tasting rooms at The Barlow, a lively hub of former apple barns that are home not only to wine tasting but also to artisans and farm-to-table eateries.

Region at the Barlow

Region showcases more than 20 Sonoma County wine producers across multiple appellations. Visitors can choose from 50 unique wines at self-serve WineStation machines in one room, while in another area, visitors can enjoy a traditional wine tasting hosted by the winemakers themselves, with select wineries featured each week.

Pax Wines

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in this rustic-hip wine lounge that is a popular spot to discover new California wines. Founded by Pax Mahle, Pax Wines offers seasonal wine-tasting flights of current releases as well as wines by the glass or bottle, wines on tap, and growlers to go. 

Other Wineries in Sebastopol

You can easily walk to tasting rooms in and around Sebastopol’s Main Street or bike on a Sonoma County bike trail to this impressive array of Sebastopol wineries.

Purple Pachyderm

Les Claypool, the front-man of the alternative rock band Primus, discovered a love for wine when he moved to the Russian River Valley. What started as an attempt to fill his own wine cellars turned into a boutique winery focused on outstanding Pinot Noirs sourced from local vineyards.

Dutton Estate

You are welcome to enjoy the warm hospitality of the home tasting room of the Dutton Family, premiere suppliers of the best and oldest Chardonnay grapes that the most renowned California winemakers procure. Stop by to sip some excellent wines.

Halleck Vineyard

Perched on the beautiful Sonoma County coast and flanked on the west by slopes that curve to the Pacific Ocean, Halleck Vineyard is known for its award-winning Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and white wines. Here, you can enjoy the afternoon learning about and tasting these exceptional small-batch wines.

Lynmar Estate

This winery has a modern look that embraces the land and all it has to offer. The grounds include a sleek and elegant tasting room with soaring overhead beams and an expansive courtyard with a wood-fire oven and magnificent views of the rolling vineyard and redwood grove. 

Naidu Wine & Vineyards

Nestled atop a knoll enveloped in stunning views of the Russian River Valley, this woman-owned winery estate pours premium wines in a warm, welcoming setting. Memorable wine-tasting experiences include private cabana tastings, vineyard tours, local cheese pairings, and sipping outdoors with a game of Bocce Ball.

Dutton-Goldfield Winery

Located at the corner of Graton Road and Highway 116, this tasting room pours wine born of a partnership formed in the 1990s between outdoorsy chemist-turn-winemaker Dan Goldfield and grape grower Steve Dutton. Don’t miss their exceptional single vineyard Pinot Blanc, Zinfandel, and Syrah.

Red Car Wine

Red Car has turned a former tractor supply shop into a spacious and stylish tasting room with decorative details. The focus here is on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from growing regions that vintners call the “true” Sonoma Coast and the coastal Fort Ross-Seaview wine region.

Marimar Estate

Head west through a less-traveled valley lush with apple orchards and vineyards and past farmhouses to find the Catalan-styled winery of Marimar Torres, cookbook author and scion of a Spanish wine dynasty. The tasting menu features Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also the Spanish varietal Albariño — a rare treat.

Fog Crest Vineyard

This handsome little villa was built on a hill overlooking the Laguna de Santa Rosa wetlands. Take in the view from the patio and sample silky, caramel-scented Chardonnay and spicy, supple Pinot Noir.

Taft Street Winery

Tucked into the trees in a former apple canning facility is where you’ll find the beloved Taft Street Winery. Fair prices and well-made Sonoma County wines — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel in particular — have endeared it to many fans old and new.

Horse & Plow

Husband-and-wife team Chris Condos and Suzanne Hagins pour organically grown Pinot Noir and hard apple cider at their rustically styled, barn-like tasting room. In fair weather, enjoy wines poured fresh from the keg and relax in the garden setting, or take a growler or two to go.

Freeman Vineyard & Winery

By appointment, experience a memorable tasting experience at this vineyard winery tucked into surrounding redwood groves. Lucky guests are welcomed into the tasting room and the cool of a quiet wine cave for the contemplation of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Littorai Wines

On hilly acreage, Littorai offers by appointment, a personalized tour of their Biodynamic farm and tasting of the wines they nurture here. Discover the future of environmentally conscious wine farming and toast to the flavor and goodness that founders Ted and Heidi Lemon hold dear. 

Discover more to explore in and around Sebastopol, California

• Fun Things to Do in Sebastopol
• Get to Know The Barlow Culinary and Arts Center
• Cruising the Back Roads of West Sonoma County

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Written by Sonoma County Insider James Knight