Wine Tasting Itinerary: Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys in 3 Days

Alexander Valley

Wake up refreshed for your first day in Wine Country at one of Geyserville’s small, historic lodges. For an overnight experience that’s as quaint as Geyserville itself, opt for the airy and affordable Geyserville Inn.

Fuel up before wine tasting with breakfast at the inn’s restaurant, Geyserville Grille, known for its omelets, French toast, and benedicts.

From downtown Geyserville, it’s a short drive to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Whether this is your first wine-tasting experience or your 1,000th, we guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this wine wonderland, where the “Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” director displays a little bit of everything he loves: Italian food, grapevines, and of course, movies. Indulge in lunch at the onsite restaurant Rustic; taste “Director’s Cut” Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir and view memorabilia from Coppola’s movies, including the car from “Tucker,” costumes from “Apocalypse Now,” Don Corleone’s desk, and even a few Oscar statuettes.

Next, head to DeLorimier Winery. This scenic estate sits near the Russian River and is known as a destination for both wine and art. Sip award-winning Zinfandels in the winery’s gallery/tasting room while admiring local paintings, or stroll the winery’s extensive gardens — you can bring your own picnic for an al-fresco lunch. 

Continuing on Route 128, you’ll see more wineries than you could possibly visit. Try Hawkes in Healdsburg for Chardonnay and Merlot with rolling vineyard views.

Stop in at the lovely and welcoming Scion House on the 448-acre ranch at the Robert Young Estate Winery.

Venture onto Alexander Valley Road, where Jordan Winery offers memorable estate tours and tastings by appointment.

In downtown Geyserville, you’ll find scrumptious Italian food at Catelli’s, a third-generation family-owned classic specializing in handmade ravioli and the “Pasta of the Moment,” featuring fillings and sauces made with fresh local produce.

Relax in style with a night at The Madrona, located just one mile from downtown Healdsburg. This historic showpiece offers modern, artistic appointments throughout the boutique hotel rooms, private bungalows, and onsite dining and lounge. It’s no wonder The Madrona has been ranked as one of the best hotels in the world.

Dry Creek Valley

After a delicious farm-fresh breakfast served at your inn, head into downtown Healdsburg. Famous for its boutique shopping, country-chic cafes, and lovely town square, Healdsburg is the perfect spot to spend a few hours warming up for a day of wine tasting.

Healdsburg’s town center is well-equipped for wine tasting and for leisurely shopping and strolls. Dozens of local wineries have inviting tasting rooms around the town plaza, including Hartford Family Winery and Rockpile Vineyards.

For a vineyard experience, spend the day exploring another Sonoma County appellation, the Dry Creek Valley. Drive North on Dry Creek Road to discover a mix of high-design wine castles and mom-and-pop charmers.

At Mauritson Wines, you can sample everything from Cabernet to Rose on the relaxing lawn or inside the facility with a custom wine-tasting flight and tour.

Less than a mile away, the family-owned Dry Creek Vineyard offers a variety of tasting experiences, lovely picnic grounds, and warm hospitality. 

Don’t miss the Dry Creek General Store, which sells fresh deli sandwiches and other goodies perfect for a vineyard picnic.

Continue North on Dry Creek Road, to discover dozens of wineries, all worth a stop. But if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, here are a few standouts.

Kokomo Winery specializes in terroir-driven wines served in a light and lovely tasting room or on the pretty patio.

Don’t miss Yoakim Bridge Winery; the wines here are made, sold, and poured by the couple that owns the place, and they’re full of personality and anecdotes.

Cruise up West Dry Creek Road to eventually find Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, a destination that balances swanky and laid-back. Many tasting experiences here allow guests to sip each glass in a different location on the property with a stop inside wine caves. This is one of just a handful of wineries in the area that allow walk-in cave tastings. Outside, the winery has a fun vibe: Play bean-bag toss or work a hula-hoop while you sip Zinfandel on the sunny lawn.

Make a stop at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery. This splashy wine palace looks like a fabulous Italian villa, with European-style gardens and vineyard views to match. Tasting menus are tailored to preferences for white or red, Pinot or Cab, and everything in between.

On your way back, stop at Wilson Winery, a small boutique Dry Creek Valley winery with a great vineyard view from its tasting deck.

Call it a day at the edge of nearby Forestville in the exquisite Farmhouse Inn — it’s consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in the world. Legendary for its luxurious rooms and a restaurant where the local bounty stars, this may be one of the most splurge-worthy spots in all of Sonoma County. 

Russian River Valley

Go all-out for breakfast — you’ll be glad you did once you’re out tasting in the Russian River Valley. Enjoy the farm-fresh fare served at the Farmhouse Inn, or pick up coffee at Forestville’s Sunshine Roasters Espresso Bar and wood-fired baked goods at Nightingale Breads. 

This afternoon is all about the Russian River Valley appellation, so start your journey by heading west on the aptly named River Road.

Follow River Road out to Korbel Champagne Cellars, arguably one of the most famous names in sparkling wine. A few glasses of bubbly make for a light and easy first tasting of the day.

There are great options nearby for a post-tasting lunch in Guerneville, a vacation destination on the banks of the Russian River.

The town’s main street is lined with cafes. Piknik Town Market offers sandwiches, salads, and artisan grocery items. boon eat + drink serves California bistro-style plates that beautifully elevate simple, fresh ingredients.

Spend part of the day discovering smaller-scale winery gems by heading East on River Road. Joseph Swan Vineyards, just off the main thoroughfare, is the kind of intimate setting where you’ll often find the winemakers themselves pouring your Pinot Noir.

Turn onto Olivet Road for a stop at Hook & Ladder Winery. Owned (and named) by a former San Francisco firefighter, this winery is set in one of the oldest vineyards in the valley and produces everything from Zinfandel to Gewurztraminer.

Keep driving West on River Road for a tasting at Martinelli Winery & Vineyards, where visitors sip inside a turn-of-the-century hops barn.  

Next, visit one of the biggest names in Sonoma County wines: Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates & Garden. The large estate, complete with lavish gardens, offers guests the chance to build their own tasting flights with choices from a seasonal selection of classic and reserve wines.

Finish your long wine weekend in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County’s largest city. Stay for the night at the Vintners Resort; surrounded by nearly 100 acres of vineyards, this is Sonoma Wine Country luxury. The inn’s on-site restaurant, John Ash, bears the name of one of the area’s most legendary chefs.

B&B accommodations also shine in Santa Rosa. Enjoy a stay at the vibrant Gables Wine Country Inn for colorful, Victorian elegance.

End your night with dinner at John Ash or one of the many small restaurants that make downtown Santa Rosa a foodie favorite. The Spinster Sisters creates refined comfort food in a setting that’s part dining room, part art gallery. Russian River Brewing Company dishes up crave-worthy pub food to complement Sonoma County’s other favorite libation: Micro-brewed local beer.