United States
Sonoma
suh-NO-muh
A county, not a postcard. Valley floor, Russian River, and Carneros bubbles. Book the good rooms. Don't drive the tasting.
Map
- When to go
- April–June and September–October. Summer weekends clog the town of Sonoma.
- Grapes
- Pinot Noir · Chardonnay · Zinfandel · Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting rooms
Sonoma is several valleys. Pick one. Appointment is normal now. Spit if you still have Highway 12 ahead of you.
Gundlach Bundschu
Sonoma
BookGundlach Bundschu
Estate since 1858. Caves, a lawn, and wine that still tastes like Sonoma.
Book the cave tasting. The town is ten minutes away.
Pinot Noir · Cabernet Sauvignon · Gundlach Bundschu
Benziger
Glen Ellen
BookBenziger
Biodynamic estate in the valley. The tram tour is the visit, not a sideshow.
Book the tour. Glen Ellen is the lunch.
Cabernet Sauvignon · Sauvignon Blanc · Benziger
Iron Horse
Green Valley
BookIron Horse
Sparkling on a Green Valley ridge. Outdoor tables, not a cave.
Appointment. Cooler than the valley floor.
Pinot Noir · Chardonnay · Iron Horse
Balletto
Russian River
Walk-inBalletto
Family estate on Occidental Road. A straight Pinot and Chardonnay stop.
Open daily. Still better if you book.
Pinot Noir · Chardonnay · Balletto
Gloria Ferrer
Carneros
BookGloria Ferrer
Carneros sparkling with a terrace over the vines.
Book the terrace. Wind is part of it.
Pinot Noir · Chardonnay · Gloria Ferrer
Itinerary
One valley, not three
1 day
Carneros or Russian River. Not both, and not Napa after.
Morning
Gloria Ferrer or Iron Horse
Bubbles first. Then food.
Afternoon
Benziger or Gundlach Bundschu
One estate. Stop.
Sonoma to Napa to Healdsburg in one day is how people get hurt. Pick a valley.
Business inquiries
Have a room in Sonoma?
Featured placement, your booking link, ninety days. Drinkers stay free.
Business inquiries