Sonoma County, with its rolling hills and sun-kissed vineyards, has long lured wine enthusiasts with its promise of exceptional vintages. This northern California city, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Mayacamas Mountains, boasts a diverse geography that gives rise to an array of microclimates, perfect for Sonoma wine tasting. These distinct growing conditions nurture an assortment of grape varieties, from the elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of the coastal regions to the robust Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon that thrive in the warmer inland valleys.
While the allure of traditional wine tasting remains undeniable, Sonoma County offers experiences that go beyond the classic tasting room. From the fog-kissed slopes of the Sonoma Coast to the sun-drenched hills of Alexander Valley, Sonoma visitors can create a wine getaway that is creative, informative, and fun. With 19 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
With tasting fees typically ranging from $25-50, you may want to consider getting the Sonoma County Tasting Pass. It is a convenient, digital pass delivered to your phone that allows you to explore multiple wineries and tasting rooms around Sonoma County at a discounted rate. The pass offers flexibility to visit the participating wineries at your own pace, and some passes also offer discounts on wine purchases, merchandise, or other services like tours and dining experiences. The pass comes in options for one, two, and 30 days of tasting.
Whether you want to cycle to or through vineyards, indulge in a leisurely picnic paired with local delicacies and handcrafted wines, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, here are some suggestions on how to enjoy wine tasting in Sonoma.
1. Drive
Distances between wineries in the Sonoma Valley can be considerable, so some type of transportation will be required. For most visitors, driving to wineries will be the simplest and most flexible option.
With a self-drive option, we’ve found that we can safely visit three wineries in a day. This takes into account travel time (we group wineries into a geographically convenient area to avoid unnecessary criss-crossing across the area), adequate food breaks, and safe alcohol consumption (when there’s not a designated driver). Your mileage may vary.
Our schedule will typically be a late morning visit to a winery that has lunch on offer, followed by two afternoon visits, often with a break in between for some other activity. We often find that sharing a tasting flight lets us enjoy the experience, limit our alcohol intake, and still find wines that we enjoy.
On this trip, we drove to Coursey Graves, a beautiful estate vineyard in Santa Rosa. Our tasting experience included a brief tour of the production facility along with a tasting flight overlooking the Monet-esque inspired grounds. We previously enjoyed a bottle of the 2019 Bennet Mountain Estate Blend, and had to pick up another bottle. We also added a bottle of the 2021. We’ve cellared these for a special occasion. This is a bit of a drive from downtown Sonoma, up in the hills overlooking Bennett Valley, so we only planned one winery visit on this day. The impressive portfolio of wines makes it worth the drive.
2. Hire a Driver
Another way to enjoy wine tasting while still being resposible about your alcohol consumption is to hire a designated driver.
A hired driver can drive your personal vehicle or provide a car and driver. I-Drive and We Drive offer this service and even claim they can drive your rental car. Use caution if interested in this latter option as rental car contracts usually require specific information about any driver(s). An additional fee may also be charged. Drivers can create a tour for you, or you can map out your own plan to visit Sonoma County wineries.
The cost for a personal car and driver can quickly add up. It becomes more affordable when the expense is divided between a few friends or when weighed against the potential of a DUI (driving under the influence) charge because you’ve had one too many glasses of Sauvignon Blanc. It also provides the ultimate in flexibiliy in planning your wine tasting room schedule.
3. Pedal Your Way to the Winery
Biking around wineries can be a fun way to enjoy wine tasting in Sonoma. Tours visit several wineries and often include lunch, and are structured as full or half-day tours. Plus, you can justify all those alcohol calories by working off a few pendaling around.
We did a bike tour with Sonoma Adventures, which included a guided tour of two wineries, picnic lunch, and a cheese stop. We were a little nervous about the bike tour as it had been many – many – years since either of us had been on a bike. We were reassured with the pedal-assist eletric bikes that were reasonable easy to learn. Despite a shaky start getting used to the bikes in the parking lot, we were soon off and pedaling.
Our first stop was visiting Honrama Cellars, a relatively new family-owned winery. The winery is named in honor of Honorio Ramirez Mata, the familly patriarch, whose quest for a better life brought him to the California vineyards and inspired his children and grandchildren. The winery is adorable, and we sat on the outdoor patio to taste wine and enjoy a picnic lunch. We bought a bottle of their 2021 Andres Selection Cabernet and two bottles of their 2020 Sauvignon Blanc to take home. Sonoma Adventures will pick up the wine for you and have it waiting for you at the end of your ride.
Our next stop was Buena Vista Winery. Founded in 1857, the winery is also a California Historic Landmark. Buena Vista’s grounds are beautiful, and we had time to walk through the Wine Tool Museum in the Champagne Cellar. While we enjoyed tasting their delicious wines, nothing jumped out as us to buy.
Our last stop was at Vella Cheese Company. Vella dates back to 1931 and is currently run by the third and fourth generation of the founding family. We had a quick look at the cheese rack – and inhaled that wonderful aroma – and sampled some of the cheeses. Our favorites were the Habanero Jack and the Daisy Cheddar with Jalapeno, both filled to the brim with flavor.
The biking distance of our tour covered about 12 miles, and the time was about five hours. It was a relaxed pace, even for beginners like us, and we recommend it.
Special note: Wine tasting fees are not included in the tour price. It adds up, so keep this in mind when planning your budget. Complimentary tastings are a thing of the past, but the fee is often waived with a specified minimum purchase.
4. Join a Guided Wine Tour
Guided wine tours are a good way join up with other wine enthusiasts for a .pre-planned wine tasting experience. The tours are coordinated by a knowledgable tour guide who has insights into the winemaking process and which wineries can provide diverse tasting options. Note again, the tasting fees are not included in the price of the tour.
We did a join-in tour with Platypus Wine Tours. Platypus offers small-group tours, focusing on boutique wineries. Most of their tours also include a picnic-style lunch. They arrange pick up and drop off at your Sonoma hotel, and will pack up and keep your wine organized for you as you go.
Our first stop was St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. St. Francis has been around for over 50 years and is a family-owned, Certified Sustainable winery. The winery grounds are beautiful, and we sat at a patio table that looked out at the vineyards. We picked up a couple bottles to add to our home wine cellar, the 2021 Red Blend and 2023 Rose. The Rose has already won awards in several competitions, so we’ll be opening this one up before the warm weather passes.
Our lunch stop was Loxton Cellars, where we were delightfully entertained by Australian winemaker and scientist (PhD in physics), Chris Loxton. As so often happens, we were charmed by both his story and his wines. We purchased a couple of bottles, the 2019 Syrah (estate grown) and the 2019 Grandfather’s Cuvee
Last stop was Ty Caton Vineyards. Our tasting host was a charming raconteur, and we were quickly caught up in the Ty Caton story. Buying a bottle of wine seemed like a fitting cover charge for the entertainment. We choose the 2020 Barracks Caton Vineyard Moon Mountain District Cabernet.
While it may, at first, feel uncomfortable joining strangers for a wine tour, we enjoyed the company of all the others. The conversations started out about wine, but soon evolved into lively discussions about farming, the foreign service, and British detective series.
5. Wine on Horseback
While horseback wine tours are less common than bike or walking tours, they are still an enjoyable way to explore the region. Other tours focus more on the wine and wineries, but horseback tour focus on the adventure with an added benefit of wine.
If this experience sounds right for you, Sonoma Valley Trail Rides currently partners with Bartholomew Estate Winery for vineyard tours. Children over age 12 are permitted. Riders get a bottle of estate wine post-ride. Add on a picnic lunch and it makes a great afternoon. The ride is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
For a horsesback tour that proivides views of the world famous Dry Creek Valley AVA, take a look at offers from The Ranch at Lake Sonoma. The tour focuses on riding, but a few have an option for a wine add on.
6. Try a Sidecar Wine Tour
For an intersection of wine and vintage motor enthusiasm, a sidecar wine tour might be a good fit.
Sidecar Tours Inc. offers a tandem sidecar experience, complete with a personal chauffeur. The tour visit two wineires and lasts about two and a half hours. Rides By Me offers Sonoma Wine Tours (also offered in Napa Valley) offers a six hour fully customized tour with private guide and driver, with a French-style gourmet picnic. Wine tasting fees not included.
7. Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley Ride
The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley is a guided tour conducted via a replica of the classic San Francisco cable car. Aboard the trolley, the tour guide will share some of the historic of the area, including much provided by a local historian. This open air trolley ride takes you to three or four wineries or urban tasting rooms in the heart of Sonoma Valley wine country. Lunch is provided at one of the stops. You’ll also see many of Sonoma’s historic landmarks as you wend your way toe wineries.
The trolley will accommodate 24 people, so it’s a great option if you have a large group and all want to be together. It’s also works well to just sign up as a couple and join in with strangers-soon-to-be-friends. Wine tasting fees are not included.
8. Walk and Taste Around Sonoma Plaza
Sonoma Plaza is the centerpiece of the city, and is the largest historic plaza in California. It’s history spans from its days as a Mexican military outpost to its current status as a popular gathering place. A stroll around the plaza will bring you to an array of tasting rooms, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and shops. Wander a little farther – just a block or two – and you’ll double your options.
We walked to Cochon Wine Bar shortly after our arrival. It was that in between time when we were starving, but it was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. In times like this, we’ve found a charcuterie plate and a glass of wine does the trick. It’s also works well for a night time snack.
9. Stay at a Vineyard
Staying at a vineyard or a wine focused hotel that provides on site tastings and vineyard tours is a great way to explore the Sonoma wine country. Some wineries offer luxury accommodations, others more charming guesthouses. It’s a chance to wake up surrounded by vineyards, dreaming of the romantic life of a winemaker. Staying at a vineyard may also give you access to exclusive tastings, vineyard tours, and winemaker dinners.
Some vineyard stays in Sonoma worth checking out include:
- Azari Vineyards
- Beltane Ranch
- Bricoleur Vineyards
- Dutton Estate Winery
- Enriquez Estate Wines
- Gracianna Winery
- Kanzler Vineyards
- Ketcham Estate
- MoniClaire Vineyards
- Paradise Ridge Winery
- Reeve Wines
- Thomas George Estates in Healdsburg is a vintage property with three “Winery Houses” perfect for couples, larger groups and longer stays.
- Viszlay Vineyards
Not interested in staying at a winery? You’ll find plenty of Sonoma County hotels here.
10. Hike Through Vineyards
If you want a work with with your wine, a hiking tour that includes beautiful scenery, a solid workout, and delicious wine, may be just your thing. Tours vary extensively in length of hike, duration, and winery visits.
Companies like Active Wine Adventures offer several hike and wine tours in Sonoma. For those looking to take it up a notch, Wine Country Trekking has a multi-day trek with extensie hiking every day, luxury accommodation each night, and special wine tasting.
A few wineries offer guided hikes on their property that includes wine tasting. Take a look at Alexander Valley Vineyards, Amista Vineyards, Sutro Wine Co., and Jordan Vineyards. Get your steps in before you sip.
If you prefer to go on a DIY hiking adventure, the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail is a 1.8 mile route through grasslands dotted with oaks and eucalyptus. Enjoy the hike, then enjoy a tasty glass of wine at nearby Hanna Winery. Jack London State Historic Park has numerous hiking trails. Follow it up with a stop at nearby Benziger Family Winery. The Valley of the Moon trail in Sonoma Valley Regional Park is more of a walk than a hike – buy hey, it counts – with a 1.2-mile paved and ADA accessible trail. It’s just a couple minutes away from Imagerey Estate Winery.
11. Attend Wine Events and Festivals
Sonoma County hosts a variety of wine events and festivals throughout the year to celebrate its rich wine culture. Plan your visit around these wine events and festivals to enjoy wine tastings, food pairings, live music, and other entertainment.
During our last visit, we were there on a Tuesday night and went to the Tuesday Night Market. Staged at the Sonoma Plaza, the market runs weekly May through September. There were produce vendors from local farms, artisan vendors, food carts, and wine.
Here are some notable Sonoma wine festivals (check for updates on all Sonoma County evenrts here):
- Sonoma County Harvest Fair in early October to celebrate the region’s bountiful harvest with wine tastings, a Grand Harvest Tasting Pavilion, chef demonstrations, and the World Championship Grape Stomp.
- Sonoma Valley Crush, a weekend event in September, where visitors can experience the winemaking process first-hand, including grape picking, sorting, and crushing.
- Wine Road Barrel Tasting, a weekend event in March, invites visitors to sample wines straight from the barrel, meet winemakers, and purchase futures of the wines before bottling.
12. Try A Wine And Food Pairing Experience
Food and wine pairing is the art of selecting wines that complement the flavors and textures of specific dishes. The goal is to create an elevated dining experience. Key factors include flavor profiles, acidity and fat, tannins and protein, and sweetness.
Unsurprisingly, you’ll find plenty of wine pairing options in Sonoma.
Some wineries partner with local restaurants to offer elaborate multi-course meals, pairing their wines with a tasting menu. I love wine dinners like this, because I get a richer knowledge of how wine can enhance a dish in unexpected way. It’s easy to have my go-to pairings at home, but I usually get creative new pairing ideas at a winemake event.
More casual experiences may include smaller pairing events at a local restaurant or shop. Wine and cheese events, vertical wine flights (several vintages of the same wine from the same winery), and cooking classes may all offer a variety of wine education.
The best way to get information on winemaker events is to sign up for their mailing list or join their wine club.
If you haven’t planned far in advance, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make it to a wine pairing dinner. So simply create your own experience. Talk with your waiter, sommelier, or wine steward about their wine list and ask them to make suggestions about what would pair well with it. By letting them know you are trying to learn more about pairing food and wine, opens the door to a conversation beyond the basics. Speak up about your budget, don’t be afraid to try something new, and remember that what one person loves another may not.
Getting to Sonoma
Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS), named for the creator of the Peanuts cartoon, is the closest airpot to Sonoma. It’s about a 45 minute drive from the airport to the city center. Other nearby airport options: San Francisco (SFO), 1:30 travel time. Oakland (OAK), 1:10 travel time. San Jose (SJC), 1:40 travel time. Sacramento (SMF), 1:25 travel.
If you’re not able to fly into STS, my recommendation would be to fly into Sacramento. The airport and car rental pick up is much easier there than at the others.
If you fly on Alaska Airlines, wine flies free! Pack up your wine in one of the case boxes (available at the wineries), and take it to the check in desk. Send it home with you at no additional charge.
Or, try one of these VinGarde wine suitcases, available in a variety of sizes. It counts as checked luggage, but with so many checked bag waivers, it may be free as well.
Happy tasting!
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