BEST Wineries Sonoma, Healdsburg, Russian River | Local Wally's Guide to Sonoma
Local Wally's Sonoma Tourist Guide picks the VERY BEST WINERIES in Sonoma, Healdsburg and Russian River. 2 for 1 discounts, Sonoma on a Budget.
LOCAL WALLY’S BEST WINERIES IN SONOMA
Sonoma’s BEST Wineries for First Timers
Coming to Sonoma for the first time and completely overwhelmed? I get it. Afterall, unlike Napa where the wineries are lined up on the highway like a housing development, Sonoma’s wineries are spread out over a 50 mile stretch. But don’t worry, I’ve picked my favorites below so if you just stick to my list you are guaranteed that every stop will be a good one!
On a budget? Then pay special attention to the wineries offering 2 for 1 tastings via the Priority Wine Pass. The pass is $39.99 but you only need one per couple. Just show the pass and get two tasting flights for the price of one. Sweet! Get it here with my $30 discount.
Give yourself 45 minutes at each winery and use google maps to factor in the drive time. Most people visit 4 wineries in a day, sometimes 5 if you keep them close together. Need a Driver? Email me and I’ll connect you with some drivers who take good care of my readers.
How to Do a Quickie Day Trip to Sonoma... With Platypus Tours
As much fun it is to plan out a trip to Sonoma there are times when you just want someone else to do all of the thinking, all of the planning, and all of the driving. Whether you're staying in Napa and want to do a quickie trip to Sonoma or just too busy to figure this out a good option is to book a Sonoma trip with Playtypus Tours. I really like these guys, they take you to some of Sonoma's best wineries in a small tour shuttle, typically around 10 people in a group. They'll pick you up at the hotel and take you on a whirlwind tour of Sonoma, lunch included. It's my favorite tour company, tell them Local Wally sent you as they send me a tiny referral fee when you do!
At the Southern Tip is the Carneros Region, Gateway to both Sonoma and Napa
Yes, I know that Carneros is technically “Napa” but I think it’s a good place to start your trip to Sonoma. You’ll find great chardonnays and pinot noirs here and plenty of great winery options to keep you busy all day.
Artesa Vineyards
Go see that stunningly beautiful winery seen in the Netflix movie Wine Country. Just be wary if they ask you “What do you smell? There are no wrong answers” . Uh huh, right!
Bouchaine Vineyards
No, you are not lost. Keep driving down the country road and you’ll be rewarded with one of the areas newest and most beautiful tasting rooms. Great wines and hospitality.
Bouchaine Vineyard Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: 10:30am Vineyard Tour and Tasting for $70 per couple (normally $110) with Priority Wine Pass.
Domaine Carneros
You might feel a bit like royalty here when you enter into this luxurious winery. Famous for their sparkling wine, Domaine Carneros offers a lovely patio perfect for a sunny day.
Etude Winery
A hidden gem, Etude offers a bit of solitude and refinement in the tasting experience with some of the best pinot noirs produced in the area.
Etude Winery Tasting info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Walk In Tasting, save $30
South of the Sonoma Plaza
Unlike Napa where you cruise the main highway to find the bulk of the wineries, Sonoma wineries are clustered into areas. At the south tip along Highway 121 is the first pocket. If you are coming from San Francisco you’ll be passing right through this area - let’s check those out first. And make sure you check out the discount deals on the Priority Wine Pass!
Cline Family Cellars
There’s so much to see and do here that you might forget to taste the wine. Start with the California Mission Museum, go pet a donkey, check out the fish pond, have a picnic.. and sip wine!
Cline Family Cellars Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Tasting, 15% off purchases, save $15
Gloria Ferrer Vineyards
Gloria Ferrer Vineyards sparkles almost as much as their sparkling wine. Buy a glass, sample a flight, there’s also food and wine pairings and even a group picnic option.
Jacuzzi Vineyards
Yes, as in “Let’s go sit in the Jacuzzi”, they started in the aviation industry, then spa tubs, and morphed into wine making. Elegant stone winery, reasonable tasting fees.
Jacuzzi Vineyards Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Reserve Tasting, save $20
Larson Family Winery
Dog friendly, kid friendly, just an overall friendly family winery complete with picnic tables and bocce ball. You can even stay here - seriously, there’s a Civil War Era farmhouse you can rent!
Larson Family Winery Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 10% Off Wine Purchases
Schug Carneros Estates
Two locations, the main winery and a tasting room in the Sonoma Plaza. Schug has been making incredible Pinot Noirs for the past 100 years.
Schug Carneros Estates Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: Extra pour for two with purchase of standard tasting, $10 value.
Viansa Sonoma Winery
With sweeping views of the wetlands and vineyards, food for purchase on site, a massive tasting room and cozy outdoor seating, Viansa is a top pick for Sonoma tastings.
Viansa Sonoma Winery Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 tasting M-F and 20% off picnic lunches and tastings with reservations any day of the week, save $30.
What’s The Wine Pass All About?
The Priority Wine Pass is the #1 discount pass for Sonoma and Napa that gets you mainly two for one discounts but other offers as well. The pass is only $39 and you only need one per couple. It’s good for a year so it’s pretty easy to cost justify when you realize you can easily break even just going to two wineries and then get to pocket the savings from that point on. Why pay full price when you don’t have to?
East of the Sonoma Plaza is Another Cluster of Great Winery Options
Buena Vista Winery
Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is a California Historic Landmark, stunningly beautiful inside and out. If there is one winery you “must see” in Sonoma, this is it!
Canihan Family Cellars
The exact opposite of the opulence of Napa, there are no giant columns or castle walls here. No, you taste in Bill Canihan’s barn with wines poured by Bill himself. Incredible!
Canihan Family Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 tasting and meet the winemaker by appointment only, $20 savings.
Gunlach Bundschu Winery
Often called Gun Bun Winery, especially after a few glasses of wine, it’s the second oldest winery in Sonoma (after Buena Vista) Wines by the glass, cheese and snacks also available.
Nicholson Ranch Winery
Close to Carneros, Nicholson Ranch is a family owned winery focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. Sit outside in the courtyard on a sunny day (or by the lake), nothing better!
The historic center of Sonoma is the plaza, a town square surrounded by shops, restaurants, and over 30 tasting rooms. This could be a weekend in itself but if you’re just passing through or looking for a quick sip after lunch (tip: The Girl & the Fig is my favorite) then hit up these two.
Roche Winery
The casual tasting room lures you into instant relax mode as you sip everything from sparkling wine to reds, even some sweeter wines nice for sipping on a hot summer day.
Jean Edwards Cellars
Tucked away down a pedestrian alley, Jean Edwards Cellars is worth seeking out if you’re looking for exceptional wines and a friendly experience. Nice reds here, as good as they come.
Jean Edwards Cellars Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 tasting, save $20
Best Wineries Just as You Exit Sonoma Plaza Area
Most people visiting Sonoma wineries stop at the plaza but you keep driving north towards Glen Ellen you’ll find plenty of good options to taste wine away from the crowds. These are the wineries that will make you fall in love with Sonoma.
Benziger Winery
What is it about a tram ride that gets me all excited? How about a FREE two for one tram ride, yours for the asking? Just email me for the free promo code, save $55, totally free!
Benziger Winery Tasting Fees | googlemap
FREE DEAL: Email Me for a free promo code to get the Benziger Tram 2 for 1 through Dec. 31, 2019.
B. R. Cohn Winery
Former manager of 70’s superstars The Doobie Bros., B. R. Cohn Winery offers great wines and great olive oils - a beautiful setting, gourmet store, cheese pairings, rock and roll!
B.R. Cohn Winery Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Bar Tasting or 2 for 1 Patio Tasting and 10% off wine purchases, save $25.
Little Family Vineyards
A patio overlooking the vineyards, sipping wine, you right there, does it get much better? Little Family Vineyards is family owned and operated, support the Little guys!
Little Family Vineyards Tasting Fees | googlemap
Valley of the Moon at Madrone Estates
The oldest operating winery in the Glen Ellen area, Madrone Estates, aka Valley of the Moon Winery, offers a historic setting, bocce ball, charcuterie and cheese, you won’t want to leave.
B Wise Winery
Their winery and wine caves are invitation only but their tasting room is open to all. B Wise makes some incredible reds so drop in for a quick tasting and you won’t be sorry.
Chateau St Jean
Possibly the prettiest winery in Sonoma, Chateau St. Jean is worth the drive. Give yourself time to explore and relax in their lushly landscaped grounds.
Chateau St Jean Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Classic Tasting, save $25.
Deerfield Ranch
Tasting in wine caves has become a sought after experience and can be expensive, but not at Deerfield Ranch where everyone tastes in the caves - for a very reasonable price.
Deerfield Ranch Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: One Free Tasting with Each Pass, save $20.
Kenwood Vineyards
Lovely setting, Kenwood Vineyards began in 1970 when they took over the historic Pigani Brothers Winery. If you are looking for a rustically charming winery, Kenwood Vineyards is it.
Kunde Family Winery
Still family owned after five generations, Kunde Family Winery is an impressive winery that begs you to slow down and relax. Sit outside on the patio or go deep into the caves.
Ledson Winery
Whoa, that’s impressive, it’s nearly a castle and you get to go inside and taste wine like you’re one of the Carrington’s from the 80’s TV show Dynasty. Amazing, must see to believe.
Loxton Cellars
If you want a personal experience at a small, family run winery, then stop at Loxton where Chris Loxton himself might be pouring the wines. Picnic grounds, great hospitality.
Landmark Vineyards
Landmark Vineyards makes incredible chardonnays and pinots but their biggest draw, besides the sprawling landscaping, has to be the free horse drawn carriage tours during summer.
Landmark Vineyards Tasting Fees + Carriage Info | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: $10 off their Tower Tasting, or Complimentary Cheese Plate for 2 with Courtyard Tasting, save $15.
St Francis Vineyards
St Francis Vineyards offers an amazing 5 course food and wine pairing experience three times a day as well as their standard tasting flights.
St Francis Vineyards Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Standard Tasting, save $20.
VJB Vineyards and Cellars
If all of this wine tasting has made you hungry then head over to VJB where there’s a full Italian cucina (aka deli) with panini’s, cheese boards, the works. Oh yes, wine tasting too!
VJB Cellars Tasting Fees | googlemap
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Tasting, save $15.
