13 Sonoma Wineries Not to be Missed

Think of wine, and you likely think of the Bay area of San Francisco.  Think a little more, and you probably think of Napa.  But if you stop there, you’d be missing out on a whole lot of great wineries – located on the other side of the bay in Sonoma County.

Wine related travel is a popular part of Sonoma County, with its 13 American Viticultural areas, each with distinctive characteristics.  The Pacific coastline, redwood forests, fertile valleys, and mountains all add to the mix in producing some truly outstanding wines.

Take a day trip from Oakland or San Francisco, getaway for a weekend of wine, or spend more time tasting and learning about all the Sonoma wineries and wine have to offer.

Everyone has their personal wine preferences, and with over 250 Sonoma-area wineries to choose from, coming in all sizes and flavors, it’s often hard to come up with some favorites.  But that’s just what Sonoma County has done for you – put together a list of 13 wineries that offer a little something more than just great wine.

In alphabetical order, here’s the list, along with some tasting notes:

1. Acorn Winery – Variety of wines offered at this small winery.  Call in advance for a visit, but give it a try even if you’re just down the road.  Located in Healdsburg.
2. Annapolis Winery – Small family owned winery that produces small barrels.  Located in Annapolis.
3. Balletto Vineyards/Dutton Goldfield – Two wineries, one tasting room.  Balletto features Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Pinot Gris.  Dutton Goldfield features Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Located in Santa Rosa.
4. Gundlach Bundschu Winery – Gewurztraminer.  One of the oldest wineries in Sonoma County, located in Sonoma.
5. Hawkes Winery – Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay.  Located in Healdsburg.
6. Matanzas Creek Winery -  Merlot.  The winery is surrounded by lavender fields.  Located a little off the beaten path in Santa Rosa.
7. Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog lovers will love this places with the cleverly named wines, Merlot Over, Play Dead, and Unleashed Chardonnay.  Good wine always goes with good humor.  Located in Healdsburg.
8. Quivira Vineyards – California Grenache, Grenache Rose, and Sauvignon Blanc.  Located in Healdsburg.
9. Robert Rue Vineyard – Old-vine Zinfandel.  Located in Fulton.
10. Robledo Family Winery – Variety of wine offerings.  Open by appointment only, but the owners are very accommodating, and short notice isn’t usually a problem.  Located in Sonoma.
11. Russian River Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.  Winery also has a restaurant.  Located in Forestville.
12. Stryker Sonoma Winery and Vineyards – Zinfandel and Cabernet.  Located in Geyserville.
13. Twomey Cellars – Merlot.  Located in Healdsburg.

Do you have a Sonoma favorite that didn’t make the list?  Leave your favorite, and tell us why, in the comments!

Photo credit: SXC