Wineries By Appointment Only

AT A GLANCE: Hamel is a boutique, family winery with a sleek, sophisticated wine country vibe.

HIGHLIGHTS: There is infinite attention to detail and no expense spared at this exquisite winery. Two generations of the Hamel family work together to craft a memorable experience that revolves around limited productions of estate wines. But the Hamel experience goes far beyond just the wines; it shouts out a sense of refinement and gracious living that we all dream of and few ever attain. Total wine production is currently limited to 4,000 cases of just four wines, all made from estate grapes. Don't miss Isthmus, a Bordeaux-inspired wine.

BEST FOR: The wines are good but where Hamel really shines is creating a memorable experience. Beautifully architected and subtly integrated into its surroundings, the winery is well suited for a wine and food experience. You won't find a crowd at this winery; no more than 4 tour groups are present at a time, each guided by an "Ambassador."

AT A GLANCE: Historic, mountaintop winery modeled after Clos de Vougeot.

HIGHLIGHTS: Definitely off the beaten path, Hanzell Vineyards straddles the Mayacamas Ridge overlooking both Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Built in 1957, the winery has the oldest continually producing chardonnay and pinot noir vines in America. Winery guests are lavished with attention during a vineyard tour and intimate tasting.

BEST FOR: Collectors will appreciate the Library tasting and small lot production of Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. History buffs will discover many innovations of the CA wine industry pioneered here. Venue is a great perch from which to see orientation of the southern ends of Sonoma and Napa Valleys.

AT A GLANCE: In-town tasting room and mountain vineyard tour featuring Moon Mtn. estate wines.

HIGHLIGHTS: If you have time for only one Sonoma wine adventure, choose the mountain vineyard tour and tasting. A jaw-droppingly beautiful setting; excellent wines; thrilling ATV ride; and a good story.

BEST FOR: Perfect for serious wine tasters willing to drop big bucks for those delicious mountain cabs. Views of the Golden Gate from the top of the 300-acre estate. Or, drop into Plaza tasting room.

AT A GLANCE: Small, family-owned winery high atop Moon Mountain.

HIGHLIGHTS: Approximately 5,000 cases of wine are made at Petroni all of which are made from Moon Mountain grapes except for Pinot Noir from Russian River.

BEST FOR: This small estate winery packs a lot of punch. Leave the crowds behind as you follow the single lane road to the top of the mountain for full-bodied red wines, hillside caves, olive oil, and a panoramic view.

AT A GLANCE: Dramatic boutique winery set high on Moon Mnt.

HIGHLIGHTS: It's an adventure just getting there! Follow a one-lane road 3 miles up Moon Mtn. Over-the-moon views of the valley all the way to San Pablo Bay. Simply stunning!  

BEST FOR: Ride an ATV to the ridgetop for the views; barrel taste; ooh and awe at 18,000 sq. ft. of caves. Wines sold only to members and by appt. Collectors will go for their Left Bank Blend.

AT A GLANCE: Small, cooler-than-thou winery that practically shouts with attitude.

HIGHLIGHTS: What no wine tasting room? Instead you get your very own wine guide seated at a picnic table with a killer view. Intimate experience?  You betcha! And don't miss the next "Pick-Up" party -- as in pick up your wine. But of course only for Viticultural Society members.

BEST FOR: Scribe is popular with millenium hipsters! And heat seekers with their finger on the wine pulse. It is a perfect stop on a hot summer day when you can sit outside, sip wine, and take in the view.

AT A GLANCE: Cozy, private tasting room a half block off Sonoma Plaza featuring top-tier, vineyard-designated wines.

HIGHLIGHTS: Tired of crowded tasting rooms? Enjoy an hour-long, small group tasting of artisan Pinot, Chard and Cab seated at a dining room table in a house-like setting.

BEST FOR: Vineyard-designated wines including Sangiacomo Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Beckstoffer George III Cab. All wine is sold either thru the tasting room or wine club.

AT A GLANCE: Three Sticks features top-notch wines served in an historic setting a half step off the town square.

HIGHLIGHTS: Although there is no actual winery to visit, the sheer beauty of both the wines and the Vallejo–Casteñada Adobe and its gardens more than make up for it. If you have time for just one wine stop in town, this should be the spot. Annual production is limited to 2,500 cases of Pinot, Chard and Cab from Sonoma Valley and Santa Barbara. Don't miss the the Gaps' Crown Pinot and the Durrell Chard.  

BEST FOR: Three Sticks is hands-down the classiest wine tasting experience on the Plaza. The wines --- most of which are small lots of single vineyard designates -- are superb and the recently renovated 1842 adobe building is stunning.