Sonoma Wineries Open to Public

AT A GLANCE: Small winery nestled at the base of Sonoma Mtn. --- a class act and local favorite.

HIGHLIGHTS: Unique and informative "Biodynamic Vineyard Tram Tour" showcasing stellar wines, stunning vineyard views, and behind-the-scenes access to the vineyards, winery and caves. Be sure to reserve places in advance.

BEST FOR: Something to offer everyone, from neophyte to serious wine enthusiast. Highly recommended for all.

AT A GLANCE: Buena Vista oozes history!  This California Historic Landmark is reminiscent of a bygone era.  

HIGHLIGHTS: Beautifully renovated tasting room; extensive caves; carved oak casks; barrel tasting; picnic grounds; and historic tour. For a special treat, take a guided tour with the "Count," an actor dressed as the famed Count Agoston Haraszthy, founder of Buena Vista and the California wine industry.

BEST FOR: History buffs and enology fans looking to sample a cross section of Sonoma wines.

AT A GLANCE: Solid winery with a cozy atmosphere and nice view.

HIGHLIGHTS: Grapes are all from premium Sonoma County sub-appellations.  Look for Cab reserves and Late Harvest Riesling.

BEST FOR: You almost feel like you are visiting a friend's farmhouse. Enjoy a glass of  wine on the veranda watching the sun set over the valley below or inside by the fire on a winter day.

AT A GLANCE: A small winery that packs a lot of punch: lots of history; intimate tasting room; wine museum; picnicking; and miles of  hiking trails. Wine production is located elsewhere.

HIGHLIGHTS: The first recorded planting of wine grapes on the Bartholomew Park property was in the early 1830s. Here you will find good wines (especially Sauvignon Blanc) sold only at the winery and through the wine club. Free entry to museum.

BEST FOR: Great place to spend the afternoon. Bike there from Sonoma plaza, bring a picnic, taste wine, visit the museum and take a hike through the hills.

AT A GLANCE: You might almost think you were in France or Italy, judging from the classic chateau, lush wines, and elegant Mediterranean gardens.

HIGHLIGHTS: Avoid the crowds and opt for the reserve tasting on the outdoor patio or in the chateau tasting room where you can sample wine which may only be available at the winery. Don't miss the Cinq Cepage cab!  

BEST FOR: Sampling vineyard-designated wines in a beautiful garden setting. Perfect spot for a relaxed lunch and outdoor tasting!

AT A GLANCE: Family winery that produces low sulfate wines.

HIGHLIGHTS: If you are tired of tasting wines standing at a wine bar, you might enjoy sampling Deerfield wines seated in overstuffed couches and chairs in the middle of their expansive caves. A certified organic, green winery, Deerfield produces 15,000 cases of 20 different wines, mainly red and blended. Bring a jacket as caves can be cold.

BEST FOR: Wine tasting in the cool caves on a super hot summer day.

AT A GLANCE: Mid-sized winery with a Spanish flair.

HIGHLIGHTS: Star attractions here are the bubbly and the incredible sweeping view of the vineyards from the outdoor patio. Bit pricey for the tasting and service can be a tad slow, but pleasant seated tasting with table service.

BEST FOR: A glass of wine, sitting in the sun on the patio. Dogs welcome outdoors. Look for annual Catalan Festival every summer.

AT A GLANCE: Sixth-generation, family-owned winery known for well-crafted wines and zany humor.

HIGHLIGHTS: With over 150 years farming their estate vineyards, this family's history and legacy is intricately tied to that of Sonoma Valley. Don't  miss the striking murals paying homage to the Mexican Americans who contribute to the winery industry.      

BEST FOR: Tired of pretentious wineries? Drop by for a no-BS, authentic Sonoma experience that delivers on its promise of good wines and friendly service. It's also a convenient stop on the way to Napa.

AT A GLANCE: Art meets wine at this boutique winery.

HIGHLIGHTS: Commissioned artwork is proudly featured on each wine label. Full art collection displayed on site. Tasting room is small and can get crowded but offers personalized attention.

BEST FOR: Take advantage of free passes offered if you visit both Benziger Family Winery and Imagery as they are sister wineries. Buy a bottle and enjoy a sunny afternoon on the lawn playing bocce ball or horse shoes.

AT A GLANCE: Small winery located mid-valley.

HIGHLIGHTS: Chardonnay and pinot noir are the star attractions at this winery. Look for signature wines and small production lots available only at the winery.

BEST FOR: Tasting room is a bit dark but outdoor patio when in full bloom is very beautiful. Call ahead to inquire about live music and carriage ride through the vineyards.

AT A GLANCE: Grab your kids, dogs, boots and blue jeans and come on down for a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting, picnicking, horse shoes, or bocce ball.  

HIGHLIGHTS: Rich with history, the winery is the former site of the famous Sonoma Rodeo and also the former Embarcadero of Sonoma where passengers from San Francisco debarked from steamships for the wagon ride to Sonoma Plaza.

BEST FOR: Casual, down-home wine tasting in an off-the-beaten path tasting room. Very family friendly; kids will love the petting zoo.

AT A GLANCE: Small, family-owned winery located in a private, vineyard setting.

HIGHLIGHTS: Set off from the main road, the winery offers an intimate experience in a gorgeous vineyard setting. Wines are mainly blends of estate-grown red grapes, primarily zin, syrah, and cab. Max production of 2,500 cases sold only at winery and thru wine club.

BEST FOR: A relaxed tasting and lunch seated at a picnic table on the patio with vyd. views and dogs eager to befriend you. Check calendar for regular evening live music and wine events.