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About Western Sonoma County Wine Country | top
This is a Special Place! Western Sonoma County, one of the most beautiful California wine country vacation destinations, is home to some of the world's finest wines, as well as some of the most beautiful wine country vacation homes! Cradled between the cool, breathtaking Pacific Coast to the west and the hot Sonoma and Napa valleys to the east, this spectacular land of mountains, towering redwood forests, vineyards, and river and creek vistas offers many opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and enjoyment of the local award winning wines in a Mediterranean climate. Just 70 miles north of San Francisco, a visit to the western Sonoma County wine country is the perfect add-on to a San Francisco vacation -- or a visit to San Francisco is a great extension to a Sonoma County wine country vacation. There are also now non-stop flights to Sonoma Wine Country from Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland, Oregon.
Wine is in Our Blood
The Russian River area's fine wines result from the historical recognition of the value of a cool, foggy climate and verdant, alluvial soils when growing the finest wine grapes. Few areas of the State can boast more historical California flavor than Sonoma County; grapes and wine are an essential part of this colorful history. As early as 1812, Russian settlers cultivated grapes on this fertile land. They were followed by the Spanish, and countless other European settlers who brought their knowledge, their vines, and their belief that wines produced in Sonoma County could be as fine as those made in Europe. Today, approximately over 230,000 tons of grapes are produced on nearly 60,000 acres of vineyards. While the history of wine making in Sonoma County is long and distinguished, the industry is also growing by leaps and bounds. Out of about 200 wineries, over half are less than 20 years old.
The Joys of Western Sonoma County Wines
Many of the wineries of Western Sonoma Wine County are small, family owned enterprises, each creating its own unique style of wine. Visitors may sample these delectable wares in a variety of settings, from grandiose to humble, set amongst some of the most inspiring scenery in the world. Many wineries offer picnic areas, and some offer tours of the winery and/or vineyard. Western Sonoma County wineries don't customarily charge for tasting; the pace is leisurely and uncrowded; the natives are generally friendly and helpful. This map and travelogue for visiting Russian River Valley, Green Valley, and Sonoma Coast wineries will help you plan the perfect wine-tasting excursion.
Where the Grapes Are
Wine Spectator has called Sonoma County "California's most diverse and promising
wine region." Become familiar with Sonoma County's variety by sampling an array of wines from each of the regions of the County. The food and wine growing regions of Western Sonoma County are: Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast. To find out more about Western Sonoma County appellations, please visit The Sonoma County Grape Growers Association website. For maps of the area that include wineries by appellation, see Russian River Wine Road's maps page.
 More than Wine: Western Sonoma County Has So Much To Offer
In addition to legendary vineyards, our scenery, recreational activities, and hospitality make the Sonoma County, California Wine Country the wine connoisseur's foremost vacation destination in the United States. Small farms and dairies abound, providing an abundance of fresh produce and gourmet fixings, while the Pacific Ocean provides fresh seafood. The scenic Russian River hosts a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the trails through the redwoods, along the river, on the Pacific Ocean beaches and headlands.
If you enjoy shopping, Western Sonoma County features many small, picturesque towns that are home to charming shops and fine cuisine. There are also many
wine and vineyard based events scheduled year round, suitable to a variety of budgets.
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Where to Stay:
While there are many wonderful lodging choices in this area, Russian River Getaways' wine country vacation homes offer you the opportunity to visit this vacation paradise by staying in a home that offers the amenities you want. From simple cabins to luxury villas, there is a wide range of choices whether it's for a romantic couple, a family, or a wine club of 20 friends. Bring your dog since virtually all these homes are pet-friendly; bring your laptop as most have high-speed Internet access. And you can leave the driving to one of the numerous driving and limousine services that serve the area. See our wine country vacation rental homes below.
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"Many of the world's greatest vineyards are associated with rivers...the Russian River, in California, gives its name to the home of the world class Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays." -- Larry Walker, Fine Wine Folio, Vol. 12, No. 9 |
Local Wine Events | top
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16th Annual WINTER WINELAND
Jan. 19 - 20, 2008
100+ Wineries Offer Special Treats! One of the premier wine events along the Russian River Wine Road is the annual Winter Wineland. This is a great opportunity to visit, meet winemakers and taste limited production wines at wineries not generally open to the public. Food, seminars, entertainment, and winery tours are part of the fun. No children or dogs at this event. List of Participating Wineries (pdf)
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30th Annual Barrel Tasting
March 1-8, 2008
This promises to be our biggest Barrel Tasting Weekend ever! With over 100 wineries opening their cellars for your tasting pleasure.
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10th Annual Wine & Food Affair
Nov. 1-2, 2008
Join us for a weekend of wine and food pairing.
Local Wineries | top
Award Winning Grapes = Award Winning Wines
Sonoma County's varied micro climates and topography allow 25 different varieties of grapes to be grown here, all used to make wines that are acclaimed throughout the world. Here are some of our staff favorites, both for their great wine and their good deeds:
- Armida Winery is a family owned and operated winery specializing in the production of hand-crafted Estate Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Part of the proceeds from the sale of Armida's La Femme Mystique benefit UCSF cancer research programs. 707/433-2222
- Belvedere Vineyards & Winery ("They make it all") "We believe there is something soulful about fruit grown in our own backyard, and proximity to the vineyards means we can watch the vines daily, picking the grapes at peak flavor. Since our winery is situated near the joining point of three renowned Sonoma appellations, our winemaker can produce wines reflecting several distinct terroirs." Open 11am - 5pm Daily, Tasting Room: 4035 Westside Rd., Healdsburg, CA 95448, Local: 707/431-4442; Toll free: 800/433-8296
- Davis Bynum specializes in Pinot Noir, old vines Zinfandel, Merlot and Fume Blanc. Wines are handmade using "old world" techniques. 707/433-5852
- Davis Family Vineyards "We are a small family winery that thinks everything matters from vineyard to bottle. We make only small lots of wine and literally handcraft each and every one. We are passionate in our pursuit and believe wine is an essential element in a rich and wonderful life---adding a delicious layer to both meals and to friendships." Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Tasting room: 52 Front Street, Healdsburg CA 95448, Phone: 707/569-0171 Fax: 707/569-0181 Toll Free 866/338-9463
- DuNah Vineyards & Winery is located in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley near the small country town of Sebastopol "surrounded by nature’s ideal climate for grapes, mixing the seasonal sun, cool evenings and fresh ocean breezes with the Goldridge soil and carefully selected clones – all garnished with the valley’s characteristic fog. Using traditional techniques of winemaking and with the addition of our care and stewardship as winegrowers and winemakers, we handcraft our limited production offerings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for your enjoyment and pleasure." No tasting room. 707/829-9666, info@dunahwinery.com
- Dutton-Goldfield "After working closely together as grape grower and winemaker since 1990, Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield merged their talents to create Dutton-Goldfield Winery in 1998. Our mission is to craft world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (along with a touch of Zinfandel and Syrah) that display the brightness of fruit, complexity, structure and balance that are reflective of our cool coastal home in and around the Russian River Valley." Tasting room: 5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa (midway between Hwy 116 and Fulton Road), 707/568-2455 x30
- Gary Farrell Wines was pioneered by one of Sonoma County's finest wine makers. 707/473-2900
- Hanna Winery A wide range of varietals grown in three appellations, 100% estate produced wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. Tasting room: Open Daily 10-4, 5353 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, 707/575-3371
- Hartford Family Winery "Hartford Family Winery was founded in 1993 as a result of Don and Jennifer Hartford's appreciation for the wines, the people, and the unique vineyards near their Russian River Valley home. Located in the Sonoma County town of Forestville, the winery is about 15 miles from the cool Pacific Coast." High personality wines; single-vineyard and limited bottlings. Open daily from 10 - 4:30. Tasting room: 8075 Martinelli Road in Forestville.
- Harvest Moon A family-driven boutique winery nestled in the Russian River Valley that focuses primarily on California's own Zinfandel. Although the Estate Zinfandel is their pride and joy, they also handcraft a limited quantity of Estate Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. Open Monday through Sunday, 10:30am to 4:30pm. Tasting room: 2192 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, 707/573-8711
- Iron Horse, with its stunning hilltop tasting room, is a family winery that produces famous sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals. Marketing Director Joy Sterling has authored several beautiful books about her vineyard experiences. 707/887-1507
- Joseph Swan is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Vineyard designated pinot noir and old vine Zinfandel, plus small lots of Rhone style wine, pinot gris and chardonnay. Tasting room: 2916 Laguna Rd, Forestville, 707/573-3747 Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am-4:30pm as well as by appointment on Mondays and Fridays.
- Kendall-Jackson is a large producer whose wines are distributed throughout the country. Produced from 12,000 acres of vineyards on mountains, ridges, hillsides and benchlands throughout the cool California coastal regions. Tasting room: 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, 707/571-8100, Toll Free 866/287-9818. Open 10am to 5pm. Garden tours are offered daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm (weather permitting). Private tours and tastings are available by appointment only for groups of 10 or more at $5 per person.
- Korbel Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars has been a part of America's greatest celebrations for more than 120 years. It has been the exclusive champagne of the past five presidential inaugurations, and was the champagne of choice for the Camelot years of the Kennedy administration. Champagne Cellar Tour; Rose Garden tour; deli and gift shop, tasting room: 13250 River Road, Guerneville, 707/824-7000
- Martin Ray Winery Courtney Benham acquired the historic Martini & Prati winery in July 2003, which is now Martin Ray Winery. Tasting Room: 2191 Laguna Road in Santa Rosa, CA 95401, just off Guerneville Road. Take a tour of the historic winery and learn about the winemaking process from harvest to bottle. See cellar of 10,000 gallon old-growth redwood tanks; sample homemade jug wine straight from the tank! 707/823-2404. Winter hours Nov. 1 thru Mar. 31 Thu. thru Mon. 11am – 4pm ; Summer hours Apr. 1 thru Oct. 31: every day, 11am – 5pm
- Martinelli "The Martinelli family has long been prominent among the growers in the Russian River Valley. They have over 350 acres of vineyards planted, and have been the source for many top wines from other producers. Several years ago Steve Martinelli began to estate bottle 4,000 cases, a relatively small percentage of the Martinelli Vineyards' total production. However, he had the luxury of choosing the best parcels. Beginning in 1993, with the help of consultant/winemaker Helen Turley, he is bottling all the Martinelli wines without filtration, and much of the production without fining. The results are some of the most concentrated, complex, and exciting wines being made in California. Prices for Martinelli's wines have remained modest." (Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate). Tasting Room and Art Gallery: 3360 River Road , Windsor, 800/346-1627
- Michel-Schlumberger is a unique Benchland Wine Estate that utilizes experimental vineyards, innovative farming, and Jacques Schlumberger's solid four hundred year family wine making history to make its fine wines. 707/433-7427 or 800/447-3060
- Mill Creek Winery White wines plus Merlot and Chardonnay. Family owned and run; a single property which incorporates the entire process from growing the grapes to selling the wine. Tasting room: 1401 Westside Road, Healdsburg. Two separate picnic areas with spectacular views of Dry Creek Valley, Fitch Mountain, and Mount St. Helena and a native plant garden.
- Moshin Family Winery Known for great pinot, also producing Cabernet, Syrah and Chardonnay. Both California and French style wines. Tasting Room: 10295 Westside Road in Healdsburg, California along the Russian River. Daily from 11:00am-4:30pm
- Pellegrini Family Vineyards produce estate wines under the Olivet Lane, Cloverdale Ranch and Pellegrini labels. Award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, as well as classic Old Clone Zinfandel in special limited quantities and small lots of Sauvignon Blanc, Carignan and Rosato. Tasting Room: Winery tours and tastings offered daily by appointment 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM, 4055 West Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, 800/891-0244 or bill@pellegrinisonoma.com
- Porter Creek Winery A father and son duo creating great Pinot, Carignane, Syrah, Chardonary, and Viognier from grapes grown on their own organic, hillside, vineyard-designated grapes. Tasting Room: 8735 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707/433-6321. Seven days a week: 10:30-4:30
- Raymond Burr Chardonnary, Cabernet, and Cabernet Franc. Terrific wine, but worth a visit just for the history display of this beloved actor's life, as well as orchids on display from the huge collection still maintained by his surviving partner. The Tasting Room is open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. by appointment only at 8339 West Dry Creek Road. Call for an appointment: 888/900-0024
- Robert Mueller Cellars This small winery combines the French tradition and quality grapes to make a great wine that is also a great value. 707/837-7399
- Robert Rue Zinfandel only, all old vines. Carol Shelton makes these wines. Extremely knowledgeable in her field, she is considered the "Queen of Zinfandel". Sales at Winery, but no tasting room. 1406 Wood Road, Fulton, 707/578-1601
- Rochioli is an award winning, family winery that has been growing premium grapes since the 1930s. 707/433-2305
- Roshambo Winery & Gallery Red, pink, and white blends, plus Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Cutting edge architecture provides a stunning environment for emerging conceptual artists as well as for wine tasters. Tasting room: 3000 Westside Road in Healdsburg, Open daily 10:30am to 4:30pm.
- Seghesio Vineyards and Winery was founded in 1895 with the vision of bringing wine to the every day table, and is still tended by the Seghesio family. 707/433-3579
- Suncé Winery Over a dozen single vineyard varietal wines from the winery on Olivet Road. Founded by Winemaker Frane Franicevic in 1991. A native of the Croatian island of Hvar, and the small fishing village of Sucuraj, Frane was born into a family with a centuries-old winemaking tradition. Among the most successful, award-winning varietal wines are the Rodella Pinot Noir, the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hedin Vineyard, the Baker Zinfandel, the La Rochelle Sauvignon Blanc, the Strycker Cabernet Sauvignon, the St. Olof’s Barbera, and a dazzling Malbec also from St. Olof’s Vineyard. Suncé released its own estate Pinot Noir, from Zora’s Vineyard (named for their eldest daughter), in the fall of 2005. No tasting room.
- Tara Bella Small, owner-operated family vineyard that specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon only. They produce 200-500 cases annually. 3701 Viking Road, Santa Rosa, 707/544-9049, 877/698-WINE. No tasting room.
- Wild Hog Vineyard is nestled in the hills between Fort Ross and Cazadero along the Sonoma Coast. Wild Hog is a family owned and operated, certified organic winery and vineyard that specializes in red wines. 707/847-3687
- Williams Selyem produces one of the finest Pinot Noirs in the world, as confirmed by consistently high ratings from the Wine Spectator, Robert Parker Jr., and the like.
Wine Tasting Off the Beaten Track: Olivet Road
Olivet Road, only three miles long, is home to seven wineries, each different. Here you can enjoy a day of wine-tasting with little driving and no crowds. Just drive 6.3 miles east from the Hacienda Bridge in Forestville and turn right onto Olivet Road. Note that some of these wineries do require an appointment, so call ahead:
Wine Collections
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Sophie's Cellars presents one of the most extensive and unique collections of Sonoma wine. Located in Monte Rio, California, in the heart of Sonoma Country at the boundaries of Sonoma's Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations, Sophie's Cellars has built an extensive collection of hard-to-find limited production wines, specializing in Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Champagne and Sparkling Wine. And they have a fabulous collection of local cheese. 4 Miles West of Guerneville: 20293 Hwy 116, Monte Rio, CA 95462. 11am-7pm, Closed Wed. 707/865-1122
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Wine & Cheese Tasting of Sonoma County, while not a winery, is the perfect place to sample the finest wines the amazing California wine country has to offer. When all the wineries are sold out of their best wines, you can often still find them here. 707/865-0565
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Wine Country Vacation Rentals | top
Whether you're spending lavishly or working with a moderate budget, consider a vacation home rental as your wine country lodging. With over 80 homes, all within an easy drive of wineries, Russian River Getaways offers a wide array of homes, all fully furnished and well-equipped to give you the comforts of home. After a day of wine-tasting, enjoy your wine in front of the fireplace, admiring the view from your deck, or soaking in the hot tub. Grill outdoors for en plein air dining with a bottle of your just-purchased wine. Virtually any place you choose will have beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Below are a few of the homes most convenient to wine-tasting excursions, all within a ten to twenty minute drive to major wine-tasting areas. There are many more homes just a few minutes further. All the homes are listed on Russian River Getaways' listings page; real-time availability and online booking are available on the site. Be sure to read our booking policies thoroughly before booking a home.
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