With hundreds of wineries in the area, discovering the most famous and popular Sonoma wineries can seem daunting. There are so many excellent choices, but finding a winery that provides an exceptional experience can enhance your time in Sonoma and help create memories and stories you tell over and over again.

Many Northern California locals frequent Sonoma wineries to unwind and relax in the sun. The laid-back atmosphere, chic tasting rooms and incredible views make these wineries the best pick for many natives, visitors and some celebrities. These Sonoma wineries are excellent picks whether you’re looking for a picnic spot before a hike, hoping to spot your A-list crush or want to check some fantastic locations off your bucket list.

What Are the Most Famous Sonoma Wineries?

Although many wineries are known for their delicious glass of reds or whites, some have interesting features and attractions that prompt people to come back and compel visitors to stop by during their trips. These are some of the most popular wineries in Sonoma, so decide what you want from your experience before choosing a winery to visit.

1. Donum Estate

At Donum Estate, you’ll find aged Pinots and incredible contemporary art. The estate is over 200 acres, and each wine tasting is a private event, including a stroll around the property. The natural beauty is eye-catching, with an organic farm, vineyards and olive trees. However, you can also find your eyes wandering to the 30 large-scale works from artists around the world. When you make your private appointment at Donum Estate, you and your guests will have a truly unique winery experience.

2. Hanzell Vineyards

Founded in 1953, Hanzell Vineyards is a historic location to visit and explore the profiles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This winery sits at the southern tip of the Mayacamas Mountains. While you sip on your favorite glass, you can enjoy the vineyard’s birds-eye view of Sonoma. Gather your five closest friends and enjoy the view as the sun sets during your hour-long tasting journey through the winery’s history.

3. Ram’s Gate Winery

Although Ram’s Gate Winery opened in 2011, the rustic decor and diligent use of space recall the weathered farmsteads on the land many years prior. Using locally-sourced grapes, Ram’s Gate presents drinkers with multi-dimensional wine. Here, you can choose to pair your glass with food, and if you opt for the Behind the Gate Experience, you can observe a cooking class demonstration and take part in a wine-tasting excursion.

Visit the Oldest Winery in Sonoma, California

You can take a historical journey through time by visiting Buena Vista Winery. You might remember reading this name in our list of the prettiest wineries to visit. On top of enjoying the beautiful and historic wine caves, you can come from your experience knowing you visited the oldest winery in the state.

“Count” Agoston Haraszthy began Buena Vista Winery’s story in 1857, making it the oldest winery in all of California. The winery has a rich history and continues to sell a colorful collection of wine to reflect the eccentric personality of its founder.

Jean-Charles Boisset, a passionate history lover, currently owns Buena Vista, so every visitor can expect an experience that pays homage to the winery’s humble beginnings and the history of Sonoma wine. From the building’s exterior to the intricate details of the tasting room, you can imagine yourself back in time at this beautiful location.

There have been some enhancing renovations to the winery, including an earthquake-proof champagne cellar, which was previously off-limits due to structural damage. Additionally, visitors can now appreciate the Heritage Garden on the grounds, highlighting Sonoma’s horticulture history.

Since 2015, guests have had the option to visit the Wine Tool Museum, where they can observe a 20-minute light and sound show depicting the winery’s history. Guests can also examine wine tools dating back more than 100 years with guided daily tours.

Top Sonoma Wineries Celebrities Visit

Running into a celebrity may not happen to many people, but your chances certainly increase when visiting A-list hotspots. If you’re hoping to meet an idol or take pictures with a big name, visiting some of these wineries may be the way to go. If nothing else, you can visit wineries celebrities own and enjoy a refreshing glass simultaneously.

1. Finale Wines

Fans of Jonathan Cain or the band Journey may want to add Finale Wines to their list of wine tours to visit. Jonathan Cain, the keyboardist for Journey, owns this establishment, and you can celebrate occasions or unwind in style by drinking their 2018 Finale Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. You’ll have an incredible time chatting with friends, learning about Cain and admiring three unique wines.

2. Bure Family Wines

Those who watched “Boy Meets World” or the recent Disney Channel original “Girl Meets World” can enjoy every sip of wine from Bure, knowing Candace Cameron Bure and her husband own the establishment. In 2006, the couple experimented with winemaking, and they enjoy spending time in wine country.

3. Hunt & Ryde Winery

Guy Ferrari once sold his grapes from a 5-acre vineyard to Jackson Family Wines. However, he later launched his own brand, which you can find in Sonoma. Diehard fans may recognize the name as it honors his two sons, Hunter and Ryder. When you visit this winery, try their popular bottles, including a Cabernet blend, Zinfandel wine and Pinot Noir.

Order Famous Sonoma Wines to Your Door

Sonoma County certainly offers an extensive and delicious wine selection, but you don’t have to visit to experience the unique profiles and exciting blends. Whether you’re looking to cuddle on the couch with a bottle of your favorite celebrity’s bottle, take a historic stroll in time from your kitchen or want to taste a sample of Sonoma’s best, you can bring the bottle to your door with Marketview Liquor. Browse our selection and order a sampling of Sonoma County wines.