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Marketview Liquor Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Sonoma County Wineries

Sonoma County encompasses areas from Mayacamas Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma wineries fill the land between the two. You can find everything from cute and small locations for intimate gatherings to sophisticated and elegant wine houses for large parties or beautiful views.

More importantly, you can find an expansive array of profiles and tastes to liven your meals and become your new favorite. Sonoma County wine is delectable, no matter the bottles you’re seeking. Whether you’re visiting on a long trip or want to find the perfect blend for your next dinner at home, exploring Sonoma is a perfect way to impress your guests and taste buds. Discover the memorable blends Sonoma has to offer and where you can go to find your next bottle.

What Makes Sonoma County Wine Special?

Wineries in Sonoma thrive because their wines are delicious and genuine. With long sunny days and cool nights, the climate in Sonoma County offers ideal conditions for wine grapes to grow and produce delicious flavors that natives and visitors love. Additionally, this area sees oceanic fog that creates a large daily temperature range that preserves complexity and acidity, enhancing the taste of each wine.

Sonoma County encompasses mountains, a river valley, coastal hills and other soil types that enable growers to produce a wide variety of grapes. With more soil variations than in France, the soil can be rocky, well-drained or rich and loamy, giving many growing possibilities and ensuring each wine has unique and vibrant flavors wine-drinkers love.

What Is the Most Popular Wine in Sonoma County

You can find unique flavors and mouthwatering aromas anywhere you look, from luscious whites to delectable reds. Although there are many varieties to choose from, Sonoma is known for several specific wine types. Sonoma County is famous for the following:

  • Chardonnay: Sonoma County crafts excellent Chardonnay, and it continues to be one of the best sellers in the area. Grown in over 95,000 vineyards alone, Chardonnay offers a sweet and acidic balance wine drinkers enjoy.
  • Pinot Noir: Like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir comes from the Russian River Valley and is another popular selection. These grapes need specific growing conditions but thrive in this area, and many growers oak age the wine to lengthen the silky finish.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Alexander Valley grows grapes for this wine variety. The strong finish and savory flavors are delectable and can have notes of blueberries, black raspberries, cinnamon, wood smoke, clove, pine nuts, pencil shavings and raisins.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Vineyards grow grapes for Sauvignon Blanc in the Sonoma Mountain range. Sauvignon Blanc holds a zippy and light profile with a softened tart taste.
  • Zinfandel: Growers produce grapes for this wine in Dry Creek Valley, where the warm climates enhance the fruit-forward flavors. With just enough acidity to offset the sweetness, this wine can have notes of yogurt, strawberry, sorbet, fig and cherry.
  • Merlot: Bennett Valley lies between mountain peaks and is a common place for growing these bold grapes. The fourth most-produced red wine in California, Merlot is an excellent choice for wine drinkers who want a red wine that is less dense.

How Many Wineries Are in Sonoma County?

Sonoma wineries sit on the North Central and North Coasts, and Sonoma vineyards encompass tens of thousands of acres in California. Among the 19 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), there are more than 400 wineries. These wineries range from internationally acclaimed wine houses to local, family operations.

The number of wineries in various locations in Sonoma is as follows:

  • Russian River Valley: 94
  • Dry Creek Valley: 63
  • Alexander Valley: 43
  • West Sonoma Valley: 23
  • Carneros: 22
  • Bennett Valley: 17
  • Green Valley: 10
  • Petaluma Gap: 9
  • Sonoma Coast: 7
  • Chalk Hill: 5
  • Moon Mountain District: 4
  • Fountaingrove District: 4
  • Sonoma Mountain: 3
  • Knights Valley: 2

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

Marketview Liquor is dedicated to delivering a wide range of delectable products to enjoy, including those from Sonoma County. We want to help you experience the wines California is known for. In this guide, you’ll discover the best Sonoma wineries and learn everything you need to know before visiting. You can plan a trip to some of your favorites, look to buy an interesting bottle online or spruce up your California wine knowledge to apply in the future.

You can determine which wineries will be the best choice for you. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a place to visit with loved ones or hope to run into a celebrity, you can add these wineries to your bucket list.

Discover what food to order out while you visit, or create a calm and delicious night in with your favorite bottle. Discover everything you need to know about Sonoma wineries. Add to your Sonoma County wine collection with more bottles of your favorites, or try something new and exciting from some of the best wineries around.

 

Chapter 1: 9 Most Beautiful Wineries in Sonoma

In addition to the delicious wines from Sonoma County, many people also enjoy the breathtaking views and astounding aesthetics that turn heads and catch eyes. Sonoma is just as luxurious as some of the other California regions with the same reputation, and you can find a high caliber of restaurants, hotels and attractions to complete your trip.

Consider some of these beautiful Sonoma wineries when planning to have your next delicious glass. Whether you’re looking for a location for your next date night, to take incredible photos with your friends or where you can admire the natural beauty of the world around you, you can find the perfect winery in Sonoma.

Beautiful Wineries to Visit in Sonoma

The beauty and amenities a winery has to offer help create a well-rounded and memorable experience for every taster. You can visit many of these locations during a leisurely visit to the area or stop and stay a while. From the decor to the architectural wonders, many cool Sonoma wineries will take your breath away with their beauty.

1. Buena Vista Winery

Buena Vista Winery is California’s first premium winery. The 1857 property produces beautifully balanced wines and remains one of the top places to visit. You can visit this winery daily and enjoy tastings among the historic wine caves. Visitors must make reservations, so call ahead to get a spot for you and your guests to enjoy Buena Vista Winery together.

2. Scribe Winery

Scribe Winery attracts many young crowds due to its peaceful location. You can find Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and enjoy fresh produce as you sip. It has a historic Hacienda, providing visitors with a glimpse of the past with a taste of the present. They offer farm-to-table dinners, and wine enthusiasts can connect at events on the property.

3. Reeve Wines

If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, look no further than Reeve Wines. The inside is inviting, with a setup that feels like a friend’s living room. Outside, their expansive patio is perfect for catching up and enjoying a refreshing glass as you admire the surrounding vineyards.

Most Romantic Wineries in Sonoma

Visiting a winery can be a peaceful and romantic way to spend an afternoon or evening. Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day spot or simply want to enjoy your significant other’s company, these wineries are sure to bring forth feelings of love and attraction. Plan your next special date at one of these stunning locations.

1. Sebastiani

The large Sebastiani tasting room is sure to bring you and your loved one closer, even if it’s just because so many other happy couples flow through the room. After tasting Cabernet and Merlot, you and your significant other can stroll the historic grounds. You can also reserve a private tasting for a custom experience you will never forget.

2. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

This winery features an Italian-style wine castle and is one of the best places to enjoy a glass with your loved one in Dry Creek Valley. With shaded and formal pond gardens, you can take loving walks around the property hand-in-hand as you admire the beauty around you. Sip on signature glasses and enjoy the sweeping view of the estate.

3. Ledson Winery and Vineyards

With a dramatic exterior, Ledson pairs Gothic architecture with the rugged mountains in Sonoma County. This estate was originally a family residence but has since become a stunning place to host a romantic getaway. With cozy fireplaces, dark-wood paneling, private tasting rooms, a full-service deli and three tasting bars, Ledson provides the perfect place to enjoy getting closer to your loving partner over a glass of wine.

Sonoma Wineries With the Best Views

Sonoma wineries encompass a vast terrain, and wineries follow suit. From valleys to mountain ranges, tasters can enjoy many natural sights that highlight the beauty of our world. These wineries offer breathtaking sights and tastes, and you can enjoy the views on your own or with friends and family who want to create a truly lasting memory.

1. Hamel Family Wines

Everyday drinkers and wine experts alike can enjoy Hamel Family Wines. Every wine experience includes a property tour, where you can have a personalized wine and food journey. The winery’s executive chef offers seasonal pairings, and you receive a glass of Sauvignon Blanc upon starting your tour. Afterward, the four-course meal will amaze you and your guests as you enjoy delectable flavors and delicious aromas.

2. Landmark Vineyards

Founded in 1974, this winery is famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. At Landmark Vineyards, the grapes age in French oak barrels and come out to deliver expressive, complex and aromatic wines. Landmark has two tasting rooms, with one in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Here, tasters can enjoy the luscious gardens and distant mountains as they experience wines, fresh flowers and herbs.

3. Paradise Ridge Winery

Paradise Ridge Winery offers a deck overlooking vineyards and the Russian River Valley. They also feature a sculpture garden with an expansive view of the surrounding area. You enjoy a picnic experience as you sip from their signature bottles with fresh bread and local cheeses.

Enjoy the Beauty of Sonoma Wine From Home

You don’t have to travel to California to enjoy the mouthwatering profiles of Sonoma County wines. Marketview Liquor offers wine from Sonoma without needing a plane ticket. You can find your favorite bottles or try the unique blends of a winery you’d love to visit in the future. Browse our wines from Sonoma County and bring the bottles to your doorstep.

Download The Guide as PDF