MySonomaCounty.com

Chateau St. Jean Winery, Sonoma Valley

St. Francis Winery, Sonoma Valley

Ledson Winery, Sonoma Valley

Tasting in Sonoma Valley is a great day!  The valley is just north of the town of Sonoma.  It is one of the most popular appelations in Sonoma County, weekends in summer and early fall (Harvest) can be crowded.  If you are able to visit on a weekday it is less crowded.  It  is easy to visit on your way to/from wine country and San Francisco.

There are 2 great options for tasting in Sonoma Valley.   First is to start at the North end of the Valley along Hwy 12 then finish with an early dinner reservation, say 6 or 6:30 in the town of Sonoma.  The wineries start closing around 4:30-5:30 so if you get to town early you can spend some time shopping.  There are several fun shops, clothing, ktichen wares, art galleries, antiques, etc.

The second option is to have an early lunch/brunch in the town of Sonoma, do a little shopping before or after.  Then head North from town along Hwy 12 to do the wine tasting.  When you are finished just head back to where you are staying.

Here are the wineries we like to visit frequently, starting from the North on Hwy 12 and going South into the town of Sonoma.  Any winery you want to visit in Sonoma Valley is not far.   (Click on the links below for their websites.)

    Sonoma Valley Wineries

Ledson Winery - a large Victorian mansion reproduction.  Good wines, deli and nice gift shop.

St Francis Vineyards -  a California Mission reproduction set in the vineyards.  Very good wines, especially their modestly priced wines.  

Chateau St Jean (our fav) - a historic chateau for reserve tastings and a modern chateau for the regular tasting, deli and one of the best gift shops.  Beautifully landscaped formal gardens also.  A large variety of wines and excellent at all price points,  many award winning.  Winemake of the year, Margo.  (The reseve tasting is worth the extra cost.)

Kenwood Vineyards - a rustic brown barn where you can taste any wine they make.   And there are a lot at all price points.

Paradise Ridge Wines - some great wines.  This is a recent addition to Sonoma Valley is is just small, modest tasting room as their main facility is in Santa Rosa.  The cab is especially good and a very nice sparkling too.

Benzinger Family Winery - just off Hwy 12 by Jack London State Park.  A farm/winery.  Peacocks, great tours ove the vineyards too.

Valley of the Moon Winery - a tuscan villa reproduction.  Especially good modestly priced wines.  Nice gift shop too.

Restaurants in Sonoma

El Dorado Kitchen 707 996.3030, wine country chic, relaxed & casual dining room, also outdoor seating under oldest fig tree in Sonoma Valley

The Girl and The Fig 707.938.3634, intimate, wine country antiques, outdoor patio.

            Brunch at The Girl & The Fig, Sonoma Town Square