The bar for downtown Petaluma’s tasting room scene just got a little higher with the addition of Montagne Russe. Doubling as a record shop, the newly opened venue pours cool-climate Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay, plus Rhône-style selections under the winery’s Le Pöet-Laval side label.

The story

Kevin Bersofsky might still be a garage winemaker today if his neighbor hadn’t ratted him out to the feds. While working for Sutter Home Winery in 2006, Bersofsky started making his own wine at home in St. Helena. He started with a few barrels and gradually expanded production to more than a dozen. Then, in 2013, somebody squealed.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau quickly shut down Bersofsky’s illicit operation, forcing him to dump four precious barrels down the drain. (In my mind, the feds shoot the barrels with 1920s machine guns as red wine spurts from the bullet holes. It may or may not have actually gone down that way.) Bersofsky learned his lesson and went legit, officially founding Montagne Russe in 2015.

Taking its name from the French term for roller coaster — Bersofsky helped design one as an engineering undergraduate — Montagne Russe specializes in single-vineyard wines from the Petaluma Gap and other cool-climate regions. The winery buys fruit from local growers and makes the wines at Brooks Note just down the street. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah are flagships.

The vibe

After closing its Healdsburg tasting room at Bacchus Landing, Montagne Russe took over the Black Knight Vineyards space in Petaluma last month.

Walking into the sunny, open room, visitors are greeted with a giant roller coaster graphic that twists its way across the entire left-hand wall. Weeeee!

Tasters can settle into window seating facing Petaluma Boulevard, perch at high-top tables or grab stools at the white quartz tasting bar. The atmosphere is relaxed for both humans and pups; there’s even a basket of dog toys so furry ones can chew while their humans sip.

A small alcove at the back of the venue serves as a record emporium with thousands of albums for sale. (Bersofsky’s personal vinyl collection lives behind the bar — and yes, he does take requests.)

On the palate

Bersofsky is the chief financial officer at Folio Fine Wine Partners in his weekday gig, but he says he’s not a numbers guy in the vineyard. Grape-picking decisions are made according to taste, when the fruit achieves the right balance between flavor, sugar and acidity.

I could happily quaff the 2023 Le Pöet-Laval White Rhone Blend from Mendocino County ($35) all summer long. It’s crisp and lean, with appealing peachy aromas and flavors. The 2022 Montagne Russe Dragon’s Back Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($58) is a pretty, floral wine with aromas of raspberries and spice. The 2021 Alder Springs Syrah from Mendocino County ($55) is like sipping blackberry pancakes with a side of bacon. The wine is savory and structured, with a lush, long finish.

Tastings cost $35 (choose between Montagne Russe and Le Pöet-Laval flights). Mad scientist types can also book a “winemaker for a day” blending session for $100. Stay tuned in the coming months for “Vinyls & Vino” trivia events, movie nights and live music.

Beyond the bottle

Just across the street from Montagne Russe, Stellina Alimentari is the place to savor an Italian-style focaccia sandwich or made-to-order arancini. Italian house wines are typically just 10 bucks a glass, and there are lots of yummy pantry items and take-home bottles for sale.

Montagne Russe is open from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Monday and from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 155 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, ​1-855-GO-RUSSE (1-855-467-8773), russewines.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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When people gush about cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Sonoma County, there’s a pretty good chance they’re fans of Flowers Vineyards & Winery. For more than 30 years, the producer has been wowing wine lovers with elegant estate bottlings from the windblown western Sonoma Coast.

The story

Walt and Joan Flowers had already established a successful nursery business in Pennsylvania when a classified ad in Wine Spectator caught their eye. The 1989 listing advertised a property for sale on the Sonoma Coast: Camp Meeting Ridge. Though the region was unproven for viticulture at the time, the couple bought the rugged, 327-acre site just two miles from the Pacific Ocean and planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They launched Flowers Vineyards & Winery in 1991 and later acquired the Sea View Ridge vineyard site — this time, even closer to the ocean.

Shaped through the years by talented winemakers such as Steve Kistler, Hugh Chapelle and Ross Cobb, Flowers became a benchmark for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the far reaches of the west Sonoma Coast. In 2009, Huneeus Vintners — the owners of Faust and Quintessa in Napa Valley, among other brands — purchased the winery and the Flowers retired from the operation.

The vibe

Flowers opened its striking Healdsburg tasting room, House of Flowers, in 2019 after a full renovation of the former VML winery space. Set among lush gardens and towering redwood groves, the 15-acre property includes a stylish hospitality house, a winemaking facility and leafy gardens dotted with cozy tasting cabanas. Open and spacious, the light-drenched tasting room combines natural driftwood hues with richly colored contemporary art pieces. (I believe this is what rich folk call “laid-back luxury,” and I’m here for it.) Wall-sized windows showcase impressive views of Mount Saint Helena. There’s not a bad seat in the house — or outside on the patio.

On the palate

Like the tasting room, Flowers wines have an air of reserved elegance. Chilly vineyard sites and winemaker Chantal Forthun’s subtle use of oak combine to create wines that are vibrant yet texturally lush. The 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($55) is a beautifully balanced wine with green apple and lime-Mandarin citrus notes. The 2023 Sea View Ridge Pinot Noir ($100) is simply gorgeous, with earthy forest aromas, fresh acidity and red berry character. If you’re a fan of deeper, more complex Pinots, go for the 2023 Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir ($75), a woodsy wine with blackberry and currant flavors.

Tastings range from $75 for a three-wine flight of Sonoma Coast bottlings paired with a crudité and snack board to $130 for an immersion tasting of Camp Meeting Ridge and Sea View Ridge wines paired with fancy bites from the winery’s in-house culinary team.

Beyond the bottle

Stop by the SingleThread Farm Store on the restaurant’s 24-acre farm for Michelin-star-worthy fresh produce and florals. You’ll also find Farm La-Yu and Ponzu sauces from the SingleThread kitchen, plus pantry staples, pottery and cookbooks. For a more immersive experience, you can book a farm tour, culinary workshop or falconry demonstration.

Flowers Vineyards & Winery is open Thursday through Monday by reservation. 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-847-3661. flowerswinery.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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Wine Country has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Drawn to the glamour of Napa Valley, or the laid-back, rural vibe of Sonoma County, celebrities are coming here to enjoy the good life — some of them are even making their own wine.

From rock stars to movie makers, race car drivers to football players, check out the VIPs who are making wine in Sonoma and Napa. Find more celebrity hot spots in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country here.

Meghan Markle — As Ever rosé

Actor and Los Angeles-born Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle recently released a Napa Valley rosé as part of her “As Ever” lifestyle and kitchen products brand. The wine, released July 1 on the anniversary of Princess Diana’s birthday, is a Provençal-style rosé bottled at Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood. Markle’s 2023 Napa Valley rosé — As Ever’s first wine — is already sold-out online, but a Napa Valley sparkling wine and additional varietals will follow, according to the PR team.

Jessica Biel — Prophet & Poet

Earlier this year, actor Jessica Biel unveiled her locally made wine brand at BottleRock Napa Valley 2025. Her Healdsburg-based label, Prophet & Poet, currently offers a Cabernet Sauvignon, two Chardonnays and two blended reds. Biel’s wine label originated in 2019 when Jesse Katz, winemaker of Healdsburg’s Aperture Cellars, created a red wine blend as a wedding present for Biel’s younger brother, Justin Biel. Katz later suggested to the Biel siblings that they turn that wine into a label, and they were immediately on board. Katz tapped Christopher and Ariel Jackson, of Jackson Family Wines, to collaborate on the label’s inaugural release. Both Jessica Biel and Katz poured the label’s wine at this year’s BottleRock during a VIP Platinum Lounge event.

Max Thieriot — Senses Wines

Max Thieriot, the brainchild and star of the drama TV series Fire Country, co-founded Senses Wines with childhood friends Christopher Strieter and Myles Lawrence-Briggs in 2011. The Occidental winery sources grapes from the West Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, producing an array of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ayesha Curry — Domaine Curry wines

Restaurateur, cookbook author and food television personality Ayesha Curry teamed up with her sister-in-law Sydel Curry (Steph Curry’s younger sister) and Napa’s Coup de Foudre Winery to launch wine label Domaine Curry in 2015. The sisters-in-law share a love of wine and have been spotted sipping wine at Scribe Winery in Sonoma. Their wines include the Domaine Curry Cabernet and the Domaine Curry Sauvignon Blanc.

Salma Hayek — Eisele Vineyard

Salma Hayek and her billionaire husband François-Henri Pinault own Eisele Vineyard east of Calistoga. In October 2020, Hayek made a public announcement on Instragram, in which she thanked the firefighters who saved the Calistoga vineyard from the Glass Fire. “I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude for all the first responders that came to the rescue of so many people, animals and properties,” she wrote.

Brie and Nikki Bella — Bonita Bonita

The former professional wrestling tag team known as the Bella Twins announced in October 2020 that they were moving with their families to Napa Valley, according to People magazine. The identical twins had started producing their own wine in 2017 in partnership with Napa’s Hill Family Estate, its proprietor Ryan Hill and award-winning winemaker Alison Doran. Their first wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon named “Belle Radici,” which means “beautiful roots” in Italian, and the bottle was adorned with a sleek label depicting the twins. From there, the twins launched their own winery in Napa, Bonita Bonita.

Tori Spelling — The Tori Collection at HALL Wines

Actor Tori Spelling brought 90210 to Napa Valley when she announced on Instagram in November 2020 that she had partnered with HALL Wines to put together The Tori Collection of wines. “Getting the chance to meet and work with HALL and wine legend and my spirit animal Kathryn Hall was really exciting,” she wrote. Spelling handpicked 11 wines to include in her collection — ranging from a rich Cabernet Sauvignon to light and fruity rosé to canned wine, according to People magazine.

John Legend — LVE Collection Wines

Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar-winning musician John Legend launched his LVE Collection Wines in 2015. Working with famed vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, Legend’s wines include sparkling rosé, as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay produced with fruit from Raymond Vineyards in Napa. Distributed nationally, the wines can be tasted at Raymond Vineyards and on tour with Legend.

Candace Cameron Buce — Bure Family Wines

“Fuller House” star Candace Cameron Bure and her husband, hockey player Val Bure, own Bure Family Wines in St. Helena. The couple began making wine in 2006, according to Wine Spectator. The couple likes to spend time in Wine Country and Candace Cameron Bure has been spotted at luxury restaurant SingleThread in Healdsburg. She shared in an Instagram post that she “brought a treat to drink” — a bottle of Screaming Eagle wine — when she took a friend to dinner at the restaurant in 2017.

Tamera Mowry-Housley — Housley Napa Valley

Actor Tamera Mowry-Housley, who got her start on the sitcom “Sister, Sister,” co-owns Housley Napa Valley with her husband, journalist Adam Housley. The tasting room is located in downtown Napa. The winery produces rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petit Sirah.

Guy Fieri — Hunt & Ryde

Guy Fieri bought a 5-acre vineyard of Pinot Noir grapes in the Russian River Valley appellation in 2013. In his first vintage, he sold his grapes to Jackson Family Wines for its La Crema brand and to Williams Selyem winery in Healdsburg. He then launched his own wine label, Hunt & Ryde, named for his sons Hunter and Ryder. Fieri collaborates with local vintner Guy Davis, of Davis Family Vineyards, to produce Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and a Cabernet “Trophy” blend.

Francis Ford Coppola — Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Legendary film director, producer and screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola has been involved in the wine industry since buying Napa’s Inglenook Estate in 1975. Coppola expanded his wine empire to Geyserville when he opened his namesake winery in 2006. The winery includes a museum of memorabilia from his iconic films, such as The Godfather, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Apocalypse Now. In 2015, Coppola bought a second winery, Virginia Dare. Both are open to the public.

John and Nancy Lasseter — Lasseter Family Winery

Lasseter Family Winery in Glen Ellen was founded in the early 2000s by Nancy and John Lasseter, the former chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. The winery produces rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and a variety of red blends.

Robert Mark Kamen — Kamen Estate Wines

When screenwriter and producer Robert Kamen (the Karate Kid series, Fifth Element, A Walk In The Clouds, Taken and Taken II) visited Sonoma County in 1980 to celebrate the sale of his first screenplay, he fell in love with the land. He purchased a 280-acre mountaintop property and eventually transformed it into a world-class vineyard producing estate wines. Pop into Kamen Estate Wines’ tasting room in downtown Sonoma or make an appointment to visit the mountaintop vineyards.

Les Claypool — Purple Pachyderm at Claypool Cellars

The bassist and lead vocalist of the rock band Primus, Les Claypool has been living in the Russian River Valley region of Sonoma County since 1994. His Claypool Cellars produces sparkling wine, rosé and Pinot Noir under the Purple Pachyderm label. Wine club members receive bottles signed by Claypool in their shipments and get invitations to exclusive concerts where they can party like (and with) rock stars. Taste the wines at their appointment only “fancy booze caboose” in Sebastopol.

Dave Matthews — Dreaming Tree Wines

Singer-songwriter Dave Matthews entered the winemaking game in 2000, when he opened Blenheim Vineyards winery in Charlottesville, Virginia. In response to demand from his fans, Matthews partnered with former Clos du Bois winemaker Sean McKenzie to launch Dreaming Tree Wines. Distributed nationally, and reasonably priced, they produce a Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County and other wines made with grapes from throughout California.

Jonathan Cain — Finale Wines

Musician and songwriter Jonathan Cain is the keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for Journey. (The keyboards on “Don’t Stop Believin’”? Yeah, that’s him!). When he isn’t touring the world, he’s enjoying his own wine journey with Sonoma County vintner Dennis De La Montanya. Proceeds from their Finale Wines, which include a rosé of Malbec and a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, benefit charity.

Dwyane Wade — Wade Cellars

NBA star Dwyane Wade discovered his love of great Napa Valley wines while wining and dining with teammates Chris Bosh and Lebron James. The former professional basketball player partnered with his friend, Napa Valley vintner Jayson Pahlmeyer, to launch his own wine label, Wade Cellars, in 2015. Wade Cellars wines include a rosé and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Yao Ming — Yao Family Wines

Former NBA All-Star Yao Ming fell in love with wine while playing for the Houston Rockets. Today, he owns and operates Yao Family Wines in St. Helena, producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. The ultra-modern tasting room features food and wine pairings and a touch of memorabilia from Yao’s career in sports. He’s not only selling wine in Napa Valley, but also to great success in China, including in his hometown of Shanghai.

Charles Woodson — Intercept Wines

Former NFL football player Charles Woodson fell in love with wine and decided to learn more about the winemaking process during spring training for the Oakland Raiders, which takes place in Napa Valley. After a successful career in sports, including winning the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, Woodson started his own label, Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines. Intercept Wines include a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and a red blend.

Carmen Policy — Casa Piena

He might not have played on the field, but Carmen Policy helped bring the San Francisco 49ers four Super Bowl championships and was named “Executive of the Year” by the NFL and one of the “Most Influential People in Professional Sports” by GQ. Now retired, Carmen and his wife, Gail, operate Casa Piena (“Full House” in Italian) in Napa Valley, where they produce Cabernet Sauvignons that score high with Robert Parker. Wines are available on an allotment-only basis, with tastings available by appointment.

Dick Vermeil — Vermeil Wines

As an NFL coach, Dick Vermeil led the St. Louis Rams to their only Super Bowl championship, and also coached for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Born in Calistoga, it is no surprise that Vermeil started his own winery upon retirement. Vermeil Wines has a tasting room in downtown Napa and produces varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Vermeil attends all wine member events, signing autographs and sipping the fruits of his labor.

Mario Andretti — Andretti Winery

Mario Andretti is considered one of the most successful race car drivers of all time. With that success comes not only a Ferrari (or two), but also a winery in Napa Valley that he co-founded in 1996. Wines run the gamut, from sweet Moscato and Riesling to beefy Cabernets and super Tuscans. Andretti Winery offers food and wine pairings in an Italian-inspired environment. Winery guests frequently brush elbows with Andretti and other race car drivers, especially when races take place at Sonoma Raceway.

Kevin Buckler — Adobe Road Winery

Race car driver and team owner Kevin Buckler has been producing wine in Sonoma County since 1995 at his Adobe Road Winery. Winner of Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans and numerous championships, Buckler and his wife, Debra, produce a wide array of wines from well-known vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer. Taste the wines at Adobe Road’s downtown Petaluma tasting room, complete with racing memorabilia.

Randy Lewis — Lewis Cellars

Most race car drivers will never race in the famous Indy 500, but Randy Lewis has done it — five times. Lewis started Lewis Cellars in 1992 with his wife, Debbie, a longtime wine industry professional. Eventually the couple were joined by their son, Dennis. Their appointment-only Napa Valley tasting room features wines from throughout the region, which include Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and a Cabernet Sauvignon-based Cuvée.

Gavin Newsom — PlumpJack, CADE and Odette wineries

Gov. Gavin Newsom co-founded PlumpJack Winery in Oakville, CADE Winery in Angwin and Odette Estate in Napa.

No longer available / Not open to the public

Vince Neil — Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil launched his own “Vince” wine label in the early 2000s. Vince wines were produced by Adler Fels Winery in Santa Rosa, according to Wine Spectator.

Joe Montana — Iconic 49ers quarterback Joe Montana teamed up with winemaker Ed Sbragia to create Montagia, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, according to Decanter. The wine was released in 1999, when Sbragia was the winemaker at Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena. In 2019, Montana listed his Napa estate for $28.9 million. It was later re-listed for $20 million less. The 503-acre ranch was originally priced at $49 million in 2009.

Dan Marino — Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino put his name behind the Sonoma County-based Marino Estates Vintage “13” California Cabernet, which benefited the Dan Marino Foundation, according to Wine Spectator.

Nancy Pelosi — Rep. Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul, own a private vineyard on Zinfandel Lane in St. Helena.

Tommy Smothers — Late comedian Tommy Smothers — best known as half of the musical comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, alongside his younger brother Dick — owned Remick Ridge Vineyards in Kenwood.

Janet Balicki, Elissa Chudwin, Maci Martell and Sarah Stierch contributed to this article. 

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What kind of wine taster are you? Are you looking to revel in gorgeous gardens, or do you relish a fine coastal Pinot Noir? Is it all about classic Sonoma history, or are you seeking family producers a bit off the beaten track?

Whatever the reason, we’ve put together a Sonoma tasting guide to end all tasting guides, with over 120 recommendations — and right now is the perfect time to head out to explore the best wineries in Sonoma.

Click through the above gallery for a peek at a few of our favorite places to taste wine in Sonoma County.

“I Want to Support Smaller, Family-Owned Wineries — Ones a Bit off the Beaten Path.”

Carol Shelton Wines: Set in an industrial district of Santa Rosa, this tiny tasting room can barely contain all the ribbons and awards that Shelton — known as the “Queen of Zin” — has won. $20. 3354-B Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa. 707-575-3441, carolshelton.com

Frick Winery: Bill Frick has been a one-man show for 49 years. Join him in the adorable Frick House for small-lot wines made from Rhône varieties grown on his 7.7-acre ranch. Free. 23072 Walling Road, Geyserville. 707-484-3950, frickwinery.com

Enriquez Estate Winery: Cecilia Enriquez and her parents, Ana and Eduardo, produce about 1,000 cases a year of Pinot Noir and Tempranillo on the family’s 8.5-acre vineyard. From $50. 5960 Eastside Road, Forestville. 707347-9719, enriquezwines.com

Inman Family Wines: Try Kathleen Inman’s balanced, food-friendly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparklers at this welcoming spot set in an organic vineyard. $30. 3900 Piner Road, Santa Rosa. 707-293-9576. inmanfamilywines.com

Singer Wine at Baker Lane Estate: Stephen Singer ran the wine program at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse with his former spouse, Alice Waters. He welcomes a few guests each week for a light meal and tasting of biodynamically farmed Syrah and Viognier. From $85. 7361 Baker Lane, Sebastopol. singer.wine

Bruliam Wines: Physician-turned-winemaker Kerith Overstreet makes just 1,000 cases — mainly single-vineyard Pinot Noir — each year. 1200 American Way, Windsor. bruliamwines.com

AVA Spotlight: Russian River Valley

Home to some of Sonoma’s oldest, most-prized vineyards, the Russian River Valley is widely recognized for premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is known for generously sunny days and cool, foggy nights, but given the diverse sub-regions, other varietals thrive here, too, like Zinfandel, Merlot and even cool-climate Syrah.

Favorite destinations include Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, where winemaker Theresa Heredia has been creating her own legacy of award-winning Pinot. Fellow pioneering labels like Merry Edwards, Williams Selyem, Rochioli and MacRostie Winery & Vineyards helped establish the Russian River Valley as an epicenter of premium Pinot Noir.

Sonoma-Cutrer and Balletto are ever-popular tasting spots and a crackling fireplace beckons at Benovia Winery. 

The Dutton family of Dutton Estate have been farming in the Russian River region for six generations. And David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars is considered among the state’s most innovative winemakers. Tastings here overlook the production facility, for a glimpse of the magic in action.

Taste With a Pro: Leo Hansen, Leo Steen Wines

The Drink (53 Front St., Healdsburg), located in the 1800s-era Old Roma Station building, is a shared tasting room for two standout labels: Hansen’s Leo Steen Wines (leosteenwines.com) and his buddy Mike Lucia’s Rootdown Wine Cellars (rootdownwine.com).

“The space was built as a co-op for Italian immigrants to make wine, and later became a fruit-drying facility during Prohibition,” explains Hansen.

His pick is the vibrant, green apple-kissed Saini Farms Dry Creek Valley Chenin Blanc, from one of the oldest planted Chenin Blanc vineyards in Sonoma County. “I love creating food-friendly, low-alcohol wine from this sleek, silky variety,” he says.

And Hansen loves meeting his guests — he leads tastings of six wines seven days a week ($30). After tasting at The Drink, Hansen likes to recommend that folks walk just a few blocks along the Russian River to Arnot-Roberts (arnotroberts.com). “They make fantastic wines with fun varietals like Ribolla Gialla, Trousseau and Gamay Noir.”

3 Great Kid-Friendly Wineries

Belden Barns, Santa Rosa: Scavenger hunts, explorer backpacks to borrow and a special wishing tree. beldenbarns.com

Preston of Dry Creek, Healdsburg: Ultra laid-back, with rambling gardens to explore, kitties to pet and hearth-baked sourdough bread. prestonofdrycreek.com

Cline Cellars, Sonoma: A historic property with sprawling gardens. Picnicking is welcome, and there are cute donkeys, too. Be sure to ask for a coloring map of their property to keep the kiddos entertained. clinecellars.com

No Car Needed: Petaluma

Petaluma has a Norman Rockwell feel, but locals know aspects of the town are just as edgy as San Francisco, just 35 miles to the south. Several excellent tasting rooms beckon here.

Barber Cellars (barbercellars.com), in the Art Deco-style Hotel Petaluma, features standout Zinfandel, classic ’80s arcade games, and an interesting food pairing consisting of a Ukrainian-style zakuski platter of cheeses, salads and savory pastries.

The future Adobe Road Winery, from former race car driver Kevin Buckler (adoberoadwines.com) is under construction along the Petaluma waterfront. For now, Adobe Road tastings are held in the historic Great Petaluma Mill.

And nearby Brooks Note Winery & Tasting Room (brooksnotewinery.com) is in a 1920s-era building. The flagship here is Pinot, but don’t miss the food-friendly Blaufrankisch, paired with local cheese.

From award-winning winemaker Hardy Wallace, the most exuberant man in all of Wine Country, the Sonoma tasting room for Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! is a kaleidoscope of creativity and artistic intention. winecoyeah.com

‘‘Shifting the Lens” at sparkling wine specialist J Vineyards & Winery invites chefs from diverse backgrounds to take over the menu at their popular Bubble Room. In May, the honor went to James Beard semifinalist chef Michael Reed, of Poppy & Seed restaurant. jwine.com

2 Great Spots for Live Music

Muscardini Cellars, Kenwood: Italian varietals and live music every weekend May to October, with Simmer Down Saturdays. muscardinicellars.com

Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg: Beloved for their summer concert series, with major artists like Chris Isaak and Blues Traveler. Reserve a seat or bring a blanket and sit on the green. rodneystrong.com

“I’m a Total Foodie. Where Can I Have a Delicious Meal With My Tasting?”

Bricoleur Vineyards: The food program here is so meticulously handled that it takes three chefs to run it, including famed chef Charlie Palmer. The Rooted tasting ($150) impresses with a seasonal six-course meal with artistic dishes like handmade sweet shrimp siu mai dumplings with lemongrass and ginger. 7394 Starr Road, Windsor. 707-857-5700, bricoleurvineyards.com

Kivelstadt Cellars: Wine tasting at Kivelstadt’s bucolic tasting room in Sonoma gives you the opportunity to sample the exceptional food from Bloom Carneros restaurant. 22900 Broadway, Sonoma. 707-938-7001, kivelstadtcellars.com

Lynmar Estate: Chef David Frakes’ expensive-but-worth-it Collectors Lunch Pairing ($250) includes an exquisite, multi-course meal with dishes such as chile-Persian lime dusted watermelon with blistered stone fruit slaw. 3909 Frei Road, Sebastopol. 707-829-3374, lynmarestate.com

Jordan Vineyard & Winery: In April 2023, Jesse Mallgren left The Madrona, the Michelin-star restaurant he had run for nearly 25 years, and took his toque over to the glamorous Jordan, amping up an already upscale program. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg. 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com

Paul Hobbs Winery: Chef Timothy Kaulfers joined this luxury spot in April 2023 to lead the Vineyard Designate tasting experience ($250), offering six rare wines alongside delectable dishes like housemade chicken sausage with an onion and fennel soubise. 3355 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. 707-824-9879, paulhobbswinery.com

Mayo Family Winery: Chef John Locher serves a delightfully inventive, meal with small-batch reserve wines in the Reserve Room ($90). 13101 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen. 707-833-5504, mayofamilywinery.com

AVA Spotlight: Sonoma Valley

Stretched along the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west, this beautiful area encompasses five distinct appellations and many microclimates ranging from brilliant sunshine to cool coastal fog. Given the climate, many types of grapes can thrive here.

Visit the 1,850-acre Kunde Family Winery for a mountaintop tasting, Chateau St. Jean for a garden stroll and tasting at the historic 1920s chateau, or VJB Cellars for Italian varietals and wood-fired pizzas on the Tuscan-style piazza.

Arrowood is famous for its warm-climate Cabernet Sauvignon and gracious tastings on its veranda, while Loxton Cellars and Hamilton Family Wines are boutique gems where you can see operations up-close, from grape to glass.

No Car Needed: Downtown Sonoma

Over 20 wineries have tasting rooms around downtown Sonoma’s shady plaza, making it an excellent destination for a day of tasting without the need for a designated driver.

Tom Darling of indie natural wine producer Darling Wines, down a pretty alleyway at the south end of the square, hit a home run with his very first vintage of cool-climate Syrah in 2017, which made the wine list at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon.

Pangloss Cellars (below) is a chic, airy tasting salon for Rhone varietals, with stone walls and wide windows out onto the park. Sosie Wines, right near Darling, makes three sparklers: red, white, and rosé, as well as an interesting Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

And Sojourn Cellars is the spot for single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast.

Founder Lloyd Davis has earned all kinds of recognition for his Corner 103 boutique tasting room in downtown Sonoma, including being named one of the top 10 tasting rooms in the country — twice. Davis credits the Black Lives Matter movement for making guests more aware of the importance of diversity in the wine industry and strives to make wine approachable to all. corner103.com

Free Tastings

At historic Korbel Winery in the Russian River Valley, the standard “marketplace” tasting is free, and a flight of three different wines is just $15 (korbel.com). And the super-friendly Locals Tasting Room in Geyserville offering tastings from 10 different local boutique producers, gratis (localstastingroom.com).

3 Great Spots to Play Bocce

Landmark Vineyards, Kenwood: Outdoor tastings by a lake and bocce for groups as large as 15. landmarkwine.com

Roth Estate, Healdsburg: Dedicated to powerful Cabernet from the Alexander Valley, Roth also hosts a bocce and barbecue tournament each spring. rothwinery.com

Dutcher Crossing, Geyserville: Play pétanque (another boules sport) on a court overlooking vineyards. Plus, get snuggles from cute golden retrievers. dutchercrossingwinery.com

Taste With a Pro: Monica Lopez, Bacchus Landing

At this winery collective just outside Healdsburg, general manager Monica Lopez knows a thing or two about tasting rooms. After all, seven different boutique wineries welcome guests to the 3-acre property, which also has wood-fired pizza, a bocce court, and live music.

“I love being outdoors, so we put a lot of work into making Bacchus Landing a place you could relax outside,” says Lopez, whose family winery, Aldina Vineyards (aldinavineyards.com), is one of the seven tasting rooms on-site (tastings from $25). “We really want to encourage guests to purchase a bottle of wine and just hang out.”

On the rare occasions when Lopez isn’t leading tours at Bacchus Landing, she has a penchant for tasting rooms with beautiful outdoor spaces, like Robert Young Estate in Geyserville (ryew.com).

Bacchus Landing. 14210 Bacchus Landing Way, Healdsburg. 707-395-0697, bacchuslanding.com

“It’s a Special Occasion, And I’m in the Mood To Splurge.”

Aperture Cellars: Modern luxury meets refined hospitality, where rockstar winemaker Jesse Katz continues to impress with his revered Bordeaux-style wines. There is plenty of eye candy here, including images from Katz’s father, photographer Andy Katz. Clearly, talent is a family affair. From $50. 12291 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg. 707-200-7891, aperture-cellars.com

Silver Oak: Those who adore Cabernet will find much to fall in love with here. The winery produces an acclaimed expression of the Bordeaux varietal each year. From $50. 7300 Hwy. 128, Healdsburg. 707-942-7082, silveroak.com

Flowers Vineyards & Winery: There are few better ways to impress than a visit to Flowers Vineyards & Winery, where a short walk through the redwoods reveals a masterfully designed tasting room, California-inspired gardens, and acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast. From $75. 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg. 707-723-4800, flowerswinery.com

The Donum Estate: Spanning 220 idyllic acres in the Carneros, The Donum Estate is designed to dazzle, with more than 50 thought-provoking large-scale sculptures. The most exclusive tasting ($500) happens inside a kaleidoscopic pavilion of colored glass. From $150. 24500 Ramal Road, Sonoma. 707-732-2200, thedonumestate.com

Vérité Winery: Twenty minutes east of Healdsburg, Vérité seems to appear out of thin air, a dramatic, Abbey-inspired estate on a bucolic stretch of road. Father-daughter winemakers Pierre and Hélène Seillan have produced 17 hundred-point wines — all Bordeaux-style blends that reflect the region’s many micro-crus. From $200. 4611 Thomas Road, Healdsburg. 707-433-9000, veritewines.com

Hamel Family Wines: Impressive views of the biodynamically farmed vineyards, bespoke wine and food pairings, and small-production Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends all lure guests to this special spot in Sonoma Valley. From $95. 15401 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma. 707-996-5800, hamelfamilywines.com

AVA Spotlight: Petaluma Gap

Bursts of Pacific Ocean-driven wind and fog through a “gap” in coastal mountain ranges makes the region a prime spot for growing cool climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. It’s a huge AVA, spanning more than 200,000 acres from Bodega Bay to San Pablo Bay, but is mostly towns, vineyards and agriculture. Many well-known wines are made with fruit grown here, but actual tasting rooms located in the field are hard to come by.

To get the best sense of the wines made from the Petaluma Gap, head to Keller Estate, perched on a lushly landscaped hilltop with magical vineyard and valley views. Winemaker Ana Keller includes interesting varietals like a Syrah-Viognier blend, a Pinot Gris and sparkling wines (from $35, kellerestate.com).

Taste With a Pro: Ted Lemon, Littorai

There’s a lot to love at Littorai, but the coolest thing about visiting, says Lemon, is the private farm tour. “We’re a biodynamic wine farm, so you really get to see what’s involved in that,” he says. This includes seeing how Littorai makes biodynamic compost teas, which help nourish the vines, and walking through the vineyard blocks. “There’s a lovely view up top, so you can get a sense of the Sebastopol hills,” he says.

Lemon also likes taking friends to Freeman Winery for cave tastings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and to Arnot-Roberts for intriguing, site-specific wines. “The Freemans are lovely and they’re small and owner-run. They don’t make a lot of wine, so you’re really tasting the signature of the winemaker,” he says (freemanwinery.com).

At Arnot-Roberts (arnotroberts.com), Lemon says there are a range of wines on offer from all over, often including offbeat varieties. “It’s really a lot of fun.”

Littorai tastings from $65. 788 Gold Ridge Road, Sebastopol. 707-823-9586, littorai.com

3 Great Wineries to Bring Your Dog

Mutt Lynch Winery, Windsor: One of the most dog-friendly wineries around, with the motto “bark less, wag more.” Wine flights and wine club shipments come with special dog treats. muttlynchwinery.com

Smith Story Wine Cellars, Healdsburg: Lord Sandwich, the charismatic goldendoodle belonging to winery owners Alison Smith Story and Eric Story, helped make this charming family-owned tasting room Instagram-famous. smithstorywines.com

Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood: Fifth-generation winegrower Jordan Kunde welcomes dogs and their owners for a hike and romp through vineyards and native grasslands. kunde.com

3 Great Wineries with Olive Groves

DaVero Farms & Winery, Healdsburg: Cuttings from an ancient, 800-year-old olive grove in Tuscany helped establish the orchards. The fruit is gently handpicked, then pressed the same day for an extra-virgin elixir that’s rich, fruity and peppery.  davero.com

Trattore Farms, Geyserville: For $20, add a tasting of their excellent flavored oils to any tasting at their Dry Creek estate or in downtown Healdsburg. trattorefarms.com

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Sonoma: A large stone chateau anchors one of the area’s largest olive oil operations, with 45 acres of Italian and Spanish trees. In harvest season (usually October), visitors can see the pressing process up close. jacuzziwines.com

At Geyserville’s family-friendly Francis Ford Coppola Winery, reserve a cabine to hang out and swim for the day in one of two giant swimming pools surrounded by chic blue chaise lounges (from $250). Inside, film buffs will find a museum of Coppola’s movie memorabilia, including Academy Awards and a screeching red Tucker automobile. francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Taste With a Pro: Alice Sutro, Sutro Wine Co.

Visual artist, winemaker and mother of two Alice Sutro wants her guests to experience her family’s ranch in Chalk Hill, near the Russian River, in a very authentic way, so guests are led on a walk through the vineyard tasting.

“It’s like a 30-minute crash course in viticulture. Why does a trellis work that way, why do we maintain the canopy like this, what are our volcanic soils like — and here’s how that affects what’s in the glass,” explains Sutro. “I really want people to see the effort and value in grape-growing. It seems so necessary to me.”

When not walking the lands that inspire her painting and winemaking, Sutro’s hands-down favorite tasting room is Bannister Wines in Geyserville (bannisterwines.com), where Brook Bannister, a furniture craftsman turned winemaker, and Morgania Moore, a jewelry and lighting designer, have created a bohemian-styled art gallery and salon in a 104-year-old former bank.

Sutro Wine Co. hike and tasting, $65. 13301 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg. 707-509-9695, sutrowine.com

Owners Olga Fernandez and Martin Guerrero have poured their hearts into the homespun tasting room at Guerrero Fernandez Winery in Windsor, where guests can compare Zinfandel from Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. Don’t miss the karaoke nights. gfwines.com

“I Love a Sense of History. What Are Some Classic Destinations?”

Martinelli Winery: For more than 135 years, the Martinelli family has farmed this land, including the famously steep Jackass Hill. Daredevil winegrower Giuseppe Martinelli planted Jackass Hill in 1889 and farmed it with a team of horses for 30 years. From $35. 3360 River Road, Windsor. 707-525-0570, martinelliwinery.com

Buena Vista Winery: California’s first premium winery was founded by Hungarian immigrant Count Agoston Haraszthy in 1857. Don’t miss the plush, Champagne-focused Bubble Lounge. From $35. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma. 800-926-1266, buenavistawinery.com

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens: The late Jess Jackson bought his first vineyards in 1974. An unwitting mistake that produced a slightly sweet Chardonnay put the winery on the map. These days, a 4-acre organic garden produces rare veggies for in-house pairing menus. From $35. 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa. 707-571-8100, kj.com

Gundlach Bundschu Winery: The oldest family-owned winery in the state, GunBun’s Rhinefarm vineyards were first planted in 1858. The Bundschu family is known for coastal Chardonnay and reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, among a dozen different varietals — and for rollicking outdoor concerts in the old redwood barn. Metallica once performed a secret concert here. From $75. 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma. 707-938-5277, gunbun.com

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery: This downtown Sonoma winery, founded in 1904, was one of the few to operate through Prohibition, producing small amounts of sacramental and medicinal wines. From $50. 389 Fourth St. E., Sonoma. 707-933-3200, sebastiani.com

Iron Horse Vineyards: The family winery began with a vision in the pouring rain back in 1976. Audrey Sterling and her late husband Barry thought the 300 acres of gentle rolling Sebastopol hills looked like Camelot. Today, the small sparkling wine house produces stellar bubbly. From $35. 9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol. 707-887-1507, ironhorsevineyards.com

AVA Spotlight: Alexander Valley

This is one of Sonoma County’s largest appellations in terms of acres planted, second only to the vast North Sonoma AVA. Located near Geyserville, Alexander Valley is known for fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon that is complex and full bodied, with silky tannins. This distinctive Cab comes courtesy of the region’s warm, dry climate, morning fog, and the moderating influence of the Russian River. Chardonnay, which tends to be on the rich, floral side, also shines here, along with old vine Zinfandel. Get a sense of the region’s best at Stonestreet Wines (below), Hawkes Wine, Hanna and Alexander Valley Vineyards.

Taste With a Pro: Katie Madigan, St. Francis Winery

In 2002, Madigan was a 21-year-old intern at St. Francis back when the proverbial light bulb went off and she realized winemaking was her calling.

Two decades later, Madigan is still just as excited about the work she does. She says the winery has a variety of fun tasting experiences, including a pedal trolley tour made famous by Al Roker and friends at a taping with NBC’s Today Show in April 2023. Estate pairings on the patio from chef Peter Janiak use produce from the 2-acre garden.

With out-of-town guests, Madigan also loves visiting Anaba Wines in Sonoma (anabawines.com). “The winery is super dog-friendly, which makes it easy to bring my pup along,” she says. She also enjoys rare Rhone and Italian varietals at Unti Vineyards in Healdsburg (untivineyards.com). “All of its wines are dynamite, and the intimate feel of its tasting room gives the perfect personal touch.”

St. Francis tastings from $35. 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa. 888-675-9463, stfranciswinery.com

Top 3 Tastings in Caves

Bella Winery, Healdsburg: In sprawling caves set beneath the gorgeous, century-old Lily Hill vineyard, visitors gather among stacks of barrels as soft light filters in. Small-production lots of Zinfandel are the draw. From $30. 9711 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-473-9171, bellawinery.com

Deerfield Ranch Winery, Kenwood: Feel like part of the harvest action as you cross the outdoor crushpad to reach a quiet tasting room set inside 23,000 square feet of caves. From $35. 10200 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood. 707-833-5215, deerfieldranch.com

Capo Creek Ranch, Healdsburg: Food pairings are led by Mary Roy, a former physician, now Capo’s hospitable winemaker, chef and owner. From $165. 7171 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-608-8448, capocreekranch.com

Pachyderm Station is what Primus guitarist Les Claypool calls his quirky Sebastopol tasting room decorated with concert posters and an old-timey bar. Homey? Yes. Weird in the best kind of way? Also, yes. Fridays through Sundays, pair the excellent site-specific Pinot Noirs with fancy hot dogs from Claypool’s own Whamola Wieners. purplepachyderm.com

At The Barlow in Sebastopol, Pax Winery & Tasting Room is like a clubhouse for likeminded indie winemakers, led by Syrah and Grenache specialist Pax Mahle. Take a quick peek around back at harvest time to glimpse the busy crush facility he shares with natural wine pioneer Martha Stoumen and rising stars Rosalind Reynolds and Patrick Cappiello. paxwine.com

Top 3 for a Great Picnic

Lambert Bridge Winery, Healdsburg: Shady tables await on an expansive picnic lawn, with gorgeous views of vineyards and surrounding forests. From $35. 4085 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707- 431-9600, lambertbridge.com

VML Winery, Healdsburg: Chill in the serene Butterfly Garden, a shaded sanctuary tucked next to Dry Creek, as you enjoy single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. From $50. 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-431-4404, vmlwine.com

Bartholomew Estate Winery, Sonoma: Grab a bottle from the tasting room, then settle in at a picnic table overlooking the vineyard. After, hit the trail at 375-acre Bartholomew Park. From $45. 1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma. 707-509-0540, bartholomewestate.com

“Forget Instagram. I Want All the Prettiest Views in Real Life.”

Paradise Ridge: The second-story veranda is the place to drink in sweeping views of the Russian River Valley and the winery’s iconic “LOVE” sculpture as the sun sets over the vineyards. Paradise found, indeed. From $35. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa. 707-528-9463, prwinery.com

Scribe Winery: Lush palms meet native ornamental grasses, succulents, roses, and a bountiful culinary garden at Scribe. The landscape’s wild splendor is a fitting accent to the restored hacienda’s “old California” vibe. Tastings for Scribe Viticultural Society members. 2100 Denmark St., Sonoma. 707-939-1858, scribewinery.com

Matanzas Creek Winery: Stunning lavender fields beckon at Matanzas Creek, especially in June, when row upon row of fragrant purple blossoms reach their peak. Book a reservation to visit the terraced gardens and tasting room. From $35. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 707-528-6464, matanzascreek.com

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery: The gardens are stunning any time of year, but for tulip lovers, early spring is the time to visit. Call the winery’s “tulip hotline” to find out when they’re at their colorful best. Tastings start at $40. 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-433-6700, ferraricarano.com

Arista Winery: With a winding gravel pathway, picturesque pond, and harmonious collection of trees, ferns and manicured greenery, the Japanese water garden at Arista is an oasis of serenity for seated sipping. From $30. 7015 Westside Road, Healdsburg. 707-473-0606, aristawinery.com

McEvoy Ranch: The 550-acre winery and olive oil operation is tucked away in a hidden, private valley on the Sonoma/ Marin county line near Petaluma. Graceful olive trees are surrounded by extensive plantings of lavender and herbs. 5935 Red Hill Road, Petaluma. 707778-2307, mcevoyranch.com

AVA Spotlight: Sonoma Coast

The Sonoma Coast appellation covers more than 750 square miles, stretching from the Mendocino County border to the San Pablo Bay. While the expansive AVA’s diverse microclimates, soils, elevations, and exposures allow many grape varieties to flourish, it’s best known for cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Set within the broader Sonoma Coast, the West Sonoma Coast AVA covers the farthest western sliver of the county along the Pacific coastline, as well as the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. The region sets itself apart with a cool maritime climate, high elevations and extreme growing conditions. To sample the coast, visit Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery (below) — one of the few West Sonoma Coast wineries with a tasting room within the bounds of the remote region — plus Peay Vineyards, Cobb Wines, Red Car Wine and Hirsch Vineyards.

Taste With a Pro: Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse, Birdhorse Wines

Rich and Rouse have day jobs as assistant winemakers at Scribe and Bedrock Wine Co., respectively, but the couple still finds time to run their own wine brand, crafting uncommon varietals like Valdiguie and Cinsault. The couple thrill to introducing people to favorites like their Portuguese-style, green pineapple-wet stone Contra Costa Verdelho.

“It’s such a special wine, with so much of the texture and weight of an Old World Chardonnay, but a flavor profile that’s authentically Californian.”

To taste, they invite guests to join their mailing list and attend their release parties, recently hosted at chic Luma Bar & Eatery in Petaluma. Or look for the couple at Preston Farm & Winery, one of their favorite stops, where they treasure bottlings of Barbera, Carignan and Nero d’Avola (prestonfarmandwinery.com). “Their wines are excellent, and the farm is such a beautiful, integrated ecosystem of grapes, animals, other crops, and the natural surroundings. It’s really a gold standard of what farming in Sonoma County can look like.”

Birdhorse Wines, birdhorsewines.com

Custom white papel picado banners flutter in the breeze at the beautifully preserved 1842 Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe in downtown Sonoma, home to Three Sticks Wines, vintner Bill Price’s award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay house. Not to be missed. threestickswines.com

Learn the art of sabrage — using the blunt edge of a sword to open a bottle of sparkling wine — at Healdsburg favorite Breathless Wines. After you learn to open the bottle, you get to drink it. breathlesswines.com

Top 3 for High-End Design

Ram’s Gate Winery, Sonoma: This hilltop destination in the Carneros gives off Belgian country vibes and was designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, a member of Interior Design magazine’s Hall of Fame. ramsgatewinery.com

Reeve Wines, Healdsburg: Noah and Kelly Dorrance cofounded Healdsburg’s Banshee Wines in 2009, and Reeve, named for their son, is one of the couple’s two spin-off projects after Banshee. Kelly also runs a Healdsburg antique shop, and the tasting lounge here is decorated with her gorgeous finds. Events hosted here benefit Everytown for Gun Safety. reevewines.com

Marine Layer, Healdsburg: As envisioned by standout local interior designers The Hommeboys, this is a Moroccan-inspired lounge for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. marinelayerwines.com

Taste With a Pro: William Allen, Two Shepherds

The Two Shepherds winery is low on glamour, says Allen, but rich in uncommon grape varieties. “You will often get to taste some really unusual things, like our Grenache Blanc, which we make as a normal white and as an orange wine,” he says. “Or we have a carbonic Carignan versus a regular Carignan, so we can show you the different expressions.”

When friends ask for winery recommendations, Allen often sends them to the wonderfully laid-back Ryme Cellars in Forestville (rymecellars.com). “I love Megan and Ryan Glaab,” he says. “They make unusual varieties and their wines are super-awesome. They just have really fun, clean, interesting things that you’re not going to find in a lot of places, and it’s super-upbeat.” Two Shepherds Winery, tastings from $20. 7763 Bell Road, Windsor. 415-613-5731, twoshepherds.com 

“I Want to Support Sustainable and Regenerative Farming.”

Medlock Ames Winery: Co-founder Ames Morison is an industry thought leader in sustainability planning and new trends in organic viticulture. A sound-immersion tour ($75) of their Bell Mountain Ranch property is an introduction to his approach. From $65. 13414 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg. 707-431-8845, medlockames.com

Hanzell Vineyards: Award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are created here in balance with organic vegetable gardens and orchards. Ducks and chickens wander the vineyards and a herd of fire-suppression pigs (yes, pigs!) loosen soils and tramp down overgrowth. $65. 18596 Lomita Ave., Sonoma. 707-996-3860, hanzell.com

Benziger Family: Winery Mike Benziger is a leader in biodynamic grapegrowing, a holistic method attuned to building the strength of the soil. On a tram tour into the vineyards ($35), learn about biodynamics and see the farm’s insectary gardens. From $75. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. 888-490-2739, benziger.com

Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs: The solar-powered winery is made of straw bales plastered over with vineyard clay, an insulated design that stays cool in summer and warm in winter. The estate Zinfandel vines are more than 115 years old and have thrived after the changeover to organic practices. From $30. 650 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg. 707-433-7721, ridgewine.com

DeLoach Vineyards: The estate has been farmed biodynamic ally since 2009, and tasting room guests are invited to tour the “Theater of Nature,” as they call it — a wander through 20 acres of culinary gardens and vineyards. From $35. 1791 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa. 707-755-3300, deloachvineyards.com

Quivira Vineyards: Want to talk green? Ask about the epic 500-yard compost pile that nourishes the gardens and fields. Quivira is a model of integrated, diversified farming with organic vegetables, flowers, and livestock among the grapes. From $35. 4900 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-431-8333, quivirawine.com

AVA Spotlight: Dry Creek Valley

Zinfandel lovers make a pilgrimage to Dry Creek to taste this inky, feisty varietal, which thrives on the long, full days of abundant sunshine tempered by cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean. In addition to Zin, other varieties that grow well there include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache.

The indomitable Dave Stare of Dry Creek Vineyard helped shape the course of the valley and establish it as an AVA. The Nalle family of Nalle Winery are Dry Creek pioneers who farm 100-year-old Zinfandel ines. Several families have wineries that go back generations here: A. Rafanelli Winery, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Rochioli Vineyards & Winery and Pedroncelli. And don’t miss the views from the tasting room at Cast Wines, which span nearly the entire valley.

Taste With a Pro: James McCeney, Patz & Hall Winery

The winemaker joined the P&H team in May 2023 and enjoys popping out of the cellar to greet guests and share what drew him to the storied winery, founded in 1988.

“One of the things that makes Patz & Hall so special is our deep relationship with our growers,” he says. “Throughout our tasting room, we proudly display images of these farming families.” He also gets a kick out of sharing secret treasure vineyards. “If you enjoy our Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Chardonnay, this makes you a true insider — it’s a New World mirror of a Premier Cru Chablis with a mouthwatering taught, crystalline acidity.”

If not hosting at the P&H Sonoma tasting room, he often takes friends to Domaine Cameras (domainecarneros.com). “I live just over the county line in Napa, off Old Sonoma Road, so it’s a great spot for sparkling wine made from Sonoma Carneros grapes.”

Patz & Hall Winery, 21200 Eighth St. E., Sonoma. 707-265-7700, patzhall.com

No Car Needed: Downtown Healdsburg

Healdsburg’s compact downtown, organized around a central plaza like several other local wine towns, is another spot to wander all day without starting up the car.

A tasting at Matt and Sara Licklider’s Lioco Winery is like a visit to your coolest friend’s even cooler house, with interesting light fixtures and art prints on the wall. Record player aside — yes, there’s that, too — they’re known for stellar Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Carignan with an emphasis on older vines, unique soil types and heritage clones.

On North Street, BloodRoot Wines hosts vinyl record spin sessions and pét-nat and pupusas nights. Alan Baker of Cartograph Wines worked in public radio production in Minnesota for decades before realizing his winemaking dream with wife Serena Lourie.

And Centennial Mountain (formerly Aeris, for the Latin word for air or climate), celebrates founder Kevin Harvey’s love of Piemontese varieties, including Carricante, an aromatic white grape that grows beautifully on Sonoma’s Centennial Mountain Vineyard. It’s believed to be one of the only plantings of the rare variety in the state.

The intrigue of Bedrock Wine Co. lies in complex, character-driven wines from historic vineyards over a century old. Winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson’s Sonoma tasting room occupies the 1852 home of Civil War general “Fighting Joe” Hooker — a coincidence given that Twain-Peterson also farms Hooker’s 130-year-old vineyard just outside town. From $45. 414 First St. E., Sonoma. 707-343-1478, bedrockwineco.com

Trail runners and mountain bikers can purchase a oneday pass to access vineyard trails with gorgeous views at Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards outside Windsor. A 350-acre wildlife preserve surrounds the vineyard blocks. notrevueestate.com

Top 3 for Trying Unusual Varietals

Idlewild Wines, Healdsburg: Owner Sam Bilbro loves Italian Piedmont wines, so that’s what he makes, in a rainbow array of single varietal masterpieces, including jasmine tea-white peach Arneis and tart strawberry-violet Freisa. idlewildwines.com

Old World Winery, Fulton: Celebrating natural, biodynamic wine, owner Darek Trowbridge adds nothing to his juice except a minimal amount of protective sulfur. Focusing on field blends from 120-year-old vineyards, he crafts very rare varietals such as Muscadelle, Trousseau Gris, Palomino and Mondeuse Noire. oldworldwinery.com

Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Santa Rosa: Owners Frane and Janae Franicevic cultivate a global snapshot of four dozen- plus wines, including rare Lagrein, Negroamaro, Rosa del Peru and Trincadeira varietals. suncewinery.com

By the team of Tina Caputo, Sarah Doyle, Imane Hanine, Heather Irwin, Peg Melnik, Abigail Peterson and Carey Sweet.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Sonoma Tasting Rooms appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

A retired librarian and an accomplished chef walk into a bar. On a whim, they decide to take over the space. There’s no punchline — that’s just how Sonoma County came to have the new Trillium, a lovely little cafe and wine lounge in downtown Guerneville.

The shoebox-size spot is the work of Genevieve Payne, who began studying wine at Santa Rosa Junior College and traveled around Europe after leaving her career as a bibliophile. The co-owner and chef is Greg Barnes, who has worked with legends such as Jeremiah Tower, Traci Des Jardins, and Duskie Estes, and who has known Payne for a decade.

The long-vacant space the team took over, right near the landmark Rainbow Cattle Company bar, came with some kitchen challenges, namely a lack of space for equipment to work with grills and live fire. So Barnes developed a sophisticated menu around a raw bar and selections from a giant convection oven and cooktop. The raw bar offers the oysters, poke, crudo and ceviche that have become Trillium’s signature.

There’s sumptuous seafood chowder and a sensational New England-style crab roll ($32), on a toasted, house-baked brioche split roll with a side of tangy house pickles, a sandwich that won a gold medal at last fall’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair. The seafood chowder is a standout, too, with a rich white-wine-and-cream base with chopped mussels, prawns, red potatoes, and hickory-smoked sous vide bacon over a base of heavy cream and white wine, with fresh thyme, Old Bay seasoning, and a splash of Louisiana Crystal hot sauce to make it sing.

The wine list is extensive and interesting, focusing on natural wines, including a dry, citrusy Colliano Sparkling Ribolla Gialla from Slovenia and the certified organic, gently tropical Folk Machine Potter Valley Sauvignon Blanc. There are also craft beers and ciders on tap, nonalcoholic cocktails and wine flights. Tiny Trillium, in tiny Guerneville, is setting the bar high.

16222 Main St., Guerneville. 707-604-5750, trillium.bar

This story was originally published in The Press Democrat. Read the full story here.

The post Tiny Trillium Winebar in Guerneville Is Setting the Bar High appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

As California winemakers look for grape varieties more tolerant to drought and heat, plantings of a rare French grape native to the Languedoc region of southern France are likely to rise. Picpoul Blanc, with only 48 acres bearing fruit in the state, has great growing potential, according to Paso Robles winemaker Jason Haas.

His winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, was the first in California to work with the variety, after importing cuttings from France in 1995. “You can let the grapes hang a long time, so they develop tropical characters like piña colada — and they’ll still have super-bright acid.”

For a grape few have heard of in the U.S., Picpoul Blanc has a surprising number of superfans — especially here in Sonoma County, where winemakers are embracing its vibrant, racy edge (“picpoul” means “sting the lip” in French). At Marine Layer Wines in Healdsburg, winemaker Rob Fischer was “immediately intrigued” when he learned the owners of Three Oaks Farm on Sonoma Mountain had grafted about an acre and a half of Syrah over to Picpoul Blanc in 2022.

At Three Oaks Farm, the Picpoul is planted mid-slope, where cool temperatures can push ripening into October.

“You just have to be patient,” says Fischer. “It can express itself as a generic white grape, until it turns a corner late in the season when the acid drops and it develops these nice citrus flavors. That’s when I know we’re in action.”

In a region flooded with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Fisher commends Sonoma County winegrowers for planting less common varieties like Picpoul Blanc. “I live in Napa, but I love the fact you can grow so many different varieties in Sonoma County,” he says. “I’m really excited to see growers experimenting with these fringe varieties.”

Compared to Sonoma County, which has just 4 acres of Picpoul Blanc, the Lodi wine region of San Joaquin Valley has a whopping 12. That’s where winemaker Blair Guthrie of Guthrie Family Wines in Sonoma sources fruit. For his 2023 Faux Picpoul Blanc ($28), Guthrie picked relatively early to maintain the variety’s “electric acidity and lively pop.” As for the wine’s name, “Faux” — don’t be fooled. Guthrie’s wine is 100% Picpoul Blanc.

Winemaker William Allen has been producing a Picpoul Blanc at Two Shepherds Winery in Windsor since 2018, with fruit sourced from the little-known Windmill Vineyard in Yolo County’s Dunnigan Hills. “Our wine lives up to the name ‘lip stinger,’ but it also has texture and depth, which makes it great with oysters and crab,” he says.

In 2021, Allen went out on a limb and also made a sparkling canned wine called Natty Pets, a blend of Picpoul Blanc and Grenache Blanc. About 35% of the Picpoul was skin-fermented, which gave the wine a light orange hue.

“We launched it as a sparkling orange wine and everyone went ga-ga over it,” says Allen. “We doubled production of the wine last year, and we still sold out.”

Like others, Allen believes Picpoul Blanc is exceptionally well-suited to California’s Mediterranean climate.

“People need to stop planting Chardonnay in California and start planting Picpoul Blanc,” he says. “It loves the heat, it’s not prone to rot or mildew, it bears good yields and is easy to grow. It’s perfect for Picpoul.”

This story was originally published in The Press Democrat. Read the full story here.

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These 15 wineries in Sonoma County have gorgeous gardens to gaze upon and wander through, from the flower gardens at Lynmar Estate in Sebastopol to the European setting at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood. You can even take a hike in the hills studded with oaks and madrones at Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma.

Lavender Love

Matanzas Creek Winery

Matanzas Creek Winery has been a haven for lavender lovers since 1991. Visitors come to sip Sauvignon Blanc on a terrace overlooking lilac and amethyst fields dotted with sunflowers. The lavender, which reaches full bloom around mid-June, is organically farmed and the blossoms are used in culinary, bath, body and home products sold at the winery’s lavender market. Reserve in advance. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-528-6464, matanzascreek.com

Quintessential California

Scribe Winery

A line of towering palms marks the drive up to Sonoma’s Scribe Winery. This is classic vintage California, from the adobe hacienda (built in the 1850s, once a speakeasy) surrounded by a tapestry of wavy grasses and stately succulents to the bountiful edible garden, run by Stephen Carter, one of the world’s premier chicory farmers. Call for updated tasting information. 2100 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707-939-1858, scribewinery.com

Protecting Pollinators

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

The team at Jordan Vineyard & Winery never does anything halfway, with the majestic vine-covered stone buildings and the 1-acre vegetable patch that yields 100 varieties of produce, including exquisite fraises des bois (wild strawberries). There’s also a pollinator garden for bees and migrating monarch butterflies. Reserve ahead for a garden tour. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com

A Vineyard Education

Quivira Vineyards

Learn as you taste at Dry Creek Valley’s Quivira Vineyards, where a sample block highlights all the varietals grown on the estate and raised beds showcase organic gardening practices. Sing in the herb garden, complete with — yep — parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Then visit the chickens: Japanese black Cochins, cuckoo Marans and silver-laced Wyandottes. Reserve in advance. 4900 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-8333, quivirawine.com

Unusual Finds

McEvoy Ranch

Tucked into the Petaluma Gap just high enough to skirt the fog, McEvoy Ranch is an idyll with acres of olive groves and rolling vineyards. The property is also home to many unusual plants, including striking purple cerinthe and wacky Buddha’s hand citrus. For a splurge, book a tasting in one of the private hideaways by the pond. Reserve walking tours and hideaways in advance. 5935 Red Hill Road, Petaluma, 866-617-6779, mcevoyranch.com

House of Flowers

Flowers Vineyards & Winery

Before they grew grapes for their Flowers Vineyards & Winery, Joan and Walt Flowers owned a nursery. So the couple knew they wanted a stunning garden at their winery’s House of Flowers, the current design of which was made possible by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects and Alexis Woods Landscape Design. The landscaping was inspired by the many microclimates between Healdsburg and the rugged Sonoma Coast, where the winery grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-723-4800, flowerswinery.com

Hike the Sonoma Hills

Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery

History is the watchword at Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma Valley, founded on the very land where California viticulture was born. The winery anchors 375-acre Bartholomew Park; save time to wander the trails that lace the oak- and madrone-studded hills. Or saddle up because the estate offers 45-minute horseback rides on relatively flat trails. Picnic grounds and hiking trails open to the public; reserve ahead for tasting. 1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma. 707-509-0540, bartholomewestate.com

Picture Perfect

Lynmar Estate

The colorful flowers in the winery gardens of Lynmar Estate make for a pretty backdrop for a selfie. The culinary and estate garden teams work closely together to create the winery’s food and wine pairings. Enjoy estate-grown pinot noirs and chardonnays on the gorgeous patio surrounded by flowers. 3909 Frei Road, Sebastopol, 707-829-3374, lynmarestate.com

From Garden to Table

Kendall-Jackson

Executive chef Tracey Shepos Cenami and her team use ingredients from Kendall-Jackson’s 4-acre culinary garden to prepare small dishes paired with small-production, limited-release wines. Tucker Taylor is director of culinary gardens and shares pretty photos of produce from the gardens on Instagram, @farmert. Don’t miss their farm-to-table summer dinner series. 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, 866-287-9818, kj.com

A Taste of Europe

Chateau St. Jean

Though located in Sonoma Valley, Chateau St. Jean’s gardens may transport you to Italy or the south of France. The French-style chateau was built as a summer home in the early 1920s. There are spots throughout the estate to sit down and take in the garden views. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-257-5784, chateaustjean.com

Rustic Rural Gem

Medlock Ames

When they’re not busy making wine, the people at Medlock Ames love nothing more than to pore over seed catalogs and tinker with new varieties. At the winery’s stunning rural vineyards at Bell Mountain Ranch, beds explode with zinnias, sunflowers and Queen Anne’s lace (a second tasting room on Alexander Valley Road has a small but lovely olive grove). Open by appointment. 13414 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-8845, medlockames.com

Picnic Among Roses

Cline Cellars

More than 70 species of roses grow on the Cline Cellars estate, which also has light-filled and airy cabanas near its Great Lawn, each accommodating four to six people for two-hour stays. A chilled bottle of Nancy’s Sparkling Cuvee awaits, as well as a basket of picnic provisions, including salami, cheeses, nuts and crackers. Reservations recommended. 24737 Arnold Drive, Highway 121, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Biodynamic Bliss

Benziger Family Winery

In 2000, Benziger Family Winery became the first vineyard in Sonoma County (and one of the first in North America) to receive biodynamic certification. The winery’s holistic approach to farming and maintaining a healthy ecosystem involves many elements, which can be explored along the Biodynamic Discovery Trail and during the Private Tribute Estate Tour & Tasting. Open Thursday through Monday, and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment only. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-935-3000, benziger.com

Tulip Hotline

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

More than 10,000 tulips and daffodils bloom each spring at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. The gardens boast some 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, including a few of the only Portuguese cork trees in Wine Country. In late winter/early spring, a dedicated Tulip Hotline (707-433-5349) provides updates on tulip-blooming time. Reserve in advance. 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 800-831-0381, ferrari-carano.com

Proteas on the Coast 

Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery

In a nod to the owners’ native South Africa, a vast collection of rare proteas takes pride of place at coastal Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery. Look for the ‘pink mink’ — pink flowers with black feathery tips — and the ‘scarlet ribbon’ pincushion, a bright-red bloom with orange spikes. Reserve in advance. 15725 Meyers Grade Road, Jenner, 707-847-3460, fortrossvineyard.com

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Plenty of Sonoma County wineries make their own olive oil, but it’s not so common for an olive oil producer to make its own wine. That’s the setup at McEvoy Ranch. Set in the Petaluma hills near the Sonoma-Marin border, the ranch provides an idyllic backdrop for tasting wine and extra-virgin olive oil.

The story

Nan McEvoy, the granddaughter of San Francisco Chronicle founder M.H. de Young, could have just kicked back and enjoyed a cushy, work-free life. She was a newspaper heiress, after all. Instead, she convinced her father to let her work for the family paper as a reporter, and she eventually became the company’s board chairman.

After retiring in her early 70s, McEvoy purchased a 550-acre property in Petaluma, thinking it would be a nice place for her city-dwelling grandchildren to run and play. The property’s zoning meant it also needed an agricultural purpose, so she planted 3,000 imported Tuscan olive trees on the ranch in 1990 and created a nursery to supply trees to growers across the region.

McEvoy’s business grew to become one of the nation’s largest producers of organic olive oil. In 2006, she added vineyards to complement the estate’s 50 acres of olive groves — though the grapes were later removed during California’s multiyear drought to prioritize water for the olive trees. Today, the late McEvoy’s son Nion and his adult children run the family operation.

The vibe

No matter how many times I’ve driven from my home to the ranch, I still have to watch closely for the McEvoy sign on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Pass through the Bunny Gate — named for the whimsical bronze rabbit perched at the top — and you may spot some real live jackrabbits hopping amid the olive orchards.

Tastings happen on a stone patio set with tables and lounge chairs, overlooking a lovely pond and acres of rolling hills dotted with olive trees. This is the kind of place that makes you go “ahhhhhhhhh.”

On the palate

Winemaker Byron Kosuge sources French and Italian grape varieties from growers in the Petaluma Gap and beyond, creating friendly and accessible wines. The 2024 Rosebud Rosé ($24), made from Potter Valley Pinot Noir, is pale and floral, showing off aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries. McEvoy’s 2023 Under the Willow Vermentino ($36) from Sonoma County’s celebrated Las Brisas Vineyard is a summer pleasure layered with intriguing mineral notes and citrus zestiness. Fans of lighter-style Pinot Noir will find a kindred spirit in the 2021 Evening Standard Pinot Noir ($45) from the Sun Chase Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Aged in neutral oak for a subtle profile, the wine is all about red berries and soft tannins. Tastings range from $38 to $48.

Beyond the bottle

There’s lots to sample at McEvoy, even if wine isn’t your thing. The ranch offers a guided olive oil flight ($35) featuring five varieties — from classic extra-virgin olive oil to “agrumato” oils made by crushing olives with whole fresh fruits and herbs. Seasonal culinary tastings ($45) include small bites made with McEvoy olive oils and condiments.

To truly have your mind blown, opt for the Olive Oil and Gelato Tasting ($35), which pairs three flavors of Fiorello’s Artisan Gelato with three olive oils. (Don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried drizzling the Chai Spice olive oil over vanilla bean ice cream.)

If you’d like to explore more of the property — including the vegetable gardens, olive oil presses and Nan McEvoy’s incredible Chinese-style pavilion — reserve a ranch tour ($55-$95).

McEvoy Ranch, 5935 Red Hill Road, Petaluma. 707-769-4138, mcevoyranch.com. Open daily, reservations encouraged.

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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As the wine industry continues to face headwinds and visitor numbers decline, some winery owners are turning to new revenue streams — including efforts to revitalize their wine clubs.

While wine club shipments have remained steady throughout this downturn, accounting for 48% of direct-to-consumer revenue, local wineries are now grappling with the dual challenge of acquiring new members and retaining existing ones, according to Chris Bitter, senior wine and grape analyst for Terrain (the market research arm of American AgCredit), who spoke at a recent wine marketing and sales symposium in Santa Rosa.

The reason? “About 90% of all wine club sign-ups occur in the tasting room,” said Bitter. And there’s been a drop in tasting room visits.

To meet this challenge, some local wineries are adopting a more modern approach. Top-quality wines remain essential, but younger drinkers often want more than a mailing list and a box of preselected bottles.

The most successful clubs are those that foster personal relationships and allow members to customize their shipments. They also focus on offering personalized experiences, rather than just standard pickup parties with hors d’oeuvres.

Secret suppers, special events

A recent wine club event at the upscale Three Sticks Wines at the Adobe in Sonoma exemplified this new approach. Members were invited to a rosé reception at the downtown tasting room, followed by a five-course wine-paired dinner at the nearby El Dorado Kitchen.

As guests savored rose-shaped curls of hamachi and ahi crudo with Asian pear and soy-ginger drizzle, Three Sticks co-founder Prema Kerollis spoke about how, with tourism slowing under the current administration, the winery is taking its story on the road.

A “Secret Supper” in October invites members for an exclusive dining experience in Texas — the location will be disclosed just 24 hours in advance. That event is already sold out.

The El Dorado Kitchen gathering, limited to just 20 guests, also got fully booked the same day it was posted.

“As soon as my wife and I heard about this dinner, we grabbed tickets,” said longtime Three Sticks member Bob Brindley, a Sonoma resident and current president of Sonoma Home Winemakers. “These events sell out so fast, I immediately jumped on the website.”

Three Sticks Wines, 143 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-996-3328, threestickswines.com

A personal touch

Tucked in rural Sebastopol, Kobler Estate is more than a winery — it’s the Kobler family home. Mike Sr. and Debbie Kobler purchased the property in 1987, drawn by its 1870s Victorian farmhouse and surrounding vineyards.

Today, alongside their son and winemaker Mike Kobler, the family focuses on producing small-batch Burgundy and Rhône varietals. These include a fragrant Viognier — just five barrels made in 2023 — and a 2022 Pinot Noir layered with notes of raspberry, rose petal, cocoa and cinnamon, of which only two barrels were produced.

“We keep the wine club small — only 150 members — so we can stay connected and make sure it always feels personal,” Mike Kobler said.

One of the key membership perks at Kobler Estate is shipment customization. “Whether they’re into Rhônes, just whites or a mix of both, they can tailor it to what they actually enjoy drinking,” Kobler said.

Other benefits include complimentary overnight stays in the estate’s guest suites and invitations to private dinners.

“Every now and then, we’ll also do a private barrel with someone we’ve built a deep relationship with — usually a Syrah or Viognier,” Kobler said. “It’s not something we offer often, but when it feels right, it’s a special project to share. That’s the upside of staying small — we can say yes to the really meaningful stuff.”

The winery currently operates on an allocation basis, with a waitlist for club membership.

“Wine clubs are more important than ever,” Kobler said. “With so much shifting in the industry, having that direct connection to people who care about what we do keeps us grounded.”

Kobler Estate, 4630 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-696-1874, koblerestatewinery.com

Customized subscriptions

Gary Farrell Winery has welcomed guests to its hillside Healdsburg estate since 1998, though founding winemaker Gary Farrell released his first vintage Pinot Noir back in 1982.

This spring, the winery — now owned by the Sonoma-based Vincraft Group — introduced a new “Sonoma Subscription” service. Members can select their preferred styles and delivery frequency for signature Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The flexible model breaks from traditional clubs by letting customers opt out of fixed selections.

“Wine lovers today are looking for more flexibility and personalization in how they enjoy wine, with a low-key investment that fits their lives, not the other way around,” said estate general manager Stephanie Wycoff. “Subscription members still receive preferred (club-style) pricing and access to small-lot wines that rarely leave the winery. But they can order on demand or skip a shipment entirely.”

A basic subscription includes four bottles every two, four or six months for a flat rate of $150. The flexible format also opens access to limited wines like the 2022 Durell Vineyard Sonoma Valley Chardonnay and the 2021 Rochioli Russian River Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir.

“In today’s evolving market, programs like this are essential,” Wycoff said. “They help us stay connected to our loyal fans while offering something they value — freedom and choice.”

Gary Farrell Winery, 10701 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-473-2909, garyfarrellwinery.com

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In June, rainbow flags ripple across the vineyards and towns of Sonoma County, a region that is known not just for its food and wine but also for its embrace of LGBTQ+ culture.

Pride Month festivities are underway, and across the county, chefs, winemakers and community groups are hosting dinners, wine tastings and other culinary extravaganzas to celebrate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Looking to join the party and show your support? Here are some standout events to check out this month.

A toast to inclusivity, visibility

In 2008, Gary Saperstein founded Out in the Vineyard, a Sonoma-based event company aimed at cultivating inclusive experiences in Wine Country. At the time, few in the local wine industry considered the LGBTQ+ community a key demographic. That has changed significantly.

According to Professionals With Pride, Sonoma County’s LGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce, the region is home to the second-largest population of LGBTQIA+ households in the United States.

Saperstein, a longtime hospitality professional, now organizes year-round events that raise funds and foster a greater sense of community. This year’s lineup of events has included “Martini Madness” at the Lodge at Sonoma and the 15th annual “Trashion Fashion Runway Show” at the Sonoma Community Center, where participants model garments made from recycled materials.

In May, the Out in the Vineyard Pink Sonoma Rosé Wine Fest at Viansa Winery in Sonoma combined food, wine and drag performances. Earlier this month, the organization helped organize the Sonoma Valley Pride Festival at Sonoma City Hall and the Plaza.

Upcoming events

Next, Out in the Vineyard heads to San Francisco on June 14 for the 5th Annual Pride Wine Fest at The Academy, an LGBTQ+ social club in the Castro District. Participating wineries include Healdsburg’s MacRostie Winery and Geyserville’s Mercury Wine. Chef Chad Carlstedt of Classic Culinaire will provide hors d’oeuvres.

“This year — maybe more than ever — Pride means something deeper,” said Saperstein. “We’re living through a time when our rights, our identities — especially those of our trans friends — and even our existence are being challenged.

“Coming together as a community is where we find our joy, it is where we regain our power and resilience,” he added.

Details: Fifth Annual Pride Wine Fest, The Academy, 2166 Market St., San Francisco, academy-sf.com. Tickets are $87.13, including service fees. More Out in the Vineyard events here: outinthevineyard.com.

Cloverdale’s first Pride week

In northern Sonoma County, the charming small town of Cloverdale will host its first official Pride Week with three days of programming on June 12, 13 and 15.

The celebration begins with a “Pride Happy Hour” from 3-6 p.m. June 12 at The Beet Restaurant and Wine Bar, where owners Andrew Radabaugh, Alessandra Ziviani and Kristi Shehan will offer discounts on the global wine and food menu.

Guests will then head over to the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center for a 6 p.m. reception and a screening of the 1994 cult drag film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Tickets are $25, including wine, light bites and the film.

“Pride means honoring the strength, joy, and resilience of our queer team members who help make this place so vibrant,” said Radabaugh of The Beet. “We’re proud to be a space where everyone is welcome, supported and celebrated — especially on our Friday night dance floors where the beats are loud and the love is louder.”

On June 13, the town’s regular “Friday Night Live” street fair and summer concert series at the downtown plaza will feature a live performance by Banda Pacifica from 7 p.m., followed by one of the epic dance parties at The Beet, with drinks and DJ hits. Admission is free, and the kitchen stays open until midnight (or later).

The week concludes on June 15 with a “Drag Bingo Brunch” from 1 to 4 p.m. at La Tequila Restaurant. Tickets are $40 and include two bingo cards. Foods and drinks will be sold separately, with proceeds supporting the renovation of the The Cloverdale Arts Alliance Art Gallery.

Details: The Beet, 116 E. First St., cloverdalebeet.com. Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., cloverdaleperformingarts.com. Friday Night Live on the Downtown Plaza, 112 Broad St., cloverdaleartsalliance.org/fnlmusic. La Tequila Restaurant, 134 N. Cloverdale Blvd., mexicanrestaurantcloverdale.com

Soup as solidarity

One of the month’s most heartfelt gatherings may be the Queer Soup Night from 3-6 p.m. June 22, to be held The Punchdown Bottle Shop + Wine Bar in Sebastopol.

Launched in 2017 by Brooklyn chef and cookbook author Liz Alpern in response to Donald Trump’s 2016 election, Queer Soup Night has grown into a nationwide grassroots network centered on community care, solidarity and support — especially at a time when the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups face increasing threats.

Sonoma County’s first Queer Soup Night is being organized by chef Preeti Mistry, a James Beard Award nominee and former “Top Chef” contestant, and award-winning chef Leah Scurto of PizzaLeah in Windsor. Bay Area-based photographer Sarah Deragon and trans activist E. Samuell MacLaughlin also helped to organize the event.

The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: The chefs serve as hosts for the evening, serving comforting soups to anyone craving a “culinary hug.” Money raised from “suggested donations” benefits Positive Images, a Sonoma County LGBTQ+ youth nonprofit . (Donations will be accepted at the door on a sliding scale, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.)

There is no RSVP required for this event, but guests are encouraged to bring their own spoon (or BYOS).

Details: The Punchdown, 6770 McKinley St., Suite 130 (in The Barlow), Sebastopol, 707-827-3483, pdne.ws/4jHXtqe

At Martin Ray, a flag raised high

Every June for the past 16 years, a rainbow flag has flown from the tall water tower at Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery in northwest Santa Rosa. It has become such a powerful presence and a tradition so central to the winery’s identity that it inspired Leslie Mead Renaud, director of winemaking, to join the team “six harvests ago.” She was drawn not only to the winery’s beautiful property and elegant wines, but, perhaps most importantly, to its inclusive ethics, she explained.

“I’d driven past the place for years, and always thought that it is so cool that they actually do that (raise the rainbow flag high each year),” she said. “Someone has to climb all the way up the water tower.”

The winery is owned by Courtney Benham, who also leads the CMB Family of Wines. Each year, a member of the Benham family raises the rainbow flag.

“It’s a symbol of who we are as a winery and as members of the Sonoma County community,” said Benham. “(It is) a sign of inclusion, respect and allyship with the LGBTQ+ community … We’re proud to continue creating a space where everyone feels seen, supported and celebrated.”

Upcoming events

Through Aug. 2, Martin Ray will host its “Pizza at the Winebar” series every Saturday, offering Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza, wine and salad in the garden courtyard. Tickets are $18 (plus a $1 Tock fee) and include a splash of wine and a salad, with pizzas and additional wine available for purchase à la carte. It can be family-friendly, too, with custom tickets for guests under 21 years old. Reserve a time at 11:30 a.m., noon., 1:30 p.m., or 2 p.m.

On June 28, the winery will host its “Pride & Pizza” party, with $10 from each $30 ticket benefiting Positive Images.

Details: Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery, 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa, 707-908- 8993, martinraywinery.com

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