Sonoma Wine Country is, of course, known for rolling hills and valleys, coastal vineyards, impressive winery estates, and lush forests, making it a top wine-and-nature-lover’s bucket-list destination. However, the tasting rooms of Sonoma are where the real fun happens.

From lively stand-up tasting bars to urban-style wineries with live music to lavish sit-down private tasting suites, there are winery experiences for every type of wine lover. We’ve compiled a list of 25 of our favorite spots for the best wine tasting Sonoma County has to offer.

J Vineyards & Winery

J Vineyards, a Russian River Valley destination known for small-production Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines offers a range of reservation-only tasting experiences. Head to the J Bubble Room to indulge in the five-course tasting menu inspired by local and seasonal fare, paired with J’s selection of award-winning wines (squid ink fettuccine and Sparkling, anyone?), or enjoy the Legacy Lounge Wine Tasting, featuring flights of five of the winery’s most exclusive wines in a gorgeous outdoor setting.

Visit: 11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 431-5430

Gloria Ferrer

Love all things bubbly? Gloria Ferrer is the Sonoma tasting room for you! Owners José and Gloria Ferrer came to California from Barcelona in hopes of producing a similar wine to the Spanish sparklings they knew and loved. As they say, the rest is history. Pay a visit to their beautiful winery, and you’ll find sweeping views over Sonoma Valley paired with exclusive experiences where guests can walk through the vineyards and get behind-the-scenes. For a delicious afternoon, book the Culinary Journey, a tasting of small gourmet bites alongside still and sparkling wines.

Visit: 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476
Contact: (866) 845-6742

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

St. Francis Winery is a Certified Sustainable, family-owned winery that has been producing award-winning wines for over 50 years. The winery actually has one of the most comprehensive selections of wine tasting experiences in Sonoma County. You can experience the art of pairing wine and cuisine during the elevated Wine and Food Pairing Experience, enjoy a more relaxed Estate Pairings on the Vineyard Portico, or work up a sweat with the Tour de St. Francis, a heart-pumping (and fun!) way to explore the property.

Visit: 100 Pythian Road at Highway 12, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Contact: (707) 833-0254

Chalk Hill Estate Winery

Named for the AVA’s distinctive terroir of powder-colored volcanic topsoil, the Chalk Hill estate highlights a variety of microclimates, each representing a slice of Sonoma. The best way to experience everything this sprawling winery has to offer is to book the Estate & Garden Hummer Tour & Tasting. You’ll explore the vineyards from valley to peak before stopping off at the culinary garden to pair estate wines with small garden-inspired dishes á la estate chef.

Visit: 10300 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 657-1809

Coursey Graves

Nestled on Sonoma’s Bennett Mountain, Coursey Graves Winery is a hidden gem worth checking out. Specializing in Bordeaux varietals and Syrah, this boutique winery crafts wines that are a true reflection of their mountain terroir, along with other consciously farmed sites throughout Sonoma and Napa. Their tasting experiences range from a semi-private tasting to their private signature tasting and tour, both tailored to delight wine lovers of discerning taste. And did we mention the stunning gardens and views? They have those, too.

Visit: 6860 Serenity Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Contact: (707) 867-1888

MacRostie Winery

MacRostie Winery prides itself on its signature Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, grown in vineyards that stretch across both the Russian River Valley and Green Valley. The beautiful MacRostie Estate House tasting room, with sweeping views of Sonoma, provides gorgeous scenery that’s the perfect backdrop for sipping a glass of Chardonnay. The winery’s Signature Experience is a great way to get acquainted with their wines, but for something truly elevated, don’t miss the Nightwing Food & Wine Experience.

Visit: 4605 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 473-9303

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Started by the legendary filmmaker and his family, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a haven for those who love beautiful things. Modeled after Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, visitors can choose from several tasting experiences held at the Main Floor Tasting Bar or on the terrace, which are both first come, first serve. But the cherry on top? You’ll also get a sneak peek at original movie props from films like Apocalypse Now. Oh, and let’s not forget there’s a full restaurant and pool on property…

Visit: 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441
Contact: (707) 857-1471

Seghesio Family Vineyards

The roots of Seghesio’s family vineyards stretch all the way back to 1895, when the very first grape vines were planted on this Sonoma property. Known for their high-quality Zinfandel, Seghesio also pays homage to their Italian heritage by producing varietals like Barbera and Chianti. Explore more of the Seghesio family’s Piedmontese ancestry through the Italian Roots Flight, where you’ll try favorites like Vermentino and Sangiovese—which is produced from the oldest Sangiovese plantings in North America.

Visit: 700 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 433-3579

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Few Sonoma County wineries capture the extraordinary Wine Country experience quite like Jordan Winery, a stunning 900-acre estate tucked among the rolling hills of Alexander Valley in Healdsburg. If you aren’t wooed by the Library and Cellar Room, where no architectural or aesthetic detail is overlooked (including the lovingly-curated collection of vintage books and antiques on display), you will be by one of the many tastings and seasonal lunches on offer at this iconic property. Book the winery’s Chef’s Terrace Tasting to enjoy a one-of-a-kind culinary affair with views of estate vineyards and gardens.

Visit: 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 431-5250

Freeman Vineyard & Winery

Pioneers of cool-climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, Freeman Winery has helped define a more thoughtful and sophisticated winemaking style in the Sonoma region. To experience their exceptional wines and take in the stunning views of their first estate vineyard, book a private tasting and tour of their small-lot winery. Your tasting will take place in the quiet, serene cave where you’ll have the opportunity to savor Freeman’s signature Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from across Sonoma.

Visit: 1300 Montgomery Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Contact: (707) 823-6937

Kenwood Vineyards

Founded in 1970, Kenwood Vineyards is a historic Sonoma Valley winery known for its selection of single-vineyard, appellation, and low-production wines produced from grapes grown in some of the very best vineyards of Sonoma County. Taste Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc, and Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as limited edition wines from the famous Jack London Vineyard, named for the celebrated California author.

Visit: 9592 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452
Contact: (707) 282-4228

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery

Sweeping views of the Russian River Valley are the name of the game at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, not to mention their acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Sign up for the Discovery Tasting Flight to taste test the goods yourself while learning more about both their winemaking process and what makes Sonoma’s terroir so special. On the other hand, if you’re just popping by for a quick visit, sipping in the Overlook Wine Lounge is a great alternative that just so happens to come with awe-inspiring scenery.

Visit: 10701 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 473-2909

Banshee Wines

Although Banshee Wines has had a few homes over the years, including just off the Plaza in Healdsburg and a bar in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco, there’s no doubt that their newest location in Alexander Valley is a shining star. Book the Flight of the Banshee and sip a lineup of five featured wines, including Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir, some exciting single-vineyard-designate selections, and even a few wines from other celebrated appellations.

Visit: 5110 California 128, Geyserville, CA 95441
Contact: (707) 395-0915

Ferrari-Carano

Ferrari-Carano embraces its Italian roots whole-heartedly, something that visitors can sense as soon as they step foot on their stunning property. Step inside Villa Fiore to take part in experiences like the Molto Bene Wine & Food Pairing, with three courses of bites paired perfectly with Ferrari-Carano wines. The Pergola Wine Tasting is another great option for those who would rather sip surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees while nibbling on charcuterie. After indulging you can walk it off in their beautiful gardens, complete with fountains fit for a Roman palace.

Visit: 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 433-6700

Ledson Winery & Vineyards

It’s no wonder Ledson Winery—appropriately referred to as “The Castle”—was called “One of the twelve most impressive wineries in the world,” by VinePair. This 16,000-square-foot Gothic, French-Normandy-style architectural wonder in the heart of Sonoma Valley is quite the place to taste some wine. Sip Ledson’s selection of small-lot, top-scoring wines at one of three beautifully-designed tasting bars—each named for a member of the family—or by the fireplace in one of the opulent personal tasting suites, hosted by a highly-trained wine consultant.

Visit: 7335 Highway 12, Kenwood, CA 95409
Contact: (707) 537-3810

Imagery Estate

Imagery Estate‘s Upper Ridge Vineyard is situated at the top of a mountain and ideal for growing an array of varietals. This is an important part of the process here as Imagery is known for producing rare wines. They pay particular attention to crafting wines like White Burgundy, Malbec, and Lagrein, all of which aren’t commonly produced here. Head to their Tasting Room, voted one of the best in Sonoma, where you can sample these unique, limited-production wines by glass or flight. If it’s a nice day, the Wine Country Picnic Package for Two can’t be beat.

Visit: 14335 Highway 12, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
Contact: (707) 935-3000

Dry Creek Vineyard

Named for the AVA in which the winery is nestled, Dry Creek Vineyard is a thriving vineyard that produces some of Sonoma’s most coveted Sauvignon Blancs and Zinfandel. Dive right into what makes these wines so special in one of Dry Creek Vineyard’s Seated Tasting Experiences. Or, go off road—quite literally—on the Off-Road Vineyard Tour which takes guests on a tour through Dry Creek Vineyards’ historic property (this was the first winery built in Dry Creek after Prohibition!) via UTV.

Visit: 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 433-1000

BACA Wines

Quality wine meets a spirit of fun at this Healdsburg tasting room. Panoramic vineyard views welcome visitors in search of award-winning wines, made primarily from Zinfandel, sourced from many of California’s top growing regions. The BACA tasting room also offers sips of sister winery WALT selections, so guests can either stick to BACA Zinfandel or mix it up with some WALT Pinot Noir.

Visit: 779 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 721-8616

Sebastiani

At Sebastiani, you can have the best of both worlds: a historic, sun-drenched courtyard and an intimate indoor tasting room. Whichever you choose for your tasting, you’ll fall in love with the small-lot wines that are anything but ordinary. Sample these acclaimed wines, like their coveted Cherryblock Cabernet Sauvignon, during one of several tasting experiences. Or, you can forgo the tasting room altogether and reserve a table on the Bring Your Own Picnic experience. Pack your own yummy snacks and apps to enjoy with Sebastiani wines by the glass or bottle.

Visit: 389 4th Street East, Sonoma, CA 95476
Contact: (707) 933-3231

Landmark Vineyards

Nestled in the picturesque Sonoma Valley is Landmark Vineyards’ Kenwood Estate. Surrounded by lush gardens and stunning views of Sugarloaf Ridge, this beautiful winery is a welcoming place to sample world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. While a signature tasting is sure to please, if you’re with a group, book the Bocce Ball Court Experience for a fun afternoon of Bocce, cheese and charcuterie, and, of course, wine.

Visit: 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA 95452
Contact: (707) 833-0053

WALT Wines

WALT is a charming, cottage-like tasting room located just off the Sonoma Square, where guests can enjoy a laid-back setting in which to taste award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards spanning the Pacific Coast. Book a tasting of current releases or opt for the Root 101 tasting to experience “1000 Miles of Pinot” selections of single-vineyard Pinot Noir paired with carefully curated seasonal bites. Got a sweet tooth? Try the delicious Wine & Chocolate tasting to find out just how well chocolate can match up with Pinot Noir.

Visit: 380 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476
Contact: (707) 933-4440

Aperture Cellars

Aperture Cellars may just take your breath away with its striking architecture, gorgeous photography from famed photographer Andy Katz, light-as-air stemware, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Sonoma County’s natural beauty, and elegant, cool-climate wines. Art and wine lovers alike will delight in each experience this Healdsburg property offers, like the Soil Series Experience, which introduces guests to Aperture’s Bordeaux-inspired wines.

Visit: 12291 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 200-7891

Marine Layer Wines

This tasting room in downtown Healdsburg takes not only its name—a nod to the cool coastal area from where Marine Layer crafts its wines—but its entire aesthetic from coastal California inspiration. Not only will guests be able to take in the warm and bright atmosphere, created by local design duo HommeBoys, while sipping award-winning Sonoma Coast wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but they will also enjoy an exciting culinary experience created by neighboring restaurant Little Saint, a 100% plant-based restaurant with a fresh new food and cocktail menu update from chef Bryan Oliver.

Visit: 308 B Center Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 395-0830

Bricoleur

The term “Bricoleur” refers loosely to one who is—on the fly—able to fashion something new with whatever is on hand, without any clear plan. Take one step into the dramatic tasting room at this property in the Sonoma County town of Windsor, and you would be hard-pressed to think anything about Bricoleur was thrown together haphazardly. Heralded by the San Francisco Bay Area press as the region’s “Most Romantic Winery,” the property features culinary gardens, fruit trees, olive groves, chickens, and honeybees, as well as a massive barn-turned-tasting-room with an open kitchen to produce Bricoleur’s creative food and wine pairing experiences.

Visit: 7394 Starr Road, Windsor, CA 95492
Contact: (707) 857-5700

The Drink

More than your standard winery tasting room, The Drink is like your favorite neighborhood hangout. Here, visitors can sip unique wines from Leo Steen Wines—all made from organic and sustainably-farmed vineyards—while enjoying a regular line-up of seasonal wine, music, and food events.

Visit: 53 Front Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Contact: (707) 433-2925