While staying in Petaluma and Forestville, we visited a total of 9 wineries: one was a disaster, one was just okay, and 7 were somewhere on the continuum between good and exceptional. I didn’t take pictures at most of the wineries; just one or two shots on my phone at some of them so I don’t have much to share. I promise to do better in Paso Robles, which is our final destination.
We visited mostly small, boutique wineries which, for the most part, don’t sell their wine at retail outlets. There are more than 400 wineries in Sonoma County, so selecting which to visit was a challenge. I established certain criteria, which I’ll spare you, and did a spreadsheet (of course) and I was quite satisfied with the wineries we ended up visiting as a result.
I tend to like really big, bold red wines more or less exclusively, so I typically don’t even taste White Wine or Pinot Noir when I visit wineries. However, I made an exception on this trip, and I’m glad I did, because I ended up finding a few of each that I particularly liked. I regard that fact as an indicator that these producers simply know how to make good wine.
The best wineries we visited, in terms of the quality of the wine, service, and setting were the following: Bedrock Wine Company, Limerick Lane Cellars, Gracianna Winery, and De La Montanya Winery.
Bedrock Wine Company: operating out of an historic building in downtown Sonoma, Bedrock, like most of the other wineries we visited, owns and manages multiple vineyards throughout Sonoma County and also purchases grapes from other vineyards. They are best known for discovering and reviving old vineyards, particularly those that are planted with Zinfandel. We tasted Rose made from Mourvedre, Sauvignon Blanc, a Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvedre blend, a Zinfandel, and two Cabernet Sauvignons. Their wines were particularly balanced and elegant.
A very old Zinfandel vine, no longer living, estimated to be approximately 140 years old. The vine served as a decorative object lying on an old wine barrel next to our table on the patio at Bedrock Wine Comapny
Limerick Lane Cellars: operating a vineyard, winery and on-site tasting room & patio among the vines in the Knights Valley AVA in Sonoma County, this small winery produces limited quantities of just a few varietals. Their focus is on Zinfandel, including very old vine Zinfandel. We had a one-on-one tasting with a gentleman who is a long time employee, who sat down with us and talked wine until the next appointment arrived. I was in heaven! We tasted a lovely Rose made from Mourvedre, a Grenache and 3 Zinfandels, each of which was sourced from a different vineyard.
Gracianna Winery: featuring wines that are unfiltered and un-fined, which is a rather uncommon practice, Gracianna focuses on the classic Russian River Valley varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, they produce other varieties as well, including a truly wonderful Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. I was surprised to discover how much I enjoyed both the Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc , both of which we purchased, but the real shock was the Pinot Noir. It was one of the best I’ve had, if not the best, and I am not a fan, as many of you know.
De La Montanya Vineyard and Winery: producing a wider variety of wines than the other vineyards mentioned above, De La Montanya sources grapes from several different AVAs in Sonoma County. Particularly good were their Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also produce Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Syrah.
Also worth a visit: Adobe Road Winery in downtown Petaluma, Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma and Pax Wines in Sebastopol.
Wow, so much wine!! Looks and sounds like you’ve having a wonderful travel adventure.
Hey Paul, I have to say, not only is there so much wine in Sonoma County, there is so much really good wine! Who needs Napa? Thanks for checking in.
Wow!
I think I saw that vine come alive in a horror movie recently. Suggested “new rule”: zin from a vine older than the current presidential candidates must be good!
Graciana seems to have reproduced Bordeaux in climate? Soil? Sounds wonderful.
Thanks for the vicarious adventures!
Ned, Good one on the Zin vine! And I would agree about the old vine Zin…much of the best does come from vines older than either of the candidates.
As for Graciana, I can’t remember exactly what their practices are, but many of the Sonoma producers we visited own vineyards in multiple locations (& AVAs) in order to grow the varieties they wish to grow. Some also purchase a limited amount of grapes from trusted producers. We can discuss in more details sometime when we feel up to a major wine nerd-fest!
I can’t wait to hear more about the unfiltered and un-fined process.
Suzy,
I’m sure you will not be shocked to discover that I can’t wait to tell you all about the unfiltered and un-fined process.
As you know, I am far, far, far from being able to opine on wines. However, I learn something every time we talk about or I read your commentary on wine. It’s fun!
John,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I can’t help myself…I am obsessed and I’m delighted you are learning about wine and enjoying it.
It looks beautiful in Sonoma County. We didn’t try De La Montoya while we were there, but I definitely want to next time we go! I hope the four of you (counting the little ones) you are having a fantastic trip.
Great to hear from you, Don. Sonoma County is beautiful and I’m finding I like the wine better every time we go. You would like De La Montoya; it’s small and low key and they are committed to making really good wine. The others I highlighted are as well.