Wineries
Discover Sonoma Valley's finest wineries and tasting rooms
Bartholomew Estate Winery
Tucked away on a historic estate that once belonged to Agoston Haraszthy, Bartholomew offers an intimate tasting experience far from the crowds. The property includes not just the winery but also a 400-acre park open for hiking and picnicking—a hidden gem that many visitors to Sonoma never discover. The wines here focus on organic and biodynamic practices, with estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting room is cozy and personal, and the pours are generous. You'll often find yourself chatting with the winemaker or longtime staff who know every vine on the property. For our guests, Bartholomew represents the quieter, more contemplative side of wine country. Pack a picnic, taste through the flight, buy a bottle, then spend the afternoon wandering the trails with views stretching across the valley. It's the kind of experience that reminds you why you came to Sonoma in the first place. Reservations recommended but walk-ins often welcome on weekdays.
Benziger Family Winery
Nestled in a volcanic crater in Glen Ellen, Benziger offers one of the most educational and family-friendly winery experiences in Sonoma. Their famous tractor-drawn vineyard tour takes you through the property explaining biodynamic farming practices, from the insectary to the composting operation to the livestock that help maintain the vineyards. The wines—particularly their Tribute Bordeaux blend and single-vineyard releases—are serious and well-regarded, but what sets Benziger apart is their commitment to sustainable viticulture. This is a working farm where you can see biodynamic principles in action, not just read about them on a tasting note. For families staying at Sonoma Grove Suites, Benziger is a must-visit. Kids are genuinely entertained by the tour (tractors, sheep, bugs!), while adults appreciate both the wines and the agricultural philosophy. The picnic areas offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Reservations required for tours; walk-ins available for standard tastings.
Buena Vista Winery
Buena Vista holds the distinction of being California's oldest commercial winery, founded in 1857 by the 'Count of Buena Vista' Agoston Haraszthy, often called the father of California viticulture. The historic stone cellars are a designated California Historical Landmark, and walking through them feels like stepping back to the birth of California winemaking. Today, the winery produces an impressive range of wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and their flagship Zinfandel. The tasting room experience combines history with modern hospitality—you can taste wines in the historic Press House or outdoors among the ancient oaks. For guests at Sonoma Grove Suites, Buena Vista is an essential visit. Beyond the excellent wines, the property offers a tangible connection to Sonoma's heritage. The guided tours reveal fascinating stories about the Count's adventures and the winery's role in shaping California wine. The grounds are beautiful for a post-tasting stroll. Reservations recommended, especially for tours. The gift shop offers unique wine-related items and historical souvenirs.
Chateau St. Jean
With its Mediterranean-style villa, manicured gardens, and mountain backdrop, Chateau St. Jean is one of Sonoma's most photographed properties. The winery has been producing acclaimed wines since 1973, with particular expertise in single-vineyard Chardonnays and reserve Bordeaux blends. The grounds are reason enough to visit—formal gardens, century-old trees, and a view of the dramatic peaks of Sugarloaf Ridge. The tasting options range from casual experiences in the original chateau to more elaborate food pairings in their newer hospitality building. For guests seeking a refined, European-feeling experience, Chateau St. Jean delivers. It's popular for weddings and special events, so the property is always impeccably maintained. The wines are consistently well-made, and the staff is professional and knowledgeable. Reservations recommended, especially for seated experiences. The outdoor grounds are perfect for a post-tasting stroll.
Cline Family Cellars
Set on a sprawling historic estate with gardens, springs, and a restored 1850s farmhouse, Cline offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that feels more like a park than a traditional winery. The property includes the California Missions Museum, showcasing models of all 21 California missions. The wines focus on Rhône varieties—Mourvèdre, Viognier, and especially their flagship Ancient Vines Zinfandel from gnarly old plants in Contra Costa County. The tastings are generous, the prices are fair, and the whole experience is unpretentious and welcoming. For guests traveling with children, Cline is a godsend—kids can explore the gardens and missions museum while parents enjoy a tasting. The picnic areas beside the spring-fed pond are perfect for a leisurely lunch, and the geese wandering the property add to the farmstead charm. No reservations required. One of the few remaining walk-in-friendly wineries in Sonoma.
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Perched on a hillside with commanding views of the Carneros vineyards, Gloria Ferrer brings the Spanish tradition of Cava to California. The winery was founded by the Ferrer family of Barcelona, and every detail—from the architecture to the wines—reflects their Catalan heritage. Specializing in méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, Gloria Ferrer also produces excellent still Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from their cool-climate estate vineyards. The cave tour is particularly worthwhile, offering a glimpse into the traditional methods of sparkling wine production. For guests at Sonoma Grove Suites, Gloria Ferrer is perfect for a celebratory visit. The terrace overlooking the vines is ideal for a leisurely afternoon of bubbles, and the staff excels at making every guest feel special. The setting is elegant without being stuffy. Reservations recommended for seated tastings. The terrace is first-come-first-served and fills up quickly on nice days.
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Affectionately known as "Gun-Bun" by locals, this sixth-generation family winery is the oldest continuously family-owned winery in California, dating back to 1858. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains, the estate offers one of Sonoma's most beautiful tasting experiences. The winery produces an impressive range of wines including Gewürztraminer, Tempranillo, and their signature Rhinefarm Vineyard Cabernet. But beyond the wines, Gun-Bun is known for its vibrant personality—from hosting outdoor concerts and movie nights to maintaining hiking trails through the vineyards. For guests at Sonoma Grove Suites, the short drive to Gun-Bun opens up a full day of activities. Start with a tasting, then explore the hiking trails with views of the valley below. The picnic areas are among the best in Sonoma, perfect for pairing a bottle with local cheese and charcuterie. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about sharing the family's history and wines.
Patz & Hall
Praised in guest reviews at Sonoma Grove Suites, Patz & Hall has earned a devoted following for their exceptional single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Working with fruit from celebrated vineyards across Sonoma and Napa, they've built a reputation for wines that balance power and elegance. The Sonoma House tasting salon provides an intimate, appointment-only experience where you can taste through their current releases and explore library wines. The setting is comfortable and refined, and the hosts are deeply knowledgeable about both the wines and the vineyards they come from. For serious wine enthusiasts staying at Sonoma Grove Suites, Patz & Hall is essential. The quality of the wines rivals the best from Burgundy, but the atmosphere is warmly Californian. Expect to learn something new about Chardonnay and Pinot while tasting. Reservations required. Book in advance for weekend visits.
Ram's Gate Winery
The dramatic entrance to Sonoma from the south, Ram's Gate welcomes visitors with stunning architecture, infinity-edge reflecting pools, and panoramic views of the Carneros vineyards. This is wine country at its most visually spectacular, and the wines more than match the setting. Specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Carneros and Sonoma Coast regions, Ram's Gate produces elegant, refined wines that reflect the maritime influence of the nearby Pacific. The tasting experiences range from walk-in tastings to elaborate food and wine pairings prepared by their culinary team. For guests staying at Sonoma Grove Suites, Ram's Gate makes an excellent first or last stop—located at the southern gateway to wine country. The modern aesthetic and professional service appeal to visitors seeking a polished experience, while the quality of the wines satisfies serious oenophiles. Reservations strongly recommended. Consider booking one of their seated tastings with paired bites for the full experience.
Ravenswood Winery
Known as the birthplace of Zinfandel in Sonoma, Ravenswood has championed bold, uncompromising wines since 1976 with their famous motto "No Wimpy Wines." Located just minutes from Sonoma Grove Suites, this is an essential stop for anyone who appreciates wines with character and a rebellious spirit. The winery specializes in Zinfandel from old vine vineyards across Sonoma County, along with robust Petit Sirah and rich Bordeaux-style blends. Their tasting room offers a casual, unpretentious atmosphere where you can sample through flights while learning about the vineyard sources that give each wine its distinct personality. What makes Ravenswood special for our guests is its accessibility and authenticity. There's no pretense here—just good wine, friendly staff, and a genuine passion for craftsmanship. The covered outdoor patio is perfect for afternoon tastings, and the prices are reasonable compared to some of the region's more exclusive estates. Walk-ins are welcome most days, though reservations are recommended for weekends. Ask about their single-vineyard Zins if you want to experience Sonoma terroir at its finest.
Scribe Winery
In a region full of history, Scribe stands out by seamlessly blending past and present. The property centers on a beautifully restored 1915 hacienda surrounded by olive trees and gardens, where guests can enjoy wines that are simultaneously traditional and refreshingly unconventional. Founded by two brothers passionate about sustainable farming, Scribe produces wines that defy easy categorization—skin-contact whites, field blends, and single-vineyard Pinots and Chardonnays. The approach is less about varietal correctness and more about capturing a sense of place and season. For our guests, Scribe offers something different from the typical Sonoma winery visit. The reservations-only policy ensures a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. Tastings take place outdoors on the hacienda's expansive patio, with wines paired with bites from their garden. It feels more like visiting a friend's country estate than a commercial winery. Reservations are essential and can be difficult to secure on short notice—book well in advance.
Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery
Located right in downtown Sonoma, Sebastiani is one of the valley's most accessible and historic wineries. The family has been making wine here since 1904, and their downtown tasting room lets you experience that heritage without leaving town. The portfolio is broad, from everyday-drinking Zinfandels to their premium Cherryblock vineyard wines. The tasting room occupies a beautifully restored historic building with high ceilings and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages lingering. For our guests, Sebastiani's walkable location from the Plaza makes it an easy addition to a downtown stroll. Pop in between lunch and shopping, or use it as a comfortable introduction to Sonoma wines before venturing out to estate wineries in the valley. Walk-ins welcome. Reservations appreciated for groups.
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
Sonoma-Cutrer has earned a reputation as one of California's premier Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers, with a focus on elegance and balance that has made their wines favorites in fine restaurants nationwide. The winery's commitment to single-vineyard expressions showcases the diversity of Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast terroir. The tasting experience is polished and educational, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through flights that demonstrate how different vineyards produce distinctly different wines from the same grape varieties. The property itself is beautifully manicured, with croquet lawns and gardens that create a refined atmosphere. For our guests who appreciate precision winemaking and classic California style, Sonoma-Cutrer delivers. Their Chardonnays are particularly impressive—rich but restrained, with the kind of balance that pairs perfectly with food. The Les Pierres vineyard Chardonnay is legendary among wine enthusiasts. Reservations required. The winery is about 20 minutes from Sonoma Grove Suites, making it a pleasant drive through wine country.
Valley of the Moon Winery
One of Sonoma's oldest wineries, Valley of the Moon has been producing wines since 1863, making it part of the valley's founding generation of estates. Today the winery focuses on small-lot, handcrafted wines with a particular talent for Zinfandel and Pinot Blanc. The tasting room occupies a charming stone building surrounded by ancient oaks and heritage vines. The atmosphere is decidedly old-school—no glitz, no gimmicks, just good wine and friendly conversation. Many of the regular visitors have been coming for decades. For guests seeking an authentic, unpretentious Sonoma experience, Valley of the Moon delivers. The prices are reasonable, the pours are generous, and you might find yourself chatting with the winemaker while tasting. It's a refreshing contrast to some of the region's more commercial operations. Walk-ins welcome. A true hidden gem.
Viansa Sonoma
Inspired by the Italian heritage of its founders, Viansa sits atop a hillside with sweeping views of the surrounding wetlands and mountains. The Tuscan-style villa houses not just a tasting room but also a gourmet marketplace filled with Italian-inspired provisions. The wine program focuses on Italian varietals grown in Sonoma—Sangiovese, Barbera, Primitivo, and Pinot Grigio—alongside Rhône-style blends. The approach is food-friendly, and the marketplace makes it easy to assemble a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. For our guests, Viansa offers a distinctively Italian spin on the Sonoma experience. The views from the terrace are spectacular, particularly at sunset. The marketplace is worth exploring even if you don't taste—olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and local cheeses make perfect souvenirs. Walk-ins welcome for the marketplace and terrace; reservations recommended for seated tastings.