Best Sonoma Wineries for First-Time Visitors

Sonoma County is one of the most popular wine regions in California, known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful vineyards, and award-winning wines. It’s also home to Bottle Barn, the best among Sonoma wine stores! With so many wineries to choose from, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to decide where to go. To help you plan your visit, we have compiled a list of the best Sonoma wineries for first-time travellers. Can’t make the trip? Order wine online from these great winegrowers. 

Jordan Vineyard & Winery 

To start your Sonoma wine tasting, consider Jordan Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned winery that has been producing award-winning wines since 1976. You will find the winery in Healdsburg and offers tours and tastings by appointment only. The estate is known for its stunning chateau-style building, beautiful gardens, and exceptional hospitality. The winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other Bordeaux varietals. 

Francis Ford Coppola Winery 

The Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a popular destination for movie fans and wine lovers alike. The winery, located in Geyserville, features a museum showcasing memorabilia from Francis Ford Coppola's movies, as well as a restaurant, swimming pool, and bocce court. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. 

Chateau St. Jean Winery

Chateau St. Jean Winery is located in Kenwood and is known for its stunning French-inspired chateau. The winery offers daily tours and tastings, and visitors can enjoy a picnic on the winery's beautiful grounds. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. 

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens 

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens is a popular destination for wine lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. The estate, located in Santa Rosa, features a stunning garden that is open to the public. The winery offers daily tours and tastings, as well as wine and food pairing experiences. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Benziger Family Winery 

Benziger Family Winery is known for its sustainable farming practices and biodynamic vineyards. The winery, located in Glen Ellen, offers daily tours and tastings that showcase its commitment to sustainability. Visitors can take a tram tour of the vineyards and learn about the winery's eco-friendly practices. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. 

Iron Horse Vineyards 

Encounter Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol. It is well known for its sparkling wines. The winery offers daily tastings, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Russian River Valley from the winery's terrace. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a variety of sparkling wines. 

Arista Winery 

Arista Winery lies in Healdsburg and is known for its Pinot Noir. The winery offers daily tastings, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The winery also features a beautiful Japanese garden that is open to the public. In addition to Pinot Noir, the winery produces Chardonnay and Zinfandel. 

Seghesio Family Vineyards 

Seghesio Family Vineyards, located in Healdsburg, is known for its Zinfandel and offers daily tastings with stunning views of the vineyards from the winery's terrace. In addition to their signature Zinfandel, the winery also produces a variety of other wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Italian varietals. The winery's rich history and dedication to winemaking have earned them numerous accolades and recognition as one of the best wineries in Sonoma County. 

Sonoma County has a plethora of wineries to choose from, but these eight wineries are some of the best options for first-time visitors to taste Sonoma wines. Whether you're looking for stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, sustainable farming practices, or award-winning wines, Sonoma has something for everyone. With so many options, you can plan your visit to these wineries and experience the best that Sonoma has to offer.