Discussions about US wine usually focus on Napa Valley.
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Napa is known for its larger-than-life wineries and extravagant dining scene. The county often garners comparisons between France’s loveliest wine-growing regions—and for good reason.
Stately vineyards cover rolling hills that fade into mist, while grand villas welcome traveling groups interested in sampling some of the US’s best wine.
But Sonoma County is an up-and-coming contender to Napa’s longstanding popularity.
Guests like it for its more laidback and country roads-esque vibe. The wineries are smaller and more experimental, while their tasting rooms are cheaper and more varied. Guests trade glam for exotic new wines.
And it’s not only winos who are starting to take notice of Sonoma.
World-class winemakers and sommeliers dot the county, offering exciting new pairings for their farm-to-table cuisine. Even grocery chain varieties have nabbed respect from sommeliers. In fact, some prefer the Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels, and Chardonnays coming from Sonoma.
If you want to drink like them, you should be lining up at these Sonoma wine rooms. They’re recommended by Sonoma Magazine, one of the best authorities on wine in the region.
Looking for more than Sonoma wine rooms?
Best Sonoma wine rooms & experiences
Valley Bar + Bottle
Billed as one of Sonoma’s hottest wine bars by Sonoma Mag, this restaurant, wine bar, and bottle shop brings you the very best pairings from Kaz Khosrowmanesh, the on-site sommelier.
If you’d like to sample wines in a modern and chic tasting room, you’ll have dozens of bottles to choose from with an emphasis on sustainable, local varieties. You can also grab a bite to eat with a perfectly paired glass.
Kivelstadt Cellars
Do you dream of sipping at Sonoma wine rooms underneath a lovely canopy? Kivelstadt Cellars offers a beautiful tasting lounge in Sonoma City that’s situated under a cluster of 100-year-old sycamores.
You can also order from their small but tasty menu, which locals rave about. Notably, Kivelstadt also welcomes children and pets.
J Vineyard & Winery
Welcome to the chief of Healdsburg tasting rooms. J Vineyard & Winery is widely regarded as one of the county’s best wine operations. You’ve got options when you sample J Vineyard products, including the option to sample its signature releases, head to the bubbly room for some champagne, or set up shop in the legacy lounge where you can sample small-lot varieties. If you want a more austere take on Sonoma favorites, start here.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Speaking of austerity, I’ve got another top pick in the world of Sonoma wine tasting: St. Francis. Recently voted the Best of the Bay Area for Best Wine & Tasting Room, there’s plenty to soak up at its tasting events.
While the average tasting takes place on a lovely terrace, guests can also explore the vineyards with a tour and sample dishes with catered pairings.
Coursey Graves
Renowned throughout Sonoma County for its vibrant and lovely tasting gardens, Coursey Graves is a top pick for many.
Its small pond and flowers display is reminiscent of Claude Monet—which fits well with the vineyard’s emphasis on all things French. Just remember that the garden is seasonal, running from May to October.
