Sonoma Winery Recommendations

Anaba Wines sources grapes from a range of exceptional vineyards across Sonoma County, each carefully selected to meet the winery's high standards. Their vineyards, including Bismark, Dutton Ranch, H. Klopp, and others, are known for their unique climates and soils that contribute to the production of premium wines. The winery focuses on sustainable practices and employs advanced viticulture techniques to ensure the best fruit quality. Notable sites like the cool, coastal regions of Sonoma Coast and the sun-drenched hills of the Mayacamas provide ideal growing conditions for a variety of Rhône and Pinot Noir varieties, resulting in wines that reflect the distinctive character of each vineyard.

Hamel Family Wines is dedicated to producing wines that express the true character of their terroir through sustainable and biodynamic practices. The winery focuses on dry farming, organic, and biodynamic methods to preserve the connection between wine and the land. Their commitment to non-interventionist winemaking allows the wines to reflect the natural energy, complexity, and purity of the site. As a family-owned winery, Hamel prioritizes long-term vineyard health and quality, and they are one of the few wineries in California to farm certified biodynamic vineyards. Their approach emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and respect for the environment, ensuring wines with a true sense of place.

Scribe Winery, located in Sonoma, California, produces vibrant, terroir-driven wines. Founded in 2007 on a historic property known for pre-prohibition winemaking, it is managed by fourth-generation California farmers and brothers, Andrew and Adam Mariani. They believe that the best wines come from a harmonious relationship between man and nature, where vineyards are managed sustainably to reflect the unique characteristics of the land. By using non-interventionist winemaking methods, Scribe Winery produces wines that authentically express the site and its natural qualities.

Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy, is a California Historic Landmark known for pioneering premium winemaking in the state. Revitalized under the leadership of Jean-Charles Boisset, the winery celebrates Haraszthy's spirit of innovation while producing exceptional wines from vineyards in Sonoma and Napa. Buena Vista sources grapes from diverse sites, including the cool, fog-influenced Petaluma Gap for Pinot Noir, and the high-elevation Moon Mountain for Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery continues its commitment to quality through sustainable vineyard practices and traditional winemaking techniques, crafting wines that reflect the unique terroirs of California.

Cline Family Cellars was founded in 1982 by Fred Cline in Oakley, California, beginning with Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Carignane from vines dating back to the 1880s. In 1989, the winery moved to a 350-acre horse farm in Sonoma-Carneros, where Fred, a founding member of the Rhône Rangers, expanded their vineyards to include Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Over the years, the family has maintained a commitment to sustainability and quality, passing on these values to future generations. The winery focuses on minimal intervention, using wild yeast and sustainable farming practices, ensuring their wines reflect the unique qualities of the vineyards.

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, founded by José and Gloria Ferrer, is a pioneer in the Carneros region, recognized for producing exceptional sparkling wines. The winery, established in 1986, is located in the ideal terroir of Carneros, known for its cool temperatures and long growing season, perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The estate spans two ranches, Home Ranch and Circle Bar Ranch, with diverse soils and microclimates that contribute to the complexity of their wines. Committed to sustainability, Gloria Ferrer became certified in 2016, and continues to craft high-quality wines using traditional methods, blending innovation with time-honored techniques.

Established in 1858, Gundlach Bundschu’s Rhinefarm estate is located in the southernmost part of Sonoma Valley, on the slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. The vineyard benefits from a mix of cool valley floors and steep hillsides, ideal for a variety of high-quality wines. Below 150 feet, the terrain is perfect for early-ripening, high-acid varieties like Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay. Above 150 feet, the hillside is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals, benefiting from cool breezes and long daylight exposure for slow, even ripening. The 320-acre estate is sustainably farmed in 60 distinct blocks, with careful monitoring and hand-farming practices to optimize vine health and flavor development.

Larson Family Winery, located in Sonoma Valley’s Carneros region, was founded by the Larson family, who have farmed the land for five generations. The winery produces 5,000 cases of wine annually, which are sold exclusively at the winery, through their wine club, and online. They sustainably and organically farm 100 acres of estate vineyards. The family is deeply involved in daily operations, with each member contributing to the business, from vineyard management to wine club operations. The winery is dedicated to creating memorable experiences, making wine from grape to glass with a focus on sustainability and authenticity.