 |
Planning Which Valley To
|
Once you decide which wine region in Sonoma County you'd like to explore, you can click on the link to find a list of wineries there with specific information on location, tasting room hours, tours available, picnic areas and other special features.
By forming a rough plan in advance, your wine country visit will be more relaxed and enjoyable, especially if you keep an open mind to unexpected discoveries along the way.
Click here to find a Sonoma limousine service.
The two main hubs for visiting the Sonoma wineries of this county are the towns of Sonoma and Healdsburg.
The town of
Sonoma
itself is between Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Carneros, making it a convenient place to base your tour of either of those two appellations.
Healdsburg
is further north, off of Highway 101 and is central to the Dry Creek Valley on the west, the Alexander Valley on the east, and the Russian River Valley to the southwest.
Sonoma Valley
There's a lot of history in Sonoma Valley, due to its early Californian roots. The Franciscan Padres planted grapes here back in the early 1800's for the Mission, while Count Haraszthy from Hungary started the first wine making business in the area. He and General Vallejo would compete for who could make the best wine.
The drive is relaxed, taking you from the town of Sonoma through the small country towns in the Hot Springs area and on into the countryside. It is not as busy as Napa Valley and more laid back.
See Sonoma Valley Wineries
Find a Sonoma Bed and Breakfast inn.
Sonoma Carneros
At the southern end of Sonoma Valley is the Carneros wine region. The eastern side is Napa Carneros, while the western side is Sonoma Carneros. The area's climate has a strong marine influence, being so close to San Pablo Bay at the northern end of San Francisco Bay. Fog and wind are commonplace, which is well suited for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
This is also the area of Sonoma wineries closest to San Francisco and the Bay Area, making it the shortest drive for many. It's proximity to the water also make it one of the coolest of the Sonoma County wine regions, whereas the valleys further inland get quite hot in summer and early fall.
See Sonoma Carneros Wineries
Dry Creek Valley
On the northwest side of Healdsburg, is the Dry Creek Valley. This narrow valley affords a very scenic drive lined by hills full of woods. It gets very warm here, but the morning fog helps cool things down. Grapes planted here produce red wines such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Syrah, which all do very well in this location.
Sonoma wineries aren't the only attraction of the Dry Creek Valley. At the northern end is Lake Sonoma, a popular boating and recreation spot. The Lake Sonoma Visitor Center and Fish Hatchery is a great place to take the kids. The Visitor Center has exhibits about the native Pomo Indians and the natural history of the Dry Creek Valley and Warm Springs Dam. The fish hatchery itself is exciting to watch in action, and outside there is a trail to a fish ladder where you can watch the salmon flip flop upstream in season.
See Dry Creek Valley Wineries
Alexander Valley
On the northeast side of Healdsburg lies the Alexander Valley, running along the Russian River. Chardonnay does very well here. At the northern end, reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot thrive in the warmer climate found here.
See Alexander Valley Wineries
Russian River Valley
Southwest of Healdsburg where the Russian River turns west and heads to the sea is where the Russian River Valley lies. The marine fog and breezes make this a cooler appellation than the Alexander, Dry Creek and Sonoma Valleys. These conditions are favorable for growing grapes that produce Sauvignon Blancs, crisp Chardonnays and Pinot Noir.
If you are a "Peanuts" cartoon fan, the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa is well worth a visit as a side trip to your Sonoma wineries excursion through the Russian River Valley wine tasting excursion. Call 707-579-4452.
See Russian River Valley Wineries
Consider a wine tasting tour if you want someone else to do all the driving. You can find out more about the following two tours at Viator.com:
Whichever region of Sonoma wineries you choose to visit this time, consider trying another on your next wine country tour. Each has its own special nuances to enjoy, with the varying seasons adding even more diversity to the mix.
Go here for Sonoma lodging options.
To leave the Sonoma Wineries page and return to the Experience Wine Country home page, click here.
