Sonoma Wineries

Sonoma wineries benefit from a close proximity to the ocean on the west, and low-lying mountains to the east. Because of this location, Sonoma county wines are unlike those in neighboring California counties. There are currently over 250 wineries in Sonoma that produce unique and delectable wines.

Sonoma wineries date as far back as 1812 when the first grapevines were planted on the coast. It wasn't until 1823, however, that a Spanish Franciscan Father planted thousands of acres of grapes for use in the local mission.

Sonoma County wineries were slower to expand than other California wineries, but in the last 20 years the wineries in Sonoma County have flourished and the wines they produce have become even more refined.

The numerous Sonoma wineries are spread among the twelve regions that make up the Sonoma County Appellation.

Included in the Sonoma Wine Appellation are Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley.

Located within a few of these Sonoma County Wine Appellations are legendary Sonoma County wineries that are as well-known for their wines as they are for their history.

Famous Sonoma wineries include Kendall Jackson, Chateau Souverain.

Korbel Champagne Cellars is another famous winery in Sonoma, which features a beautiful rose garden tour to enhance your wine tasting tour through Sonoma County Appellation.

Many of the wineries in Sonoma County benefit from approximately 65,000 acres of luscious vineyards, as a result of the region's expansive terrain.

Sonoma County wineries produce white wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Viognier. In addition, wineries in Sonoma also produce red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel, among others. Fortunately, all it takes is a single wine tasting tour through each of the Sonoma County wineries to decide which Sonoma wine your individual and unique palate desires.

There are many options to choose from when planning a Sonoma wine tasting tour. For example, if you prefer to explore Sonoma wineries on your own accord, you can simply pick up a map of wineries in Sonoma County and be on your way. You call the shots. Bear in mind that your group will need a designated driver if you plan on visiting all of the Sonoma wineries.

However, if you'd rather not have to worry about transporting yourself between Sonoma wineries, a tour is the way to go. It is recommended you do not do your own driving while wine tasting.

There are numerous guided tours offered to enhance your experience while participating in enjoying wine tasting in Sonoma. Or, if you'd rather call the shots on which Sonoma wineries that you would like to visit, consider hiring a private limo to chauffer you from one amazing Sonoma winery to the next.

Whichever transportation method you choose, one thing will remain the same: while you are on a tour for wine tasting in Sonoma County, you are in the midst of California wine paradise.