Sonoma County Wineries that Make Me Feel at Home

As a Sonoma County blogger, I’ve visited more than 100 wineries. I’ve discovered many delicious wines, but today I wanted to share five of my favorites.

1. Bowman Cellars – Graton, CA 

Located in the heart of downtown Graton, Bowman Cellars offers plenty of comfortable outdoor seating to hang out and sip their fine wines. Owners and winemakers Katie and Alex Bowman make you feel right at home and often handle the pouring duties. 

If not, no worries their excellent staff are easy-going and knowledgeable. Bowman makes delicious cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, rosé, and sauvignon blanc, and they also throw a great party, so keep an eye out for those announcements.

2. Thumbprint Cellars – Healdsburg, CA

Thumbprint Cellars was the first winery I ever visited in Sonoma County and produces some of my all-time favorites. Winemaker Scott Lindstrom-Dake creates fabulous Bordeaux blends, some with provocative names like Four Play, Arousal and Three Some. Located on the Healdsburg square, the newly remodeled tasting lounge features an art gallery and parklet, with plenty of space to enjoy the fine juice.  

3. Medlock Ames – Healdsburg, CA 

Medlock Ames’ Healdsburg tasting room features a spectacular garden to complement the beautiful tasting room and historic building. The winery is committed to sustainability – they use solar power for their tasting room and winery and are maintaining a wildlife corridor to encourage animal life on their property. They offer many fun tastings. There’s a self-guided tour through the vineyards and olive grove that ends with wine and a cheese platter. The wine is phenomenal, the staff friendly, and the views incredible – I want to go back right now.

4. Dutcher Crossing – Geyserville, CA

Dutcher Crossing has my favorite view in Sonoma County. I love looking over the mountains while sipping a delicious pinot noir. The dog-friendly winery is warm and inviting and makes some of my favorite pinot noirs. The tastings last about 90 minutes, and the staff expert staff make sure guests know the story behind the wine.

Dutton Estate Winery – Sebastopol, CA

For those looking for a laid-back winery with picnic tables and fantastic wine – Dutton Estate Winery is the perfect destination. The winery is a 6^th generation family-owned business, their joy shows. They offer a fabulous chocolate and wine pairing, as well as a killer hard apple cider. It’s the perfect place to take those stubborn, non-wine-drinking friends. I love sitting outside, hanging out and sipping their fabulous chardonnays. 

There are so many more wineries to explore in Sonoma – it really requires a book to do them all justice. Have fun, explore and enjoy some of the world’s best wines.