Sonoma Wine Country is well known for some amazing Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley. This area of Sonoma Wine Country is very close to the Honor Mansion, be sure your stay includes a visit to some of these fantastic wineries.

With wineries starting in Healdsburg and spreading almost to the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River, and Armstrong Redwood State Park, this area offers an endless amount of activities to fill your day.

Steve's Favorite Russian River

Valley Wineries

Great tours in this valley:

• Arista has private tastings in their Japanese Water gardens, hosted by one of the family!
• Lynmar has tours available, as well as gourmet picnics and food and wine pairings.

 Picnic areas in this valley:

•  Arista has beautiful gardens to bring a picnic to.
•  As mentioned above, Lynmar Estate has gourmet picnic lunches available by appointment.

Arista:
 
A beautiful family run winery. They produce a variety of wines, but make really great Pinot Noir that the Russian River area is known for. When visiting here, be sure to leave some extra time to visit the Japanese water gardens, and even picnic here in their beautiful ground!

Carol Shelton: Taste The Magic:

The setting for Carol Shelton Wines may not be what wine tasters envision when planning a visit to wine country. But Zin lovers stepping into this homey, unpretentious tasting room will find a dream come true.  After tasting through a half-dozen luscious award-winning, single-vineyard designate Zinfandels, including a magical Late Harvest, and a few more red wines, their locale—an industrial section of Santa Rosa—becomes immaterial.  They are Open By Appointment daily from 11 – 4.  Give them a call (707-575-3441) and come on by to taste their award-winning wines.

John Tyler Wines:

Growing in Russian River Valley since 1956, the Bacigalupi family has sold fruit to some of Sonoma's and Napa’s finest wineries. Now in a partnership between John Bacigalupi and nephew Tyler Heck, John Tyler Wines specializes in producing small lot Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.

Lynmar Estate:

Award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Enjoy  your wines with a food and wine pairing, picnic lunch, or any one of their other amazing food options, created by the onsite chef.

Tara Bella:

Tara Bella is a tiny winery located in the Russian River Valley that specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon ONLY.  Their 6 acre vineyard produces approximately 500 cases.  When you visit Tara Bella, you won't be meeting employees, you will be greeted by Tara and Rich Minnick, Owners/Winemakers.  Come and barrel taste our 2008 vintages and taste the difference between the Clone 4 and Clone 7 Cabernets!

Some other great stops in the Russian River area:

Christopher Creek (small production winery, but makes a large variety of wines, so you can find something for everyone!), Gary Farrell (tours available by appointment), J Wine (a wine and food pairing in their Bubble Room is an amazing experience!), Korbel Champagne Cellars, Limerick Lane, Martinelli, Porter Creek (an all organic winery!), Rodney Strong, Russian Hill, Sapphire Hill.

ALEXANDER VALLEY WINERIES

DRY CREEK WINERIES