Sonoma

Sonoma

Sapphire Hill

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Sapphire Hill is a family-run boutique winery that has been a fixture in Sonoma County since 1989. Initially, the operation began as a 38-acre vineyard just outside Sebastopol. The vineyard's location often reveals a blue hue in the night sky as the sun sets behind California's coastal range, inspiring the name Sapphire Hill.

In 2001, Sapphire Hill transitioned to a winery and tasting room in Healdsburg, strategically positioned at the convergence of three renowned grape-growing regions: Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and the Russian River Valley. The winery quickly earned a reputation for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel, all crafted from the exceptional grapes of these valleys.

Today, Sapphire Hill remains a family-operated winery dedicated to producing exquisite wines for its devoted wine club members while offering exceptional hospitality experiences for both new visitors and returning guests at their Healdsburg tasting room.

Frostwatch Vineyard and Winery

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Frostwatch is located in the recently established Bennett Valley appellation, located just south and to the East of the city of Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. Roughly defined by the Matanzas Creek watershed, it has been estimated that Bennett Valley had some 2,000 acres planted to wine grapes in the mid-1800s. Largely due to the efforts of these individuals, the wine cognoscenti recognized Bennett Valley as an area that was synonymous with fine Merlot and Chardonnay. More recently, Bennett Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot and Syrah have been recognized for their exceptional quality.

Jordan Estate Winery

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The wines speak for themselves... The grounds, ambiance and staff are first class! Jordan only makes chardonnay, very French....not oaky or buttery like most California chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are quite good. They have also started pressing their own olive oil.

Grable Vineyards

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According to Amy Grable at Grable Vineyards, they don't just make wine, they grow it - and they grow wine that they love to drink. Grable Vineyards lets the grapes do most of the work and just try to stay out of the way. The folks at Grable Vineyards allow the flavors to evolve naturally while giving the wine time to age slowly to achieve perfect balance.

Saint Helena Road Winery

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Saint Helena Road Winery is a tiny winery on the west side of Spring Mountain. 20 acres are planted of the 5 Bordeaux varietals. Saint Helena has 3 brands: Roy J. Maier Cabernet Sauvignon, Maier Family Meritage, and Maier Family Cenote. They are all Bordeaux blends. Saint Helena Roads Winery grows all varietals on our estate property and do not buy or sell any fruit.

Preston Vineyards

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Wine tasting at Preston was a fun experience. The tasting room had a welcoming atmosphere with lots of funny books decorating the bookshelves and samples of their olives and sourdough. There were other groups also present, but we were attended quite quickly. Hidden gem. This is what wine country should feel like...to be continued.

Lago Di Merlo Vineyards & Winery

people enjoying wine

At just five years old, Harry Merlo Sr. began his journey in the wine industry, stomping grapes with his feet beneath the railroad tracks in the Italian section of Stirling City, California. His father, Giuseppe Merlo, an Italian immigrant known as the wine steward of the High Sierra lumber town, would place a washtub on the woodshed floor, dump in a 50-pound lug of zinfandel grapes, and young Harry would eagerly stomp away. Harry often jokes that his years in wine qualify him as a true connoisseur—thanks to his permanently purple feet.

The family tradition flourished when Harry acquired his own vineyard near Geyserville, California, in 1965. By the mid-1960s, he delivered his first truckload of grapes to the Italian Swiss Colony Winery, receiving a receipt priced at $50 per ton after weighing his truck.

This passion for winemaking extended to the next generation, with Harry’s son, Harry Jr., pursuing viticulture and enology at California State University, Fresno. After graduation, Harry Jr. took the reins as Manager of Lago di Merlo Vineyards & Winery at the family’s Merlo Ranch in Sonoma County.

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Massocco Vineyards

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This place specializes in Zins and they make it very well here. It's actually on the jammier fruit forward side rather than the peppery notes of some zins you may have but it was very good. Enjoyed their white wines as well. There was only two that they make I believe and even the rose was pretty good.

Dry Creek Vineyard

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Dry Creek Vineyard is known for their Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage and, starting with the 1997 vintage, Endeavour Cabernet. Dry Creek Vineyard owns over 185 acres of vineyard land, primarily in the Dry Creek and the Russian River Valleys.

Lancaster Estate Winery

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One of the best wine tastings/tours I've ever been on! You must make an appointment in advance, but its well worth the effort. For $20, you taste four of their amazing wines while getting a guided tour of the gorgeous estate and wine cave. Lancaster Estate is a producer of small-batch, stellar reds.

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