Did you know we’ve been cultivating grapes in Sonoma Valley as far back as 1812? Yup, that’s right. Winemakers have been growing and fermenting wine for over 200 years in the Sonoma region.

And a lot a changed since those first few vines sprouted in the sunny Californian soil. Now, the region is home to over 425 wineries—and counting!

This last fall, we had a delightful opportunity to take a road trip to some of the best wineries in Sonoma Valley as well as Napa Valley. And so, we’re sharing the highlights from our trip as wine lovers & certified sommeliers.

#1 – Benziger Vineyards

We arrived first at the San Francisco airport. Then, after an hour and a half drive, we made it to our first stop, the Benziger winery. For over 30 years, this family-owned ranch had grown grapes on Sonoma Mountain.

Once you’re on the main road with the vineyards, there are not a lot of places to stop if you’re feeling peckish. Luckily, we saw a sign for coffee to get our caffeine fix. We quickly pulled up to a quaint pop-up coffee stand and had a tasty meal from Delicious Dish for lunch.

Once we made it to Benziger Vineyards, we took the Biodynamic tour with our tour guide, Mike. With him, we explored the vineyards on a golf cart, learning about how to manage biodynamic farming. We even wandered the wine cave and studied the differences between the barrels and tanks regarding fermentation.

After that, we ended with a $75 wine tasting in one of their private rooms. We sampled three delicious wines alongside a small charcuterie board. The meat and cheese selections paired exceptionally well with their Rose, Pinot Noir, and Blended Red. 

#2 – Gloria Ferrer Vineyards

Next up, we arrived at Gloria Ferrer, the first winery to plant Champagne grapes and sell sparkling wines back in the 1980s. Nested on a hill overlooking the vines, when you arrive, expect to be stunned by their beautiful glass collection. 

We started with a $60 flight and sampled 4 of their sparkling wines. However, they also offer additional flights accompanied by food if you’re craving a meal. We loved the ambience and the selection of wines, so make sure to stop by if you love a good bubbly!

#3 – Rams Gate

For our next stop, we made the trek to the beautiful Rams Gate Winery. When you arrive, the architecture takes your breath away as you walk in through the ornate entry. Founded in 2011, the Rams Gate Winery is over 28 acres in size and well known for its Californian wines.

During the tasting, we sat outdoors in the lovely weather as we overlooked the vines. There’s also an adorable pond where you can rest after a walk through the vineyard. The tasting included 5 wines for $50, and as we left, we decided to purchase a Chardonnay for our dad. 

#4 – Hotel Inn at Sonoma

After that, we went to the Hotel Inn at Sonoma. We were right on time for happy hour, which included local wines and light snacks. Then, we enjoyed dinner at The Red Grape, where we ordered their Shrimp & Arugula pizza with a side of salad and fries. It was plenty of food to share, so we even had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. 

Once we checked in, our room was cozy and included a quaint fireplace. For breakfast the next morning, we had quiche, bread pudding, coffee and juice. Plus, they offer bike rentals if you’re interested. We loved idea, so we biked around the neighborhood, visited local boutiques, and explored the neighboring community. 

If you love homes with character, then this is a great place to stay.

#5 – Corner 103

And last but not least, we have to visit Corner 103. The Black-owned tasting room has been up and running since 2015 by Lloyd Davis. The former banker turned winemaker is now established and famous for his award-winning, world-class wines. 

Unlike some wineries, Corner 103 is by appointment only. That’s because for Davis, he believes in fostering an unforgettable, intimate and distinctive for every tasting. And that’s just what we got when we went. 

We had a private tasting with our guide, Brent. He walked us through the vineyard and shared plenty about the history of Sonoma in general. Our wine tasting was only $30, but we felt like 5-star guests every second.

After our last stop in Sonoma, we left around lunch and headed toward Napa for our next adventure. Check out our next blog for details on our 2 days in Napa.

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