The fall is an exciting time of year to visit the fabulous wineries of Sonoma County. With the harvest season in full swing, wineries will be hosting elegant harvest parties and wine tasting events. Regardless of what winery to visit in the breathtaking Sonoma Wine Country, visitors are certain to have an unforgettable time during the harvest season. That’s regardless if it’s an intimate trip through some of the region’s most important appellations or a lavish celebration with gourmet dining.
Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
9711 W. Dry Creek
Healdsburg, CA
(707) 473-
www.bellawinery.com
Located in the breathtaking Dry Creek Valley Wine Region of Sonoma County, Bella Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery best known for its award-winning zinfandel wines. Led by owners Scott and Lynn Adams, the winery resides on a property known as Lily Hill Estate, whose winemaking traces back to 1915. In fact, they still retain 10 prized acres of the original old-vine zinfandel. The tasting room is housed within the nearly 7,000 square feet of caves situated just below the vineyard and is open daily.
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Buena Vista Winery
18000 Old Winery Road
Sonoma, CA 95476
(800) 926-1266
www.buenavistawinery.com
Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California and a must see for visitors. Located just minutes from Sonoma’s historic plaza in the Carneros AVA, the legendary winery resides on its original site. Not surprisingly, it’s designated as a California Historical Landmark and a winner of several of awards.
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Valley of the Moon Winery
777 Madrone Road
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 939-4500
www.valleyofthemoonwinery.com
The oldest operating winery in the idyllic community of Glen Ellen, Madrone Estate has a long history of winemaking in the Sonoma Wine Country. Furthermore, they produce three of the region’s most prestigious wine brands. Purchased by the Stewart Family in 2012, the historic estate has been creating fine wines from vineyards that were first planted in 1863.
Preston Farm & Winery
9282 W. Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-3372
www.prestonfarmandwinery.com
Another very charming place to visit in the Dry Creek Valley is the family owned Preston Farm and Winery. Led by the uniquely talented couple Lou and Susan Preston, the gorgeous property features a 125-acre Demeter Certified Biodynamic Farm. The property is complete with farm animals and petting area, a small production of old vine zinfandel and carignane. Also onsite are acres of fruit trees. producing 25 varieties of heirloom apples, olive oil, peaches and other tree-borne fruits.
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St. Francis Winery
100 Pythian Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 538-9463
www.stfranciswinery.com
The fall months are a great time to visit St. Francis Winery and not just because of harvest. In October, the award-winning winery will host its annual Blessings of the Animals, a fundraising event to support the Humane Society of Sonoma County. Additionally, visitors can enjoy wine and food pairings from Executive Chef Trevor Eliason who leads the winery’s restaurant. In fact the restaurant has been twice named the “#1 Restaurant in America” by OpenTable.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBSNews.com, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, OWC.com and Radio.com.