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The Best Outdoor Wine Tasting Experiences in Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Valley is known for its laid-back charm, incredible wines, and breathtaking scenery. The region is home to awe-inspiring redwood forests, rugged coastline, and seemingly endless vineyards. A visit to the Sonoma Valley would not be complete without a few outdoor wine tasting experiences to take in the serene surroundings, so we’ve rounded up a list of some of our favorite outdoor tasting experiences that are not to be missed.
Imagery Estate Winery
14335 Highway 12
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 935-4500
TripAdvisor: 4.5 reviews, 204 reviews
Imagery Estate Winery has an appreciation for fine wine and fine art. The property is dotted with artwork, and each bottle is labeled with a unique piece, commissioned specifically for the winery. The grounds are pristine and include a patio, picnic area, and adirondack chairs for lounging. Imagery is known for their wide variety of award-winning wines, but the fresh and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, called Wow Oui, is not to be missed. Savor your glass of wine while taking advantage of the estate’s on-site games like bocce ball, giant jenga, and cornhole.
Insider tip: If you love the wines at Imagery, make plans to visit Benziger Winery too: Imagery Estate is the successful side project of winemaker Joe Benziger.
Viansa Sonoma
25200 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476
(800) 995-4740
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 220 reviews
Viansa Sonoma provides a relaxing outdoor tasting experience and stunning 270-degree views from the property’s hilltop terrace, of estate vineyards, natural wetlands, and glimpses of the Mayacamas Mountains. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Malbec, as well as sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are all produced here, and the winery has a marketplace with charcuterie, cheese plates, and sandwiches, all available to enjoy on the terrace.
For a splurge, book an appointment in advance for the Private Outlook tasting, an outdoor experience with wine tasting and cheese pairing in a private outlook with views of the wetlands.
Insider tip: After tasting at Viansa, head up the street to Cornerstone to wander the gardens.
Scribe Winery
2300 Napa Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 939-1858
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 74 reviews
It’s no wonder that Scribe Winery exudes such an authentically cool, low-key vibe. The winery is managed by two fourth-generation California farmers and brothers who are committed to producing wines that are a testament to the local terroir. The winery is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but boasts some unique releases too, such as the limited production estate Sylvaner and Pinot Noir rosé wines. The tastings are held outside, where visitors are encouraged to relax at picnic tables or on blankets on the grass while taking in the views.
Insider tip: Scribe Winery is just moments away from Gundlach Bundschu, another great stop for single-vineyard premium wines. Schedule an appointment in advance to enjoy the winery’s outdoor patio experience after tasting at Scribe.
Ravenswood Winery
18701 Gehricke Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-2332
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 199 reviews
If you’re searching for rich, full-bodied Zinfandels, look no farther than Ravenswood Winery (the winery’s credo is, “No wimpy wines allowed”). The vibe at the tasting room is relaxed and laid-back, so order one of the cheese and charcuterie plates to enjoy with your tasting, then sit back, sip, and savor.
Insider tip: Just a five-minute drive from Sonoma Plaza, head over to the ice cream shop to break up the afternoon and have a little something sweet.
Kunde Family Winery
9825 Sonoma Hwy
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-5501
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 341 reviews
Kunde Winery has been run by five generations of the same family, who are dedicated to sustainable farming practices, a characteristic that is ever-present in their estate wines, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay as well as more unique varieties like Petite Syrah and Barbera.
The 202 Lounge is the winery’s site for outdoor tasting, and is surrounded by the beauty of the estate garden and vineyards, but for something off the beaten path, consider booking the Mountain Top Tasting: the experience includes a private tour of the wine caves, a visit to the property’s vines that were planted in 1882, and a tasting of limited-production wines on the deck from a 1,400 foot elevation.
Insider tip: Kunde is just a few minutes away from Kenwood Restaurant and Bar, a great stop after a day of wine tasting.
Iron Horse Vineyards
9786 Ross Station Rd
Sebastopol, CA 95472
(707) 887-1507
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 173 reviews
Iron Horse Vineyards offers incredible sparkling wines in one of the most down-to-earth tasting arenas you’ll find—an outdoor tasting room. The rustic and casual experience also manages to be chic and elegant, a testament to the winery’s quality wines, which include 12 different blends, as well as single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
Tastings are poured from the outside tasting bar where visitors may be tempted to linger while taking in the sweeping views of the estate’s vineyards and Green Valley. Note that Iron Horse Vineyards has recently adopted an “appointment only” policy on the weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for something special, ask to try a splash of the Marriage Cuvée—it’s become an unexpected favorite.
The sun is still shining, and Wine Country is calling: there’s no better time to start planning your wine tasting adventure, and there is hardly a better spot to do it than in the great outdoors of Sonoma Valley.
An Artsy Destination
Image Source: Yelp
Imagery Estate Winery
14335 Highway 12
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 935-4500
TripAdvisor: 4.5 reviews, 204 reviews
Imagery Estate Winery has an appreciation for fine wine and fine art. The property is dotted with artwork, and each bottle is labeled with a unique piece, commissioned specifically for the winery. The grounds are pristine and include a patio, picnic area, and adirondack chairs for lounging. Imagery is known for their wide variety of award-winning wines, but the fresh and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, called Wow Oui, is not to be missed. Savor your glass of wine while taking advantage of the estate’s on-site games like bocce ball, giant jenga, and cornhole.
Insider tip: If you love the wines at Imagery, make plans to visit Benziger Winery too: Imagery Estate is the successful side project of winemaker Joe Benziger.
A Taste from the Hilltop
Image Source: Yelp
Viansa Sonoma
25200 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476
(800) 995-4740
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 220 reviews
Viansa Sonoma provides a relaxing outdoor tasting experience and stunning 270-degree views from the property’s hilltop terrace, of estate vineyards, natural wetlands, and glimpses of the Mayacamas Mountains. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Malbec, as well as sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are all produced here, and the winery has a marketplace with charcuterie, cheese plates, and sandwiches, all available to enjoy on the terrace.
For a splurge, book an appointment in advance for the Private Outlook tasting, an outdoor experience with wine tasting and cheese pairing in a private outlook with views of the wetlands.
Insider tip: After tasting at Viansa, head up the street to Cornerstone to wander the gardens.
The Coolest Picnic Around
Image Source: Yelp
Scribe Winery
2300 Napa Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 939-1858
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 74 reviews
It’s no wonder that Scribe Winery exudes such an authentically cool, low-key vibe. The winery is managed by two fourth-generation California farmers and brothers who are committed to producing wines that are a testament to the local terroir. The winery is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but boasts some unique releases too, such as the limited production estate Sylvaner and Pinot Noir rosé wines. The tastings are held outside, where visitors are encouraged to relax at picnic tables or on blankets on the grass while taking in the views.
Insider tip: Scribe Winery is just moments away from Gundlach Bundschu, another great stop for single-vineyard premium wines. Schedule an appointment in advance to enjoy the winery’s outdoor patio experience after tasting at Scribe.
Time for a Moment of Zin
Image Source: Yelp
Ravenswood Winery
18701 Gehricke Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-2332
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 199 reviews
If you’re searching for rich, full-bodied Zinfandels, look no farther than Ravenswood Winery (the winery’s credo is, “No wimpy wines allowed”). The vibe at the tasting room is relaxed and laid-back, so order one of the cheese and charcuterie plates to enjoy with your tasting, then sit back, sip, and savor.
Insider tip: Just a five-minute drive from Sonoma Plaza, head over to the ice cream shop to break up the afternoon and have a little something sweet.
A Winery with Roots
Image Source: Yelp
Kunde Family Winery
9825 Sonoma Hwy
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-5501
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 341 reviews
Kunde Winery has been run by five generations of the same family, who are dedicated to sustainable farming practices, a characteristic that is ever-present in their estate wines, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay as well as more unique varieties like Petite Syrah and Barbera.
The 202 Lounge is the winery’s site for outdoor tasting, and is surrounded by the beauty of the estate garden and vineyards, but for something off the beaten path, consider booking the Mountain Top Tasting: the experience includes a private tour of the wine caves, a visit to the property’s vines that were planted in 1882, and a tasting of limited-production wines on the deck from a 1,400 foot elevation.
Insider tip: Kunde is just a few minutes away from Kenwood Restaurant and Bar, a great stop after a day of wine tasting.
A Sparkling Affair
Courtesy of Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards
9786 Ross Station Rd
Sebastopol, CA 95472
(707) 887-1507
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 173 reviews
Iron Horse Vineyards offers incredible sparkling wines in one of the most down-to-earth tasting arenas you’ll find—an outdoor tasting room. The rustic and casual experience also manages to be chic and elegant, a testament to the winery’s quality wines, which include 12 different blends, as well as single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
Tastings are poured from the outside tasting bar where visitors may be tempted to linger while taking in the sweeping views of the estate’s vineyards and Green Valley. Note that Iron Horse Vineyards has recently adopted an “appointment only” policy on the weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for something special, ask to try a splash of the Marriage Cuvée—it’s become an unexpected favorite.
The sun is still shining, and Wine Country is calling: there’s no better time to start planning your wine tasting adventure, and there is hardly a better spot to do it than in the great outdoors of Sonoma Valley.
Author
WineCountry Staff
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