Photo courtesy of MacRostie Winery
It’s just a fact that vino tastes even better when accompanied by views, and while there’s not a winery in Sonoma County that doesn’t offer something beautiful or interesting to look at, there are a few that take stunning views to new heights. Whether it’s rolling hills, a patchwork of vineyards, dramatic mountain backdrops, or gorgeous gardens, these wineries are amongst some of the most beautiful you’ll find in Wine Country.
23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 933-1986
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the bustling streets of San Francisco lies a sparkling gem: Gloria Ferrer, located right at the gateway of Sonoma County in the Carneros AVA. Besides the array of expertly crafted sparkling wine, you can expect culinary pairings that will make your taste buds dance, not to mention beautiful vistas from the serene tasting terrace (aptly named the Vista Terrace). While the views are certainly photo worthy, the best way to experience the picturesque surroundings is to book the Vineyard Excursion, which will have you venturing through the pristine vineyard from the comfort of the club cart.
Insider Tip: If you’re a serious bubbly fan, head out on the Reserve Expedition, which will take you on a delightful tasting journey through several vintage Gloria Ferrer wines, including extended tirage library offerings that showcase the complexity of aged bubbly.
100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, (707) 833-0242
St. Francis Winery & Vineyard’s Tuscan-inspired estate is bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains with gorgeous views of Sonoma Valley and Hood Mountain. Take the one and a half mile self-guided “Vineyard Adventure” tour that winds throughout the property and is marked with educational signs that explain the wine, the terroir, and the sustainable farming practices (and enjoy the many great photo opps). After, spring for either the Estate Pairings or an Artisan Flight Wine Tasting, since both of those take place on the patio with vineyard and mountain views.
Insider Tip: The Estate Dining Room not only offers remarkable views, but also one of the best wine and food pairings in Sonoma. Hello, five courses of delectable food with wine! Visiting during the summer is a treat, but if you find yourself here in the winter, reserve the latest Wine & Food Pairing seating so you can catch the sunset at the end of your meal.
6860 Serenity Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 867-1888
If you’re on the hunt for Sonoma’s most beautiful views, how can you resist a winery that boasts a garden modeled after Monet’s? Coursey Graves’ striking resemblance to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny isn’t an accident. This Bennett Mountain winery is inspired by France, and you might be inspired to make your own trip too, after sampling their delicious array of Bordeaux-style wines. During Coursey Graves’ Signature Tasting, you’ll sip their stunning Sonoma wines surrounded by beautiful scenery. What could be better?
Insider Tip: If you want these jaw-dropping landscapes all to yourself, join the Coursey Graves Wine Club. You’ll get exclusive access to their members-only lookout deck, an invite to exclusive winery events, and—the best part—Coursey Graves wine shipped straight to your front door.
1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 431-5250
Jordan’s Estate Tour & Tasting is one of the most spectacular experiences available in Sonoma County and includes some of the best views to boot. You’ll begin at the ivy-covered chateau, which in and of itself is an impressive sight, before boarding a luxury coach that will drive you around the 1,200-acre Alexander Valley estate to visit gardens, lakes, and vineyards. Then, you’ll stop at a hilltop where you’ll taste Jordan’s French-inspired Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as estate extra virgin olive oil and an array of food pairings, all while enjoying panoramic views of vineyards, the Mayacamas Mountains, the Russian River, and Mount St. Helena.
Insider Tip: It’s worth it to join Jordan’s rewards program, which, with every dollar spent, earns you points to redeem towards intimate tastings, dinner parties, and even overnight stays in the opulent guest accommodations.
4605 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 473-9303
Noted for producing Sonoma wines that embody elegance and finesse, MacRostie Winery isn’t just about great wine—the stunning tasting room is a marvel in its own right. From the tastefully decorated, contemporary space, floor-to-ceiling windows frame expansive views of the surrounding vineyards… and what’s not to love about wine with a view?
Insider Tip: Though the winery is most known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from different sites throughout Sonoma County, MacRostie makes a small amount of red wines from Napa Valley grapes, like the popular Clockwise Red Blend, which is, quite frankly, a wise buy.
8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452, (707) 257-5784
Chateau St. Jean has everything you could possibly want if what you want is beautiful surroundings. There’s the elegant 1920s chateau, which was originally built as a summer home for a family from Michigan. If you want to experience the two-story historic home, you’ll need to partake in one of the reserve wine tastings (or get married there). Outside of the stunning chateau, you’ll find vineyard views with a mountain backdrop and rustic Mediterranean-style gardens. The garden, bound by tightly clipped hedges, has water features, alcoves with benches and tables, and gorgeous blooms.
Insider Tip: Join the wine club for access to a members-only patio with vineyard views and exclusive tastings, or for another unique experience, book the “Dejeuner au Chateau” estate lunch. You’ll be treated to a picnic lunch, complete with a personally selected half bottle of wine per person, and a private dining area—the perfect way to get a slice of the beautiful Chateau grounds all to yourself.
8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 433-6700
Looking for a Tuscan-inspired escape, but don’t want to pay for the plane ticket to Italy? Head to Ferrari-Carano, one of the most magical wineries in Sonoma, known for its full-bodied Chardonnay and its delicate Fumé Blanc. The Dry Creek Valley estate has amazing vineyard views, which are best enjoyed during a tasting on the Il Terrazzo Terrace just steps away from where the grapes are grown, but the true magic unfolds during a stroll through the five acres of enchanting gardens. It’s there you’ll find meandering paths that cross footbridges across flowing streams, waterfalls that flow into fish-filled ponds, bronze sculptures from world-renowned artists such as Dennis Smith and Jane DeDecker, and over 2,000 species of trees and shrubs (all marked so you can learn about them as you go).
Insider Tip: It’s beautiful there all times of year, but it’s most stunning in the spring when over 10,000 tulips and daffodils are in bloom.
10701 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, (707) 473-2909
Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating, there’s not a bad seat inside of Gary Farrell’s contemporary tasting room that sits atop a ridge overlooking the Russian River Valley. If you really want to soak in the sweeping views of the vineyards and redwoods, though, the place to be is on the outdoor terrace. There, you can relax on oversized couches while you sip wine and realize whatever stresses you had were left somewhere on the steep driveway as you arrived. We recommend leaving them there on your way back out.
Insider Tip: Gary Farrell was a pioneer in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and helped bring it to the world stage. Don’t leave the vineyard without buying a bottle (or case) of the richly textured and elegant wine that put this vineyard on the map. And, if you’re passionate about Sonoma Pinot Noir, consider the Exploration Tour & Tasting where you’ll have the chance to sample some of their exquisite Pinot Noirs, alongside other single vineyard wines.
9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452, (707) 833-5501
If you want to truly experience the incredible views of Sonoma Valley at Kunde Family Winery, you will need to make a reservation for the Mountain Top Tasting, a two-hour journey that begins in a private cave and is followed by a tour of the estate in a luxury coach. The experience culminates with a stop at the tasting deck, set at 1,400 feet, where you’ll be able to see views of Sonoma stretching towards San Francisco, as well as rolling hills and the surrounding vineyards, all under the shade of oak trees. Keep in mind that this particular tasting experience is only available May through November.
Insider Tip: Kunde offers several hikes throughout the year, including a dog hike where you and your pup will walk from the valley floor up into the Mayacamas Mountain range before enjoying a wine tasting and lunch.
11010 Estate Lane, Windsor, CA 95492, (707) 433-4050
Notre Vue is French for “our view,” so it’s no surprise that the winery has one of the best in Sonoma. What’s even better is that the 710-acre estate contains 350 acres of protected open space land, so the beauty will be there for years and years to come. The winery sits high atop a ridge and offers views of the Russian River Valley, Mayacamas Mountains, and St. Helena, and is one of those places you have to experience to truly understand how magnificent it is.
Insider Tip: The Lakeside Tasting of Estate Wines, which takes place in a lakeside pavilion, is a perfect option if you want to enjoy the views and wine, but don’t have a lot of time. If you have a little more time though, reserve the Lunch Tour and Tasting where you’ll tour the rolling vineyards and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a vista with breathtaking views.
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