The estate at VJB Cellars oozes Italian heritage, from their authentic pizza truck to the Italian-style deli, La Cucina. Walk-ins are welcome at the tasting room where you’ll find varietals with a nod to Italia, from Barbera to Nebbiolo. The catch? You’ll need to purchase two bottles of wine to have your tasting fee waived. It’s well worth the investment!

Photo courtesy of VJB Cellars

Renowned for their gravity-flow wine cellars, Moshin Vineyards handles their coveted Pinot Noir grapes with the utmost care. Head to their tasting room north of Forestville, where the $30 fee is waived with the purchase of two bottles. If you’re interested in seeing their winemaking process up close, booking the Tour & Tasting is well worth the $50 splurge.

Photo courtesy of Moshin

Likely the last winery in Sonoma to offer totally complimentary tastings, Frick Winery is a one-man operation, with delicious wine to prove owner Bill Frick’s dedication to his craft. Pop into their standing bar on Saturdays and Sundays to sip and sample their current release wines for free. From there, you can choose to linger over another glass or grab a bottle of Dry Creek Valley wine to go.

Photo courtesy of Frick

Although tastings at Alexander Valley Vineyards are no longer complimentary, you can hop on a free tour of their wine caves which stretch a half acre underground! Be sure to book an Estate or Reserve Tasting afterwards. You’ll love knowing that both of these tasting fees are waived with the purchase of two bottles.

Photo courtesy of Alexander Valley Vineyards

Located in Sonoma’s Dry Creek AVA, David Coffaro Winery’s no-nonsense approach to wine has resulted in fruit-forward, high-quality bottles that also allow them to keep prices low. The miniscule $10 tasting fee is waived when you purchase a bottle of wine. Might we suggest the Aca Modot? This Bordeaux-style wine is grown in a section of their property that was once a Pomo village, the black soil from their campfires resulting in unique sips.

Photo courtesy of David Coffaro

Meeker Vineyards got its start producing their acclaimed Zinfandel and still focus on red varietals. Tucked right in the heart of Healdsburg, the Meeker Tasting Room is a fun, no frills place to learn more about Sonoma wine—and fit in a tasting. You can also head to their winery for a tasting, just down the road, and see the vineyards up close. Although tasting fees are technically $20, they happily waive it if you purchase a bottle of wine.

Photo courtesy of Meeker

Although Blanchard Family Wines has expanded to Colorado, their roots are deep in Sonoma at their original vineyard. Each tasting is a private experience with the owner, which gives visitors a more immersive experience. You’ll start off sampling Blanchard’s premium selections before making your way into the barrel room to sip on their reserve wines. The $25 tasting fee is waived when you purchase a selection of wines.

Photo courtesy of Homeview Photography