Sonoma County Wine Tasting Road Trip Itinerary

Travel along vineyards and rolling hills on your first day of wine tasting in Geyserville and the northern end of Healdsburg.

One of Healdsburg’s most famous wineries, Silver Oak Cellars, began in 1972 with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Designed to “Frame the Vineyard,” Silver Oak’s winery features panoramic views of the Alexander Valley and the surrounding 113-acre estate, including prime Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed to Silver Oak’s sleekly modern, barn-inspired tasting room. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of how sustainable vineyard management contributes to wine quality.

Continue to nearby Robert Young Winery, a family-owned winery that dates back to 1858. Just 10 minutes north of Healdsburg in the Alexander Valley, come in to be dazzled at the beautiful Scion House, the tasting center on this 448-acre ranch. The Scion House is built on the family’s favorite hilltop with stunning 360-degree views of the vineyard. Both elegant and inviting, the Scion House is a serene spot where you can relax indoors in one of several open and private areas for seated tastings. Your visit to Robert Young can also include a trip through the garden or wine cave. Also good to know — Robert Young Winery is pet-friendly.

At nearby Jordan Vineyard & Winery, they’ve always believed in enjoying wine with excellent food and have hosted food and wine experiences for guests since their first vintages debuted in 1980. Experience their gourmet food and wine pairing excursions throughout the property and iconic chateau, including the cellar room, gardens, and olive orchards.

Reservations are required due to the intimacy of the experiences, which can include samplings of Jordan’s Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil plus a seasonal hors d’oeuvre pairing. Festive holiday celebrations are offered seasonally.

Close to downtown Geyserville you’ll find Zialena, where the Mazzoni family has been growing premium grapes and making wine for more than a century. This welcoming estate is a 120-acre vineyard in the beautiful Alexander Valley. The knowledgeable team here will guide you through a unique selection of wines with fascinating details about the rich history. Zialena has a few wine-tasting experiences, one of which includes a delightful tour by appointment. Each of the tastings allows guests to experience the exceptional wines and the winemaking philosophy while learning a little about this prime growing region. Zialena is pet-friendly — dogs on leash are welcome.

Heading west toward the Dry Creek Valley, you’ll come to Frick Winery, established in 1976 and specializing in wines crafted from Rhone grape varieties grown on the small hillside vineyards. Enjoy a tasting at the tasting room bar made from a redwood wine tank, and purchase current releases and rare library wines. Take in the local art scene that dons their tasting room. You can bring your dog along for a perfectly pleasant afternoon. Frick offers tastings on Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment only.

It’s time to tuck into a delicious meal after an eventful day of sipping, and the following Sonoma County restaurants are nearby.

Catelli’s welcomes you with a well-appointed dining room and beautiful patio. Originally opened around 1936 by Italian immigrants, now third-generation family members Domenica and Nicholas Catelli co-own this popular dining destination. Led by executive chef, author, and media personality Domenica Catelli, the menu is characterized by fresh ingredients from local and organic farmers, and highlights include handmade ravioli and inspired seasonal treats such as “The Pasta of the Moment.” Catelli’s wine menu boasts more than 100 local wines.

A day of wine-tasting through Geyserville may have led you to Francis Ford Coppola Winery, where you can’t go wrong with a meal from the on-site restaurant: Rustic. Here, the menu features Francis Ford Coppola’s favorite meals and recipes savored throughout his life and world travels. Dishes embrace international and traditional Italian themes, with an emphasis on family-style cooking and fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the property’s organic herb and produce garden.

A focal point of the dining room is the parrilla (pronounced “pah-REE-jah”), an authentic Argentine grill. Manned by the restaurant’s dedicated Asador, or grill master, it provides a South American experience of delicious, wood-grilled meats. During the warm months, enjoy dining outdoors on the terrace with picturesque views of the Alexander Valley.

Another wonderful option for authentic Italian food continues in Geyserville at Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria. Set in a historic landmark building dating back to the 1900s, Diavola celebrates the seasons of California with an Italian state of mind. Their daily changing menu features carefully sourced meat, fish, and produce from local farms guided by principles of sustainability. You’ll find Neapolitan-style pizza, handmade pasta, house-cured salumi, and daily specials.

As the sun sets, make your way to the Geyserville Inn, set in the rolling hills and vineyards of the Alexander Valley. This charming, boutique hotel has its own on-site restaurant, Geyserville Grille, and amenities that include a swimming pool and hot tub.

A new day of wine tasting brings a fun exploration of Healdsburg wineries.

Begin at Trattore Farms Winery, which offers delicious wines from their estate vineyards and fresh extra virgin olive oils milled right on site. The estate vineyards are picturesquely located on a hilltop with commanding views of Geyser Peak and Mount St. Helena to the east, with the entire Dry Creek Valley to the west.

Next, take West Dry Creek Road to A. Rafanelli Winery, which has been growing grapes and making wine in the Dry Creek Valley since the early 1900s. Four generations later, they continue to produce world-class, quality wines at their small winery, where they consistently produce exceptional Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Their wines are sold exclusively at the winery, and tastings are by appointment only.

Passalacqua Winery is another of Sonoma County’s multi-generational family operations. Their story begins in 1865 when Francesco Passalacqua emigrated from Genoa and settled in Healdsburg, where he planted grapes. Today, the family invites you to discover their small-lot handcrafted wines as you immerse yourself in the exquisite setting. Enjoy sweeping vineyard views of the Dry Creek Valley while savoring Passalacqua’s Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more. Open by appointment only, Passalacqua’s intimate, cozy wine tasting experience will make you want to sit and stay a while.

Literally around the corner from Passalacqua is Amista Vineyards, an artisan, family-owned winery showcasing the fabulous fruit and friendly spirit of Sonoma Wine Country. Vicky and Mike Farrow dreamed of owning a vineyard and making wine since they first met in 1982. That dream came true years later in the heart of Dry Creek Valley. Experience their dream yourself with a tasting and tour of Amista, which can include a vineyard walk.

From Amista, take Dry Creek Road to Mauritson Wines, which boasts 150 years of grape-growing heritage, featuring small production and single vineyard estate wines from the Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Rockpile AVAs. The Mauritson family invites you to join them for a customized flight of their limited production releases. Along with extraordinary, all-estate wines, your host will share a bit about the family’s six-generation journey from sheep ranching to grape-growing to winemaking.

Finally, conclude your Dry Creek Valley wine tasting at Comstock Wines, which grows and sources the best Sonoma County grapes to transform into wines that are delicious and memorable. At the expansive tasting bar, sample exceptional Comstock wines and hear a little of the unique story behind the winery.

Don’t miss the Terrace at Comstock Wines, overlooking the estate’s Merlot vineyards. Enjoy a tasting and add a charcuterie board or other fresh food options. Afterward, enjoy a game on the bocce court.

Now treat your taste buds and enjoy an unparelleled experience at SingleThread. One of the country’s most accomplished chefs, Chef Kyle Connaughton, along with farmer and wife Katina Connaughton, operate SingleThread, a 55-seat Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Healdsburg. Here, guests are treated to an 11-course tasting menu showcasing the seasonal bounty from the couple’s farm. This farm, located on five acres near the Russian River, supplies vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, honey, eggs, and olive oil to the restaurant. Just make sure to get reservations well in advance.

On your last day, there’s time to savor a few more wine tastings in the Russian River Valley.

First, enjoy a delectable breakfast at downtown Healdsburg’s Costeaux French Bakery, which serves made-to-order bistro cuisine each morning (and for lunch, too). Highlights include items like the deep-dish quiche, croissant breakfast sandwiches, and Pain perdu (French toast) made with thick slices of the world’s best cinnamon walnut bread.

Just down Westside Road is Bacigalupi Vineyards, where four generations of winemaking has been taking place. Bacigalupi specializes in 100% estate produced, small production wines, including several expressions of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and an estate sparkling wine. Enjoy a seated tasting on Bacigalupi’s outdoor terrace set amidst the Russian River Valley.

A few doors away, stop into Flowers Vineyards and Winery for an elegant wine tasting. The beautifully appointed tasting room looks over the vineyards, although the headliner is the outdoor seating amidst lush gardens and rows of vineyards. Among the many unique things about Flowers is their Sonoma Coast wines, which result in expressive and nuanced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, which you can find only here.

Finally, top it all off with a wine and food pairing at the J Bubble Room at J Vineyards & Winery. This exquisite, five-course tasting menu highlights the bounty of Sonoma County, changing with each season. Just make sure to make a reservation early.

Next door, don’t miss Rodney Strong Vineyards, where you can enjoy a seated outdoor wine-pairing experience at The Terrace overlooking the beautiful vineyards.

You Don’t Have to Go Home

Stay another night in Sonoma Wine Country with gorgeous, convenient options like the Vintners Resort and the Farmhouse Inn, both of which feature their own spa and fine dining restaurants.

Revisit your favorite area wineries, taste your way through additional hidden gems, or venture into one of the many other wine regions (AVAs) in Sonoma County to find more charming stops and delicious wine varieties.