Sonoma County Wineries With Amazing Views

There are more than 425 wineries in Sonoma County, each distinctly scenic. Still, some have views that are real standouts. Here, moving south to north, is a sampling of wineries to visit if you crave a vineyard vista as you taste an exceptional vintage.

Viansa Winery, Sonoma, Carneros AVA

At the southern end of Sonoma County, the Italian-style Viansa Sonoma winery commands a hill overlooking acres of protected wetlands. It’s an excellent perch for bird watchers during spring and summer migrations and in the winter when the wetlands are at their wettest and full of happy waterfowl. Unique ‘outlook’ structures are available to sip and view in style.

25200 Arnold Dr, Sonoma

Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood, Sonoma Valley AVA

Further north up Highway 12, the vineyards at Kunde Family Winery roll for miles along Highway 12. And although the tasting room is nestled picturesquely in the foothills of the Mayacamas range, visitors can arrange an excursion that’s all about the view – a Mountaintop Tasting van whisks you up to a small olive grove with a magnificent panorama of Sonoma Valley and beyond.

9825 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood

Matanzas Creek Winery, Santa Rosa, Bennett Valley AVA

In late spring, nothing can match the view from Santa Rosa’s Matanzas Creek Winery when their extensive lavender fields are in full bloom, a bit of a change from the typical corduroy rows of vineyards. Grab a picnic and make it an afternoon amidst the rows of beautiful lavender.

6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa

Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa, Bennett Valley AVA

Also in Santa Rosa is Paradise Ridge Winery. Their new tasting room features an expansive deck overlooking the vineyards below, their sculpture garden, and the Russian River Valley. They, too, offer picnic experiences, featuring local cheese, charcuterie, and freshly baked bread, along with a bottle of their wine.

4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley AVA

The Russian River wine-growing region has gorgeous views around every bend. Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, open by appointment only, is renowned for its vineyard vistas and ‘glamping’ woodlands experience.

10701 Westside Road, Healdsburg

Fort Ross Winery, Jenner, Fort Ross-Seaview AVA

Furthest north and west, Fort Ross Vineyard, Winery & Tasting Room has a tasting room with a view of vineyards, of course, but also the Pacific Ocean. It’s the only tasting room along the coast in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. So you can sip a Pinot Noir, smell the sea air, and watch the distant waves.

15725 Meyers Grade Road, Jenner

Whichever winery you visit, close your eyes to better taste the wine and open them wide for the whole Sonoma County experience.

Written by Julie Vader