Wineries

Walk-Ins Welcome: Sonoma County Wineries that Don’t Require Reservations

Comstock Wines, Healdsburg

As you plan your upcoming Sonoma County excursion, you imagine that your Wine Country ramble will unfold in a certain way: You’ll tool around back roads, soak in vistas, and make impromptu stops wherever you like, whenever you like. You never dream, however, that when you stumble upon an idyllic winery, they’ll turn you away because you don’t have a tasting reservation. Womp womp.

These days, many local wineries do require advance reservations for tastings. This policy exists with good reason: Establishments committed to delivering the highest quality experience may limit the number of guests their staff serve at once. Yet any carefree traveler (like you!) recognizes the importance of an easy, breezy, spontaneous good time. That’s why we’ve rounded up some favorite tasting spots where you’ll be welcome to pop in without an appointment. 

Pair our winery recommendations (listed below) with a few simple etiquette tips to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

Even for establishments that accept walk-ins, it never hurts to offer a heads up. If you can, call to let winery staff know you’re on the way.
If you have a large party (five people or more), please do book in advance. Nearly all wineries like to plan for large groups. 
If you want to book a special tasting, pairing experience, or tour of the winery, rather than the general tasting, it will almost certainly require a reservation.
When relying on walk-in service, space may be available on a limited basis.
Check the winery website in advance to obtain any necessary details and policies (pets, children, outside food, hours of operation, etc.) 
Relax and enjoy!

Healdsburg and Northern Sonoma County

In the upper reaches of Sonoma County, you’ll find plenty to explore. From the lively and sophisticated town of Healdsburg, sprawling vineyards stretch for miles, craggy mountains rise up toward a brilliant sky, and precious rivers head toward the sea. Appellations include Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, Rockpile, and Northern Sonoma.

Must-sees:

Bannister Wines 

In a converted bank vault in the heart of quaint Geyserville, next-gen vintner Brook Bannister (son of industry pioneer Martha Bannister) invites you to relax and enjoy thoughtfully crafted wines in an utterly distinctive, one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Bannister, a fine furniture maker, designed the bohemian space with his wife, fellow artist Morgania Moore. Lounge on one of his handmade pieces and enjoy classic Pinot Noir, along with distinctive Italian varietal wines and skin-fermented Riesling. As you do, check out the winery’s featured art display, which rotates throughout the year.

21035 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville

Comstock Wines

Situated on a 17-acre estate in Dry Creek Valley, this scenic winery is owned and operated by Bob and Sandy Comstock, who’ve been growing grapes for more than 20 years. In an airy indoor-outdoor space that opens directly onto the vineyards, sample some of the varietals that give this appellation its renown: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.

1290 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg

Other walk-in-friendly wineries to consider:

Aeris Wines	Colagrassi	Leo Steen Wines at the Drink	Pezzi King	Trentadue
Alexander Valley Vineyards	DaVero Farm and Winery	LIOCO	Porter Creek Winery	Trione Vineyards & Winery
Amphora Winery	De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery	Locals Tasting Room	Quivira Vineyards	Truett Hurst
BACA Wines	DeLorimier	Longboard Vineyards	Rockpile Vineyards	West Wines
Bacchus Landing	Ernest Vineyards	The Meeker Vineyard	Seghesio Family Vineyards	Wilson
Baldassari	Foppiano Vineyards	Merriam Vineyards	Silver Oak Alexander Valley	Woodenhead Vintners
Banshee Wines	Francis Ford Coppola Winery	Nalle Winery	Soda Rock	Zouzounis
Bloodroot Wines	Idlewild	Papapietro Perry Winery	Smith Story Wine Cellars
Cast Wines	Kelley & Young Wines	Pedroncelli	Stressed Vines

Santa Rosa, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, and Central Sonoma County

As a hub of community life and the county seat, Santa Rosa and its surroundings have plenty to offer, including innovative cuisine, lovely parks, museums, and (of course) great wine. Appellations in this region include: Bennett Valley, Green Valley, Fountaingrove District, and Russian River Valley.

Must-sees:

Abbot’s Passage

In a glorious garden setting in the heart of Valley of the Moon, amid some of the county’s oldest grapevines, sixth-generation vintner Katie Bundschu offers distinctive locally grown field blends, along with sparkling wine and Rosé. For light drinkers, the winery also highlights a rotating low-ABV seasonal wine cocktail, like the “Noontide Tiki-fied,” which mixes Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit juice, ginger, almond, orgeat and spices. Pair your drink of choice with food items from a thoughtfully curated, locally sourced menu, play a rousing game of shuffleboard, or just lounge in the dreamy surroundings. 

777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen

Balletto Vineyards

At the southernmost tip of the Russian River Valley, you’ll find this family-run estate, which encompasses more than 600 acres of sustainably farmed fruit: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zin. While the family sells fruit to a number of top wineries in the region, they retain 60 acres to produce their own wines. Join them for a relaxed, approachable tasting, delicious wines, and vineyard views. 

5700 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa

Other walk-in-friendly wineries to consider:

Benziger	Fogline Vineyards	Little Vineyards	Passaggio Wines	Vaughn-Duffy
Char-Vale Vineyard	Korbel California Champagne	Martinelli Vineyards	Siduri Wines	VJB Winery
Chateau St. Jean	Korbin Kameron	Mayo Family Winery	St. Francis Winery	Wellington Cellars
DeLoach Vineyards	Kunde Family Winery	Moshin Vineyards	Talisman Wines
Emeritus Vineyards	La Crema Estate at Saralee Vineyards	Old World Winery	Ty Caton Vineyards

Sonoma, Petaluma, and Southern Sonoma County

An easy, enticing trip from the San Francisco Bay Area, the southern part of Sonoma County offers an ideal foray into Wine Country. The region’s ideal balance of sun, wind, and fog help shape its character and terroir. You’ll feel it in the air, and you’ll taste it in every sip. Appellations include Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain,  Carneros Sonoma, and Petaluma Gap.

Must-sees:

Kivelstadt Cellars + Winegarten

With its tasting room and outdoor patio situated just a few miles south of the Sonoma Plaza, Kivelstadt offers a nontraditional tasting menu: Old-vine Sauvignon Blanc, Charbono, skin-contact orange wines, field blends from local vineyards, and more. In addition to wine, the winery also offers a fun range of nonalcoholic beverages for sale, including kombucha on tap and nonalcoholic beer. 

22900 Broadway, Sonoma

Brooks Note Winery

Tucked in an unassuming corner of downtown Petaluma – the gateway of Sonoma Wine Country – Brooks Note showcases fruit from vineyards across Northern California. Owners Garry and Joanne Brooks welcome you into a rustic yet elegant space that features exposed beams, stacked barrels, and an airy feel. Enjoy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast, a Rhone blend from Lake County, Pinot Blanc from Mendocino County, and more hidden treasures.

426 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma

Other walk-in-friendly wineries to consider:

Adobe Road	Ceja Vineyards	Hawkes Wine	Meadowcroft Wines	Schug Winery
Barber Cellars	Cline Family Cellars	Jacuzzi Family Vineyards	Ram’s Gate	Sonoma Portworks
Bennett Valley Cellars	Gehricke Wines	Jeff Cohn Cellars	Robledo Family Winery	WALT
Buena Vista Winery	Gundlach Bundschu	La Prenda	Roche Winery & Vineyards

Sebastopol, Occidental, and West Sonoma County

Is there any place more breathtaking and otherworldly than the Sonoma Coast? We’re biased, but we think it’s kind of great. Wending along Highway 1, or any backroad, you’ll breathe the same invigorating coastal air that makes the fruit here thrive. Appellations include West Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Coast, and Fort Ross-Seaview.

Must-see:

Pax Wine

For more than two decades, Pax and Pam Mahle have offered a stellar lineup of wines from cool-climate, organically farmed vineyards. Their flagship wine is a Syrah, but they also offer Chenin Blanc, as well as unsung varietal wines such as Trousseau Gris, Pineau D’Aunis, and Mondeuse Noire. Known for casual ambience and friendly, top-notch service, the urban-style tasting room at the Barlow welcomes guests on a whim.

6780 McKinley St., #170, Sebastopol