So you’ve decided to check out Sonoma. Well, I don’t blame you, it’s beautiful out there. My favorite wine has to be the Zinfandel family, and Sonoma grows some of the best Zin’s in the world.
Here are my top choices:
Best For Groups: Ledson Winery & Vineyards

The huge and classy Ledson Castle. Photo by: SonomaPassport
Website: http://www.ledson.com/
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/ledson
TripAdvisor: Ledson
Email tastings@ledson.com. A host will usually respond within the same day. I’ve made group reservation up to 20 within the same week without a problem. The experience is unparalleled; they’ll provide your group a private room, sommelier, and custom printed menu.
Best For A Date: Kendall Jackson

Beautiful grounds of Kendall Jackson. Try out a food tasting. Photo by: alicesgardentravelbuzz
Website: http://www.kj.com/
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/kendall-jackson
TripAdvisor: Kendall Jackson
Some wine folks may be scratching their head right now, but hear me out! I brought my girlfriend here and was instantly impressed by the estate and winery. You’ll love the assorted flowers as you approach the entrance. This was the perfect opportunity for pictures and multiple selfies. Upon entering, I opted for the reserve wine and food pairing ($35), and the girlfriend opted for the wine and chocolate pairing ($25). Needless to say, the value was great, service was friendly, and we left happy.
Best View: Paradise Ridge
Website: http://prwinery.com/
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/paradise
TripAdvisor: Paradise Ridge
I’m not the biggest fan of their wine, but I am of the estate and view. They have by far the best view in Sonoma that I’ve been too. It’s no surprise that weddings are booked here practically every weekend. This is also just an amazing place for pictures, bring that DSLR! They also have art pieces from burning man.
Best Tour: Kunde

Barrel tasting is a must. Photo By: Kunde
Website: http://www.kunde.com/
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/kunde
TripAdvisor: Kunde
One of the largest wineries in the valley, not to mention they carry two of my favorite wines (Red Dirt Red and the Century Vine Zin). They have these amazing wine aging caves that are guided by a tour throughout the day. I booked them for a private tasting on my birthday and all of my guest still talk about the barrel tasting inside the caves.
Best Selection: Ledson Winery & Vineyards

Ledson doesn’t play around when it comes to selection. Photo by: Jim G. (yelp)
Website: http://www.ledson.com/
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/ledson
TripAdvisor: Ledson
From Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Carignane, Rhone Varietals, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Zinfandels, and Cabernet Sauvigonon – you’ll be drunk from just this one winery. Also, you’ll never find this in your favorite liquor store, Costco, or Bevmo. Ledson wines are only sold on the estate.
Best Food/Wine Pairing: St. Francis

Exceeded my expecations, this is a must. Photo by: palatepress
Website: www.stfranciswinery.com
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/st-francis
TripAdvisor: St. Francis
Why this place doesn’t have a Michelin Star astonishes me. It’s ranked #1 of 464 restaurants in Santa Rosa on Trip Advisor and I’ve heard countless times that the pairing is better than the world renowned, French Laundry. Best part? It’s only a fraction of the cost too. I brought my girlfriend here for our 4 year 8 monthsary and was absolutely blown away. Be sure to make a reservation way in advance, it’s absolutely worth it.
Best Ambiance: Ridge Lytton Springs

One of the best places to have a glass a wine. Photo by: thedrunkencyclist
Website: http://www.ridgewine.com/
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/ridge
TripAdvisor: Ridge Lytton Springs
You’ll have a choice of an indoor or outdoor tasting; by all means do the outdoor patio tasting. It’s absolutely amazing having a glass of wine outdoors while enjoying the stunning views of the vineyard. They allow outside food too, so I usually bring assorted cheeses, crackers, and salamis. The vibe is also very laid-back and relaxing. Lastly, the wine is exquisite. I was previously a z-list member for nearly two years, you must try the Lytton Springs varietal blend or their famous, Monte Bello Cabernet.
Best Overall: Ledson Winery & Vineyards
One of the Sonoma Gems. Photo by: Ledson
Website: http://www.ledson.com/
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/ledson
TripAdvisor: Ledson
Everything about Ledson is great; the estate, marketplace, wine, and staff are always consistent. After my 4th visit, I couldn’t help myself and signed up to be a Castle Club member.
Here are other worthy mentions I’ve tried:
Note: * Indicates two free tastings if you own a Visa Signature card
Healdsburg
Ridge Lytton Springs
*Dry Creek
Seghesio
*Kokomo
Kenwood
Ledson
VJB
Kunde
Paradise Ridge
Chateau St Jean
*Landmark
Santa Rosa:
Matanzas Creek
*Balletto
*St. Francis
Kendall Jackson
Sonoma
*Gloria Ferrer
*Gundlach
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