Sonoma County
Small family wineries in Sonoma
Tiny cellars where the person pouring may well have made the wine. The Sonoma spots worth seeking out.
Sonoma Valley
Hanzell Vineyards
Small enough to meet the maker. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Dry Creek Valley
Preston Farm & Winery
Small enough to meet the maker. Barbera, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache
Dry Creek Valley
A. Rafanelli Winery
Small enough to meet the maker. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Sonoma Valley
Bedrock Wine Co.
Small enough to meet the maker. Zinfandel, Field Blend, Syrah
Russian River Valley
Benovia Winery
Small enough to meet the maker. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel
Russian River Valley
Emeritus Vineyards
Small enough to meet the maker. Pinot Noir
Dry Creek Valley
Mauritson Wines
Small enough to meet the maker. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Geyserville
Pedroncelli Winery
Small enough to meet the maker. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Russian River Valley
Rochioli Vineyards & Winery
Small enough to meet the maker. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Dry Creek Valley
Unti Vineyards
Small enough to meet the maker. Grenache, Barbera, Sangiovese
Russian River Valley
Williams Selyem
Small enough to meet the maker. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel
Sebastopol
Dutton-Goldfield Winery
Small enough to meet the maker. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel
Russian River Valley
Limerick Lane Cellars
Small enough to meet the maker. Zinfandel, Syrah
Dry Creek Valley
Papapietro Perry Winery
Small enough to meet the maker. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
Want the perfect day, not a list?
Answer four questionsGood to know
What are the best small family wineries in Sonoma?
Start with Hanzell Vineyards, Preston Farm & Winery and A. Rafanelli Winery.
How many wineries can you visit in a day in Sonoma?
Three or four is the sweet spot: about an hour each, plus a proper lunch. Five is possible if the cellars are small and close together.
How do you get around Sonoma wine country without driving?
Private driver for the day (about US$95–150 per hour, 4-hour minimum); Small-group wine tour (about US$150–200 per person, full day); Walk the Healdsburg plaza (free). Every Grapevine itinerary lists these local options; book them directly.
When is the best time to visit?
Open year-round. Harvest runs mid-August to October; winter is quiet, rainy and the easiest time to get seated tastings.