"Artisanal Wines for Adventurous Palates" is the motto for Westwood Winery's foodie-centric bottlings. Westwood (founded in 1984) makes signature bottles of Pinot Noir and Syrah that are aged longer than the norm – about two years in the barrel and two in the bottle. Owner John Kelly returned to his California roots (he was born in Berkeley proper, raised in Texas) by growing and bottling an old world style wine in the Sonoma Valley.
The tasting room is right off the Sonoma Plaza, though the entrance is hidden down an alley. The decor is set up like a homey living room, with a leather couch, an oriental rug, a communal farm table, and a soy sauce painting (ask Salon manager Eddie Townsend for details). The room can be reserved for groups of up to 15 or for private events by phone or email.
Brothers Roger and Richard Roessler work to create wines that can be paired with all types of dishes. Some of the wines produced include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rhone red, rose and Grenache Blanc. This winery has its own wine club and hosts numerous events year-round.
Located in one of the historic Sebastiani Bungalows, Hawkes Vineyards and Winery opened its first Sonoma tasting room in May of 2010. This room is charming and simple, and is decorated with portraits by Jane White, Stephen Hawkes' mother.
Growing100% varietal grapes for over forty years, and bottling under the Hawkes private label since 2002, father-and-son winemakers Stephen and Jake Hawkes produce handcrafted wines from their family-owned vineyards in the Alexander Valley. Visitors can taste Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay indoors or on the patio. The winery's vintages are sold from the tasting room or online only.
Ram's Gate Winery makes several Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and smaller productions of Zinfandel, Brut and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery offers three levels of membership.
It would be hard to miss Scott Sherman's Framery of Sonoma- Wine Country Gallery as you drive along Broadway into downtown Sonoma. It is marked by a bright orange umbrella, hand-painted signs and original artwork on display in front of a huge victorian house. Founded over 25 years ago, the Framery of Sonoma is a collection of orginal art by Scott Sherman and many other local artists, hundreds of custom frame options, posters, gift cards and the popular "Hall of Frames." A Certified Professional Framer, Scott offers his expertise and creative eye for his customers framing needs.
Taylor & Norton Wine Merchants provide fine and rare wine, carrying wines from all over the world.
Located in the heart of the Sonoma-Carneros region, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards offers award-winning wines and complimentary wine tasting opportunities. It owns and farms grapes throughout southern extremities of both Sonoma and Napa counties. There is a gourmet gift shop and olive pressing facility on-site. The vineyard also produces extra virgin olive oil.
Cline Cellars is a winery and event center in Sonoma. This establishment owns vineyards in California and makes its own wine. Varietals include Pinot Gris, Marsanne Roussanne, Sonama Coast Viognier, Cashmere, Ancient Vines Carignane, Five Reds, Syrah, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Mourvedre. Visit Cline Cellars' website for more information, including an overview of the winery complete with staff profiles and prices on wines for sale. This establishment is open for sales and tastings daily.
Larson Family Winery resides on land that was once home to the Sonoma Rodeo. The winery is family owned and produces wines for Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Three Lab Wines, among others. Furthermore, the land has a picnic area in a spot allowing views of Sonoma county.
