Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Picnicking is allowed at Sonoma wineries. Get maps and discount coupons in the town
of Sonoma or, if you're approaching from the south, the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau at
Cornerstone Gardens.
Plan at least five hours to visit the valley from bottom to top.
Homewood
WINERY
121/12; tasting $5; 10am-4pm; )
Barn cats dart about at this down-home winery, where the tasting room is a garage, and the
winemaker crafts standout ports and Rhône-style Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah - 'Da
redder, da better' - plus some late-harvest dessert wines, including excellent Viognier and
Albariño. Bottles are $22 to $42, the tasting fee is waived with a purchase.
Robledo
WINERY
116; tasting $10-15; by appointment 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun)
Sonoma Valley's feel-good winery, Robledo was founded by a former grape-picker from
Mexico who worked his way up to vineyard manager, then land owner, now vintner. His
kids run the place. The wines - served at hand-carved Mexican furniture in a garage - in-
clude a no-oak Sauvignon Blanc, jammy Syrah, spicy Cabernet, and bright-fruit Pinot
Noir. Bottles cost $18 to $60.
Gundlach-Bundschu Winery
WINERY
$10-15, incl tour $20-50; 11am-4:30pm, to 5:30pm Jun-mid-Oct; )
California's oldest family-run winery looks like a castle, but has a down-to-earth vibe.
Founded 1858 by a Bavarian immigrant, its signatures are Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir,
but 'Gun-Bun' was the first American winery to produce 100% Merlot. Down a winding
lane, it's a terrific bike-to winery, with picnicking, hiking and a lake. Tour the 2000-barrel
cave ($20) by reservation only. Bottles are $22 to $45.
Bartholomew Park Winery
WINERY
