Since launching our Sonoma Tours three years ago, I’m often asked for recommendations on the best Sonoma wineries to visit before or after our gourmet experience. This is different from the tasting rooms directly on the plaza—I'll cover those in another blog post.
The wineries on the list below are ones we’ve used to pair with delicious food, chosen based on both the pairing and biodynamic qualities of their wines. Each winery offers something unique. Some may have a rich history, while others provide biodynamic tours, and some focus on Italian varietals. Since partnering with the Boisset Collection and learning about the benefits of chemical-free wine, we’ve become strong advocates for supporting biodynamic or sustainable wines whenever possible. For those who claim to get headaches from red wine, trying a biodynamic or sustainable red might help you avoid that issue altogether.
I’ve handpicked six wineries near Sonoma Plaza that are easy to visit in one day. You can comfortably tour three in a day, and most offer a tour you shouldn’t miss for both education and enjoyment. For an even more immersive experience, consider adding our 3-hour Gourmet Food and Wine Tour on the Sonoma Plaza to your itinerary—it’s perfect for anyone who loves food as much as wine.
Here are my top six winery recommendations when visiting Sonoma Proper:
Cline Cellars – Historic, sustainable, with fabulous pouring professionals and beautiful vineyards.
Homewood Wines – A one-man operation with sustainable practices and small production, plus a cozy, intimate setting.
Buena Vista – The oldest winery in the U.S. (est. 1857), biodynamic, with authentic caves and more, though no vineyards on-site.
Benzinger – Stunning vineyards, organic practices, and one of the pioneers in biodynamic farming. Don’t miss their tractor tour and cave.
Gundlach Bundschu – Sustainable, historic, with a cave, music concerts, a pond with turtles, and lovely vineyards.
Jacuzzi Winery – Biodynamic, specializing in Italian varietals, with olive oil tastings and beautiful vineyards.
If you’re not local but love a particular wine, each of these wineries offers direct shipping via their websites. Sign up for their newsletters to receive great deals on shipping, including occasional free shipping promotions. If you're not going to be home to receive your delivery, I recommend having the wine shipped to your work, as someone 21 or older will need to sign for it.
For those who can’t make it to Sonoma, Wine.com offers a selection of my favorite Napa Valley wines, including a fantastic option for finding “green and sustainable wines.” Be sure to check it out for more eco-friendly choices.
Enjoy the photos below from some of these wineries, along with a breakdown from Benzinger that explains the differences between sustainable, biodynamic, and organic practices, and what it takes to become certified in each category.
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