John Haggard and David Defries, co-owners of Sophie's Cellars write the "Wednesday Wines and Vines" wine column at RussianRiverTravel.com.
Each Wednesday, when Sophie's Cellars is closed, John tours wineries, vineyards, cellars, speaking to the people from grape-growers to winemakers who create the fine wines of Sonoma.
Read the column in the new wine section at RussianRiverTravel.com, In-Depth with Christina Pallmann, Winemaker at Fritz Winery.
|
|
 |
|
Sonoma Wine Country encompasses thirteen wine growing appellations with more acres of vineyards than Napa. This premium wine growing region produces some of the finest Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. With its diverse climate from the Sonoma Coast to the fog of the Russian River Valley and the intense heat of Dry Creek Valley, it is said that if a grape can be grown, it can be grown in one of these thirteen Sonoma appellations.
At the heart of Sonoma Wine Country is its largest appellation, The Russian River Valley. Westside road is just one of many beautiful backroads joining Guerneville to Healdsburg through winding Tuscan scenery and family winery after family winery where most wine tasting and tours are free. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Arista Winery
Family owned producer of hand crafted, small lot Pinot Noir from
the Russian River Valley. Arista's tasting room is surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden, where you can relax next to a gentle waterfall and enjoy some of Sonoma's finest Pinots, Zinfandels and other boutique wines. Or, feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the gardens at your leisure.
7015 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
T: 707-473-0606
Email |
|
|
|
|
Balletto Vineyards
With the help of consulting wine maker Dan Cederquist, we feel we have produced an excellent representation of Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Russian River Zinfandel and Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris. Come visit our new tasting room, open daily 10am to 4pm.
5700 Occidental Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
T: 707-568-2455
Email |
|
|
|
|
California Rivers Tours
Visit great wineries in the "wine country". We specialize in wineries of the Russian River valley appellation. Garden tours and backroads tours available. Comfortable van with large windows, picnic lunch provided. Reasonable rates at $50 per hour for up to ten guests.
575 Country Club Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
T: 707-579-2209
Email |
|
|
|
|
Charizma Wine Lounge & Deli
California cuisine with a Swedish touch. Breakfast, lunch & dinner with a deli. Dine in or take out or how about a picnic?
16337 Main Street
Guerneville, CA 95446
T: 707-869-0909
Email |
|
|
|
|
Harvest Moon Winery
Harvest Moon is a family-run boutique winery nestled in the Russian River Valley that focuses primarily on California's own Zinfandel. It is our honor and pleasure to invite you to the Harvest Moon Estate to taste some of the best wine that Sonoma County has to offer and relax at our home against the backdrop of our soothing vineyards. We look forward in sharing our family’s best!
2192 Olivet Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
T: 707-573-8711
Email |
|
|
|
|
Isabelle's Wine Lounge
Isabelle's Wine Lounge at The Willows feature wines of the Russian River and the surrounding area as well as domestic beers. Discover what many already have is that wines of our region equal and exceed others in California. Open Thursdays through Sundays 4 pm to 10 pm.
15905 River Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
T: 707-869-2824
Toll free: 800-953-2828
Email |
|
|
|
|
Korbel
A must on any trip to wine country is a visit to the historic Korbel Champagne Cellars. You'll see where the world-famous Korbel Champagnes were first made more than 100 years ago, how champagne is made, and the history of the Korbel legacy.
13250 River Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
T: 707-824-7000
Email |
|
|
|
|
Moshin Vineyards
Moshin Vineyards is the Russian River Valley's only true 4-tier gravity- flow winery, specializing in small lot estate pinot noir. Our tasting room is open daily from 11:00-4:30. Tours are available by appointment.
10295 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
T: 707-433-5499
Email |
|
|
|
|
Porter Creek Vineyards
Owned and operated by father and son, Porter Creek is a winery and vineyard situated just adjacent to Porter Creek (one of the major tributaries to the Russian River on Westside Road) in the most prestigious part of the Russian River Valley appellation. With a strong commitment to the growing conditions in the Russian River Valley, Porter Creek focuses on organic, hillside-grown, vineyard designated wines of grape varietals from the Burgundy and Rhone. We welcome visitors 7 days a week from 10:30am - 4:30pm.
8735 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
T: 707-433-6321 |
|
|
|
|
|
Russian River Valley Winegrowers
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW) was founded in 1994 as the official American Viticultural Area (AVA) association for the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. By defining the distinctions that make up the AVA, the RRVW and its members are united by the unique qualities and characteristics of both the region and the wines that represent it.
P.O. box 16
Fulton, 95439
T: 707-521-2334
F: 707-546-3277
Email |
|
|
|
|
Russian River Wine Road
The Russian River Wine Road is a winery association of over 100 Wineries and 50 Lodgings throughout Sonoma County wine country. Come explore California's most diverse & beautiful wine regions...the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley appellations of Northwest Sonoma County.
P.O. box 46
Healdsburg, CA 95439
T: 800-723-6336
F: 707-433-4335
Email |
|
|
|
|
Sophie's Cellars
The Sonoma Wine & Cheese Market. An outstanding collection of limited production Sonoma wines, specializing in Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Champagne and Sparkling Wines. A huge selection of artisan cheeses, bottle conditioned ales, fresh baked breads and pies, chocolates, oils and vinegars. Buy wine online, check out our Sonoma Wine Club on our web site. Store hours 11am - 7pm, closed Wed.
20293 Hwy 116
Monte Rio, CA 95462
T: 707-865-1122 |
|
|
|
|
Two Moon Vineyard
Two Moon Vineyard's award winning estate Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wine speak of the soil from which they originated. At 1,700 ft elevation, Two Moon Vineyard is a remote mountain top, located off Sweetwater Springs Road between Guerneville and Healdsburg. Julie Simpson invites visitors to enjoy the stunning views, tour the vineyard and taste the bounties of Two Moon Vineyard's acclaimed wines. Call 707-869-3147 for an appointment.
19400 McCray Ridge Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
T: 707-869-3147 |
|
|
|
|
Vine Life
Local wines, many home decorating and gift items, and gourmet foods. We take
great pride in being able to offer many of our products from the local Russian River Area.
16359 Main Street
Guerneville, CA 95446
T: 707-869-1234
Email |
|
|
|
|
Wine & Cheese Tasting of Sonoma
Home of Sonoma County's finest wines and cheeses and the Custom Wine Club. Taste wines from all over Sonoma County in one location, then purchase them at prices usually better than at the winery. Online shopping for wine and related merchandise is available here also. Check it out!
25179 Main St
Duncans Mills, CA 95430
T: 707-865-0565
Email |
|
|
