Sonoma Wineries

Hi,

My wife and I are planning a weekend in Sonoma around April 8th and I'm interested in wineries that a Francophile like myself would enjoy. Preferably visitor friendly wineries.

Suggestions/recommendations?

[Jenise]

Joseph Swan Winery for the fine pinot noirs. And whatever else, but his exceptional pinots are more Burgundian than most in the area. And very ageable.

Schug Cellars makes very nice pinot noir and chardonnay in a Euopean style.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Wind Gap has a tasting room in Sebastopol. I would highly recommend you visit.

Joseph Swan's tasting room is open on Saturday and Sunday. However, this time of year, if you give them a call, something might be arranged for another day if you need it. I agree with David on Wind Gap.
Dry Creek Vineyards has a wide array of wines, and some of their whites (sauvignon blanc, and Rhone white blends) might not be too jarring to a Francophile. Go for the more expensive "club" tasting.

Thank you, very useful.

I would also add Porter Creek to this list. They're on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley, they have regular tasting room hours, their wines are excellent and friendly to Europhilic palates, and they're friendly and unpretentious.

For a Francophile I might still include Michel Schlumberger up on West Dry Creek Road. Their wines have crept up in alcohol levels the last couple of years, but there is still a nice earthy character-and they make a lot of Bordeaux varietals if you want something different than the Pinots!