Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley, view from Benovia

West of Highway 101, ranging from Santa Rosa and Windsor out to Occidental and Freestone, the Russian River Valley region has a special affinity for growing Zinfandel grapes, while the closer you get to the Pacific Coast the better the conditions get for Pinot Noir. The roads are easy to navigate, and the tasting room staffs are welcoming.

Favorite Tasting Rooms in Russian River Valley

Benovia – Named after the winery founders’ fathers, this is a great find with several delicious Pinot Noirs. Unfortunately for us, we always think of The Princess Diaries thanks to a silly remark from a friend (Genovia, Genovia, Forever will your banner wave!) Aim for the La Pommeraie Chardonnay, and the Savoy and Bella Una Pinot Noirs at the very least. 3339 Hartman Road, Santa Rosa (707) 526-4441 [reservation required]

Copain Wines – Small winery focusing on stellar vineyard-designated wines. Our favorites here were the Monument Tree and Tous Ensemble Pinot Noirs. 7800 Eastside Road, Healdsburg (707) 836-8822

Dutton-Goldfield – Another small-lot focused winery with great customer service in the tasting room (new since 2010). While here, we recommend the Pinot Blanc and the Freestone Pinot Noir. 3100 Gravenstein Highway North (corner of Highway 116 and Graton Road), Sebastopol (707) 827-3600

Freeman Winery - Elegant, cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are made here in the Burgundian style. If you come, everything is worth trying and buying, but the Keefer Ranch and Akiko’s Cuvee Pinot Noirs and the Chardonnay stand out for us. 1300 Montgomery Road, Sebastopol (707) 823-6937 [reservation required]

Hartford Family Winery – Family-owned winery specializing in single-vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and old vine Zinfandel. When you come to the tasting room in the stylish old house, be sure to try the Four Hearts and Stone Côte Chardonnays, the Land’s Edge and Arrendell Pinot Noirs, and whichever old vine Zinfandels you can. 8075 Martinelli Road, Forestville (800) 588-0234, ext 8011 or 8030

Inman Family Wines – Small family winery focused on Pinot Noirs and grapes from the Russian River Valley. We like the Thorn Ridge and Olivet OGV Pinot Noirs here. 3900 Piner Road, Santa Rosa (707) 293-9576

Joseph Phelps at Freestone Vineyards – Developed by Joseph Phelps Vineyards for the potential here for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the vineyards are living up to their potential. The Freestone tasting room is rustic but welcoming and we really appreciate the Fogdog and Ovation Chardonnays and the Freestone Pinot Noir. 12747 El Camino Bodega, Freestone (707) 874-1010

Lynmar Estate – Lovely, relaxed tasting experience here at this beautiful property with great owners and staff. Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are the focus here. All of the Russian River designated wines are great, as well as the many single-vineyard wines such as Quail Hill. There is a special place in our heart for the La Sereinité Chardonnay and the Bliss Block and Freestone Pinot Noirs. In addition, Lynmar has some food options by appointment, utilizing organically grown produce from the beautiful adjacent garden. 3909 Frei Road, Sebastopol (707) 829-3374

Marimar Estate – Certified organic winery in Russian River Valley with a Spanish heritage. We like the Chardonnay/Albariño blend, the Acero and Dobles Lías Chardonnays, and the La Masía and Mas Cavalls Pinot Noirs. 11400 Graton Road, Sebastopol (707) 823-4365

Merry Edwards – Phenomenal Pinot Noirs are the focus here, each carefully coaxed into portraying the nuances of their individual terriors. We buy almost everything made here, but particularly love the Olivet Lane, Klopp, and Coopersmith Pinot Noirs. And the Sauvignon Blanc here may be the best you can find anywhere. 2959 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol (888) 388-9050

Mueller Winery – One of those smaller, less-well-known wineries that is worth the discovery. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are very nice here. 6301 Starr Road, Windsor (707) 837-7399

Siduri – Ultra premium, single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from grapes sourced in California and Oregon are made here, although “here” isn’t that glamorous or scenic. The Cargasacchi, Clos Pepe, Keefer Ranch, and Santa Lucia Pinots have been our favorites recently. 981 Airway Court, Suites E and F, Santa Rosa (707) 578-3882 [reservation required]

Sonoma-Cutrer – Here you fill find a wide range of well-made Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Only recently opened to the public regularly, this is a tasting room worth driving to, especially if you like Chardonnays (try the Les Pierres). 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor (877) 797-3489

Favorite Food Stops in Russian River Valley

Ca´ Bianca - Comforting italian food with stellar homemade pasta in a quaint old building. 835 2nd Street, Santa Rosa (707) 542-5800

Flavor Bistro - Local farmer focused bistro is a great choice for breakfast in downtown Santa Rosa. 96 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa (707) 573-9600

Mom’s Apple Pie – Pies, pies, and more pies. Also, not a bad place for a sandwich if you are in the area and need something quick. 4550 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol (707) 823-8330

Rosso – Excellent Pizzeria and Wine Bar in the Creekside Center that draws a local, loyal crowd for their great pizzas. Their salads are a great way to start, too. 53 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa (707) 544-3221

Screaming Mimi’s – Freaking delicous ice cream at this center-of-Sebastopol spot where 12 and 116 cross. 6902 Sebastopol Avenue, Sebastopol (707) 823-5902

Wild Flour Bread - This small but popular bakery in a very small village makes their delicious products in a wood-fired oven. Sticky buns, the Bohemian (apricot, orange, pecan) and their Cocoa Scone (with sour cherry, almond, and ginger) are among our favorites. 140 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone (707) 874-2938

Willow Wood Market Cafe – Funky, quirky restaurant (and mini-store) in the heart of Graton serving delicious food. 9020 Graton Road, Graton (707) 823-0233