Get back to basics and experience Sonoma the way it used to be, before giant corporations took over and tasting rooms became retail stores. Learn about the wine from the winemaker, taste from barrels, even ride a horse though a vineyard. Visiting the small Sonoma wineries is a rewarding experience, giving you a glimpse into the heart and soul of the people who made the wine. Even better, many have cheap or even free tastings! Size does matter, and small is good in Sonoma.
AT A GLANCE: No pushing to the bar, everyone tastes n the underground caves in the center of their 23,000 foot facility, filled with comfy couches and tables and surrounded by barrels.
WHAT'S COOL: The caves are literally cool, making this a great stop on a hot Sonoma day.
BASIC COST: $10, applied to wine purchase. Good deal since it's not hard to find a $30 wine here.
TIP: Can be a bit hard to find, look for the sign on the road when you get close as you won't see the actual winery from the road.
Deerfield Ranch Winery, 10200 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 95452 (707) 833-5215 (map / web)
AT A GLANCE: You want small? Homewood Winery is as close as you might get to a one man operation with David Homewood involved and doing as much of the work possible through the entire winemaking process.
WHAT'S COOL: Not unusual to meet David around the winery. Super friendly guy, he loves his wines and loves talking about them.
COST: Complimentary, so buy a bottle to say thanks!
Homewood Winery, 23120 Burndale Rd, Sonoma, 95476 (707) 996-6353 (map / web)
AT A GLANCE: The smallest winery in the county but one of the biggest personalities. Winemaker Kaz is off the wall crazy and lots of fun, no stuffy corporate winery here.
WHAT'S COOL: Like what you tasted from the barrel? Then take home a bottle or jug of it.
TIP: Want more Kaz? Go listen to his radio show on WineBiz Radio.
COST: $5 for six pours
Kaz Vineyard and Winery, 233 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, 95452 (877) 833-2536 (map / web)
AT A GLANCE: Little is right, and though the name comes from the family, the size of this winery is small indeed. A real family affair, you can even rent a one bedroom cottage if you really want to get into the Sonoma lifestyle.
WHAT'S COOL: The tiny tasting room features a bar that Jack London sat at while writing his novels.
COST: $5 for five tastings
Litle Vineyard Family Winery, 18555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 95452, 707-833-4134 (map / web)
AT A GLANCE: Charming Australian Chris Loxton (with equally charming accent) leaves the land down under and his wine producing family to pursue Syrahs and Zins in Sonoma. Clearly passionate about his wines, great for everyone from newbies to experience wine lovers.
WHAT'S COOL: Small winery, it's not unusual for Chris to pour the wines himself as he chats about what his creations and wine philosophies. He'll even sign your bottles, a great gift idea.
COST: Complimentary - can you believe it for wines this good?
Loxton Cellars 11466 Dunbar Rd, Glen Ellen, 95442 (707) 935-7221(map / web)
AT A GLANCE: Not the actual winery but an intimate tasting room not much bigger than a one car garage. All the great wines of Paradise Ridge but in a more convenient location in Kenwood. Don't let the unassuming exterior stop you, this is a seriously good stop!
WHAT'S COOL: Annette, the charming and always cheerful wine pourer.
COST: $10, applied to wine purchase.
Paradise Ridge, 8860 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 95452, (707) 282-9020 (map / web)
AT A GLANCE: A downtown tasting room right off the plaza in a 1940's craftsman style building, bring your own picnic or purchase food there. Kid and dog friendly, too.
WHAT'S COOL: One and a half hour horseback rides through their vineyards, then back to the tasting room for more tastings. No previous riding experience required, great idea if your kids are wondering why you brought them to wine country.
COST: $5 and you can taste them all, plus it's totally refundable if you buy a bottle! Way cool!
Roche Winery, 122 West Spain St, Sonoma CA 95476 (707) 935-7115 (map / web)
AT A GLANCE: Understated tasting room in a shopping center location with superb wines. They share the tasting room with Muscardini Cellars. A spartan decor but a super nice staff and a great wine tasting experience more than make up for it.
WHAT'S COOL: Ty is often the wine pourer and the wines are superb.
COST: $10 fee, applied to purchase.
Ty Caton Vineyards, 8910 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA (707) 938-3224 (map / web)
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SPRING 2012: I love visiting Sonoma in the Spring. The vines are starting to bud, the bright yellow mustard plants, and it's cheaper! Lovely!
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