Russian River Valley
Almost 200 square miles in the heart of Sonoma County, California, the Russian River Valley is blessed with rich farmlands, majestic redwoods, lush hillside vineyards and its namesake the Russian River. The signature wine of the Russian River Valley is Pinot Noir, because it loves the cool valley fogs that roll in from the coast. Declared an official American Viticulture Area in 1983, it now is home to over 150 grape growers, 100 wineries and several fine restaurants and lodging establishments. Here are some of our favorite Russian River Valley hangouts to sip, savor and sleep.
Favorite Hangout Tour-Eastside of the Russian River
4 hour Tour to Rodney Strong, Foppiano Winery, Russian Hill Estate Winery and Sunce Winery with a stop in the Windsor/No Santa Rosa area for a picnic lunch.
(Winery additions or substitutions available– DeLoach Vineyards, Harvest Moon Winery, Hook & Ladder Winery, Pellegrini Family Vineyards, Martinelli Family Winery, J Sparkling Wines or Limerick Lane Cellars)
Favorite Hangout Tour-Westside of the Russian River
4 hour Tour to Hop Kiln Winery, Toad Hollow Winery, Armida Winery and Moshin Vineyards with a stop in Healdsburg for a picnic lunch.
(Winery additions or substitutions available - Arista Winery, Gary Farrell Wines, La Crema Winery, Mill Creek Winery, Selby Winery, Longboard Vineyards, Rochioli Winery or De La Montanya)
Favorite Hangout Tour-Southwest Russian River Valley
4 hour Tour to Joseph Swan Vineyards, Martin Ray Winery, Lynmar Winery, Dutton-Goldfield and Balletto Vineyards with a stop in West Sonoma County for a picnic lunch.
(Winery additions or substitutions available - Hanna Winery, Graton Ridge, Hartford Family Winery, Woodenhead, Russian Hill, Martinelli Family Winery, Sunce Winery or DeLoach Vineyards.)
Dry Creek Valley
Approximately 16 miles long and 2 miles wide, Dry Creek Valley is one of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas. Roughly 9,300 acres of vineyards extend along the valley floor, the surrounding benchlands and hillsides, and 58 wineries produce a diverse selection of wines ranging from the renowned Zinfandels to the signature Sauvignon Blancs. The history of grape growing and winemaking in Dry Creek Valley is among the longest in California, with its roots beginning more than 130 years ago. Here are some of our favorite hangouts to sip, savor and sleep.
Favorite Hangout Tour-Dry Creek Valley
4 hour Tour to Wilson Winery, Dry Creek Vineyards, Forchini Vineyards and Pedroncelli Winery with a stop in Healdsburg for a picnic lunch.
(Winery additions or substitutions available - Mauritson Family Winery, Passalacqua Winery, Family Wineries(Papapietro Perry Winery, Kokomo & Peterson Winery), Dutcher Crossing Winery or Ferrari-Carano Winery)
Alexander Valley
Located at the north end of Sonoma County, the Alexander Valley Area is 22 miles in length and varies in width from two to seven miles. The valley includes the valley floor and hills to the east and west encompassing approximately 76,900 acres, with more than 15,000 currently planted to premium wine grapes. The valley is home to more than 40 wineries, each producing distinctive, unassuming wines made by distinctive, unassuming people. Here are some of our favorite hangouts to sip, savor and sleep
Favorite Hangout Tour-Alexander Valley
4 hour Tour to deLorimier Vineyards, White Oak Winery, Alexander Valley Vineyards and Hanna Winery with a stop in Geyserville for a picnic lunch.
(Winery additions or substitutions available-Meeker Vineyards, Stryker-Sonoma, Stonestreet, Sausal Winery, Johnson's AV Wines, or Field Stone Winery)
Tours available Thursdays-Mondays
Hot Rods haul 2 - 4 passengers
** Please note that your Wine Country Hot Rod Tour fees do not include tastings at the wineries. Many wineries charge a tasting fee of approximately $5+ per person, so plan to have funds for that.
