{"id":5323,"date":"2016-07-25T06:15:38","date_gmt":"2016-07-25T05:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=5323"},"modified":"2025-08-15T04:43:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T11:43:21","slug":"sip-way-northern-sonoma-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/sip-way-northern-sonoma-county\/","title":{"rendered":"SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH NORTHERN SONOMA COUNTY"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/span>It’s the ultimate girls getaway: a weekend of brunches and wine tasting in Northern California’s wine region. While Napa Valley is heralded for its Cabernet’s and Chardonnay’s, big-money vintner’s and elaborate ch\u00e2teau’s and caves, on the western side of the Mayacama’s mountain’s Sonoma County\u2019s cooler coastal climate creates velvety Pinot’s and oozes with rustic, cozy elegance. To further escape the crowds, head north along the 101\u2019s \u201cwine road.\u201d Northern Sonoma county is home to a variety of wineries, from popular shelf names like Kendall-Jackson<\/a> and Korbel<\/a> to intimate off-the-beaten-path tasting treasures such as Tara Bella<\/a> and Williamson Wines<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On our way north, my girlfriends and I always stop in downtown Sonoma for brunch at <\/span>Sunflower Caff\u00e9 followed by a stroll around the square, with a stop at Mission San Francisco Solano<\/a><\/span>. We can’t help but wonder into the charming shops lining the block.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>SONOMA<\/h3>\n

<\/span>1) ARROWOOD VINEYARD AND WINERY<\/h4>\n

The New England-style farmhouse that overlooks Arrowood\u2019s<\/a><\/span> vineyards provides the perfect setting for an afternoon of porch side relaxation as you enjoy a glass of wine. Don\u2019t be surprised to find a barn cat lazily curled around your ankles on a warm day. Arrowood is known for Cabernet Sauvignons, but I can never leave without a bottle of their 2012 smoky, full-bodied Saralee Syrah.<\/p>\n

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2)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>KUNDE FAMILY WINERY<\/h4>\n

At <\/span>Kunde Estate<\/a>, visitors can experience more than just the tasting room on the beautiful estate grounds. The winery offers their signature mountain top tastings several times a day 1,400 feet above the estate. The experience also includes a guided tour of the estate\u2019s caves and historical vineyards.<\/p>\n

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WINDSOR<\/h3>\n

<\/span>1) KENDALL-JACKSON WINE ESTATE<\/h4>\n

This place is all about the gardens. Though Kendall-Jackson<\/a> is a label we\u2019ve commonly found on supermarket shelves, the estate makes drinking these varietals an entirely new experience. Whether you sip your tasting lounging in the gardens, take the garden tasting tour or opt for a wine and cheese pairing, you\u2019ll appreciate the stately elegance that Kendall-Jackson offers. Don\u2019t forget to bring their 2-for-1 tasting coupon!<\/p>\n

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<\/span>2)\u00a0TARA BELLA<\/h4>\n

Tara Bella<\/a> is a tiny, rustic little gem that instantly won me over. The little dirt road entrance leads guests to a small building that looks as though it belongs in the Italian countryside. Across the way, two basset hounds eagerly welcome attention. Above the barn-converted tasting room where the wine barrels are also housed, wine club members can enjoy a quaint studio overlooking the vineyards for overnight stays.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>3) HKG ESTATE WINERY<\/h4>\n

<\/span>HKG Wines<\/a><\/span> is set right on the river and the tasting room, housed in the historic hop kiln, has big, expansive windows that provide a spectacular view. The Russian River Valley sparkling pinot noir ros\u00e9 is an instant favorite, though the winery\u2019s other pinots are also quite remarkable.<\/p>\n

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4) RUSSIAN RIVER VINEYARDS<\/h4>\n

My personal favorite. Russian River Vineyards<\/a><\/span> is an idyllic place to while away an afternoon. The woodsy, rustic atmosphere is welcoming and on weekends you\u2019ll usually find a singer or two crooning on the deck. You\u2019ll want to snack on the Nightingale Bread Service or a starter of House-Made burrata while sampling Russian River\u2019s award-winning single-vineyard Pinot Noir. Or, stroll the grounds and admire the farm, play corn hole and relax under a vineyard Oak tree.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>HEALDSBURG<\/h3>\n

1) THUMBPRINT CELLARS<\/h4>\n

The town of Healdsburg is an adorable, walkable place with tasting rooms lining every block. Thumbprint<\/a>, named for the owner\u2019s signature mark, is a boutique winery memorable for its welcoming vibes, cheeky blends (four play, anyone?) and delightful Cabs.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>2) PORTALUPI<\/h4>\n

Modern, hip and relaxed, Portalupi\u2019s<\/a><\/span> tasting room is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a glass of one of their Italian varietals with friends. The spicy, fruity 2014 Shake Ridge Barbera is great, but I love their creative, everyday-drinking Vaso di Marina in their signature milk jug.<\/p>\n

<\/span>3) WILLIAMSON WINES<\/h4>\n

Williamson\u2019s<\/a> warm, welcoming tasting room pairs perfectly with its \u201cFridge Foods and Fine Wines\u201d experience. Most commonly you\u2019ll find Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rh\u00f4ne varietals.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>GEYSERVILLE<\/h3>\n

<\/span>1) FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY<\/h4>\n

Much like Kendall-Jackson, visiting the Coppola<\/a> winery is more about the grounds themselves than the actual wine, which is easily found in stores (except for Coppola\u2019s Reserve wines). The lavish winery is home to a small gallery and collection of the Coppola\u2019s influence in film, along with a restaurant, vineyard-side verbena dining and swimming in one of two estate pools in the warmer months.<\/p>\n

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We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Northern Sonoma County. If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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