Skip the crowds and go for a low key visit to Sonoma Valley, while still enjoying the same perks as better known or higher producing vineyards. You’ll be sure to get a feel for the talent and passion involved in the wine making process by meeting those who work with the grapes and vines each season. In fact, most boutique wineries are family-owned and operated, meaning the owners themselves will greet you and take you on a tour of their own property. Don’t miss these top boutique wineries in Sonoma.
- Little Vineyards Family Winery
Covering just 17 acres of land, Little Vineyards Family Winery is situated in an area of Sonoma Valley known for producing outstanding fruits and red wines. Joan and Rich Little had always dreamed of owning a vineyard and in 1996, their dream came true. Since that time, the Little’s have produced award-winning flavors, such as their 2002 Zinfandel and 2002 Resonance. You can try some of these renowned wines during the classic release wine tasting or private vineyard walks, which also include tastings. For a truly authentic and cozy Sonoma experience, stay at the Little’s Cottage, located among the vineyards and mountains just a short walk from the tasting room.
- Loxton Cellars
Open 7 days a week, Loxton Cellars is known for their bold Syrah wines, or Shiraz as Australians would call them, a variety of dark grape that produces a wine known for its dark and aromatic tones. Founded by an Australian expat with a love for California Wine Country, Loxton Cellars creates an authentic Sonoma experience by offering tastings of high quality, rich wines. Using grapes from the entire region, Loxton concocts aromatic flavors that should not be missed by any wine connoisseur. Learn all about the winemaking process by visiting the Loxton Cellars on a Saturday or Sunday morning to do a personal walkabout with their very own winemakers.
- Sojourn Cellars
If you’re not a wine connoisseur or don’t even know which type of wine is your favorite, don’t worry. Sojourn Cellars offers a popular comparative, side-by-side wine tasting for just $25 per person. This method of sampling allows you to be guided through individual tastes and aromas with an experienced wine taster pointing out peculiarities along the way. Artisanal varieties are a popular attraction at this small, family-owned Sonoma winery as well. Beautifully maintained by less than 10 people, their Cabernets, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs will make you wonder how they create such exquisite wine with so little help.
- Westwood Winery
This interesting, young winery specializes in red wines that are grown in cooler climates than more traditional Mediterranean-climate wines in the Sonoma Valley region. From vines planted in 2001, Westwood makes wines today that are popular, yet unique. Try Westwood’s oldest bottle, a decade-old 2004 Pinot Noir, or one of their featured wines, a 2009 Syrah. Located in downtown Sonoma, being at the Westwood Winery will make you feel like you’re in the middle of everything without the crowds of tourists. Plan a 2-hour tasting for only $25 per person and spend a memorable evening sipping and conversing in the heart of Sonoma.
- Kamen Estate Wines
Following the ever-present theme of low production, sustainability of land and quality over quantity, Kamen Estate is a modern and straightforward production vineyard with a resilient history that takes part in the breathtaking winery-dotted Sonoma Valley landscape. With a team composed of a winemaker, viticulturist, and proprietor, Kamen Estate Wines keep it simple in every manner. After a fire took down his vineyards and home, Mr. Kamen’s grape growing business was no more, but he decided to stay positive and learn how to make his own wines. Today, Kamen Estates is a successful and inviting winery whose vineyards offer views of the San Francisco Bay and Mayacamas Mountains. Do not miss this stunning Sonoma boutique winery.
