Sonoma County Wineries to Dream About

If you’re anything like me, planning a trip is a little break in the madness the past few months have brought. Start planning your next trip – and consider this beautiful, countryside wine country in northern California. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Sonoma County and I can’t stop thinking about the beautiful landscape, people… and WINE. As a midwesterner who is used to fruity midwest wines and the occasional red blend my husband comes home with, I discovered a whole new range of wines that I fell in love with. Here are some of my favorite wineries, all a little different in wine types and atmosphere.

Jacuzzi Family Wines | https://www.jacuzziwines.com/

The inventors of the jacuzzi also seem to make some damn good wine. This Italian-style winery is a perfect mid-day pitstop, especially if you intend to sit outside under the Sonoma sun in the courtyard. They have a number of different tasting options and delicious bottles to take home. Climbing to the top of their lookout tower also gives you a beautiful view of Sonoma County. This was definitely my favorite red wine of all the wineries!

Chateau St. Jean |https://www.chateaustjean.com/

Dubbed the most beautiful winery in Sonoma, Chateau St. Jean lives up to its name. Between the vineyards, castle-like towers and rose garden, we couldn’t get enough of our time here. My girlfriend was giving me grief for saying this winery gave me “Shrek castle vibes,” but it truly was out of a [Dreamworks] fairytale. We were also met with such generous, kind staff here which I’ll always remember.

Bella Wine Caves | https://www.bellawinery.com/

This was one of the smaller wineries we went to, but it as also one of the most beautiful. While many of the others were off the highway with giant, beautiful buildings, Bella Wine Caves is nestled back in a hilly country area. And yes, you guessed it – wine caves are how they store their wine and where their pre-COVID tastings were held, which was really cool to see. If you’re looking for a more quaint, off-the-beaten-path winery, this is a great choice.