Hello! I’m Nami, currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This time, I visited a winery in Sonoma. When it comes to wineries near San Francisco, Napa Valley is the most famous, but Sonoma sits right next to it.
Sonoma offers delicious wines just like Napa, but usually at a more affordable price.
Each winery uses different grapes and vineyards, so your preferences may vary—but personally, I was very satisfied!
Where I Visited
This time I went to Viansa Sonoma Winery & Tasting Room, located about an hour’s drive from San Francisco.
The wine tasting was $35 + tax for four glasses.
Note: Reservations are currently required, so be sure to check their website and book online in advance.
There’s an information booth before you enter the building. If you’re planning to continue wine tasting at Sonoma Plaza or want to visit other wineries in the area, they’ll give you great recommendations—and even hand out discount vouchers. I definitely recommend stopping by!
🍷Tasting Details
Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of the tasting menu but here’s what I remember:
You’re served two glasses at a time.
First Round – White & Rosé
- White (2022 Chardonnay):
Lightly dry, not overly sharp, with a fruity aroma that lingers pleasantly in the nose. - Rosé:
Balanced notes of strawberry and citrus. It wasn’t sweet, but crisp and refreshing—perfect for those who usually avoid overly sweet rosés. I personally wouldn’t mind a bit more sweetness, though!
Second Round – Red Wines
California is known for its red wines, and these didn’t disappoint.
- One had a hint of cacao with a lighter body—great for pairing with cheese and charcuterie.
- The other was a full-bodied red, rich and bold, with a long-lasting finish—perfect with steak or hearty meats.
I enjoyed both, depending on the pairing.
More Than Just Wine
The winery isn’t just about wine—the view is incredible too!
Perched on a hilltop, you can see vineyards and a small lake below. I had hoped to catch the yellow flowers in bloom, but unfortunately, they weren’t out yet. Still, the scenery was absolutely beautiful.
You can also walk around the winery grounds. Even if you or your companions aren’t big drinkers, you’ll still enjoy the experience.
In fact, one of my companions doesn’t normally drink alcohol but had a great time!
🍷 More Winery Recommendations
If you’re wondering which wineries to visit—Sonoma and Napa have so many—I recommend asking locals.
I used an app called ASKWHO, where you can connect with people in your area, and I asked for winery suggestions.
Here are six that locals recommended aside from Viansa:
- Gloria Ferrer
- Buena Vista
- Schug Winery
- Cline Cellars
- Nicholson Ranch
- Anaba Wines
Feel free to use this list as a reference for your trip!
Summary
That’s it for today’s post on visiting a winery in Sonoma, California. If you’re planning a trip to California, definitely consider stopping by a winery. It’s a relaxing, beautiful, and delicious experience!
See you in the next post!