MacRostie Winery & Vineyards

About Macrostie Winery & Vineyards

MacRostie is located in Healdsburg, California. It’s approximately 70 miles or one hour and forty minutes from San Francisco and is great for a day trip or an overnight stay. If you’re wondering where to eat in Healdsburg, check out my Best Healdsburg Restaurants guide here. 

Why you must visit MacRostie Winery

For starters, it’s a gorgeous Winery with spectacular views, fabulous amenities, and amazing wines. They also have a beyond dedicated team. This is evident from the moment you arrive and you are greeted with a glass of wine and throughout your visit.  I have visited many Wineries and have to say the consistent genuine authenticity of Sean, Heidi, Steve, and their team is truly like no other… 

The spectacular views from the Estate Terrace

Who is the Winemaker: MacRostie is guided by Sonoma County visionary and winery founder Steve MacRostie and talented winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen. 

Steve MacRostie visits the Estate occasionally to meet with guests, and we had the chance to chat and hang out with him—so keep your eyes peeled when you visit on a Saturday, because he just might make an appearance!

About Steve MacRostie

Though founded in 1987, the seeds for MacRostie Winery and Vineyards go back to 1974—to the early days of Sonoma County winemaking—when Steve began his career at Hacienda Winery. Most California winemakers were fixated on Bordeaux varieties and the Napa Valley. But, Steve and a handful of other pioneers took a different path. They embraced the fog-shrouded vineyards of Sonoma County and their untapped potential. In turn, they produce some of the finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noir in the world. 

In 1987, Steve established MacRostie Winery. To make his earliest wines, he reached out to growers he knew and respected—leaders of Sonoma County winegrowing, like the Sangiacomo family. MacRostie’s wines were hailed for their unique balance of cool-climate structure and vibrant fruit. In 1992, years before the modern Pinot Noir boom, MacRostie added Pinot Noir to its portfolio and quickly developed a devoted following for the pure and elegant style of these wines.

When did the Winery and Vineyards open:  In 2015, MacRostie unveiled its new state-of-the-art Pinot-focused winery and MacRostie Estate House on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley, which is also the home to Thale’s Vineyard, named after Steve’s wife. 

What differentiates MacRostie from other Wineries

 The experience. The team. The Wine. The setting. To me, these are the four most important elements that keep me wanting to return again and again. I have been to many wineries and it’s the little things that really differentiate them and are memorable to the guest. For me, the little things like welcoming you the moment you exit your car are huge “small touches”. Also, being recognized by name by servers who hosted you is not found at most wineries.

How is the Wine?

 The Wine is obviously great, or I would not be sharing it with you. As a Chardonnay lover, MacRostie Wines are my dream Wines. Between their delicious Coastal Chardonnay options to their Sonoma Sangiacomo & Dutton Ranch varietals, I was truly in heaven. On top of having amazing Chardonnays, their Pinot Noirs are also wonderful. They are on the heavier, more fruit-forward side, which I enjoy a lot better than the lighter, watered-down taste of other Pinot Noirs. On top of the delicious wine, it’s accessibly priced from $28 – $72. 

Our corner table overlooking the Vineyards and Napa Valley. This is definitely my favorite spot to sit at MacRostie!

When to Visit

 Open daily from 10 am – 5 pm. Tastings range from $50 – $125, and members receive 4-6 complimentary tastings. Email MacRostie at reservations@macrostiewinery.com to make an appointment. There are plenty of wonderful tastings to choose from like The Elevated Sparkling Food & Wine Experience and the wonderful Signature Experience. As a non-alcoholic option, they offer a Bespoke Iced Tea Tasting, perfect for anyone to enjoy!

The Wine Club Member’s private tasting patio & room. It’s quite spectacular. I loved the entire Winery so much. I even decided to join the Wine Club!

Cheers to fabulous MacRostie Winery & Vineyards. You truly are a class act with amazing wines that I love. Plus, you have a fabulous team, and a gorgeous Wine Tasting Estate to experience it all at.  See you guys very soon!

DISCLOSURE: Emily,  The JetSetting Fashionista  and guest enjoyed a complimentary tasting during this visit. However, Emily was not paid to write this post and only writes posts or features about destinations that she personally enjoys and proudly endorses and wants to share with her readers. All opinions expressed are her own.

* Select photos courtesy of Kathryn MacDonald Photography