The Best California Sonoma Coast Wines & Wineries I Adore

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries & Wines I Adore

As someone who admits that Pinot Noir is one of their favorite varietals (with Chardonnay of course), this post has been in the works for a while. So, after hosting a recent Pinot Noir Tasting, Pinots & Plaid I was able to taste many of the best Pinot Noir Wines produced in California including many listed below. I hope you enjoy learning more about the best Sonoma Coast Wines below.

Anthill Farms

First, Anthill Farms produces delicious Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs that are full and rich, yet also have interesting flavors reflective of the Sonoma Coast.  Also, I had the pleasure of including Anthill Farms at my recent Pinots & Plaid Wine Tasting and guests loved these wines and meeting winemaker, Anthony Filiberti. Learn more on their website here.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Arista Winery

Arista Winery in Sonoma has the most incredible Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir to enjoy while relaxing on their stunning vineyard. The Arista Winery land provides a tranquil tasting experience with the views of the mountains from their incredible Japanese Gardens. This winery is so incredibly magical due to its ambiance and the fabulous wines that pair perfectly with it. They not only have the amazing Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, but have other incredible Pinot Noir options along with Chardonnay options! Read more about my special visit to Arista Winery on the blog here.

Arista Winery

Arista Winery

Arista Winery
Arista
Blue Farms Wines

Next, Blue Farm Wines is a wine that over the years I have adored. Their winemaker is Anne-Moller Racke who I met through her role at Donum Estate (20+ years). Recently, she left Donum to focus exclusively on her beautiful wines at Blue Farm Wines. And honestly, I think these are some of the most elegant, full-body, delicious Pinot Noir Wines in Sonoma.  Learn more about Winemaker Anne on the blog where I interviewed her here.  Learn more about Blue Farm Wines here.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Owner & winemaker Anne-Mollar Racke. Learn more about Anne on the blog with my interview with her here.

Chenoweth Vineyards

Chenoweth is a winery that I recently got more familiar with and have fallen in LOVE with!! Located in Sonoma County, Chenoweth Vineyards is absolutely gorgeous with unique flavors that reflect the vineyard and region of California. Read about My Visit to the Lovely Chenoweth Vineyards here.

Dog-Friendly Wineries

Dog Friendly Wineries

My lovely dog Ernestine loves joining me during my winery tours and tastings. Check out my blog post on My Favorite Dog-Friendly Sonoma Wineries.

Dog-Friendly Wineries

Ernestine enjoying her ride. Speaking of Ernie, if you love her dog sweater, check out My Favorite Dog Products on my blog sharing some of my favorite’s for this little sweetie.

Dog- Friendly Wineries

Dog Friendly Wineries

Cobb Wines

After tasting Cobb Wines at an industry tasting and falling in love, I planned a visit to Cobb Wines to spend some time tasting with winemaker Ross Cobb. What an amazing experience. Seeing these Coastal vineyards first hand gave a whole new appreciation for these delicious, cool-climate stunning Pinot Noir Wines.  Occidental, CA. 

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries
Failla

Failla, a Napa Valley-based winery is another favorite Sonoma Coast producer I’ve gotten to know over the years. They create stunning Pinot Noirs from various regions in California including the Sonoma Coast.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Freeman Vineyard & Winery

For me, when I remember the exact moment or event I tasted wine at and fell in love with I know that it’s a winery I adore. That was how I felt when I first tasted Freeman Vineyard & Winery at the 2018 Farallon’s Pinot Days Event. And, the rest was history. Akiko, the Freeman Winery Winemaker is making beautifully elegant, balanced Pinot Noir Wines truly reflective of their vineyard terroir. Sebastapol, CA.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Me, my parents, Winemaker Akiko & Ken Freeman at this year’s Pinots & Plaid Wine Tasting Event in San Francisco which I hosted with Emily Martin Events.

Fort Ross Vineyard

When you drive to this vineyard you can see the gorgeous Seaview on your way in. It made me so excited to see what I had in store for the visit. This is an amazing vineyard with fabulous wines for you to try during your visit. 15725 Meyers Grade Rd, Jenner, CA 95450

See My Visit to Fort Ross Vineyards here.

Gary Farrell Winery

Another Russian River Winery that you must experience if you like Pinot Noir Wines is Gary Farrell Winery. I have visited more times than I can count (I love them that much) and if you go I suggest you experience the Inspiration Tasting where you enjoy 6 Pinot Noir Wines each paired with a culinary bite (shown below).  Or, the Exploration Tasting is also a great introduction to Gary Farrell Wines if you don’t want a tasting with all Pinot Noir Wines.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The view I enjoyed during the Exploration Tasting. Truth be told, I am in heaven experiencing a tasting with 6 Gary Farrell Wines Pinot Noir Wines side by side!

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The newly released Blue Labels which Gary Farrell Wine Club members just received for their Winter 2020 shipment. They’re so stunning.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries
Hartford Wines

Hartford Wines is another winery creating some beautiful Sonoma Coast Wines. First off, they’re located in the Russian River and I’ve visited a few times most recently had the pleasure of tasting with Winemaker Jeff Stewart which is always such a treat. Any Pinot Noir lovers who enjoy stunning wines with a true expression of their vineyard origination check out Hartford Wines.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Hirsch Vineyards

Another spectacular Sonoma Coast producer is Hirsch Vineyards. To be honest, although I have not been to their vineyards (I tried and learned their not open to the public or media) whenever I have their wines I’m extremely impressed and love everything they produce.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Kutch Wines

Next, Winemaker Jamie Kutch makes Kutch Wines and they’re a great reflection of Sonoma Coast. The wines tend to be earthier and less fruit-forward than some Sonoma Wines yet for those who prefer that earthy Pinot Noir style these are perfection. Learn more on their website here.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Me and Winemaker Jamie Kutch and his lovely wife (and friend of mine) Kristen Green Kutch.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

 Littorai Wines

“Littorai Wines is a small, family-owned and operated winery producing world-class vineyard-designated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the true north coast of California: the coastal mountains of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.” First off, I have visited the winery and fell in love with their beautiful setting, their biodynamic winemaking process and the beautiful wines they are creating. Read more about Littoria Wines and my visit to their stunning winery here.  788 Gold Ridge Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Occidental

Being a fan of Kistler Wines for as long as I can remember, it was an extremely special visit. I got to visit Steve Kistler’s newest project Occidental and taste the Pinot Noir Wines he’s creating here.  Also, you can read more about Occidental Winery and my visit with Winemaker Steve and his daughter Catherine on the blog here.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The beautiful set up for our Occidental Wines Tasting

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir is made with Sonoma Coast grapes. This wine had a medium body, a nice amount of acid and was very drinkable. So, it’s probably the Pinot Noir I would say is most approachable to all Pinot Noir types of drinkers.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Peay Vineyards

Next up, Peay Wines is another Sonoma Coast brand I’ve fallen in love with over the years. It’s run by two brothers Andy & Nick Peay and the Winemaker is Vanessa Wong.  Learn more about Peay Vineyards and their spectacular wines on their website here.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Peay Vineyards

All smiles wine tasting at Peay Vineyards. This is one of the most magical Vineyards I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. Read all about Peay Vineyards Visit & Winetasting experience here.

Raen Winery

RAEN Winery is my latest Sonoma discovery. RAEN has a beautiful vineyard very close to the Sonoma Coastline in Sebastopol. This makes their wine super unique. During my visit, I tasted some absolutely delicious Pinot Noirs (my favorite), and both myself and Ernie were treated so well because they’re dog-friendly too! We had an absolutely amazing time and can’t wait to visit this Sonoma Family-Owned Winery again soon. 6780 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Radio-Coteau

Radio-Coteau is one of those brands that I remember adoring the moment I tasted at a Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tasting in 2017. Additionally, I met Winemaker  & Owner Eric who I’ve gotten to know further over the years. Their wines are always so stunning, unique to the terroir of the winery and just spectacular.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Wayfarer Wines

Next up, Wayfarer Wines are another smaller producer on this list that I fell in love with the moment I tasted them at Charlie Palmer’s Pigs & Pinot Event in 2018. Also, their Pinot also won that competition illustrating how beautiful their wines are and how well-loved they are.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

Williams Selyem

When Pinot Noir comes up, it’s hard not to discuss Williams Selyem. They’re one of the most respected and historic Pinot Noir producers in Sonoma County and one of my favorites. Read more about Williams Selyem and their amazing Westside Road Winery on the blog here.

The Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries

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