As someone who spends as much time as possible in Wine Country, I’ve gotten to know many different wine regions over the years including the Russian River Valley. The Russian River Valley is located North of San Francisco about 1.5 hours with incredible wineries you must experience. See The Top 10 Russian River Wineries below.  If you want to check out some other regions of California see some other Top 10 lists here: Paso Robles Top 10 Wineries, Napa Top 10 Wineries, Sonoma Top 10 Wineries, Santa Maria Valley Top 10 Wineries & Anderson Valley Top 10 Wineries & Restaurants.

Gary Farrell Vineyards

With some of the most spectacular hillside views in Healdsburg and some of the most amazing Pinot Noir wines, Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery is a stop not to be missed! Read more about Gary Farrell Vineyards on a full winery post here. 10701 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Wine tasting for one. This was my incredible view during my visit. It was quite warm out so a covered setting with AC was heavenly.

The stunning Tasting Room was recently remodeled and newly opened.

The incredible Durell Vineyards Chardonnay. Durell Vineyards owned by Bill Price is also where another favorite Sonoma Winery, Three Sticks (also owned by Bill Price) sources their grapes so I’ve become a huge fan of any Durell Vineyards Chardonnay over the years. Read more about Three Sticks Wines here and their amazing Adobe Tasting Room in downtown Sonoma. This is one of the most fabulous tasting rooms in Sonoma designed by Ken Fulk just steps off the square with incredible high-quality wines.

All smiles enjoying these wines, the incredible luxurious tasting experience here and an afternoon in Healdsburg.

Williams Selyem

Williams Selyem has the largest assortment of Pinot Noir wines I experienced in the Russian River Valley. With the most extensive number of Pinot Noir wines produced and incredible Chardonnay wines, this is a Winery all Pinot Noir lovers must experience. Be sure to make an appointment as they are not open to the public. Read more about Williams Selyem and my full blog post here. 7227 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Rochioli Vineyards & Winery

Rochioli Vineyards & Winery is one of the oldest and most known growers in the Russian River Valley. Current Winemaker Tom Rochioli’s father Joe started the winery over 80 years ago and it’s remained family-owned and operated ever since.

During my visit, I was hosted by Rachael Rochioli who is amazing. She was all smiles and full of information about the family’s rich history, their winemaking style and anything I could have wanted to learn more about.

De Loach Vineyards

Another Russian River Winery that’s fabulous is De Loach Vineyards. This is owned by the legendary Jean-Charles Boisset (aka J.C.B.) and makes biodynamic wines. This winery has some of the most spectacular vineyard views I have ever experienced and wines that are fabulous as well.  Be sure to save time to take pictures in their vineyards as they have some of the most photogenic views of any vineyard in the area.  1791 Olivet Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

The beautiful gardens surrounding the winery

Copain Vineyards

Copain Wines is a Winery that makes you feel like you’re in Sonoma at a relaxed, laid back setting overlooking Vineyards, yet with incredible fabulous wines and amazing guest experiences.  This is one of the most magical, relaxed, yet well-done and genuine tasting experiences in Sonoma and I highly recommend it to any Pinot Noir lover. Read more about Copain on my full blog post here.  7800 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Bucher Wines at Grand Cru Custom Crush

Bucher Wines is a brand I have gotten to know over the years and I adore. Their wines are beautiful and so is Grand Cru Custom Crush, a fabulous Custom Crush facility they make their wines at and where guests can visit and taste Bucher Wines at.  I also had the chance to visit for a Media & Blogger visit to Bucher Vineyards (which is not open to the public but used for private events). Wow, what a stunning Vineyard. See more of this incredible Russian River Vineyard below and read more about Grand Cru Custom Crush and learn how to taste Bucher Wines here. 1200 American Way, Windsor, CA 95492. 

Grand Cru Custom Crush which is open to the public and where guests can taste Bucher Wines

One of the stunning Grand Cru Custom Crush tasting rooms

Views of the vineyards from the Bucher family’s home.

Cheers to this stunning setting, the amazing Bucher family and all of the other bloggers and media who joined for our visit to Bucher Vineyards.

Baby Emilia who we named at our Bucher Wines picnic in honor of our most recent June Birthday (which was me)! Isn’t she adorable?

The stunning picnic lunch we enjoyed during our blogger & media visit to Bucher Vineyards (organized by my company, Emily Martin Events)

Bucher Wines photos by Viera Photographics

Iron Horse

Anyone that likes Sparkling Wines knows about Iron Horse or should know about them. They’re also located in The Russian River Valley making some of the most magical California Sparkling Wines. Read my full blog post about Iron Horse here. 9786 Ross Station Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Some weekends Iron Horse has The Oyster Girls which is fabulous, amazing Sparkling Wines and Oysters, what’s better than that!

MacRostie Winery

MacRostie Winery is hands down the most visited and recommended winery (by me) on this list. I have been visiting MacRostie Winery since they first opened (4-5 years ago) and have loved each and every visit and send as many friends there as possible as it’s just a magical experience. The team is amazing making each guest feel very special starting with the warm glass of wine welcome you receive as you exit your car before even stepping into the Winery. I always recommend sitting outside and enjoying the stunning Russian River views, the beautiful design of this chic winery and of course their fabulous wines. Read my full blog post about MacRostie Winery here . 4605 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Views from my favorite outside table (the corner) of our amazing spread and some light cheese and bites the team shared with us.

Winemaker Steve MacRostie

Lynmar Estate

Another Russian River gem I adore is Lynmar Estate.  They make absolutely gorgeous Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rose Wines. They also have a Winery with some of the most stunning gardens, views and just an absolutely gorgeous setting that you will never want to leave! This is a Winery with a cult following due to their beautiful wines, amazing guest experience, and stunning setting! 3909 Frei Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472.

The outdoor seating at Lynmar Estate where guests can enjoy beautiful wines, food, and their stunning garden setting!

The out of this world gardens at Lynmar Estate.

Hartford Family Wines

Another incredible Russian River Winery I suggest visiting when in the region is Hartford Family Wines. Located in Forestville, this winery is a bit off the beaten, path but such a gem and worth the visit. Their winemaker Jeff Stewart is fabulous he’s been making Sonoma Coast and Russian River Wines for years and is super approachable and talented. I adore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Wines and the stunning tasting room with beautiful outdoor seating for a relaxed, peaceful tasting that is both delicious and informative. 8075 Martinelli Rd, Forestville, CA 95436.

 La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard

La Crema’s newest Estate is located at the historic Saralee Vineyard.  La Crema Estate has a rich history prior to La Crema acquiring the location.  Once inside it feels like a combination of visiting an old large mansion and a camp with its dark woods, and woodsy feel. My favorite part is the back deck overlooking the vineyards with a relaxing feel to it, perfect for wine tasting on a gorgeous day! 3575 Slusser Rd, Windsor, CA 95492