As someone who spends as much time as possible in Wine Country, I’ve visited many different wine regions including plenty of Russian River Wineries. 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.

What to Wear Wine Tasting?

Everyone always asks me what to wear when they’re wine tasting. To help with the planning I’ve created a guide of some of my favorite wine country essentials below when planning a trip to Wine Country!

Arista Winery

Arista Winery is the perfect candidate to kick off this list, as it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of California wine country. Not only do they produce beautiful Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines in small lots, but they’re also family-owned, so you know there is care and history in every bottle. Spending an afternoon tasting here is a dream. 7015 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Copain Vineyards

Copain Wines is a Winery that makes you feel like you’re in Sonoma in a completely relaxed, laid-back setting. They have some incredible fabulous wines and amazing guest experiences.  This is one of the most magical, well-done, and genuine-tasting experiences of all the Russian River Wineries I’ve visited. I highly recommend it to any Pinot Noir lover. Read more about Copain in my full blog post here.  7800 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Kendall Jackson Chef Tracey at a Spring Release party. She is fabulous and makes the best food!

Flowers Winery

Located in the stunning Russian River Valley, Flowers Winery offers a spectacular experience like no other. Each time I visit I am mesmerized by the beauty, the delicious wines, and the staff. Flowers Winery stands out from other wineries in Wine Country for several reasons. For starters, the winery itself is beautiful and is featured on my blog, The Most Architecturally Stunning Wineries. Second, I love the wines and their culinary program is fabulous. Lastly they have a female winemaker Chantal who is amazing! 4035 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Their stunning outdoor space makes for the perfect setting for your lunch on the vineyard.

Me and Flowers Winemaker Chantal who I adore!

Enjoying their amazing pizza during one of the many tastings I’ve enjoyed at Flowers

Flowers Winery is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and they are fantastic. They have delicious tasting notes that rest perfectly on the palette. They also have an extensive selection of other wines to offer, just look at this amazing line-up.

Gary Farrell Vineyards

Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery is a stop not to be missed. They offer some of Healdsburg’s most spectacular hillside views and the most amazing Pinot Noir wines. If you’re looking for one of the best Russian River Wineries, you have to visit here. Read more about Gary Farrell Vineyards in 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; 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 with incredible high-quality wines.

All smiles enjoying these wines, the incredible luxurious tasting experience here, and an afternoon in Healdsburg. I love visiting these Russian River Wineries!

Hartford Family Wines

Another incredible Russian River Winery I suggest visiting is Hartford Family Wines. Located in Forestville, this winery is a bit off the beaten path, but such a gem and worth the visit. Additionally, 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 they have such a stunning tasting room. Finally, there’s even beautiful outdoor seating for a relaxed, peaceful tasting that is delicious and informative. 8075 Martinelli Rd, Forestville, CA 95436.

Iron Horse

For anyone who loves Sparkling Wine, I know of plenty of Russian River Wineries that offer the best. 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. Fantastic Sparkling Wines and Oysters, what’s better than that?

 La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard

I loved my visit to La Crema’s newest Estate, located at the historic Saralee Vineyard.  Firstly, this vineyard has a rich history prior to La Crema acquiring the location. Then, once inside, it feels like a combination of visiting an old large mansion and a camp with its dark wood, and woodsy feel. My favorite part is the back deck overlooking the vineyards, perfect for wine tasting on a gorgeous day! Such a wonderful experience at one of the most beautiful Russian River Wineries. 3575 Slusser Rd, Windsor, CA 95492

Lynmar Estate

Another Russian River gem I adore is Lynmar Estate. Firstly, they make absolutely gorgeous Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rose Wines. Secondly, they have some of the most stunning gardens. Thirdly, and most importantly, it’s just an absolutely gorgeous setting that you will never want to leave! This is a Winery with a cult following due to its beautiful wines and amazing guest experiences. 3909 Frei Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472.

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

The out-of-this-world gardens at Lynmar Estate.

MacRostie Winery

MacRostie Winery is hands down the most visited and recommended winery (by me) on this list of Russian River Wineries. I have been visiting MacRostie Winery since it first opened and have loved each and every visit. I send as many friends there as possible as it’s just a magical experience. The team is amazing; they make each guest feel very special starting with the very first glass of wine to welcome you. I always recommend sitting outside and enjoying the stunning Russian River views. The beautiful design of this chic winery and its fabulous wines make the view even better. 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. Also, the team offered some light cheese and tasty bites.

Winemaker Steve MacRostie

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. If you’re touring some Russian River Wineries, make sure to stop here!  6192 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Read my interview with Tom Rochioli on the blog here. 

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 and their winemaking style. I could ask her anything I wanted to learn more about and she would have the answer.

Williams Selyem

Williams Selyem has the largest assortment of Pinot Noir wines I’ve experienced in the Russian River.  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.

Cheers to your awesome visit to these amazing Russian River Valley Wineries!