- (F) Korbel Champagne Cellars (13250 River Road) makes fine sparkling wines. Join their tour to learn how they're made, and enjoy a taste afterward. Korbel also produces a nice sherry available only through the winery.
From Korbel, continue east several miles, then turn left on Wohler Road. Where Wohler Road turns abruptly left, you will cross Wohler Bridge, one of Sonoma County's 12 historic bridges. This one-lane bridge was built in 1922 by the American Bridge Company. Shortly past the bridge, Wohler Road ends. Turn right onto Westside Road.
- (N) Westside Farms (7097 Westside Road) is located just north of the Wohler Bridge. Stop in for fresh and dried fruits.
Continue north on Westside Road.
- (N) At Hop Kiln Winery, visit the old hop barn, historic landmarks originally built in 1905. In the summer, hop vines grow in profusion on the side of the building.
- (R) (N) Armida Winery (2201 Westside Road) is housed in a geodesic dome with a view that's worth the trip all by itself. Their wines are nice, they don't charge for tasting and their location is outstanding. With a gentle breeze to stir the wind chimes, the water below and hawks floating lazily in the sky, you could get so relaxed that you don't want to go any further. Just below the deck is a bocce ball court.
Follow Westside Road north until it curves toward the right at Madrona Manor. Go straight onto West Dry Creek Road. If you reach US 101, you missed your turn.
- (R) (N) Lambert Bridge Winery (4085 W. Dry Creek Road) makes Viognier wines. They also have excellent food products that make great souvenirs and gifts.
The drive here has an intimacy with the wine-growing and the farms. The road is narrow and you can get friendly with the grapes. Turn right onto Lambert Bridge Road.
- Pezzi King Winery's picnic area (3605 Lambert Bridge Road) is one of the most pleasant in the area. If you're going to picnic here, it's polite to buy a bottle of their wine.
At the intersection with Dry Creek Road, just to the right, is the Dry Creek General Store (3495 Dry Creek Road), housed in an 1881 stage stop. In the midst of the creaky old boarded floor and the antique soft drink box in the front, you'll find great sandwiches and accompaniments. In the summer, their cucumber and bean salads come straight from the garden.
Continue north from the store on Dry Creek Road and turn right on Dutcher Creek Road. If you are visiting Ferrari-Carano, continue a short distance further on Dry Creek Road.
- (R) Ferrari-Carano (8761 Dry Creek Road) makes fine wines that have been featured on White House menus. The building is a startling contrast to the smaller wineries you've been visiting, but don't be intimidated. Stroll through their lovely formal gardens and don't miss the cellar - the stairs are located straight back as you come in the door.
Go under US 101 and turn south (right) onto Geyserville Avenue (Asti Road) which becomes CA 128. If you are visiting Geyser Peak Winery, make a side trip by turning right at Canyon Road, then right on Chianti Road.
- (F) Geyser Peak wins more medals than any other winery. They are a member of an international organization that produce wines from Rhone vines. If you want to tour this winery, call in advance.
At the intersection of CA 128 and Alexander Valley Road is another Sonoma institution: Jimtown Store (6706 Highway 128). They prepare boxed lunches if you order in advance, or choose from their selection of carry-out sandwiches, chipotle chickpea spread, fire roasted vegetables, and more. Turn right onto Alexander Valley Road, (or right to Lytton Springs Road to detour to Chateau Souverain) then left onto Healdsburg Avenue.
- (F) Chateau Souverain is a big production winery in a huge chateau-style building. The tasting room is large and they have a nice cafe. Even though this winery is one of the largest in Sonoma, it still isn't like the big stuffy wineries in Napa. In fact, the day I visited they were playing my favorite Moody Blues album.
- (N) Healdsburg (pronounced heeled-s-burg) has a charming plaza ringed with shops and boutiques, great for strolling and window-shopping. Don't miss the goodies at Oakville Grocery.
- (F) Kendall-Jackson, on the west side of the plaza on Healdsburg Avenue, is extremely well-known and many a glass of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay is poured every day. Chardonnay is not the only grape they make wine from, though, and you will find a wide range of wines with their label.
(F) Famous Names Tour
(N) Non-Alcoholic Tour
