Maritime breezes from the Pacific Ocean provide cool nights and daily high temperatures are mitigated by morning fog producing ideal conditions for grape growing.  The tremendous variation in climate among the viticultural areas coupled with little, if any, rain between May and the end of October harvest, results in consistently high-quality grape production for each variety.

Grape growing and winemaking are traditionally family endeavors and Sonoma Country is home to the oldest family-owned winery in the United States.  Many wineries were founded by European immigrants who came here decades ago and are still operated by the same families today.  This family-oriented approach to business ensures unassuming and welcoming hospitality to winery guests.

Wine Tasting and more

No matter where you are in Sonoma Country, our 200 wineries invite you to explore the many hospitality and tasting rooms. Winery hospitality staff are knowledgeable, friendly and eager to discuss the wines and how they were made.  A few wineries charge for tasting, and several wineries are open by appointment only.  Private tastings and wine and food pairings are now being offered by some wineries.

Winery Tours

Winery tours take visitors behind the scenes to crush pads, barrel rooms, bottling lines, cellars and caves. Visitors to one winery can assist the winemaker by participating in the "punchdown" or stirring up a tank of fermenting red wine. Other tours include culinary and Tuscan-style landscaping and flower gardens. Some wineries offer up close and personal tours of vineyards by motorized tram and horse-drawn carriages. Thinking of living in or near Vines check here for useful information "Travel Appellations."