Platypus Wine Tours

SONOMA VALLEY WINERY DIRECTORY

TOP SONOMA VALLEY WINERIES

Sonoma Valley is often considered Napa’s historic neighbor, being the birthplace of California’s wine industry. People from all over the world are attracted to Sonoma Valley for its gorgeous scenery, authentic wines, and rich history. Sonoma wineries trace their story back to roughly 1823, when the first grapes were planted. With over 10,000 residents, Sonoma Valley retains its quaint but lively energy, fostering an appreciation for cuisine, the arts, and nature. It’s no wonder Sonoma is home to a population that appreciates its surroundings, preserving many historical sub towns as well as its state parks.

The town of Sonoma houses charming hotels, high end boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and multiple tasting rooms for Sonoma wineries. Sonoma Square or “the Plaza” features a wonderful park with the historic city hall in the center, hosting many community events throughout the year including the Valley of the Moon Vintage every September, California’s oldest tradition of celebrating the area’s wine since 1897. Wineries in Sonoma are often family-owned and small production. Traditions are alive in Sonoma and guests are always thrilled to see them come to life.

With well over 400 wineries located in the North Bay and over 40 Sonoma Valley wineries, we hand-pick from the best to create wine tours that avoid the crowds and find the more intimate side, and the real charm, of our beautiful wine country. We focus on smaller, family-owned wineries and Sonoma wineries of historical significance while trying to avoid larger, more heavily visited wineries, providing you with a memorable experience. We’re thrilled that Trip Avisor consistently ranks our Sonoma Wine Tours as top-rated activities in the region, giving guests access to some of the most amazing hidden gem Sonoma wineries.

Make a Platypus Wine Tour reservation online now or call (707) 253-2723 . Learn more about wineries in Sonoma Valley.  Have any specific Sonoma wineries you would like to visit? Plan a private tour with us and let’s create the perfect trip for you!

Here is a handy directory of many of wine country’s best wineries.  You can use this directory while creating a custom, Private Tour.  Please note that Join-in Tour wineries are selected by our experienced guides.

Winery Name
Winery Description

Hamel Family Wines was founded in 2006 when George and Pamela Hamel bought this property in Kenwood that happened to come with an acre of vines. Eventually they bought another six acres which included more vines with the intent to get into the winemaking business. Located at the intersection of Madrone Road and Hwy 12 in Kenwood just outside Boyes Hot Springs near Sonoma, this winery is set back behind private gates with a long driveway leading to the main building of the winery where incredible views, massive windows and a modern terrace beckon you to explore the land. On a cool day they provide blankets to wrap around your legs as you watch the sunset and look down at their beautiful vineyards on the hillside. Serene and quiet you will relish in their cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux varietal blends, zinfandel, Grenache, sauvignon blanc, and late harvest sauvignon blanc wines. The 12,000 foot cave features a private dining and tasting room. Very classy and private – this is an experience not to be missed!

Winery Name
Winery Description

Hanzell Vineyards was founded by James David Zellerbach in 1943 when he acquired 200 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma. Zellerbach had a vision to produce the finest wines in the world. Today the wine can be matched with the finest in the world. The Brye family purchased the winery in 1975 and still own it today. This property is a winery but also a working and active farm with sheep, pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys, vegetable gardens, and fruit orchards. Hanzell specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot’s. You can take a ride around the rolling property or go to the cellar for a tasting – either choice is a good one!

Winery Name
Winery Description

Homewood Winery is as close to a one man winery as David Homewood can keep it. Step by step through the vinification process he does as much of the work as he can. It is, therefore, a small operation limited to about 3,000 cases annual production. In a typical year we bottle up to ten separate batches and most of them are 300 cases or less.The mission of Homewood Winery is to remain small enough to maintain the hand-crafted approach to winemaking, and keep it fun. ENJOY!!

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