When you think of Sonoma County, your mind likely instantly goes to wine—and for good reason. Known for its beautiful landscapes and world-renowned vintages, the region is a wine lover’s paradise. 

As a local resident, you could spend your entire life visiting different vineyards in your own backyard, so it can be tough to decide where to start.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best wineries within 30 minutes of SOMO Village.

1. Belden Barns

Take a short drive into the mountains, and you’ll discover Belden Barns, the sustainability-focused farmstead that produces so much more than just wine. Justin Harmon, Belden’s winemaker, was trained as a chemical engineer before working with grapes, and now creates some of the valley’s most exceptional vintages. 

Wines grown: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Renache, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier

2. Karah Estate Vineyards

Just off the 101, Karah Estate is a picturesque mix of rolling hills and views of Bodega Bay. They are known for (among other things) the thick layer of fog that is present in the morning, which gives the vineyard an ethereal quality before the sun is too high in the sky. 

Before the Karah family took over the property, it was also home to the famous Running Fence, a 24.5-mile white nylon installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. After four years of work to construct it, the piece of art was removed aver just 14 days. 

Wines grown: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

3. Halleck Vineyard

Photo Credit: Cellar Angels

There can’t be a list of this area without Halleck, whose pinot noir has won countless awards over the years. When they say that the logo is meant to express a “one-to-one” connection between winemaker and wine drinker, they mean it. 

Halleck Vineyard is committed to providing experiences to its customers and giving back to the world through charitable foundations. 

Wines grown: Chardonnay, Gewurztramainer, White Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir

4. Azari Vineyard

This family-owned boutique winery leans into its Tuscan aesthetic to provide a classic experience for the traveler or day-tripper. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza while you sip on an award-winning glass of pinot or shiraz. And don’t forget to call ahead. Azari isn’t open to the public, meaning your intimate visit will have to be booked in advance.

Wines grown: Syrah, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot

5. Parum Leo

The “little lion” winery specializes in pinot and has three locations, but its estate vineyard is the one to visit if you’re living or staying in SOMO Village. With pesticide-free practices and a focus on sustainability, you’ll feel like you’re connected to the ground that gives these grapes their exquisite taste. 

Wines grown: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc

6. Keller Estate

Photo Credit: The California Wine Club

The German-born Julien Teichmann is the winemaker at Keller Estate and brings an international approach to the vineyard. This is no mass production facility—the wines here are made in small batches and sorted into different categories. 

Arturo Keller, the vineyard’s founder, had his 90th birthday this summer and enjoyed the 2008 chardonnay and 2014 syrah. 

Wines grown: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Brut Rosé, Pinot Gris

7. Naidu Wines

You can’t argue with double gold. The award-winning Naidu Wines is focused on paying it forward and donating to organizations like The Children’s Health Guild and the Emergency Food Network. If you want a real trip, they also have a retreat at Lake Tahoe that offers a peaceful getaway from the city landscape.

Wines grown: Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling, Grenache Blanc, Viognier

8. Libarle Vineyards

Photo Credit: Vivino

Just around the corner is Libarle Vineyards, another family-run boutique operation. They sell only Pinot Noir, and you won’t be able to find it anywhere other than on-site. With only 300 cases produced every year, this is as exclusive as it gets. You won’t be getting a big production, but excellent wine and good people are worth the visit.

Wines grown: Pinot Noir

9. Arrowood Vineyards

Known mostly for their delicious cabernet sauvignon, they were also one of the first Sonoma wineries to dip their toes into syrah and viognier. Kristina Shideler, the vineyard’s winemaker, has traveled the world to refine her palette and perfect her process. 

Wines grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

10. Laurel Glen Vineyard

It says it right on their homepage: “committed to cabernet.” This unique vineyard is on the east side of Sonoma Mountain, creating a very different experience than the properties closer to the ocean. 

With a commitment to organic farming, including the use of minimal irrigation water, this sustainable outfit has also grown cover crops like sweet peas, mustard, and daikon radish to enhance biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration.

Wines grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc

Whether you’re looking for a buttery Chardonnay to pair with your farm-to-table dinner, or a big and bold Cabernet to sip by the fire, you’ll find the perfect bottle at one of the 10 best wineries within 30 minutes of SOMO Village.

If you’re interested in living in a place that fuses the best of city living with the country lifestyle and all the amazing things that Sonoma County has to offer, we invited you to visit SOMO Village. To learn more, download our residential project brief or get in touch with us today.