Sonoma County is a large and diverse wine growing region filled with many wineries. Further from the coast, you will find wine tastings to include heat loving varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Closer to the Pacific Ocean and clinging close to the Russian River, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay make special wines in these cooler locations. Sonoma is famous for these still wines, which also happen to be the two of the three grapes the growers of Champagne have made famous for centuries. Many people have put two and two together to make some very delicious sparkling wine from California, and have been for some time now.
J Vineyards & Winery
One of our favorite places is J Vineyards and Winery. A direct family line to the exemplary Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon house Jordan Vineyard and Winery, Judy Jordan chose to honor the family legacy in her own way. The sparkling wines of J Vineyards & Winery are the result of the finest Russian River Valley cool-climate fruit combined with gentle, respectful wine making. And to top off the great bubbly wines, the still wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are delectable as well. Not to mention the top notch food and wine pairing experiences with Executive Chef Erik Johnson as he keeps the standards high at J with a culinary program you should indulge in here. This place is a fantastic stop for any and all wine lovers.
J Vineyards & Winery
11447 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg, CA 95448
(888) 594-6326
www.jwine.com
Gloria Ferrer
Up next is a sparkling producer that is known the world over, Gloria Ferrer The Gloria Ferrer wine making team’s quest for perfection took them to Champagne where they managed to acquire Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones. And it has paid off with big results. Their tête de cuvée, the Royal Cuvée is a showcase for their estate vineyard. Gloria Ferrer has been perfecting it since they served the first vintage to the King and Queen of Spain in 1987! This wine pops with citrus notes and lingers with a creamy, sumptuous brioche finish. One of the first wineries you run into after leaving San Francisco, it is a great introduction to the sparkling wines of Sonoma
Gloria Ferrer
23555 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 996-7256
www.gloriaferrer.com
Take a tour of Gloria Ferrer below:
Iron Horse Vineyards
Another must see is the pioneering Iron Horse Vineyards within the renowned and famous sub appellation of the Russian River Valley, the Green Valley. It is one of Sonoma County’s small, independent, family-owned estate wineries. In addition to a strong local following Iron Horse wines are served at a multitude of high profile events! Highlights include being served at the White House Millennium celebrations New Year’s Eve 1999, ushering in the new century, and a White House dinner honoring the Pope on his 80th birthday. And Iron Horse Vineyards lends an environmental hand by producing a limited production, vintage Sparkling, called Ocean Reserve, in partnership with National Geographic. The winery contributes $4 for each bottle sold to establish Marine Protected Areas and reduce over fishing around the globe.
Iron Horse Vineyards
9786 Ross Station Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472>
(707) 887-1507
www.ironhorsevineyards.com
Enjoy a tour of Iron Horse Vineyards with Joy Sterling below:
You can find out more about some of the amazing restaurants that Sonoma has to offer you and why not make your Sonoma visit extra special by spending a night, or more, at some amazing Sonoma County Hotels and Luxury Resorts.
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