Healdsburg

River Bend Ranch Winery is a "new" old winery (read this story for the background). Wine industry veterans Susie and Hampton Bynum are behind this old winery with a new label, having operated the winery since 1973.

The winery itself is a rustic and charming old farm house. You feel like you are visiting somebody's grandparents as you navigate up the drive.

Moshin is a bare bones tasting experience. The staff was particularly engaging during my unannounced visit, even scheduling an impromptu tour for a visiting group ahead of me. Moshin is the tasting room to try if you are really into wine as there is nothing there to experience other than the wines. The casual wine country day tripper may be bored.

Rochioli wines are some of the finest and most sought after wines in all of California. If you love wine, this is a must visit.

As for the rest of the experience, Rochioli isn't a winery you visit to take in lush gardens and amazing architecture. The grounds are nice and well kept but not a must see. They do have a gorgeous view, particularly in Autumn, of the vineyards off their tasting room patio which may be ideal for small group picnics.