Sonoma County

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.

The Mayo Family Reserve Room (there is also one in Healdsburg) is the food and wine pairing sister to the main Mayo Family Winery tasting room in Glen Ellen. At the Kenwood Reserve Room, it's all about food and wine pairing and Mayo does it very well. Approximately seven different wines are paired with small samples of food, expertly prepared by an in-house chef.

It's highly recommended to call ahead for reservations. Mayo accepts walk-ins but you run the chance of a long wait depending on the timing. Much better to call ahead and go tasting for an hour or so prior to your appointment. Groups of ten or more should definately make reservations as the tasting room is small.

Kenwood has an old -but nicely refurbished- barn-like feel to it. Professional yet cozy, Kenwood is a great place for any collector of wine labels as their Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon focuses on contemporary artist created wine labels.

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.