Best of Sonoma

California's Sonoma County has a near-perfect climate for growing cool-weather grapes. Fog banks that creep over the hillsides from the Pacific Ocean and relatively cloudy weather during key months (Californians call it "June Gloom") make many parts of Sonoma an ideal place to plant pinot noir and chardonnay.

Dog lovers are always on the look out for places they can easily take their four legged friends. IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries that lay out the welcome mat for dog owners to bring Fido along. The list below is in no particular order. Taft Street Winery Sebastopol - The winery has an industrial feel to it. The tasting room sits across the driveway from the actual production facility. This is not a winery with vast gardens and scenic views. It's a production facility. More...

Looking to take a guided tour of a winery production facility or the vineyards themselves? IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries that offer tours. The list below is in no particular order. Benziger Family Winery Glen Ellen - Benziger is a must see destination spot for people planning a Sonoma winery tour. Beautiful, with a "Garden of Eden" feel to it, Benziger offers just about everything you can want in a winery experience with great wines, beautiful gardens, grand views, bio-diversity, hourly tours, picnic grounds, and even a playground for the kids. More... .

Taking a large group or even hiring a bus for a trip to Sonoma? IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries best suited to host large groups. The list below is in no particular order. Imagery Estate Winery Glen Ellen - The vibe at Imagery is one of wine, art, and nature. Imagery is a biodynamic winery so a huge emphasis is placed on preserving and embracing nature. Nature lovers will love walking the grounds to discover and encounter the bio-diversity. The tasting room is as much art gallery as it is wine bar as dozens and dozens of paintings adorn the walls. Imagery is known for its unique artist-commissioned wine labels so it is a must visit for label collectors. As for the wine, Imagery is a biodynamic farm with an emphasis on rare grapes and diversity in their wine offerings. More...

There are some Sonoma wineries that simply have the good fortune of being located in a prime spot for visitors to take in a grand view. IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries that are worth checking out if only for the view. The list below is in no particular order. Marimar Torres Estate Sebastopol - Nestled in the rolling hills of western Sonoma County, Marimar Torres Estate off the beaten path for winery hoppers but worth the trek out of the way. The grounds and the views at Marimar Torres are splendid, particularly during the Spring/Autumn seasonal changes. More...

Some Sonoma wineries do a fantastic job of displaying art from both local and national artists. IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries that devote time and attention to displaying art. The list below is in no particular order. Imagery Estate Winery Glen Ellen - The vibe at Imagery is one of wine, art, and nature. Imagery is a biodynamic winery so a huge emphasis is placed on preserving and embracing nature. Nature lovers will love walking the grounds to discover and encounter the bio-diversity. The tasting room is as much art gallery as it is wine bar as dozens and dozens of paintings adorn the walls. Imagery is known for its unique artist-commissioned wine labels so it is a must visit for label collectors. As for the wine, Imagery is a biodynamic farm with an emphasis on rare grapes and diversity in their wine offerings. More...

Interested in the history behind Sonoma County and the evolution of the wines you are tasting? IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries that devote attention to the history of Sonoma wine country. The list below is in no particular order. Bartholomew Park Winery Sonoma (City) - Bartholomew Park Winery is -as its name implies- park like. Set in the rolling hills a few miles Northeast of Sonoma Plaza, Bartholomew is quaint, breezy, green, and soaking in Sonoma history. Picnic tables are strewn throughout the grounds making Bartholomew an ideal place for a cozy picnic. Word has it the Wall Street Journal named it Sonoma's best place to "pop the question". More...

Looking to enjoy the beautiful Northern California outdoors on your trip to Sonoma? IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries best suited for those seeking to soak up Mother Nature while they sip Chardonnay. The list below is in no particular order. Matanzas Creek Winery Santa Rosa - Scenic and beautiful with the ubiquitous smell of lavender permeating the grounds, Matanzas Creek Winery is a "must visit" for people looking for a great -off the beaten path- tasting experience. More...

Looking to host an event at a Sonoma winery? IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the wineries best suited to accomodate events. The list below is in no particular order. Nicholson Ranch Sonoma (City) - Nicholson Ranch is on the elegant side. It rests on top of a hill close to the border of Napa and Sonoma with vineyards surrounding it for seemingly as far as the eye can see. Nicholson has a Southwestern look and feel to it. More...

"Kid friendly" and "winery" are not terms generally associated with each other. However, California wine country is a popular family destination spot and, if done properly, can be a fun trek for the kids as well as the adults. IntoWine.com has scoured Sonoma County to find the best "kid friendly" wineries. The list below is in no particular order. Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Glen Ellen - Informal but educational. An ideal place for the wine curious who want to learn about wine in an unpretentious environment. Arrowood is a cute country farm house with a nice view of the vineyards. More...