All Over Sonoma County
Forget the usual suspects of chardonnay and pinot noir—Sonoma County’s wine scene is having a Rhone rendez-vous. With over 60 grape varieties flourishing in this fertile land, the Rhone varietals are stealing the spotlight, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of France’s Rhone Valley right here in SoCo.
Syrah, Sonoma’s fifth most-planted red varietal, leads the charge, alongside Rhone stars like grenache, mourvedre and viognier. These wines? A foodie’s dream. Think grenache blends bursting with berry flavors and syrah concoctions rich in meaty notes and peppery tannins.
Start here:
Carol Shelton Wines: Try the Wild Thing Viognier or the Coquille Rouge blend. Visit them at 3354-B Coffey La., Santa Rosa. carolshelton.com.
Donelan Family Wines: For a taste of cool climate syrahs and exquisite blends, head to 3352 Coffey Ln., Ste. D, Santa Rosa. donelanwines.com.
Frick Winery: This gem in Dry Creek Valley offers a back-to-basics approach with wines like cinsault and viognier. Find them at 23072 Walling Rd., Geyserville. frickwinestore.com.
Jeff Cohn Cellars: Explore single vineyard Rhone varietals in Healdsburg at 34 North St. jeffcohncellars.com.
Passaggio Wines: Discover unique Italian and Rhone varieties in Glen Ellen at 14301 Arnold Dr. passaggiowines.com.
Sixteen 600 Winery: Visit 589 First St. West, Sonoma for organically farmed Rhone wines. More at winerysixteen600.com.
Two Shepherds Wine: Enjoy naturally made wines from 7763 Bell Rd., Windsor. twoshepherds.com.
Region Wine Bar: A hub for Sonoma’s micro-wineries, offering a rotating selection of Rhone varietals at 180 Morris St., Suite 170, Sebastopol. drinkregion.com.
Sonoma County is your go-to destination for Rhone varietals, where the passion for these grapes translates into some of the most balanced, delicious wines around. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious newbie, these spots promise a Rhone-style revelry that’s easy on the palate.
