Visitors to this modern Russian River Valley winery receive a personal greeting and a glass of sparkling wine as they walk up—an appropriate welcome for a relaxed-yet-sophisticated few hours. Most tastings take place in the comfortable and airy Estate House, where all guests enjoy seated tastings under soaring wood ceilings, or outside, on one of three patio terraces overlooking 13 acres of vineyards. Some tastings feature only wine; others incorporate a tour and food and chocolate pairings. Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen specializes in bordeaux-style varieties, which means she only makes chardonnay and pinot noir. Year after year, the wine earns high scores from experts, and the winery garners accolades for mixing estate-grown grapes with some of the best fruit the Russian River Valley has to offer from farming families such as the Duttons, Sangiacomos, Martinellis, and Bacigalupis. The highlight of the in-person experience is the view; the Estate House sits atop a hill, offering visitors panoramic vistas of Sonoma County in just about every direction. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount St. Helena, more than 40 miles east. On gray days, you can look into the fog—the natural feature responsible for keeping temperatures cool and making Russian River wines so good.
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
MacRostie
Rachel Weill, AFAR Media
