6 Favorite Sonoma Wineries for Fall Colors
To taste wine while soaking in the autumn colors in the vineyards is a far more interesting—and delicious—form of leaf peeping. October is the ideal time to witness Sonoma County’s colorful transition from summer to fall in the field.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
In fall, the buttercup-colored Jordan chateau, covered in Boston ivy, is as iconic a place as any in Sonoma. The ivy morphs from vibrant green to red, then orange to pale yellow. Beyond those walls, the 1,200-acre Alexander Valley estate includes approximately 120 acres planted to Bordeaux red grape varieties.
Keller Estate
From this Petaluma Gap vineyard perched at 500 feet, the view to the south encompasses glowing grapevines, trees, and fall foliage stretching across southern Sonoma and northern Marin. Tastings here include a walking tour of the stunning property.
Kunde Family Winery
There are few Sonoma wineries that show off autumn colors as gloriously as this Kenwood winery and vineyard estate. The 1,850-acre ranch, established in 1879, is enveloped by terraced vineyards and oak woodlands. The effect is one of a blanket of marigold, pumpkin, and rust— especially when seen from 1,400 feet up during the Mountain Top Tasting ($100).
Trattore Farms
The hillside tasting room at Trattore Farms (named for the Italian word for tractor) affords sweeping views of Dry Creek Valley to the west and Geyser Peak and Mount St. Helena to the east, all awash in fall color. Various experiences are offered, including wine and olive oil tastings and the Get Your Boots Dirty Tour ($95)—a drive through the vineyards and olive orchard in a Kawasaki utility vehicle, with a stop at the olive mill center and a tasting of wines and olive oils.
Viansa
Long known for its Tuscan-style tasting room and marketplace, Viansa also affords an impressive 270-degree sweep that takes in the autumnal palette across the valley, as well as views of nearby wetlands that harbor migrating waterfowl. Wood-framed hillside outlooks—the winery describes them as grown-up tree houses— can be booked for groups of up to six and come with service of four wines, cheese and charcuterie ($75). The Summit Tasting ($35) has broad views from a hilltop terrace.
Bartholomew Estate Vineyards & Winery
Hiking through vineyards is a fine way to see fall colors. But a ride on horseback offers a higher-level, ever-changing perspective. In conjunction with Sonoma Valley Trail Rides, the winery hosts 45-minute rides through the 375-acre estate and its vineyards, with a bottle of wine to take home ($150). There’s also a 3-mile hiking trail past oaks, madrones, and vines.