Sonoma Valley guide

Carneros wineries on the Sonoma side

By the Everything Sonoma editors · Fact-checked October 16, 2026 · Sources

The short answerCarneros (officially Los Carneros) is the wine region at the southern tip of Sonoma and Napa valleys, just above San Pablo Bay. Cool fog and wind make it known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. On the Sonoma side, wineries like Gloria Ferrer, Viansa, Cline, Jacuzzi, Ram's Gate and The Donum Estate sit along or near Highway 121, minutes from Sonoma Raceway and a short drive from the Plaza.

What makes Carneros different

Los Carneros became an official American wine region (AVA) in 1983, and was the first in California defined by its climate rather than political lines. It covers about 37,000 acres across southern Sonoma and Napa counties. Breezes and fog off San Pablo Bay keep it cooler and windier than the valleys to the north, which suits early-ripening grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and grapes for sparkling wine. Carneros is Spanish for rams, after the sheep that once grazed these hills. The Sonoma part of Carneros is also inside the Sonoma Valley appellation.

Wineries to visit

Gloria Ferrer: sparkling wine, one of the 1980s wave of sparkling producers in Carneros, with caves.
Viansa: on a hilltop above Highway 121 with a marketplace.
Cline Cellars
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Ram's Gate
The Donum Estate
Larson Family Winery
Homewood Winery

Most ask you to book ahead; call before you go.

Plan the day

Carneros is an easy add-on to a Plaza morning or a day at Sonoma Raceway. Pick two wineries, eat lunch in Sonoma, and let a tour do the driving: see wine tours.

Questions

Is Carneros in Sonoma or Napa?

Both. Los Carneros spans the southern ends of Sonoma and Napa counties, and the larger part is in Sonoma.

What is Carneros known for?

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine, thanks to its cool, windy climate near San Pablo Bay.

What does Carneros mean?

It's Spanish for rams, after the sheep that once grazed the area.

Sources

Facts in this guide were checked on October 16, 2026 against these sources. Hours, prices and rules change, so confirm with the business or park before you go.

About this guide

Everything Sonoma is an independent guide to Sonoma Valley. We don't accept payment for coverage in guides; featured listings are always labeled. Spot something out of date? Email [email protected] or send a correction. Read how we choose listings.