Sonoma Valley guide

Sonoma Valley wine tasting for first-timers

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

The short answerPick two or three wineries for a day, book tastings ahead, and plan a ride: a designated driver, a tour, or a guided bike tour. Start near the Plaza in Sonoma, where historic wineries like Buena Vista and Gundlach Bundschu are a few minutes away, then add Carneros for sparkling wine or Glen Ellen and Kenwood for a slower pace.

How a tasting works

At most wineries you sit or stand while staff pour a short flight, a few small pours of different wines, and tell you about each one. There's a fee, which some wineries waive if you buy wine. You don't need to know anything about wine; just say what you usually like. It's fine to pour out what you don't want to finish, and to spit, which is what professionals do.

Book ahead

Many Sonoma Valley wineries ask you to reserve a tasting, especially on weekends. Every winery on Everything Sonoma has a phone number on its page, so you can call to check hours and book. See all wineries in Sonoma Valley.

How many wineries in a day?

Two or three is plenty. Tastings often take an hour or more, and you'll enjoy the last one more if you've eaten. Build in lunch and water.

Getting around safely

Choose a driver who isn't drinking, or let someone else drive. Tour operators like Sonoma Valley Tours and West Wine Tours handle the driving, and Sonoma Adventures runs guided bike tours with lunch on the flat valley floor. See all wine tours.

Where to start

Near the Plaza: Buena Vista, founded in 1857, with historic caves; Gundlach Bundschu; Bartholomew Estate; Anaba.
Carneros (south): cool, windy and close to the bay, known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. Try Gloria Ferrer, Viansa, Cline or Jacuzzi. See Carneros wineries.
Glen Ellen and Kenwood (north): Benziger, B.R. Cohn, Kunde and Chateau St. Jean.

A few words you might hear

Flight: a set of small pours. Appellation: a recognized grape-growing area; Sonoma Valley and Carneros are both official ones. Estate: wine from the winery's own vineyards. Club: a subscription for regular shipments, never required.

Questions

Do I need reservations for wine tasting in Sonoma?

Often, yes, especially on weekends. Call the winery or book on its website before you go.

How many wineries can you visit in one day in Sonoma Valley?

Two or three is a comfortable number, with lunch in between.

What is the best way to go wine tasting without driving?

Hire a tour or driver, or join a guided bike tour such as those run by Sonoma Adventures from Broadway in Sonoma.

What wine is Sonoma Valley known for?

The valley grows many grapes. The Carneros area at its southern end is especially known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine thanks to its cool, windy climate near San Pablo Bay.

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.