Our Guide to the Best Wineries in Northern California
From Sonoma County to the Napa Valley and beyond, Northern California is home to some of the finest wineries in the world. The rich soil is ideal for crafting a wide array of varietals, and with a history of winemaking dating back to the 1800’s, it’s no secret that the best wineries in Northern California are must-visit destinations for wine connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts alike.
Keep reading to discover our guide to crafting a Northern California winery itinerary that you’ll never forget.
Our Guide to the Best Wineries in Northern California
Whether you’re visiting wine country for the first time or are a local looking for a new spot to experience the best wines in the region, there are a wide array of wineries to explore here in Northern California. From Sonoma County to the Napa Valley and beyond, we’re excited to share our favorite spots for your next wine tasting adventure.
Sonoma County: Home of Your New Favorite Northern California Winery
There’s nowhere in Northern California quite like Sonoma County. Warm, inviting, and intentional, Sonoma County is the place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the land while sipping some of the world’s finest wines.
Here are a few of our favorite wineries in Sonoma County.
Bricoleur Vineyards
Photo Credit: Bricoleur Vineyards
7394 Starr Rd, Windsor, CA 95492
Thurs – Mon: 11am-5pm
When you visit Bricoleur Vineyards for the first time, you’ll immediately realize one thing: you’ve just discovered your favorite Northern California winery. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, Bricoleur Vineyards is family owned and operated, and is a true reflection of all that there is to love about the Sonoma lifestyle — a relaxed, welcoming environment where friends and family can gather to enjoy some of the world’s best wines.
Enjoy one of the winery’s exceptional culinary pairings, picnic in the Northern California sunshine, unwind with a game of bocce, or even stay on the property to get the full wine country experience. No matter how much time you spend at Bricoleur Vineyards, you’ll always find yourself wanting to come back for more.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Photo Credit: Jordan Vineyard & Winery
1474 Alexander Valley Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Open Daily: 8:30am-4:30pm
When visiting Sonoma County, a trip to Jordan Vineyard & Winery is an absolute must. Located in the beautiful Alexander Valley, you’ll enjoy stunning scenery when you visit the winery’s charming estate. There’s a reason that Jordan was named the Best Vineyard in North America in 2023 — they bring the timelessness of French wine country right to our beloved Sonoma.
Every day is an adventure at Jordan Winery. From vineyard hikes exploring the beauty of the Alexander Valley to elegant culinary experiences and guided wine tastings, there is always something to discover.
MacRostie Winery
Photo Credit: MacRostie Winery
4605 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Open Daily: 10am-5pm
Elegant, refined, and carefully curated, a visit to MacRostie Winery is the gateway to rest and rejuvenation. With breathtaking panoramic views and an intentional slowness and attention to detail, every moment spent at MacRostie Winery is meant to matter. Their wines reflect the beauty of the Russian River Valley, and they seek to provide the perfect space to gather with loved ones. Plus, your furry friends are welcome to visit the winery’s outdoor spaces!
MacRostie Winery pulls from a deep coastal influence in their wines, and they’re particularly known for their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Stop by the winery to taste them for yourself and enjoy the rich beauty of Healdsburg.
Napa County: For Elite Northern California Winery Locations
One of the most iconic areas of Northern California, every wine lover knows that Napa County is world-renowned for its wineries. Here are a few of our favorite spots that you won’t want to miss.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Photo Credit: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Open Daily: 10am-4pm
Wine tasting is a true art — and it’s one that Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has mastered. With timeless elegance and premier hospitality, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars offers a number of tasting experiences, from flights of their current release wines to an estate tasting and cave tour that features the winery’s finest selections paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie from Stag’s Leap’s expert culinary team.
The classic, sophisticated wine portfolio at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars features handcrafted wines that achieve a perfect complexity and balance. Their classic Cabernet Sauvignon is an expression of the rich terroir, and reflects the beauty of Napa wine.
Opus One
Photo Credit: Opus One
7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
Open Daily: 10am-4pm
Opus One seeks to serve as an expression of time and place, crafting wines that speak to the beauty of the Northern California land while only getting better with age. The estate sits in harmony with the land, subtle and gentle — reflecting an intentional desire to effortlessly become a part of the land instead of calling attention away from it. Opus One is a certified green winery, and strives to work sustainably, working to protect the beauty of Napa for generations to come.
The mission of the founders of Opus One was simple: to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. It is this mission that has carried Opus One forward, and that continues to shape all that they do. Make an appointment to experience their wines for yourself.
Domaine Carneros
Photo Credit: Domaine Carneros
Open Daily: 10am-5pm
If you’re looking for one of the best wineries in Northern California for sparkling wines, look no further than Domaine Carneros. This gorgeous estate winery and château is famous for their impeccably crafted sparkling and estate Pinot Noir, and there’s nowhere better to discover sustainably farmed sparkling wines. (Don’t worry — if you’re not a fan of sipping bubbly wines, Domaine Carneros also offers still wines.)
Enjoy beautiful views of Carneros as you sit on the estate’s expansive outdoor terrace. There’s simply nowhere better to enjoy the warm Napa Valley sunshine.
Far Niente Winery
Photo Credit: Far Niente Winery
1350 Acacia Dr, Oakville, CA 94562
Open Daily: 10am-4:30pm
One of the best parts of visiting Northern California wine country is discovering the rich history of the area. Far Niente Winery boasts a long legacy of winemaking, dating back to 1885. The charming hillside estate takes guests back through time, to an era of old. Guests will experience the beauty of the restored estate, from cascading gardens and private vineyards to storied wine caves.
Since 1979, Far Niente Winery has prioritized crafting collectible Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon that sings of elegance and refinement. The winery’s commitment to excellence is evident in each bottle, and wine connoisseurs will savor the high-quality craftsmanship.
Schramsberg Vineyards
Photo Credit: Schramsberg Vineyards
1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open Daily: 9am-4:30pm
Sparkling wine fans, rejoice! You’ll feel right at home when visiting Schramsberg Vineyards. The passion project of founders Jack and Jamie Davies, Schramsberg sparkling wine was first crafted in 1965, debuting as the first commercial use of Chardonnay in American sparkling wine.
In the decades since, Schramsberg has become a staple for sparkling wine, and is known as one of the best wineries in Northern California for a bottle of bubbly. Winery tours and tastings are available by appointment only, but trust us — it’s worth the planning.
Davis Estates
Photo Credit: Davis Estates
4060 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open Daily: 10am-4pm
Family owned and operated, Davis Estates is one of the best spots in Northern California for premier Napa Valley wine. This century-old estate winery offers luxurious cave tastings and panoramic views of the northern Napa Valley, so no matter your experience of choice, you’ll be amazed by the exclusive beauty that Davis has to offer.
With a wide selection of Cabernet Sauvignons, in addition to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, dessert wines, and more, there is something for every palate at Davis Estates. Experience a tasting featuring pairings from the estate’s expert chef to fully experience all that Davis has to offer.
The Best Wineries in Northern California: Beyond Sonoma & Napa
While Sonoma and Napa are considered to be the most iconic wine country destinations, there are incredible wineries to be found in lesser-known areas of Northern California if you know where to look. Here are a few of our favorites.
Ridge Vineyards
Photo Credit: Ridge Vineyards
17100 Montebello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
Open Daily: 11am-4pm
Ridge Vineyards is proof that it’s possible to find exceptional wine outside of Sonoma County and the Napa Valley. With historic vineyards located in the stunning Santa Cruz mountains, you’ll experience a relaxed, laid-back tasting experience amidst unforgettable views and fresh mountain air.
Guests can enjoy a seated tasting flight of four of Ridge Vineyards’ single-vineyard wines, or a private library tasting featuring both current release and vintage wines alongside savory bites.
Andis Wines
Photo Credit: Andis Wines
11000 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth, CA 95669
Wed – Sun: 11am-4:30pm
At Andis Wines, authenticity is at the core of all that they do. By handcrafting wines that are a pure expression of their soil, the rich terroir of the land is able to shine through each bottle. Every aspect of the winery seeks to promote sustainability and an environmentally-friendly way of life, from utilizing solar power to practicing water conservation and management.
Andis Wines offers a unique tasting experience — spacious, typically outdoors, and boasting stunning views of the vineyard. Tasting flights can be enjoyed with your preferred culinary options, or you can leave the decision-making to the expert culinary team — it’s up to you.
Visit Our Tasting Room for the Best Northern California Winery Experience
At Bricoleur Vineyards, we’re proud to be a part of the Northern California wine community. For the best Sonoma County wine tasting experience, visit our tasting room to discover the magic of Northern California grapes, right in the heart of where they’re grown. Our perfect pairings showcase the diversity, flavors, and rich beauty of our vineyards, and we hope to share that with you.