The Perfect Food + Wine Adventure in Sonoma

If you're planning on exploring California's Wine Country and indulging in its finest wines and culinary experiences, I have the local's guide to Sonoma's top wineries and acclaimed food and wine pairings for you. This is an exclusive guide to our favorite wineries to visit, and some of the best wines to pair with Vine Dining dinners. We've handpicked some of Sonoma's top wineries and curated the ultimate food and wine pairings to elevate your experience to the next level.

Sonoma's Must Visit Wineries

Kamen Estate Wines is a personal favorite of ours. Known for its high elevation cabernet sauvignon, it's the ideal match for our Akaushi Red Wagyu Bistro Filet. Screenwriter Robert Kamen's vision to plant the highest quality mountain-grown cabernet sauvignon back in 1980 has resulted in award-winning wines that rival anything from Napa. You can visit them at their Tasting Room in Downtown Sonoma, or indulge in breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Mayacamas Mountains with their Vineyard Experience and Tasting.

Next, let's head over to B Wise Vineyards, situated atop Moon Mountain in Sonoma. Their phenomenal mountain cabs thrive in the perfect climate above the fog, basking in ample sun. While they have several tasting rooms to choose from, we highly recommend a reservation at the B Wise Estate Cave. Trust us, the tunnels with wines aging in barrels and private decked-out alcoves offer an unforgettable wine tasting experience with incredible views overlooking the vineyards and Sonoma Valley.

Right on the Downtown Sonoma Square is Three Sticks Wines' Tasting Room, located in the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe. Sip on their acclaimed pinot noir while experiencing the iconic architecture of the Adobe. Vintner and proprietor Bill Price is no stranger to the wine industry, as he has his hand in Kistler Vineyards and Gary Farrell Winery. If you're a pinot noir fan, this is one winery you should definitely check out.

Food & Wine Pairings

Sonoma is not only known for its incredible wines but also for its mouthwatering culinary scene. Many wineries offer food and wine pairings, but try exploring wineries that offer an experience beyond cheese and charcuterie boards. You won't regret it.

At the top of my list is J Vineyards & Winery Bubble Room, located in Healdsburg, CA. Experience a Five Course Tasting Menu with seasonal ingredients paired with my favorite - bubbles! Every course just makes my mouth water thinking about it. Kanpachi Crudo with Ponzu, Citrus, Watermelon Radish, Crispy Leek, and Habanada Pepper paired with their Russian River Valley Vintage Brut. Double Chocolate Sabayon Sandwich with Strawberry Miso Puree, Rosemary and Hibiscus paired with Vintage Brut Rosé. Delicious!

Kendall-Jackson is a familiar name to many in the wine industry, but their culinary program is also well-known to those in the food world. You can enjoy either their Small Bites paired with a flight of Kendall-Jackson's wines, or the Five-Course Tasting Menu with limited production wines. Much of the seasonal produce is harvested from the estate garden - you can't get more local than that!

St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa, CA is a great spot for lunch, as the food and wine pairings are pretty hearty and filling. With the five-course Wine & Food Pairings in their Estate dining room, you can savor dishes like Pomegranate Braised Short Rib Ragout. Or indulge in the shared plate family style Estate Pairings, while enjoying stunning vineyard views outside. Pair their Wild Oak Vineyard Syrah with Mendocino Hedgehog Mushrooms & Fried Polenta, Butternut Squash, Smoky Bacon, Pistachio & Spigarello Pesto.

Sonoma is a food and wine lover's paradise, with an abundance of wineries and culinary experiences to explore. While these are just a few of our favorites, they're a great place to start your journey through Wine Country. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Cheers to unforgettable experiences in Sonoma's Wine Country!

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