Best Wineries in Glen Ellen, Kenwood, and Sonoma

With over 400 wineries to explore, navigating Sonoma Valley can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Below, we've curated a guide to 13 of the top wineries in Glen Ellen, Kenwood, and downtown Sonoma.

Glen Ellen Wineries

  • Located in the historic Sonoma Valley, Arrowood Vineyards & Winery is a must for lovers of cabernet sauvignon! It is the signature wine that they are most famous for, but their menu offers several other varietals as well. Our favorite way to enjoy a visit is with a picnic on the veranda. We recommend filling your basket at a nearby bakery or cafe in Glen Ellen.

  • In 2018, Benziger Winery was voted “Best Tasting Room & Best Tour” by Sonoma People’s Choice Awards. Learn what makes Benziger Winery stand out from the competition on their Biodynamic wine tour. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyards and explores the winery’s unique farming practices. It also includes an introduction to the farm animals who make it all possible! You can also look forward to a special wine tasting at the conclusion of your tour.

  • The wine at Imagery Estate Winery is limited only by your imagination. Most wineries take a traditional approach to winemaking, but Imagery Estate is full of creative and expressive wines. In preparation of your visit, check the winery’s calendar. Wine and food events are always on the schedule.

  • A thousand feet up the slopes of Sonoma Mountain, our organically farmed estate vineyard, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, benefits from a combination of high altitude, eastern exposure and rocky soils . . . yielding memorable wines. Laurel Glen ambitious team includes organic viticulture guru Phil Coturri, talented winemaker Randall Watkins and 5th generation vintner Bettina Sichel. We offer intimate and informative tasting experiences, by appointment, in a historic building in the charming hamlet of Glen Ellen. 

  • Surrounded by five acres of gorgeous estate vineyard, Loxton Cellars is full of beautiful scenery. Tours are available every weekend, but during grape wine season, from September to October, they are available daily. It is an incredible way to catch the excitement of harvest and learn about the nuances of the winemaking process.

  • Intimate vibes. Winemaker tastings. Fabulous wines. Take a journey off the beaten path and experience Schermeister Winery’s old school approach to native fermented winemaking in their rustic-meets-modern tasting studio in Glen Ellen. Winemaker Robert Schermeister, his wife Laura, and their wine dog Eli greet all guests and offer a genuine approach to discovering the great wines of Sonoma with the vintners themselves. From Viognier to Pinot Noir, our wines are described as big, bold, and hedonistic with characteristics that rival the great cult producers of the 21st century. Production is limited to 600 cases per year with a focus on quality terroir-driven wines in small quantities.

  • No list of Glen Ellen wineries is complete without Talisman Wines. They are famous for their exceptional pinot noirs! Their cozy tasting room is ideal for a personalized tasting experience. Reservations are suggested.

Kenwood Wineries

  • Small, family-run winery, B Wise specializes in Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals. You can taste their wine at their Kenwood tasting room location or have a private experience at their vineyard estate caves. Highly recommended.

  • If you would like to incorporate some exercise into your Wine Country vacation, then Kunde Family Winery is the solution. This estate consists of a stunning 1,850 acres. While several wine tasting experiences are available, one of the most popular options is the Hike & Taste. During this tour, visitors embark on a fun and casual hike through Kunde’s vast estate. The hike concludes in the tasting room with wine samples.

  • Muscardini Cellars is positioned on Sonoma’s wine tasting trail, Sonoma Highway. Here, you will find small batches of wine in an intimate setting. In addition to their award-winning wines, local food trucks, events, and celebrations are always on the weekend calendar.

  • When you visit VJB Vineyard & Cellars, come prepared with an appetite! This winery celebrated their 18th harvest in 2018. While they are young, their wines have already won accolades from across the region. A special aspect of VJB Vineyard & Cellars is their phenomenal food menu. You will find savory cheeses and salami, wood-fired pizzas, green salads, and even wine truffles!

Sonoma Wineries

  • Their tasting room is an elegant, 116-year-old, restored historic building on Sonoma Plaza. It is the perfect destination for a romantic night out in the heart of downtown. Pangloss offers a wide selection and variety of wines, but they are especially known for their exceptional pinot noirs.

  • Westwood Estate Wines is the place to go for an in-depth glimpse into the winemaking process. Each tasting experience focuses on grape-growing, wine-making, and the nuances of terroir. Come for a flight and stay for the stories!

  • Wine tasting at The Sticks Wines is a Sonoma tradition since 1842! Their newest home is the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe in downtown Sonoma. It is one of the town’s few remaining buildings from California’s Mexican Period. Three Sticks offers an intimate tasting experience filled with many special touches. Visitors must make advanced reservations at the Adobe.

  • If pinot noir isn’t your thing, then we have you covered. Make your way over to SIGH Sonoma! It was recently named one of the “Top 25 Wine Bars in the Country” by Travel & Leisure. They offer a variety of quality champagne and sparkling wines. We recommend visiting Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. During these times, guests can order flights!

Tips for Your Trip

  • If you plan to embark on a vineyard tour, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Heeled shoes are discouraged.

  • A few small tastes at a winery add up, and you may taste more than you planned. Always have a designated driver.

  • Wine tours are a great option if you aren’t sure where to start! Visit our wine tours page for more information.

Your Wine Country Getaway Awaits

Plan your ultimate Wine Country getaway with a stay at Olea Hotel. Nestled on the hillside of Sonoma Valley, surrounded by oak and olive trees, our boutique hotel offers the perfect setting for enjoying a Wine Country sunset after a day of wine tasting.

Choose from our elegant rooms, such as the Upper View King Room, and indulge in amazing amenities, packages, and top-notch service. Enjoy daily gourmet breakfasts, rejuvenating spa services, weekend wine tastings, and relax in our outdoor pool and hot tub. When you're ready to plan your next vacation, check availability and book your stay today. We look forward to welcoming you to Sonoma Valley Wine Country!

Enhance your wine tasting experience with dinner at one of the area's finest restaurants. Explore our guide to Glen Ellen restaurants for more information.