Lokoya

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 4/5

  • Main varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Tasting fee: $200, waived with purchases/for allocation memberes

Lokoya was such a special tasting experience. Not just because of the quality of their wines but the property, tasting room set up, and thoughtfully curated wine flight with snack pairing were all amazing. Definitely a luxury experience given the price tag but their wines sell for $300+ so tasting through 4 different wines + Chardonnay almost pays itself if you have been curious about their wines!

4 wines in the tasting flight are all 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, each from a distinct mountain appellation in Napa. There are 5 Mountain Appellations in Napa and believe Lokoya is the only winery that produces from all 4 of them: Diamond Mountain, Mt Veeder, Howell Mountain, and Spring Mountain.

Tasting starts with a glass of Chardonnay from Howell Mountain (rare for Chardonnays), that’s not overly buttery or oaky.

More about Lokoya: Website

Matanzas Creek Winery

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 4/5

  • Main varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Bordeaux Blend

  • Tasting fee: $35

I’ve seen photos from Matanzas Creek on social media as the winery in Sonoma with a lavender field so I was excited to finally visit myself. Peak lavender season is mid June-July so the field wasn’t as full/bright but it was still beautiful and was a nice addition to the tasting experience. Tasting flight included Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, 2 different Merlots, and 2 different Bordeaux blends. All of their wines had amazing nose and were easy drinking, great for those who enjoy Sauvignon Blancs and Bordeaux blends from Napa!

They also have outdoor tables ($50 to reserve or waived with 4+ bottle purchase) and bocce ball picnic so great stop for a group, not to mention the affordable tasting fee compared to $40+ in Napa and Sonoma these days.

More about : Website

Round Pond Estate

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 4/5, $80+ per bottle for reds

  • Main varietals: Bordeaux blends, Sauvignon Blanc

  • Tasting fee: $60 for a portfolio tasting, $100+ for food experiences

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.2

Round Pond Estate has an iconic palm tree-lined entrance that transforms you to Palm Springs. Palm trees along the vineyard makes it a picturesque view and set the mood for a nice tasting session. They focus on Bordeaux blends including Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot. I actually loved the welcome pour of their Sauvignon Blanc as well! Really well balanced smoothness, freshness, and fruity aroma. Tasting room also has an artistic window (photo spot) that reminds you of the Museo d'orsay.


More about Round Pond: Website, Yelp

Truchard

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 5/5, average price $30-80

  • Main varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot, Cab,

  • Tasting fee: $40 to taste, waived with 3 bottles

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.1

One of my recent favorite finds if you can visit during the weekday. They are only open on weekdays but totally worth the visit! It has everything I love at a winery from intimate tasting experience, great wines with great quality to price ratio, nice vineyard view, and an adorable garden. Loved everything we tasted, especially Roussanne to sip on a summer day and Merlot, Cab Franc, Pinot, and Cab at less than $50


More about Truchard: Website, Yelp , IG

Repris

TL;DR

  • Cute for pictures: 5/5

  • QPR: 4/5, average price $50-100+

  • Main varietals: Rhone blend whites, reds, Bordeaux blend reds

  • Tasting fee: $100 to taste, waived for members

  • Average wine rating on Vivino: 4.5

Vineyard view from the mountain side of Sonoma is unreal. This winery tasting experience is such a treat as they take you through one of their vineyards and a view point in an ATV and expansive cave all while having delicious wine in your hand. Well crafted wines from their Rhone and Borbeaux blends, I liked every single wine I tasted there! Definitely a splurge but if you are looking for a high-end experience in Sonoma with great views, experience, and wines it’s a great stop.

More about Repris: Website, Yelp , IG