Sonoma Wineries with a View
It should go without saying but we’ll say it anyway: Sonoma is a beautiful place. That beauty is one of the many reasons we love to call Sonoma home — and, thanks to the subtle interplay of alternately rugged and gentle topography with seasonal moisture flows off the Pacific Ocean, one of many reasons Sonoma is such an amazing place to grow wine grapes.
Many of Sonoma’s finest wineries offer the best of both: stunning wines and stunning views. Read on for more about our favorites.
These aren’t the only Sonoma wineries with great views, but we believe they’re among the best. Be sure to stop at a few on your next Sonoma trip — starting with us.
Roche Winery
Our state-of-the-art main production facility is just a short drive south of downtown Sonoma. The surrounding vineyards are relatively flat — we’re conveniently located on the valley floor, after all — which means you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hills as you explore the grounds.
For a truly panoramic experience, book a private winery tour and tasting. Weather permitting, you’ll explore our beautiful Tipperary Vineyards, then head up to the production facility’s “Topping Room,” — where you’ll sample hand-selected library and reserve wines while taking in 180-degree views of the Sonoma Valley and the hills beyond. (You’ll also get a birds-eye view of our Barrel Room below.)
If you have time to spare afterward, enjoy a wine by the glass (and more views) on our outdoor patio.
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Gundlach Bundschu Winery is one of our favorite Sonoma wineries not named “Roche.” It’s a favorite of many locals, in fact, and not only because its wines are near-universally beloved.
“Gun Bun,” as it’s affectionately known, has an amazing outdoor space — part vineyard, part nature preserve, part concert venue — that creeps up the hillside just outside downtown Sonoma. The property’s higher corners offer impressive views of the valley and hills beyond. They’re less sweeping and more intimate than what you’ll find at Roche’s main production facility, but that hardly matters with a glass of fine wine in your hand and soothing live jazz in your ears.
Viansa Sonoma Winery
Viansa occupies a low hilltop above picturesque Sonoma Creek, which drains into San Pablo Bay at the southern end of the Sonoma Valley. The modest elevation is enough to provide panoramic views of the lower valley and the hills defining its western limit — along with the lush vineyards that supply Viansa’s incomparable Italian varietals. For the best views, enjoy an afternoon tasting al fresco on the wraparound outdoor tasting plaza.
Gloria Ferrer Wines
Gloria Ferrer occupies another low hilltop above the Sonoma Valley flats, just a few minutes north of Viansa by car (and a few minutes south of Roche’s own Sonoma Valley production facility). The views here are similar to Viansa’s, but the wine library couldn’t be more different — Gloria Ferrer is renowned for sparkling varietals. Enjoy a glass or tasting flight on the covered outdoor patio and feel the weight of the world lift off your shoulders.
Domaine Carneros
Eager for another life-changing sparkling wine experience? Curious about the views over in Napa Valley?
Satisfy your curiosity on both counts with a visit to Domaine Carneros. Its grand hilltop chateau dominates the view on approach, but turn around at the top of the beautifully manicured garden stairs and you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the mountains separating Napa and Sonoma. (Domaine Carneros lies between the two towns, if closer to the Napa side.) If one look isn’t enough, there’s plenty of seated tasting space on the outdoor plaza — just be sure to reserve your spot in advance.