Guide to Alexander Valley

California’s Alexander Valley Wine Appellation is Sonoma County’s largest region for wine grapes, and an excellent place to visit, nestled at the base of the Mayacama Mountains.

At last count, this valley was home to 82 winegrowers, 31 wineries, and 15,000 acres of gorgeous vineyards, but there is so much for visitors to do beyond exploring the area’s famous wine. Here’s your handy guide to experiencing the Alexander Valley in Sonoma Wine Country.

Wine Tasting in Alexander Valley

In this region, Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme, and this list of welcoming wineries offers opportunities to savor the coveted Cab, tour, and taste all of their exceptional varietals.

At Silver Oak, for example, Cabernet Sauvignon has been the winery’s singular focus since 1972. Enjoy tastings and food and wine pairings in their new state-of-the-art tasting room.

Nearby, Jordan Vineyard & Winery also specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, among other varietals, and features a unique selection of winery tours and food and wine pairings on their property that boasts 360-degree views of Alexander Valley.

Elsewhere, notable wineries include the historic Soda Rock Winery, Francis Ford Coppola Winery,  Medlock Ames, Robert Young, and Stonestreet Estate Vineyards.

Winter Wineland

This much-anticipated two-day wine tasting event typically takes place on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend every year in Sonoma County. Participants meet winemakers, enjoy local cuisine, and sample more than 60 wines from wineries throughout this scenic area.

Things to Do in Alexander Valley

Apart from exceptional wine, this valley is also chock-full of craft brewpubs, cideries, and other makers worth visiting, and will lead you to discover the pretty hamlets of Cloverdale and Windsor.

• Wolf House Brewing Company, Cloverdale
• Tilted Shed Ciderworks, Windsor
• Russian River Brewing, Windsor
• Alley 6 Craft Distillery, Healdsburg
• Corner Project Ales & Eats, Geyserville

Experience the great outdoors in beautiful Alexander Valley with a variety of fun activities.

• Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve is an excellent spot for a gorgeous hike.
• River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips invites you to float or paddle on the Russian River via kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
• Lake Sonoma offers more than 40 miles of trails. Here, you can also rent boats and kayaks at the Lake Sonoma Marina and pop into the Lake Sonoma Visitor Center and Fish Hatchery to explore.

For evening entertainment in the Alexander Valley, check out these lively venues.

• Raven Performing Arts Theatre in Healdsburg hosts more than 100 theatrical productions each year.
• Geyserville Gun Club in Geyserville and Elephant In The Room in Healdsburg are both great bars where you can catch live music.

Where to Eat in Alexander Valley

The award-winning Single Thread Farm Restaurant & Inn earned three Michelin stars in 2019. Other notable Healdsburg restaurants include: Valette, Bravas Bar de Tapas, and Barndiva.

Geyserville is known for its Italian offerings, including Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria and Catelli’s.

In Windsor, you’ll find an eclectic range of cuisine, including KC’s American Kitchen, KIN Windsor, Tomi Thai, and Ume Japanese Bistro.

Where to Stay in Alexander Valley

Boutique inns and bed and breakfasts are nestled into the bucolic landscape, such as the Geyserville Inn and Alexander Valley Lodge in Geyserville.

You can even spend the night at a winery, like Blue Rock Vineyard and Icaria Winery in Cloverdale, and Starlite Vineyards in Geyserville.

The town of Windsor offers a range of familiar hotels, including the Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Holiday Inn Windsor Wine Country.