Sonoma County Wineries With Amazing Views

There are more than 425 wineries in Sonoma County and each and every one is scenic in its own way. Still, some have views that are real standouts. Here, moving south to north, is a sampling of wineries to visit if you crave a vineyard vista as you taste an exceptional vintage.

At the southern end of Sonoma County, the Italian-style Viansa Sonoma winery commands a hill overlooking acres of protected wetlands. It's a particularly fine perch for bird watchers during spring and summer migrations, and in the winter when the wetlands are at their wettest and full of happy waterfowl. Special 'outlook' structures are available to sip and view in style.

Further north up Highway 12, the vineyards at Kunde Family Winery roll for miles along Highway 12. And although the tasting room is nestled picturesquely in the foothills of the Mayacamas range, visitors can arrange an excursion that's all about the view - a Mountaintop Tasting van whisks you up to a small olive grove with a magnificent panorama of Sonoma Valley and beyond.

In late spring, nothing can match the view from Santa Rosa's Matanzas Creek Winery when their extensive lavender fields are in full bloom, a bit of a change from the typical corduroy rows of vineyards. Grab a picnic and make it an afternoon amidst the rows of beautiful lavender.

Also in Santa Rosa is Paradise Ridge Winery. Their new tasting room features an expansive deck overlooking the vineyards below, their sculpture garden, and the Russian River Valley. They, too, offer picnic experiences, featuring local cheese, charcuterie, and freshly-baked bread, along with a bottle of their wine.

The Russian River wine-growing region has gorgeous views around every bend, but Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, open by appointment only, is renowned for its vineyard vistas and 'glamping' woodlands experience.

Furthest north and west, Fort Ross Vineyard, Winery & Tasting Room has a tasting room with a view of vineyards, of course, but also the Pacific Ocean. It's the only tasting room along the coast in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. So you can sip a Pinot Noir, smell the sea air, and watch the distant waves.

Whichever winery you visit, close your eyes to better taste the wine, and then open them wide for the full Sonoma County experience.

Written by Julie Vader.