Where to Taste Merlot in Sonoma County

Once the darling of the wine scene, Merlot was famously disparaged in the 2004 movie "Sideways" — and for years afterward, you'd think this easygoing red variety had dropped straight off the map. Not in Sonoma County, though, where you'll find about 4,400 acres of Merlot and pioneering producers who make it at its best.

Let's tour the county's Merlot-loving appellations:

Sonoma Valley

Chateau St. Jean

A sculpture of a person sits in the garden of the chateau — Chateau St. Jean

This Sonoma winery is known for its "wine castle" appeal in a gorgeous setting under the Mayacamas Mountains. Its critically acclaimed flagship Cinq Cepages is a Bordeaux-styled blend, which means that one of those cepages, or varieties, is Merlot.

Kenwood Vineyards

A stone wall lines the driveway into the winery next to the young vines — Kenwood Vineyards

Notable for their exclusive Jack London Vineyard Merlot from the famous author's Sonoma Mountain estate, Kenwood Vineyards is big on Merlot, offering no fewer than three additional Sonoma County, appellation, and club-only Merlots. A new look and under new ownership, but still quite reasonable prices and an old-fashioned tasting room.

Pride Mountain Vineyards

For many years, one of the top wines at this mountaintop winery, and which gets regular attention and acclaim from the top critics, has been their unusually labeled Sonoma-Napa Merlot. In fact, the ranch is split between the counties. Seated tastings and tours available.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

A welcome sigh sits out front of the winery — St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Making a claim as the first to plant Merlot in Sonoma Valley in the 1970s, this iconic, California mission-styled winery hosts a popular, sumptuous wine and food program. The reserve Merlot comes from their certified sustainable Behler vineyard down the road, and even the entry-level Merlot is also partly sourced from Behler and the Wild Oak vineyard adjacent the winery.

Bennett Valley

Matanzas Creek Winery

An orange umbrella shades a seating area surrounded by blooming, purple lavender — Matanzas Creek Winery

This winery may have been associated with Chardonnay in the 1980s, and many people love them for their lavender fields, but Matanzas Creek also has a longstanding reputation for Merlot. Nestled below Sonoma Mountain in the path of coastal breezes, Bennett Valley is a cooler location that promotes a "structured" style of Merlot, while the winery's inclusion in the Jackson Family Wines portfolio affords access to warmer Alexander Valley and Knights Valley Merlot as well.

Dry Creek Valley

Lambert Bridge Winery

The gardens in the fall in front of the winery have many places to sit — Lambert Bridge Winery

With its grand lodge vibe and warm, wood-paneled barrel room view, this Dry Creek Valley winery is an inviting spot to linger over elegant Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties made with a no-expense-spared mandate.

Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery

This rustically picturesque winery, located just outside of Healdsburg at the very southern tip of Dry Creek Valley, has been making estate Merlot since 1976, but they've modernized their winemaking facility in recent years. A family-owned and cozy place to say, "Yes, I'd like the Merlot, please!"