Noteworthy Sonoma: under 60(ish) from SF
When you need it...now, RIGHT now, not a minute later.
Let’s face it: if you live in the Bay Area, you probably didn’t sign up for more time in the car on weekends. So when the craving hits for a crisp Chardonnay or a silky Pinot, the 78-minute haul to Healdsburg can feel, well, about 18 minutes too far. Luckily, there are gems closer to home. Yes, it depends on which part of SF you’re in, and yes, traffic is its own beast—but let’s call this list "Under an Hour-ish from SF."
One quick note: under 60 minutes we’re still in cool-climate country, so you’ll notice a Pinot-forward theme. But hey, who’s complaining?
Donum Estates Carneros
Not exactly a hidden treasure (but still a treasure), Donum is where world-class Pinot meets a vineyard sculpture garden worthy of MoMA. Think Ai Weiwei, Keith Haring, and a kaleidoscope pavilion dotting the rolling vineyards. It's both a Pinot lover's paradise and an Instagrammer’s fever dream.
Tasting Experience:
Go casual in the lounge or fancy with a food pairing crafted from the estate’s own organic gardens. Either way, it’s indulgent.
Notable Varietals:
🍷 Red: 100% Pinot Noir – single-vineyard bottlings from Carneros, Russian River, Anderson Valley and more
🥂White: Chardonnay
Other Essentials:
🍷📅✅ Booking
🍾💲 Median Bottle Price: $ ($100+)
Ricci Vineyards
Back in in 2000, Ricci Vineyards became the first commercial grower of St. Laurent: a spicy, dark-fruited Austrian grape that tastes like Pinot Noir and Syrah had a moody love child. This tiny operation also crafts a dry Muscat, sparkling Moscato, and a playful Pinot pet-nat that will definitely get you ready for summer.
Tasting Experience:
There’s no official tasting room—yet. But shoot them an email, and they’ll happily pour you something delicious at the vineyard. Expect low-key charm.
Notable Varietals:
🍷Red: Pinot Noir and St. Laurent
🥂White: Chardonnay and Muscat Canelli (Muscat) used for a dry Muscat or sparkling Moscato under their label
Other Essentials
🍷📅✅ Bookings
🍾💲 Median Bottle Price: $$$ ($40-70)
Parum Leo
A mere 45 minutes away, hidden just off the 101, Parum Leo is a fabulous spot to get away to when SF is buried in fog but Petaluma is 80F. With a focus on Pinot Noir and a selection of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and some (slightly) bigger reds, Parum Leo's line up is light, approachable, and perfect for warm days.
Tasting Experience:
The tasting room is a refurbished 1900s black barn with rustic-chic charm. You can either book a tasting or reserve the oak-shaded picnic area (flat fee + buy their wines by the bottle), and with a great selection of wines in the $30-40 range, Parum Leo really can’t be beat for a relaxed weekend afternoon.
Notable Varietals:
🍷 Red: Pinot Noir, Merlot
🥂White: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc (this one tastes particularly like summer)
Other Essentials:
🍷📅✅ Booking
🍾💲 Median Bottle Price: $$ (below $40)