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ZinFANDEL
FUN FACT: IF IT WEREN'T FOR WHITE-ZIN...
(the queen of bulk, boxed wine made popular in the 80's), (my parents had a box on their counter all the time...I'll admit it!), we wouldn't have the coveted old-vine zinfandel vines that make Dry Creek Valley famous.
Zinfandel thrives in this hot climate. And our local wine-makers know what to do with it...
North County
A. Rafanelli*
This humble, rustic, family-owned winery has been making premium zin, cab and merlot for four generations. You can't buy it anywhere but at the winery or from a restaurant wine list. This place is AWESOME. Quintessential Dry Creek Valley wine. It's an absolute must. ~appointment only
4685 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, CA
(707) 433-1385
Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
A seriously stunning property with some of the most friendly staff and HUGE zins. They're so big that I'm drinking mine that I bought 8 years ago and they're amazing. Great place to picnic, take photos and sit in the sun. Cool cave...and I mean cool--bring a sweater. Love this place.
9711 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, CA
(866) 57-BELLA/ (866-572-3552)
Limerick Lane Cellars*
The oldest Zinfandel-producing vines in the valley are grown and farmed by Limerick Lane.
Call or reserve online here.
1023 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA,
(707) 433-9211
Passalacqua*
Tasting on a beautiful porch on a sunny day or in a fireplace-lit tasting room on cool days. Stunning views and great staff.
Appointment only (@ 11 am, 12:30 pm, & 2 pm daily, and an additional appointment @ 3:30 pm on Friday, Saturday & Sunday). Call or reserve online here.
3805 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg, CA
(877) 825-5547
Seghesio Family Winery
Some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the county belong to the Seghesio family. This was a family-owned winery that sold a few years ago to a large corporation. I was nervous they'd lose themselves...but so far they've preserved their quality and style, with Ted Seghesio still at their wine-making helm. Their Sonoma Zin remains my favorite "daily drinker" (value wine) for over a decade now. Very fun spot featuring Italian varietals and an entire menu of Zinfandel. Bocce courts and picnic grounds. A nice spot to end your day of tasting.
14730 Grove St, Healdsburg, CA
(707) 433-3579
West County
Martinelli Winery
The Martinelli family has been growing grapes in Sonoma County since the late 1800's. Their finer wines are mostly available exclusively to their mailing list--and it's a worthy list to join. Some of the best wines I've ever poured are made by Martinelli.
3360 River Rd. Windsor, CA
(707) 525-0570
Woodenhead Vintners
Small producer of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel near Forestville.
5700 River Rd, Santa Rosa, CA
Open Thursday-Monday
(707) 887-2703
*Apppointment Only