Sonoma Growing Region
Russian River Valley Wine Tour Driver
Russian River Valley — Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, cool-climate and elegant. Foggy mornings, redwoods along the river, and some of the best Pinot in California. The day feels unhurried and green.
Russian River Valley
What it grows and why it matters
Foggy mornings, redwoods along the river, and some of the best Pinot in California. The day feels unhurried and green. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, cool-climate and elegant. Chris knows this region because he grew up in Santa Rosa and has been driving these roads for ten years. He picks producers he has a relationship with, not the ones that pay a commission.
Drive from Santa Rosa
20–30 minutes
What grows here
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, cool-climate and elegant.
Wineries Chris Likes
Where he takes you in Russian River Valley
These are producers Chris has a relationship with, chosen for the wine and the welcome — not a commission list.
Gary Farrell
Estate Pinot from some of the oldest vines in the valley, poured on a hillside terrace.
Kistler
Single-vineyard Chardonnay that defined what Russian River could be.
Williams Selyem
Cult Pinot in a quiet, wooded setting off the main road.
Iron Horse
Sparkling wine on a ridge overlooking the Green Valley.
A Sample Day
What a Russian River Valley day looks like
Pickup in Santa Rosa, 25 minutes to the first pour. Two Pinot houses and a sparkling stop, lunch at a deli in Sebastopol or Guerneville.
Check Your DateRussian River Valley on the map
Russian River Valley FAQ
Questions about this region
Book Your Day
Wine country is better when nobody has to drive.
Tell Chris your date and group size. He builds the itinerary, books the tastings, and picks you up. Five fields — that is all he needs to start.
Typical reply time: within a few hours, same day. He answers the phone himself.
Or call now: (707) 205-8109