The past few wine tours we have taken have been in the Dry Creek Valley, an area worth telling about. There’s been such a rustic charm that just draws us in again and again and still, we’re just getting started. 

I had a wine that was so unique, unlike any of the wines I’ve ever had at Dutcher Crossing Winery. The winemaker’s story is amazing but I’ll never forget that one red wine. 

I had a beautiful rosé that paired well at the Michele-Schlumberge hacienda on a warm and sunny day. My parents loved sitting by their warm and inviting fireplace when it was cold though (below). 

After a long drive near Lake Sonoma, we were greeted by a winery dog as we parked and tasted the best everyday drinking wine anyone could ask for at Gustafson Winery, a family-owned winery with a few tables overlooking the lake. There was nothing fancy about this place but the integrity of their wines did not disappoint. (Unfortunately, they closed after the fires from heavy damage.)

We tasted incredible zinfandels in a wine cave at Bella and returned with my Dad to share the simple experience of wine tasting in a cave. 

There are no restaurants in this valley but if you can perch yourselves on a picnic table during a pandemic, the winemaker at Amphora Winery would be happy to talk about his wines as you overlook the hills of vineyards behind him, (as he did during COVID). If you’re as lucky as were, you might see an Eagle gliding in the distance. 

Just pull up to a table for a picnic with sandwiches and cheeses from the only general store that’s been there since the late 1880s. Did you wonder what California looked like in the late 1880s? You’ll get a good idea by visiting today.

Winery Recommendations

Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves - Sit on an Adirondack to enjoy a sunset. Their wines have had 90+ point ratings and their tastings are in a cave.

Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate - Their wines also have 90+ ratings and have an excellent wine club. If you’re in their club, you get invites to not just their pick-up parties(where you’re invited to pick up your shipment) but maybe to a pig roast dinner to pair their wines. There is hiking available on the property around the lake. In the winter, ask to make a reservation by the fire.

Amphora Winery – Beautiful French varietal wines at fair prices. Their location is similar to an industrial warehouse but right across the driveway is a scenic picnic area with a bocce ball court. Pick up lunch at Dry Creek General Store or Big Johns for a tasting and a picnic after.

Dutcher Crossing Winery – I had the most unique wine here. Visiting a winery like this is like shopping for that one wine all day that you’re looking for and you find it here.

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery – This is a beautiful estate with 2 different wine tastings. Their library wine tasting is held below in the cellar. Ask for the library tasting if it’s available although we were very pleased with their tastings in their main tasting room. They’re known for their Fume Blanc but don’t be mistaken this is what you buy in the grocery store. Their wines far exceed what you’d expect.

A. Rafanelli Winery

Shelly was kind enough to do an interview with me. She is the leading winemaker and 4th generation family winemaker. She not only knows her wines but was able to introduce how Merlot does very well in this region and for many reasons. Their merlots are exclusive to wine members and you need a reservation to try their wines. This is one of the best-kept secrets in the Dry Creek Valley Reserve a tasting and a picnic table. After choosing your favorite wine from your tasting, grab your picnic table on a hill tucked away in the vineyards by the Cypress trees and it will be the most memorable visit yet.

On our hit list for our next visit:

• Nalle Winery

I recently found this video and it pretty much sums up what I wanted to believe about this valley. 

The 3rd and 4th generation families from the Dry Creek Valley have not only stuck together to produce genuine high-quality wine but have been great stewards of the land. Their wines are only the byproduct of grapes that have been carefully grown and proven to continue dominating for generations to come.