Right on the side of the road in Kenwood is the tan-colored wood-sided operation of Blackstone Winery. Sonoma is the original location of the winery, with its larger sister facility located in the Monterey town of Gonzales. Blackstone produces dozens of wines in three different categories: Winemaker Select Series from mostly Monterey fruit, the Prestige Appellation Series from Sonoma fruit, and their Reserve Series of wines made from the best Sonoma County vineyards’ fruit.

The winemaking style is to produce full-bodied, approachable wines that are well balanced and a good value. A number of their wines are produced in small lots (less than 1,000 cases) and are sold only in the tasting room. Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, Malvasia Bianca, and some of their specialty Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot wines are among these winery-only offerings.

The tasting room is a separate building to the left of the winery, adjacent to a small grove of redwood trees. There are a few picnic tables under the trees on the lawn. Inside is a smart attractive space with hardwood floors, white-beamed ceilings and a fireplace. There are nice gift items and wine accessories for sale.

In the back is a lovely hidden patio under mature olive trees set up against the vineyard. An outdoor tasting bar provides samples during the summer weekends.