Sauvignon Blanc and its wood-aged twin, Fume Blanc, first got their start here in this part of Sonoma when Dave Stare first planted the French varietal in the early 1970s. His vision was to start a Loire-Valley-inspired winery that would introduce consumers to the wines of northern Sonoma County. Today the Dry Creek region is dominated by this grape variety, as well as Zinfandel.

The original, old vine-covered winery is now the tasting room, where you can enjoy Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and a Meritage, in addition to their flagship Fume Blanc. The family-owned vineyards provide approximately 65 percent of the overall production at Dry Creek Vineyard. Additional fruit is sourced from vineyards managed by long-term contract growers in Clarksburg, Dry Creek, the Russian River Valley, and other Sonoma County regions.

Inside the wood-beam-ceiling tasting room is a warm cozy fireplace, a stone floor, a wood-topped tasting counter, deli case, and some gift items for sale. Outside are lawns with picnic tables, some with umbrellas. Don’t forget to try the chocolate-covered cherries that are offered with your taste of Cabernet—they are scrumptious.