Joseph Swan Vineyards doesn't have the look of your familiar tasting room, but don't let outside appearances fool you. They make some serious wine here including their flagship Pinot Noir from grapes from the Trenton Estate in the Russian River Valley.

In 1974, founder Joseph Swan erected what is affectionately known as the tin shed, with the help of some friends (including Joel Peterson who would make his first Ravenswood wines here in 1976). Joe wasn't interested in fancy buildings, formal gardens, and other fancy trappings -he only wanted a safe, secure place to make wine.

Now, owners Rod and Lynn Berglund tend the historic site, producing varietals such as Dry Creek and Russian River Valley Pinot, old vine Zinfandel, and Syrah. The tasting room is devoid of any merchandise, with the owners preferring to focus on the wine first and foremost. They are, however, dog friendly, and you will most likely get to greet their winery dog, Pappy, somewhere on the premises.