Many small, family-owned wineries would like to have a tasting room to share their wines in a more accessible way than at a portable setup in their yard (or at their dining room table, as some of our tiny gems do).
But tasting rooms are sizable investments, and often, it can take years before a boutique business can save up enough funds to go big.
These past few months, though, we’ve seen some recognizable, much-loved brands finally take the leap.
Put these three top-notch producers on your list of must-visits in 2025. Besides sampling excellent wines, you’ll also get to know the families, too, as they generally participate in the personal tasting experiences.
Amapola Creek Lounge
The name Amapola Creek isn’t new — the boutique winery was founded by acclaimed winemaker Richard Arrowood in 2005, with 20 acres of organic vineyards on Moon Mountain.
But now it’s easier for people to get their hands on the signature Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon, thanks to a new tasting room opened in Kenwood. The debut comes after Arrowood sold the winery in 2020 to Brion Wise, owner of Sonoma Valley’s B. Wise Vineyards.
After helping put Sonoma Mountain winemaking on the map in 1986 with his original eponymous winery west of the Mayacamas Ridge, Arrowood decided to retire, he said, though he continues to consult with B. Wise on the Amapola brand.
Visitors to the chic tasting room can explore a variety of Rhône red blends, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and that flagship Cabernet Sauvignon.
Do plan to spend ample time admiring the extensive art collection that fills every nook and cranny of the multiroom space. B. Wise is known for its dramatic architecture and design at its properties, and this elegant destination is another stunning showstopper.
9380 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-913-8487, amapolacreek.com
Emmitt-Scorsone Wines
The downtown Healdsburg area is home to more than two dozen tasting rooms, and more adventures just keep on coming. This new spot on the outskirts of Front Street is home to winemakers-owners Michael Scorsone and Palmer Emmitt, and showcases their small-batch Judge Palmer, Domenica Amato and Emmitt-Scorsone labels.
Named after Palmer’s grandfather, Judge Palmer celebrates Cabernet Sauvignon (including a premium selection from Oakville’s Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard), Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Scorsone honors his Sicilian grandmother with the Domenica Amato label, featuring Old World-style Grenache, Barbera, red blends, an intriguing, tropical Falanghina varietal, and an herbal, melon-y Cortese that’s particularly great with seafood.
The newer Emmitt-Scorsone brand touts “Old Vines” for its Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, drawing from 30-year-old estate plantings in the rugged hills above West Dry Creek Valley.
Be sure to check out the culinary garden overlooking the Russian River — the bucolic space was designed by renowned Healdsburg chef-farmer Mateo Granados. And bring a picnic, too, since outside food is welcome.
52 Front St., Healdsburg, 707-933-7603, emmittscorsone.com
Kanzler Estate
Pinot Noir lovers, rejoice. This beloved, under-the-radar producer now has a tasting room, the better to share their superb bottlings. It’s been a long time coming for the boutique business that the Kanzler family established in 1996 on a nearly abandoned apple farm in the Sebastopol Hills.
It’s a lovely, modern space, with cozy sofas, walls of glass to welcome in vineyard views, and an inviting deck to lounge over glasses of five different Pinot Noirs, a Chardonnay and a rosé of Pinot Noir.
Find your favorites, then snap up some bottles to squirrel away home — production ranges from just four barrels to 46 barrels, and stock sells out fast.
After sipping, stroll the property to feel like you’re worlds away in your own quiet, rural retreat.
2109 Sanders Road, Sebastopol, 707-827-3874, kanzlervineyards.com
The wines are as unforgettable as the stories behind them. Whether you're exploring the sleek tasting room at Amapola Creek, savoring small-batch wines at Emmitt-Scorsone, or enjoying a peaceful retreat at Kanzler Estate, these family-owned wineries offer an experience like no other. So why wait? Mark your calendar and make sure to visit these gems in Sonoma County next year.
Cheers to new adventures in wine tasting!
