Wine Road Northern Sonoma County
What is the Wine Road?
A winery association representing nearly 140 winery members and 30 associate lodging members.
When was the Wine Road formed?
We were formed as the Russian River Wine Road in 1976. Our name was updated to Wine Road Northern Sonoma County in 2008.
The name says, Northern Sonoma County – what does that include?
We represent Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys.
What if my tasting room is within one of the three AVAs listed, but my wines are all from out of the area? Can I still join?
At least one of of your wines must be from grapes grown within Alexander, Dry Creek or Russian River valleys in order to qualify for Wine Road membership. This must be confirmed every year when it is time to renew your membership. We do not allow members to promote wines from out of these 3 AVAs during Wine Road events, on our social media platforms, within the website or on our “new release” pages.
When can a winery or lodging apply for membership?
Anytime – the application is online (below). The Wine Road membership committee reviews applications at the beginning of April, June, and September. Once approved, a new winery or lodging is sent a welcome email.
How do I apply?
Please print out the entire application form (below). Complete and sign all forms and submit the application along with your check. Application sent in with missing information will be returned.
How much does it cost per year?
$900 for a winery.
$1800 for a co-op tasting room, representing multiple wineries.
$500 for a lodging property.
Does a winery need to have a tasting room to be a member?
YES – with an 02 ABC license to be open to the public and the proper USE Permits from Sonoma County.
What about wine shops, temporary tasting rooms, farmers markets, farms, liquor stores, wine tasting bars – can they join?
No, these businesses would not qualify for membership.
I have a vacation rental and am interested in being a lodging member of the Wine Road.
Per our bylaws Vacation Rentals do not qualify for membership.
Is there a limit to the number of rooms required for a B&B to apply for membership? Yes, a Bed & Breakfast must have a minimum of 4 guest rooms to apply for membership.