Russian River Valley Wineries

Sonoma-Cutrer is dedicated to the pursuit of original expression in our wines. Each wine reflects its regional and seasonal climate, its specific vineyard character – its “terroir”. From the very first vintage of Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay to the limited production of our world-class Pinot Noir, this dedication has taken root and continues to grow. Our “Grand Cru” philosophy is a unique assimilation of traditional Burgundian winemaking methods and our own technological innovation. It’s a perfect balance of tradition and discovery, bringing forth noble wines that express a sense of place, vintage after vintage.

Founded as a vineyard company in 1973, Sonoma-Cutrer’s foundation was built upon a selection of several key vineyard properties in the marginal bench lands, hillsides and rocky foothills in what later became recognized as the Sonoma Coast Appellation – an area with long, even growing seasons due to the cool and foggy coastal climate. Ground was broken for a new winery in 1981. Over the next several years, a winery that is the envy of the industry was constructed at the Cutrer Vineyard, home base for the vineyard operation. Sonoma-Cutrer built prototype sorting tables and cooling tunnels to preserve the highest-quality grapes. In addition, Sonoma-Cutrer was one of the first wineries in California to use membrane presses to crush whole clusters of grapes and to construct a temperature- and humidity-controlled cave-like cellar for barrel aging. No expense is spared in the production of the wine.

Today, Sonoma-Cutrer’s flagship wine, Russian River Ranches, is the top selling Chardonnay in America’s finest restaurants according to the annual Wine & Spirits magazine. For many wine consumers, the name Sonoma-Cutrer is synonymous with superb Chardonnay. We are looking forward to your visit so you can experience our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir where they are created.

Ticket to the Wine Road Offer: Complimentary Tasting and 15% discount

Sunce, established in 1991, is located just off of River Road on Olivet Road in the heart of the Russian River Valley. A small untra-premuim winery producing small lots of rare varietals, vineyard designates and classic blends. Quality is preferred over quantity; each release is limited, sometimes to 200 cases or less and many are pre-sold through barrel futures.

Sunce Winery, meaning “sun” in Serbo-Croatian, is located on one of the oldest roads in Sonoma County. Where olive trees once dominated the landscape, century old head pruned vines now quietly assert their beauty. Nestled in this serene environment, Sunce Winery provides a tranquil, romantic, yet down-to-earth atmosphere. Enjoy a picnic on the deck and play a game or two of bocce ball. Stroll the estate Pinot Noir Vineyard and if you see Frane (the wine maker) hanging around ask him to take you to his barrels.

Open daily 10:30 am – 5 pm.

Ticket to the Wine Road Offer:
Complimentary Tasting with Croatian-born Winemaker Frane Franicevic,
Call ahead for a reservation–at least 24 hours.