7 Best Wineries in Dry Creek Valley (Wine Expert Picks)

Planning a trip to Sonoma wine country and looking to visit some of the best wineries in Dry Creek Valley? I’ve got you covered.

Dry Creek Valley may be small, but it’s home to more than 70 wineries. Many are still family-run and turning out seriously good Zinfandel, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Rhône, and Italian varieties.

As a certified wine expert and frequent wine country traveler, I’ve visited Dry Creek multiple times. From chatting with winemakers to sipping through vineyard dinners, I’ve gotten to experience the region in all kinds of ways.

In this guide, I’m sharing my top picks for wine tasting in Dry Creek Valley. Plus, helpful tips from my own visits so you can make the most of yours.

Unti Vineyards

If you’re into European-style wines, especially Italian and Rhône varieties, Unti Vineyards should be on your list. This was one of my favorite stops in Dry Creek Valley. The winery is small and family-run, with a focus on organically farmed grapes and traditional techniques.

I visited by appointment and tasted six wines in their cozy indoor space overlooking the vines. The tasting had a relaxed, educational feel. And they shared details about their winemaking process, like how they use stainless steel, concrete eggs, and a mix of barrel sizes to shape the wines.

Of course, they make Zinfandel. But if you’re looking for something a little different, this is a great place to explore. The lineup includes everything from Syrah to Sangiovese, and Mourvèdre to Barbera.

I loved that the tasting felt really personal. The wines were some of the most memorable of the trip. And I appreciated the chance to try so many lesser-seen varieties in one spot.

Unti Vineyards, 4202 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA

Nalle Winery

If you’re looking for small-production Zin in a casual setting, Nalle is a great pick. This family-owned spot has been making wine in Dry Creek Valley for generations. And it still feels like one of the area’s hidden gems.

You can taste through a flight of wines in their rustic outdoor space behind the cellar. It’s a small operation, and there’s a good chance you’ll be served by one of the Nalles themselves. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, with plenty of vineyard views.

Their Zinfandel style is what really stood out to me. It’s elegant and lighter than the bold, jammy versions you’ll find elsewhere. The 2019 vintage even landed a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. They also make Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, most of which are only available at the winery.

The winery’s cellar is built into a concrete arch with a living roof covered in greenery and soil. So, it stays naturally cool without needing energy, which is just one example of how they do things a little differently here.

Nalle Winery, 2383 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA

Ridge Vineyards

If you want top-notch Zinfandel with some of the most unique vineyard views, Ridge is one of the best stops in Dry Creek Valley. The Lytton Springs estate is home to some of the oldest vines in the region, up to 120 years. And the wines are just as impressive.

My visit started with a welcome pour of the Lytton Estate Rosé and a tour of the winery. They walked us through their process of fermenting vineyard blocks separately, blending together, and tasting blind. It was a fun, behind-the-scenes look at how they approach winemaking.

Tastings usually take place on their outdoor deck, which overlooks the gnarled old vines and surrounding hills. I sampled a mix of current releases and even got to try a 26-year-old Zinfandel that held up beautifully.

I appreciate that Ridge’s building is designed with sustainability in mind, using straw bales and vineyard clay for insulation and solar power for energy. And they list every ingredient on the label, along with suggested drinking windows. So, you know exactly what you’re drinking and when to open it.

Ridge Vineyards, 650 Lytton Springs Rd, Healdsburg, CA

DaVero Farms & Winery

You won’t find Cabernet or Chardonnay at DaVero. This biodynamic winery and farm focuses on Italian grape varieties like Sangiovese, Barbera, and Sagrantino.

DaVero was founded by Ridgely Evers (yes, the same one who created QuickBooks) and his wife Colleen, a chef. They originally planted olive trees. But after tasting a Sagrantino from Italy, Ridgely was inspired to plant it in Sonoma. He felt the Mediterranean climate made the region a natural fit for Italian varieties.

I was lucky enough to visit for a progressive dinner experience. We started with a glass of Sangiovese rosé in the tasting room, then made our way to the garden cottage, willow grove, and a long table under the vine-covered pergola. Each stop featured a thoughtful and delicious pairing, like salmon lollipops with Hawk Mountain Sangiovese and lamb chops with the standout 2016 Sagrantino.

Other favorites included the Malvasia Bianca with gougères (aka totally addictive cheese puffs) and a dessert of biscotti and chocolate-covered figs paired with Late Harvest Moscato. Between the wine, the food, and a quick stop to visit the piglets, it was one of the most memorable visits I’ve had in the area.

DaVero Farms & Winery, 766 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 

Dry Creek Vineyard

If you’re a Sauvignon Blanc lover, Dry Creek Vineyard should be high on your list. In the early 1970s, founder David Stare was the first to plant it in Dry Creek Valley. Inspired by the wines of the Loire Valley, he helped put both Sauvignon Blanc and the region itself on the map.

I did a tasting at the bar with a knowledgeable and friendly staff member who walked me through several different styles. I like that they offer both unoaked and oaked (Fumé Blanc) versions so you can see which you prefer. And they produce nearly ten different Zinfandels from various vineyard sites.

After the tasting, I wandered through their vineyard walk and insectary garden. There’s a second patio area and a chance to check out the vines growing bush-style. The ivy-covered buildings, big lawn, and shaded outdoor seating make it feel like a little oasis off the main road.

It’s a great choice if you want a mix of tradition and variety without needing a reservation. There’s also plenty of space to relax with a glass and enjoy the scenery.

Dry Creek Vineyard, 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd, Healdsburg, CA

Mazzocco Winery

Zinfandel fans will want to make room on their itinerary for Mazzocco. Located on Lytton Springs Road across from Ridge, they focus on single-vineyard Zins. During my tasting, I sampled a half dozen different versions, each one totally distinct.

The wines come from a variety of vineyard sites, from rocky hillside plots to loamy valley floors. Instead of blending them, Mazzocco bottles each vineyard separately. It was such a cool way to taste how the soil and location affect the flavor and structure of the wine.

The tasting room is spacious with cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the patio and blooming gardens. They also offer seasonal cellar tours for a behind-the-scenes look.

It’s a great place to dive deep into Zinfandel, but they also make other varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc if you’re looking to mix things up.

Mazzocco Winery, 1400 Lytton Springs Rd, Healdsburg, CA

Seghesio Family Vineyards

Just a few blocks from downtown Healdsburg, Seghesio is a great stop if you want to sip Zinfandel and Italian varieties in a relaxed setting.

The winery was founded in 1895 by Edoardo Seghesio, who emigrated from Piedmont to Northern Sonoma County. Seeing the land’s potential, he planted one of Italy’s most prized grape varieties: Sangiovese.  

Five generations later, they still harvest it from those original vines, along with old-vine Zinfandel across their 300 acres. Any Seghesio wines labeled “old vines” come from vineyards at least 50 years old, and some average closer to 75.

I visited their shady grove, where you can lounge under massive trees with a glass in hand. There’s a wine bar set up in an adorable Airstream-style trailer. And the whole space feels like a backyard hangout. You can also pop inside for a quick tasting at the bar or bring your own blanket and picnic.

Seghesio Family Vineyards, 700 Grove St, Healdsburg, CA

Dry Creek Valley Wine Tour

The wineries in Dry Creek Valley are close together, but I recommend hiring a driver so you can relax and focus on the wine. This private 6-hour wine tour lets you choose your own itinerary (or get help from your guide).

It includes private transportation in an SUV with pickup in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can taste at your own pace. Just note that tasting fees and lunch are separate.

🚌 Book the Dry Creek Valley Wine Tour

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Where to Stay in Dry Creek Valley

The town of Healdsburg is the best home base for exploring wineries in Dry Creek Valley.

Outside of being named by CNN as one of the nation’s most romantic small towns, Healdsburg’s charming town square is also filled with wine tasting rooms, shops, and excellent restaurants. And it’s just a short drive (or bike ride) to all the places above.

For a cozy inn that’s within walking distance of Healdsburg square, I recommend staying at The River Belle Inn. A delicious farm-to-table breakfast is included. And you can enjoy a glass of wine in their Adirondack chairs while taking in stunning views of the Russian River.

🏨 Book The River Belle Inn

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