One of the biggest wine industry trends in recent years has been the move towards more sustainable, biodynamic farming and production. The movement is especially palpable in Sonoma County, one of the leading U.S. regions for these “minimalist” wines. This guide explores where to find natural Sonoma wine, spotlighting both established and up-and-coming county favorites.
Jump to:
- What is Natural Wine?
- Natural Sonoma Wine: Vineyards and Tasting Rooms
- Pax (Sebastopol)
- Horse & Plow (Sebastopol)
- Littorai (Sebastopol)
- Small Vines (Sebastopol)
- Ryme Cellars (Forestville)
- Arnot-Roberts (Healdsburg)
- Idlewild (Healdsburg)
- Ruth Lewandowski (Healdsburg)
- Reeve (Healdsburg)
What is Natural Wine?
The term natural wine can refer to a range of farming and production methods, which are all considered “minimal intervention.”
You may hear terms like “biodynamic,” “sustainable,” “regenerative farming,” and “organic” all applied to natural wines. However, the crux is that organic grapes are farmed without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Vineyards labeled “biodynamic” also go one step beyond just “organic.” Besides not using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, they also prioritize sustainable farming practices, emphasizing soil health, water conservation, native yeasts, and perhaps even adjusting harvests and varietals to meet changing climates.
As a result, organic and biodynamic wines have no additives, preservatives, or other unnatural components. Wines may also have a little “funk” to them, thanks to higher acidity and the naturally-occurring yeasts that remain in the finished product.
And while this style of winemaking has been around for millennia, natural wines are seeing a massive resurgence, with health- and environmentally-conscious consumers driving the growth with their wallets.
Another byproduct of the farming and harvesting methods required is that natural wines typically derive from smaller, family-run farms. Optically, this provides an added “authenticity” that also resonates with many of today’s consumers.
Natural Sonoma Wine: Vineyards and Tasting Rooms
Being at the forefront of the movement, you’ll find natural vineyards and tasting rooms throughout Sonoma County.
We share our personal favorites below, organized geographically from south to north to help you plan your own personal wine trail.
Pax (Sebastopol)
Pax Wines has been one of the originators of the natural Sonoma wine movement, promoting minimal intervention since 2000.
Their organic grapes come from biodynamic soil, with only native yeasts used in the fermentation process.
After years establishing a name for itself, Pax moved its tasting room into Sebastopol’s trendy Barlow district. Today, comfy overstuffed couches and a breezy indoor/outdoor space invite you to post up for a while. Learn more.
Horse & Plow (Sebastopol)
Located outside of Sebastopol proper, towards Graton, is Horse & Plow. Their tasting room is, in fact, a barn, with a bucolic wildflower-laden property that belies the fact that it’s just off Highway 116.
Horse & Plow isn’t limited just to wine – they also serve a range of ciders, pressed with organic apples that are as sustainably farmed as their organic grapes.
You can also purchase charcuterie and snacks, and extend your stay lounging in their comfortable indoor/outdoor space. Learn more.
Littorai Winery (Sebastopol)
The winemakers behind Littorai have seen both sides, being part of conventional farming for two decades before recognizing their desire to transition to a more sustainable, regenerative approach.
Nowadays, they prioritize a “healing relationship” with the land around them, producing small-batch vintages of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, among others. Learn more.
Small Vines (Sebastopol)
This small, family-run vineyard is also one of our family’s personal favorites.
Paul and Kathryn Sloan grow and harvest their grapes in the traditional Old World style, using small vines with European spacing between them. The result is a smaller yield, but the highest-quality grapes.
The Sloans describe their approach as “hands-off winemaking,” using both natural yeasts and acids, along with minimal intervention.
Wines at Small Vines are more expensive than other vineyards on this list, but the vintages are a perfect representation of “you get what you pay for.” Plus, the setting (with airy floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking rolling hills) is exquisite. Learn more.
Ryme Cellars (Forestville)
This charming, rustic chic tasting room is tucked down a quiet country lane outside of Forestville. But don’t let the unassuming environs fool you – Ryme has been producing crisp natural wines for nearly 20 years.
With both organic and sustainable farming practices, Ryme leans more towards European styles, cultivating Vermentino, Aglianico, Grenache, Rose, and more. A visit to Ryme is always a treat. Learn more.
Arnot-Roberts (Healdsburg)
Arnot-Roberts has been around since 2001, but it’s currently their time in the spotlight, being on the lips of (what feels like) every sommelier in town.
They source from a series of vineyards throughout the region, but ensure that the viticulture methods of each are either organic, sustainable, or both.
Arnot-Roberts pours a wide variety of whites, reds, and roses – you’re bound to find one you like here. They also dabble in more “funky” wines, a trend that, while not our personal preference, is very much en vogue in the industry right now. Learn more.
Idlewild (Healdsburg)
With a personal affinity for Piedmont-style wines, Idlewild remains another family favorite.
They apply a regenerative approach to northern Italian varietals, offering about as close to an authentic Piedmont education as you can get, without needing a passport.
The tasting menu rotates, but you’ll find everything from familiar names like Nebbiolo and Barbera, to the lesser-known Grignolino, Freisa, Brachetto, and Timorasso.
Their tasting room is just off Healdsburg Plaza, and also has a fun Italian provision shop next door retailing artisan foods and gifts. Learn more.
Ruth Lewandowski (Healdsburg)
Healdsburg gives you two-for-the-price-of-one, with Ruth Lewandowski sharing space with Idlewild (above). If you want natural Sonoma wine but are looking for more variety than just northern Italian styles, you’ll find it here.
Lewandowski practices holistic farming towards a wide range of whites and reds, including Riesling, Grenache Gris, Rose, Sangiovese, and various blends. Learn more.
Reeve (Healdsburg)
The setting doesn’t get much more peaceful than Reeve, set back on a long tree-lined lane off Dry Creek Road. The winemakers behind Reeve are well-established in the region, having founded Banshee in 2008 before transitioning to their latest project.
Reeve only sources grapes from responsible single-origin vineyards, with a choice few organic, biodynamic, and even “beyond organic” (going beyond certification levels) farms powering their Chardonnays, Rieslings, Pinots, and Sangioveses.
On the weekends, you might even snag a complimentary pizza from their on-site pizza oven. Learn more.