Russian River Valley & Green Valley Appellation Wine Trail

The Russian River Valley and its sub AVA, the Green Valley, are widely recognized as a premiere growing area for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Foggy mornings, warm afternoons, and a cool evening breeze from the Pacific Ocean make the ideal climate for these grapes in this area. Although you will find Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the focus, these wineries produce other fine wines such as Syrah, Zinfandel and Gewürztraminer.

Winery Descriptions, Driving directions, Tasting Rm Hrs, Contact Information

If you are traveling from San Francisco, take the Cotati /Sebastopol Exit from Highway 101 and head west on Highway 116 towards Sebastopol. Two good places to stop and pick up a picnic lunch are the Whole Foods in downtown Sebastopol and the Fiesta Market further north on Highway 116 at 550 Gravestein HWY.

Watch for Occidental Road and turn right onto Occidental Road and travel one mile to the tasting room for Balletto Vineyards.

Balletto Vineyards
The tasting room is very appealing and was completed in January of 2006. The winery is owned and operated by John Balletto and his wife Terri. John has been farming this land since 1977 when he was a mere 17 years old.  Originally, an assortment of vegetables were grown on the farm, but as the area became recognized as a prime growing region for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, John and Terri gradually shifted from vegetable growers to grape growers.  Today the majority of their grapes are sold off to several wineries, but the best of the crop is used to make the Balletto wines. Case production is currently at 5000 cases per year with plans to expand to as many as 30,000 cases per year. The Zinfandel and Pinot Noir topped our list of favorite wines at Belletto Vineyards. At the price range of $12 to $24 a bottle, the Balletto wines are excellent value wines.

Tasting room open daily 10 to 4 pm.
Phone: (707) 568-2455; E-mail: info@ballettovineyards.com Balletto Vineyards

Dutton Goldfield Winery
Just north of Merry Edwards at the corner of Highway 116 and Graton Road is the Dutton Goldfield tasting room. The focus at Dutton Goldfield is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They produce small case allotments of single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from various prime vineyards in Sonoma Country as well as a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their Dutton Ranch property. The Dutton Ranch encompasses several small vineyards throughout the Green Valley AVA. The Dutton Goldfield Pinot Noirs are consistently ranked among the best Pinots in California. They also produce a small amount of Zinfandel and Syrah.

Tasting room open Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm
Phone: (707) 827-3600; E-mail: info@duttongoldfield.com Dutton Goldfield

Marimar Torres
After leaving Dutton Goldfield, head west on Graton Road. You will pass through the tiny town of Graton. Should you decide to eat at a restaurant the Underwood Bar & Bistro is not to be missed. This is where the local winemakers hang out. This is a very beautiful backroad drive surrounded by vineyards and old apple orchards. The winery is about 2 miles after leaving the town. Marimar entrance is on the right. Take the roadway up to the top of the hill. Blink and you will think you are in Spain's land of Catalan. The Marimar Torres family owns the Torres Winery in Spain near Barcelona. At this Graton winery, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced. This is a lovely spot and a most delightful place to enjoy a picnic lunch with an excellent glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Tasting room open daily, 11 to 4pm
Phone: (707) 823-4365; E-mail: marimar@marimarestate.com Marimar Estate

Lynmar Winery
To get to Lynmar Winery head back to the town of Graton and then cross Highway 116 to Frei Road and watch for the Lynmar Winery about three-quarters of a mile up the road.  In the fall of 2005, Lynmar opened this impressive and beautifully designed hospitality center.  Everything about this winery is elegant and first class. The tasting room is spacious and tasteful. Visitors to the tasting room can stand at the tasting bar facing a lovely view of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, or sit at tables to enjoy their flights of the delicious Lynmar wines. There are three different tiers of tastings availaable to visitors. Consult the Lynmar Website for your options and reservations.

Tasting room open daily 11 to 4 pm.
Phone: (707) 829-3374; E-mail: info@lynmarwinery.com Lynmar Vineyards

Iron Horse Vineyards
From Lynmar, go back to Highway 116 and turn right and travel two miles. The road to Iron Horse isl off the beaten track but the journey is well worth it. You will find the road to Iron Horse just before you come to the town of Forestville on Highway 116. Watch for Ross Station Road, turning left off 116. Ross Station Road will cross a bridge and then become a narrow road as it winds up the hill to the winery. Along the way, you will be treated to beautiful views of vineyards and, on top of the hill, a spectacular view of the Green Valley. Iron Horse produces several different lines of sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards in the Green Valley AVA. They also produce other varietals from their estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley, located approximately 15 miles northeast in a much hotter climate.

Tasting room open daily 10 to 3:30pm
Phone: (707) 887-1507; E-mail: joy@ironhorsevineyards.com Iron Horse Vineyards