Dry January, But Make It Dry Wine: Sip Sonoma County’s Best Without Sweet Compromises
January in wine country doesn’t have to mean white knuckles and abstinence. If your resolution is to “stay dry” but your heart (and palate) still craves a refined pour, Sonoma County’s best wineries have your back with an array of dry wines — from crisp whites to structured reds — that live up to the spirit of the season without the sugar. Here’s how our favorite Sonoma producers are celebrating Dry January with dry wines you’ll actually want to drink.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
At St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, a cornerstone of Sonoma winemaking for over 50 years, sustainability and vineyard diversity define the portfolio. Their estate vineyards produce classic varietals that are vinified dry, showcasing Sonoma’s terroir in every bottle. Expect dry expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc across their Classic, Reserve, and Artisan collections.
Whether you’re craving a mineral-bright Chardonnay or a structured, Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Francis offers plenty of dry options that are perfect for January sipping without sweetness.
Rodney Strong Vineyards
Rodney Strong Vineyards, a family-owned Sonoma icon since 1959, farms 14 estate vineyards throughout Sonoma County. Their portfolio spans all the key dry wine heroes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah.
Cold-climate sites like the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill give Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vibrant acidity, excellent for Dry January, while the warmer plots yield riper, layered Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. For those who love structure without sweetness, Rodney Strong’s dry reds and whites deliver the goods.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
At Francis Ford Coppola Winery, wine isn’t just a drink, it’s part of a sensory experience inspired by the winemaker’s artistic journey. While their website showcases the Diamond Collection and various themed series, Coppola’s portfolio includes dry table wines across classic Sonoma varieties.
Explore their dry Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Syrah, all rooted in appellations like Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma County that favor balanced, food-friendly styles. Even for Dry January, Coppola’s wines pair beautifully with winter dinners and introspective evenings by the fire.
Balletto Vineyards
In the heart of the Russian River Valley, Balletto Vineyards focuses on cool-climate favorites with crisp, balanced profiles. Their estate plantings are dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and they also produce a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, all traditionally vinified as dry wines.
Think crisp acidity, delicate aromatics, and pure fruit expression, perfect for Dry January pours that are lively, not heavy. A Balletto Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus and herbal notes is a particularly great choice for those easing into dry wines this year.
Paradise Ridge Winery
Paradise Ridge Winery’s estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley grow a broad range of classic varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all typically crafted into dry table wines.
Their tastings feature crisp whites alongside structured reds, giving you flexible flight options for a dry-themed day in Sonoma. Whether you prefer a cool-climate white with bright acidity or a rock-driven Cabernet, Paradise Ridge has something to keep your Dry January both vibrant and delicious.
Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery
Martin Ray Vineyards, established in the heart of the Russian River Valley, offers a lineup of classic California dry wines made from region-defining grapes. Their portfolio includes dry Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, reflecting the cool, fog-influenced terroir of the valley and beyond.
Whether your preference is a bright Chardonnay or a layered Cabernet, Martin Ray’s wines are rooted in Old-World influence with New-World character, great for those sticking to a “dry” theme this month.
Castello di Amorosa
And for something truly dry and completely alcohol-free, Castello di Amorosa has you covered with Libero, their non-alcoholic wine crafted for full flavor without the buzz. Thoughtfully made to mirror the structure and balance of traditional wine, Libero lets you stay committed to Dry January while still enjoying the ritual of a great pour.
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