World Famous Wineries Near Santa Rosa, California

September 11, 2025

One of the best parts of staying in Santa Rosa is how close you are to some of the world’s most iconic wineries. Within minutes—or a scenic drive through Sonoma and Napa Valley—you can be sipping on award-winning wines, strolling through lush gardens, or exploring a castle built for wine lovers. Here are four world-famous wineries worth adding to your itinerary:

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens

10 minutes from Santa Rosa

Known around the globe for its signature Chardonnay, Kendall-Jackson’s estate offers more than just acclaimed wines. Visitors can stroll through stunning culinary gardens, sip limited-production vintages, and enjoy food-and-wine pairings that highlight Sonoma County’s bounty. Beyond Chardonnay, their portfolio includes Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, each crafted with an emphasis on terroir and sustainability.

Pictured: Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens | 5007 Fulton Rd
Credit: Visit Santa Rosa
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

20 minutes from Santa Rosa

Framed by views of the Mayacamas Mountains, St. Francis Winery is celebrated for its bold, fruit-forward varietals—particularly Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Sonoma Valley tasting room pairs award-winning wines with sweeping vineyard landscapes, while their signature Wine & Food Pairing experience is a must-try. For something extra special, hop aboard the St. Francis Wine Trolley, a guided vineyard tour that lets you explore the estate’s beautiful grounds while sipping on their celebrated wines.

Pictured: St. Francis Winery & Vineyards | 100 Pythian Rd
Credit: St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Korbel Champagne Cellars

45 minutes from Santa Rosa

Located in the redwood-lined Russian River Valley, Korbel is one of California’s most historic wineries and world-renowned for its méthode champenoise sparkling wines. Visitors can tour the cellars, explore the on-site museum, and taste iconic sparkling varietals, including Brut, Rosé, and Blanc de Noirs. A picnic in the redwood grove with snacks from the on-site delicatessen makes for a quintessential Sonoma experience.

Pictured: Korbel Winery | 13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA
Credit: Visit Santa Rosa
Castello di Amorosa

1 hour 15 minutes from Santa Rosa

Step into old-world Europe at this authentically built, 13th-century-style Tuscan castle in Napa Valley. Beyond its jaw-dropping architecture, Castello di Amorosa is known for robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, as well as crisp whites such as Pinot Grigio. Guests can tour the castle, explore barrel rooms, and sip wines in a setting unlike any other in Wine Country.

Pictured: Castello di Amorosa | 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA
Credit: @sofi_photography_

Related Content:

Korbel Champagne Cellars
Visitors to the Korbel winery will experience a celebratory journey through our distinctive California champagne heritage. Surrounded by our circa-1882 buildings, you’ll witness the history that makes Korbel so unique. Complimentary public…
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
For over 50 years, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has crafted elegant, fruit-driven wines that showcase Sonoma's unique terroir. As a 100% certified sustainable producer, we are dedicated to preserving Sonoma…
Castello di Amorosa
After studying medieval architecture in Italy and Europe for 14 years, Dario Sattui formulated his plan to bring a slice of medieval Italy to the Napa Valley in the form of Castello…