Dry Creek Vineyard

You’ll be shocked to know this but… Dry Creek Vineyard? Their tasting room is in Dry Creek Valley!

We found DCV on our first trip up to Sonoma back around 2012. I was new to San Francisco and bought a “romantic weekend” Groupon package that included a few wine tastings, breakfast, and a stay at a local hotel. One of those wine tasting passes was for DCV; we joined their wine club that day and have never looked back.

While many of our currently favorite wineries specialize in a particular varietal, DCV has a wide range of options from Chenin and Fumé Blancs to Bordeaux-style blends like the Endeavor, which we drink a decade later each NYE. Over the years they’ve definitely experimented: I think there was a malbec once and there was a super tasty white dessert wine in 2013. Lately, they’ve released the Western Slopes Cabernet—which we bought several bottles of—and The Mariness—a Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend reminiscent of our time in Australia, though I definitely preferred the 2017 version.

Where they really shine, though, are the Zins. Zinfandel is a Dry Creek Valley favorite and DCV does it really well. I think they currently bottle nine different single vineyards, but our favorites are always the Spencer’s Hill Vineyard and the Beeson Ranch. Their Petite Zin Rosé is also a favorite of mine each summer.

DCV’s tasting options have also changed over the years. We’re used to the “pick four,” but the last time they went it was a set flight of six wines for $15. They also now offer farm tours, you can reserve their bocce court, and they regularly participate in Passport if that’s more your style. Just like their wine, they have a tasting option for everyone.