Hawkes makes an easy stopover while you’re exploring the valley, and offers private barrel tastings in which guests sample straight from the oak and order 'futures' from a new vintage before the wine is bottled or released to the market. The single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is damn good, as is the Merlot; there’s also a clean-and-crisp Chardonnay. Bottles are $30 to $75.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Soda Rock Winery

1.14 MILES

Come to Soda Rock to behold Lord Snort, a 20,000lb metal boar sculpture displayed out front, and stay for the big Bordeaux varietals, including Cabernet…

2. Foley Sonoma

1.44 MILES

Wow, what a view from the hilltop concrete-and-glass tasting room at Foley Sonoma. Winemaker Courtney Foley specializes in Bordeaux varietals and blends,…

3. Hanna

2.6 MILES

Abutting oak-studded hills, Hanna’s tasting room has lovely vineyard views and good picnicking. At the bar, find estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec,…

4. Trentadue

3.54 MILES

Specializes in ports (ruby, not tawny); the chocolate port makes a great gift. The tour is good fun and includes tastes of sparkling and still wine as…

5. Francis Ford Coppola Winery

4.2 MILES

The famous movie director's vineyard estate is a self-described 'wine wonderland.' Taking over historic Chateau Souverain, this hillside winery has a bit…

7. Healdsburg Museum

5.02 MILES

Rotating exhibits include compelling installations on northern Sonoma County history, with an emphasis on Healdsburg. Pick up the walking-tour pamphlet.