Personal wine tasting experience in Sonoma?

I am going to Sonoma for the first time 4th of July weekend. I was hoping to have a less-touristy wine tasting experience if possible. I wanted to do one or two good tours and two tastings. I was hoping to find smaller, less-known wineries although not compromise on quality. Any ideas? Do I need to make reservations soon?

Thank you!

Personal wine tasting experience in Sonoma?

Oh, my--if you weren%26#39;t going to be here during one of the very busiest times of yr., there would be no prob. experiencing a relaxed, ';no crowds'; tasting! That being said, there are plenty of small wineries, many family-operated in each of the appellations. Much has been written about them, so if you do a search for ';small wineries'; on the Sonoma Forum, you can read lots of suggestions. Also, plan to get out on the road first thing and arrive at your first stop right as they open (usually 10-11am, but check the indiv. winery). Where will you be staying and do you have a specific wine region (or favorite varietal) in mind? A very good site to investigate is www.wineroad.com as it covers wineries in the NW part of the Co. inc. Russian River, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek. For wineries in the Sonoma Valley: www.sonomavalleywine.com

Personal wine tasting experience in Sonoma?

Thanks Forestvillian! Great advice. I realize 4th of July will probably be difficult in terms of crowds! I read several discussions about small wineries. I am going with with a small group of people and staying near the historic Plaza in Sonoma. There are several different wine preferences so we are trying to taste a wide variety. It looks like there are some great small wineries that might be a little too far from us (ex. Paradise Ridge) since we only have a day. It seems that good choices might be Imagery, Bartholomew Park and Nicholson?

I can vouch for Nicholson Ranch. An excellent choice! Not only are there reds and whites good, but it is a beautiful place.

The secret to crowds - be there when the doors open.

Great. I also read that several people really enjoyed Cline. Would you recommend Nicholson Ranch over Cline if you had to pick one?

Unless they were abnormally busy when we went (10 a.m. on a Tuesday), I wouldn%26#39;t call Cline ';less-touristy.'; It%26#39;s good wine and our pourer was great, but I don%26#39;t think it fits your original criteria. But I%26#39;m no expert, so if I%26#39;m wrong I hope one of the real experts corrects me.

I have been to both Cline and Nicholson Ranch.

Nicholson Ranch has quality wines from local vineyards. Their wine does not have national distribution. They make chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, syrah, and pinot noir.

Cline is a nice place. Nostalgic. Pretty gardens. Not that far from Nicholson, but much closer to the town of Sonoma. Their wines are mass produced, has national distribution, many vineyards are outside of Napa and Sonoma counties. Their wines are inexpensive when not purchased at the tasting room. It is a fun place to visit, taste, and buy elsewhere.

If possible, both places deserve your time. If time permits only one visit, make it Nicholson Ranch!

Nicholson Ranch it is!

Thanks for everyone%26#39;s advice, it%26#39;s making planning this from New York much easier!

One other question: Would you see Bartholomew Park over Buena Vista?

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