SONOMA COUNTY, CA—One of my favorite Sonoma County wineries is located about 2 miles west of U.S. 101 via River Road technically in the town of Windsor just north of Santa Rosa. You can’t miss the bright red hop barn sitting only a few yards off the highway. Here’s how things looked this morning when I stopped by for a visit.

Their tasting room could well be the setting for an old-fashioned movie romanticizing rural life, but this winery is the real deal.

The Martinelli family has been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1887, and successive generations have kept their immigrant ancestors’ dreams alive over the decades. 

On damp winter mornings, this corner wood stove keeps things toasty and warm.

They specialize in wines made from estate-grown grapes which include: Chardonnay, Muscat Alexandria, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Although you’ll have to ask to see them, the tasting room staff have samples of the different vineyard soils for visitors to examine. You always hear winemakers say “It’s all about the soil”. Different soils impart different flavors to wine grapes. I encourage you to smell the differences in these samples. It’s fascinating…

Especially pungent was the soil from Gold Ridge Hill vineyard.

The staff here (thank you Linda!) is very personable and friendly—and their wines are consistently excellent. Their tasting fee is an extremely reasonable $5. Each week their tasting menu generally features: 2 chardonnays, 2 Pinots, 1 Syrah, and 1 Zinfandel. 

Of special note is the 2009 Jackass Hill Muscat Alexandria which I tried today. I noted strong, almost electric flavors of spiced apple jelly and golden honey. I’m a big fan of dessert wines and this one is well-made and stands out from the crowd. Strong flavors with a full finish.

Update: Martinelli tasting room is undergoing the final phase of a good-looking tasting room remodel. Don’t worry, the traditional hop barn atmosphere will remain intact. It should be complete by next month.

If you’re heading to the Russian River area of Sonoma County, CA, this is a must-see winery. I’ve been here many times before and I keep coming back. Don’t miss it or you’re sure to have regrets once you return home.