HotelRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.8 · 52
Appellation Healdsburg
Chef Charlie Palmer's kitchen garden supplies the omelet bar, and the terrace suites open onto vineyards.
Dog OK*CouplesWine Enthusiasts
★★★★★3.0 mi
Dry Creek Valley · Sonoma County · Healdsburg
Dry Creek Vineyard
Founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, this family winery is among Sonoma's few remaining truly private operations.
4.8(293)
Known forZinfandelCabernetSauvignon BlancBordeaux BlendsVineyard StrollDog-Friendly
About Dry Creek Vineyard
Dry Creek Vineyard is one of the last truly private, family-owned wineries in Sonoma County, celebrated for its commitment to producing consistently high-quality wines, including renowned Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Sauvignon Blancs. Founded in 1972, the winery has a rich history and is dedicated to sustainable farming practices, with 100% of its vineyards certified sustainable. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and learn about the winery's legacy while tasting exceptional wines in the heart of Dry Creek Valley.
Why Visit Dry Creek Vineyard
The Zinfandels of Dry Creek Valley tasting pairs single-vineyard bottlings from across this region's heritage variety for $30. It's a rare chance to compare how different parcels within the same appellation shape Zinfandel's character, all poured by a family that's worked this land for over five decades.
- Founded 1972 by David S. Stare, now run by second generation
- Zinfandels of Dry Creek Valley tasting features single-vineyard bottlings ($30)
- Legacy in Large Format pours magnums including Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Chenin Blanc ($95)
- 100% of vineyards certified sustainable
- Bold Dreams experience starts where David Stare planted his first vines ($150)
The Setting
The History Wall greets visitors just inside, documenting five decades of winemaking since David S. Stare planted his first vines. Beyond it, the estate vineyard spreads across certified sustainable acreage, bordered by an insectary garden designed to support beneficial insects. The second-generation family still farms every row, maintaining 100% sustainable certification across all vineyard blocks.
The Tasting Experience
The Private Seated Tasting runs $30 and moves through reds and whites that reflect what the family calls their "no compromises" approach. For visitors drawn to whites, the White Wine & Rosé Flight lines up Sauvignon Blancs, Chenin Blanc, and Petite Zin Rosé for the same price. Those curious about large-format aging can book Legacy in Large Format for $95, held in the historic cellar where magnums of Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Old Vine Zinfandel, The Mariner, and Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon are poured.
The Tasting
Tasting experiences.
Prices and availability are approximate and may not reflect current offerings.
Private Seated Tasting
$30A relaxed, guided experience featuring a mix of red and white wines that embody our “no compromises” philosophy.
Reservation Required
White Wine & Rosé Flight
$30A bright, refreshing lineup showcasing our Sauvignon Blancs, Chenin Blanc and Petite Zin Rosé.
Reservation Required
Zinfandels of Dry Creek Valley
$30A deep dive into our region’s heritage variety expressed through single-vineyard bottlings.
Reservation Required
Bordeaux Varietals & Blends Tasting
$30A taste of our Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that capture the character of Dry Creek Valley.
Reservation Required
Vineyard Stroll & Tasting
$75Kick off your visit with a friendly introduction to Dry Creek Vineyard, starting at our History Wall before a leisurely stroll through our estate vineyard and insectary garden. Along the way, you’ll learn about how we farm, our sustainability efforts and a few lesser-known grape varieties. The experience wraps up with a seated tasting of limited-production wines, paired with local cheese and charcuterie, in a lively, shared setting.
Reservation Required
Legacy in Large Format
$95Experience the magic of magnums in our historic cellar this winter. Enjoy our Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Chenin Blanc, followed by Old Vine Zinfandel, The Mariner, Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon and VIP Selection 5-Barrel Cuvée — all poured from 1.5L bottles. Savor these rare wines with light bites in an intimate, limited-time tasting celebrating our family’s legacy.
Reservation Required
Bold Dreams: The Dry Creek Vineyard Story
$150This exclusive experience invites you to explore the vineyards where our story began and taste the wines that embody our family’s passion, grit and commitment. Weather permitting, this experience includes a tour of our estate vineyards via utility-terrain vehicle. In inclement weather, this experience will be altered accordingly.
Reservation Required
The Pour
$47$36$75$105$44$44$44$48$75$75$55$52$48$48$58$50$50$48$48$32$47
Wine list. (30)
Prices are approximate and may not reflect current offerings.
| Wine | Type | Vintage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 Cabernet Franc | Cabernet Franc | 2022 | $47 | |
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | $36 | |
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon "Iron Slopes" | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | $75 | |
2021 Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2021 | $105 | |
2022 Malbec | Malbec | 2022 | $44 | |
2021 Merlot | Merlot | 2021 | $44 | |
2021 Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah | Petite Sirah | 2021 | $44 | |
2022 Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | 2022 | $48 | |
2020 Meritage "Alluvial Gap" | Red Blend | 2020 | $75 | |
2021 Meritage "Benchland" | Red Blend | 2021 | $75 | |
2021 SeaQuelle Meritage | Red Blend | 2021 | $55 | |
2021 The Mariner | Red Blend | 2021 | $52 | |
2021 Farmhouse Vineyard Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2021 | $48 | |
2021 Four Clones Vineyard Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2021 | $48 | |
2021 Historic Blocks Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2021 | $58 | |
2021 Somers Ranch Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2021 | $50 | |
2021 Spencer's Hill Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2021 | $50 | |
2021 Vogensen Ranch Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2021 | $48 | |
2021 Wallace Ranch Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2021 | $48 | |
2022 Heritage Vines Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2022 | $32 | |
2022 Old Vine Zinfandel | Zinfandel | 2022 | $47 |
2022 Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc2022
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon2021
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon "Iron Slopes"
Cabernet Sauvignon2021
2021 Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon2021
2022 Malbec
Malbec2022
2021 Merlot
Merlot2021
2021 Spencer's Hill Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah2021
2022 Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir2022
2020 Meritage "Alluvial Gap"
Red Blend2020
2021 Meritage "Benchland"
Red Blend2021
2021 SeaQuelle Meritage
Red Blend2021
2021 The Mariner
Red Blend2021
2021 Farmhouse Vineyard Zinfandel
Zinfandel2021
2021 Four Clones Vineyard Zinfandel
Zinfandel2021
2021 Historic Blocks Zinfandel
Zinfandel2021
2021 Somers Ranch Zinfandel
Zinfandel2021
2021 Spencer's Hill Zinfandel
Zinfandel2021
2021 Vogensen Ranch Zinfandel
Zinfandel2021
2021 Wallace Ranch Zinfandel
Zinfandel2021
2022 Heritage Vines Zinfandel
Zinfandel2022
2022 Old Vine Zinfandel
Zinfandel2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay Nearby
View allHotel
HotelRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.5 · 396
Hotel Trio Healdsburg
Hotel Trio Healdsburg serves wine-paired dinners from the courtyard grill most evenings.
Kid FriendlyWine EnthusiastsCouples
★★★3.3 mi
Drive Times
From Sonoma hotels.
Estimated drive time from each hotel to Dry Creek Vineyard, ordered by proximity.
| Hotel | Drive | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Montage Healdsburg | ~10 min | Book |
| Hotel Healdsburg | ~11 min | Book |
| Farmhouse Inn | ~21 min | Book |
| The Lodge at Bodega Bay | ~45 min | Book |
| Olea Hotel | ~54 min | Book |
| Cottage Inn & Spa | ~1h 6m | Book |
Estimates based on straight-line distance with a wine-country routing factor. Actual drive times vary with traffic and route choice.
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