Bennett Valley · Sonoma County · Santa Rosa
Matanzas Creek Winery
Famous lavender fields and excellent wines.
4.6(259)
Rate this winery
Known forSauvignon BlancMerlotLavender GardensPicnic AreaKid-FriendlyDog-Friendly
About Matanzas Creek Winery
Matanzas Creek Winery, established in 1977, is renowned for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, which flourish in the temperate climate of Sonoma County. The winery is also celebrated for its stunning lavender gardens, providing a picturesque backdrop for wine tastings that immerse visitors in the beauty of the estate and the quality of its sustainably-farmed wines.
Why Visit Matanzas Creek Winery
The aromatic allure of Matanzas Creek’s lavender gardens sets this winery apart, inviting visitors to indulge in a sensory escape. Picture the vibrant hues of purple blossoms swaying gently in the breeze as you sip on their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that truly captures the essence of Sonoma County. One sip transports you to sun-drenched vineyards, where the anticipation of each taste unfolds into a delightful 'wow' moment.
- Famous for its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, Matanzas Creek captures the unique terroir of Sonoma County.
- The stunning lavender gardens provide a picturesque backdrop that enhances the tasting experience.
- The winery has played a significant role in the establishment of the Bennett Valley AVA, contributing to the region's wine heritage.
- Visitors can enjoy unique tasting formats, including access to older vintages during the Cellar Selection Tasting.
- Dog and kid-friendly amenities make it an ideal spot for families and pet owners.
The Setting
A striking contrast to the rolling hills around it, Matanzas Creek features an enchanting expanse of lavender that draws the eye upon arrival. The bright purple fields stretch toward the horizon, with the winery’s rustic architecture blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. Visitors can unwind on the patio, taking in views of the surrounding vineyards and the lush gardens, where the fragrant scent of lavender fills the air, creating a serene environment for relaxation and enjoyment.
The Tasting Experience
During an Estate Tasting, guests are treated to a thoughtfully curated selection of six wines, including the winery's celebrated Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the sound of laughter and conversation echoing among the tables set among the lavender. For those seeking a deeper exploration, the Cellar Selection Tasting offers older vintages that showcase the winery's evolution and craftsmanship, where each sip reveals layers of complexity developed over time. Alternatively, the Picnic & Bottle Service invites visitors to enjoy their favorite wines at reserved tables, encouraging outside food to complement the experience, all while surrounded by the beauty of the estate.
Tasting Experiences
Picnic & Bottle Service
$25Reserved picnic table for up to two hours. Outside food encouraged. Table fee refundable with bottle purchase.
Estate Tasting
$35Six-wine tasting featuring a selection of white and red wines. Tasting fee waived with club membership or two-bottle purchase.
Cellar Selection Tasting
$55Older vintages that have developed incredible flavors over time.
Wine List (23)
| Wine | Type | Vintage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 Knights Valley Malbec Our Malbec grows in Knights Valley, a tea cup-shaped area between Napa and Alexander Valleys. It is surrounded by mountains, which keeps mornings cooler and warm days longer, producing high-color reds with forward structure. | Malbec | 2022 | $70 | |
2017 Jackson Park Vineyard Merlot Seductive and elegant, savory tannins with ageworthy acidity. | Merlot | 2017 | $80 | |
2018 Bennett Valley Merlot Intense aromatics of blue fruit comingle with floral notes and a hint of black cardamom. | Merlot | 2018 | $60 | |
2021 Keyes Vineyard Merlot 100% Merlot sourced from the historic Keyes Vineyard located in Howell Mountain - one of Napa Valley's most prestigious hillside AVAs. | Merlot | 2021 | $85 | |
2022 Alexander Valley Merlot Violets, marionberry and an abundance of fresh plums aromas that has a sweetness and is tart at the same time. | Merlot | 2022 | $50 | |
2022 Field Stone Vineyard Petite Sirah From an ancient vineyard, dry farmed in Alexander Valley, this wine is a relic of the past. Planted in 1894, the vines are still going strong. Our second vintage of this wine, it has aromas of plum, green peppercorn and coffee, with a medium-to-light mouthfeel. | Petite Sirah | 2022 | $75 | |
2021 Journey Pinot Noir Our Winemaker, Marcia Torres Forno, just produced and bottled our first ever Journey Pinot Noir. This is a 2021 vintage and now our second Pinot Noir that we are producing here at Matanzas Creek each year. | Pinot Noir | 2021 | $100 | |
2022 Sonoma County Pinot Noir Aromas of rose petals, blood orange and black tea are complimented by black currant and luxardo cherries on the palate. | Pinot Noir | 2022 | $80 | |
2018 Armoniza Red Blend This beautiful red blend consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 12% Malbec. Ripe blackberries, black cherry and ripe plum fill the glass. Perfect pairing for a summer barbeque with grilled ribeye or fried eggplant. | Red Blend | 2018 | $80 | |
2019 Journey Red Blend Black plum, leather and pomegranate overwhelm the palate in a symphony of flavors. | Red Blend | 2019 | $100 | |
2021 Desvelado Red Blend This beautiful red blend is made up of 59% Malbec and 41% Merlot. Soft, round mouthfeel with notes of licorice as good and plenty candy, baking spice, smoked bacon, tobacco and black cherry. | Red Blend | 2021 | $70 | |
2021 Encantadora Red Blend Squeezed blackberry, chocolate nibs and Bing cherry fill the aroma with a soft medium lingering tannins on the palate. | Red Blend | 2021 | $75 |
2022 Knights Valley Malbec
Our Malbec grows in Knights Valley, a tea cup-shaped area between Napa and Alexander Valleys. It is surrounded by mountains, which keeps mornings cooler and warm days longer, producing high-color reds with forward structure.
Malbec2022
2017 Jackson Park Vineyard Merlot
Seductive and elegant, savory tannins with ageworthy acidity.
Merlot2017
2018 Bennett Valley Merlot
Intense aromatics of blue fruit comingle with floral notes and a hint of black cardamom.
Merlot2018
2021 Keyes Vineyard Merlot
100% Merlot sourced from the historic Keyes Vineyard located in Howell Mountain - one of Napa Valley's most prestigious hillside AVAs.
Merlot2021
2022 Alexander Valley Merlot
Violets, marionberry and an abundance of fresh plums aromas that has a sweetness and is tart at the same time.
Merlot2022
2022 Field Stone Vineyard Petite Sirah
From an ancient vineyard, dry farmed in Alexander Valley, this wine is a relic of the past. Planted in 1894, the vines are still going strong. Our second vintage of this wine, it has aromas of plum, green peppercorn and coffee, with a medium-to-light mouthfeel.
Petite Sirah2022
2021 Journey Pinot Noir
Our Winemaker, Marcia Torres Forno, just produced and bottled our first ever Journey Pinot Noir. This is a 2021 vintage and now our second Pinot Noir that we are producing here at Matanzas Creek each year.
Pinot Noir2021
2022 Sonoma County Pinot Noir
Aromas of rose petals, blood orange and black tea are complimented by black currant and luxardo cherries on the palate.
Pinot Noir2022
2018 Armoniza Red Blend
This beautiful red blend consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 12% Malbec. Ripe blackberries, black cherry and ripe plum fill the glass. Perfect pairing for a summer barbeque with grilled ribeye or fried eggplant.
Red Blend2018
2019 Journey Red Blend
Black plum, leather and pomegranate overwhelm the palate in a symphony of flavors.
Red Blend2019
2021 Desvelado Red Blend
This beautiful red blend is made up of 59% Malbec and 41% Merlot. Soft, round mouthfeel with notes of licorice as good and plenty candy, baking spice, smoked bacon, tobacco and black cherry.
Red Blend2021
2021 Encantadora Red Blend
Squeezed blackberry, chocolate nibs and Bing cherry fill the aroma with a soft medium lingering tannins on the palate.
Red Blend2021
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