InnRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.7 · 584
Farmhouse Inn
The original 1873 Farmhouse still houses guest rooms directly above the restaurant's kitchen.
Kid FriendlyWine LoversRomantic Getaway
★★★★★1.7 mi
Russian River Valley · Sonoma County · Forestville
Russian River Vineyards
Giovanni Balistreri, a fourth-generation farmer, runs this 1890s property.
4.6(321)
Known forPinot NoirLibrary TastingDog-FriendlyKid-FriendlyPicnic AreaHistoric Estate
About Russian River Vineyards
Russian River Vineyards, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, has a rich history dating back to the 1890s. Under the guidance of fourth-generation farmer Giovanni Balistreri, the winery emphasizes a hands-on, farming-first approach to winemaking, producing award-winning wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Visitors can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where the focus is on enjoying great wine and the beautiful surroundings.
Why Visit Russian River Vineyards
The Library Tasting pours rare aged reds from wines held back for collectors, priced at $75 for parties of two to six. It's a chance to taste what happens when Russian River Vineyards lets Pinot Noir rest beyond its typical release window, showcasing the cellaring potential of estate fruit.
- Giovanni Balistreri is a fourth-generation farmer managing the property
- The 2023 Classic Pinot Noir blends fruit from multiple estate vineyards
- Wine Tasting Flight is $20 for groups of 1-12 outdoors
- Library Tasting ($75) pours rare aged reds with prepaid reservation
- Vineyards date back to the 1890s in the Russian River Valley
The Setting
Russian River Vineyards sits on land first planted in the 1890s, in the center of the Russian River Valley appellation. The outdoor tasting area hosts groups from single visitors to parties of twelve. Tables overlook vineyards managed with a farming-first philosophy that prioritizes hands-on cultivation over winemaking flourish.
The Tasting Experience
The Wine Tasting Flight costs $20 and features estate selections poured outdoors. Staff emphasize the fourth-generation farming background that shapes the winemaking here — vines are managed with a focus on terroir expression rather than cellar intervention. The Library Tasting, at $75 with prepaid reservation required, showcases aged reds from the collection, wines that have been held back to demonstrate how the estate fruit evolves.
The Tasting
Tasting experiences.
Prices and availability are approximate and may not reflect current offerings.
Wine Tasting Flight
$20Enjoy a selection of wines from our estate in a comfortable outdoor tasting area. Perfect for groups of 1-12 people.
Reservation Required
Library Tasting
$75Sample red wines from our Library Collection, featuring our most rare and collectible wines that are perfectly aged. Suitable for parties of 2-6 with pre-paid reservations required.
Reservation Required
The Pour
$67$67$67$57$47
Wine list. (12)
Prices are approximate and may not reflect current offerings.
| Wine | Type | Vintage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon | Hitchcock Vineyard This Cabernet Sauvignon is a balanced, full-bodied red featuring inviting aromas of ripe blackberry and dark cherry mixed with subtle notes of cocoa. | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2022 | $67 | |
2022 Pinot Noir | Bacigalupi Vineyards This wine presents a smooth, velvety texture that gracefully coats the palate. | Pinot Noir | 2022 | $67 | |
2022 Pinot Noir | Horseridge Vineyard This terroir-driven Pinot Noir marries vibrant fruit with subtle oak, creating a luscious yet structured wine. | Pinot Noir | 2022 | $67 | |
2022 Pinot Noir | Santino's Pinot Noir This Pinot Noir is a beautiful expression of its terroir, where the prominent oak influence complements the delicate structure of the wine. | Pinot Noir | 2022 | $57 | |
2023 Pinot Noir | Classic Cuvée A harmonious blend of Pinot Noir that captures the true essence of the Russian River Valley, this wine has become our most popular offering. | Pinot Noir | 2023 | $47 |
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon | Hitchcock Vineyard
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a balanced, full-bodied red featuring inviting aromas of ripe blackberry and dark cherry mixed with subtle notes of cocoa.
Cabernet Sauvignon2022
2022 Pinot Noir | Bacigalupi Vineyards
This wine presents a smooth, velvety texture that gracefully coats the palate.
Pinot Noir2022
2022 Pinot Noir | Horseridge Vineyard
This terroir-driven Pinot Noir marries vibrant fruit with subtle oak, creating a luscious yet structured wine.
Pinot Noir2022
2022 Pinot Noir | Santino's Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir is a beautiful expression of its terroir, where the prominent oak influence complements the delicate structure of the wine.
Pinot Noir2022
2023 Pinot Noir | Classic Cuvée
A harmonious blend of Pinot Noir that captures the true essence of the Russian River Valley, this wine has become our most popular offering.
Pinot Noir2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay Nearby
View allInn
ResortRussian River Valley · Sonoma4.3 · 269
River Bend Resort
River Bend Resort in Forestville puts cabins, RV hookups, and tent sites between towering redwoods and a private beach.
Dog OKKid FriendlyWine EnthusiastsNature Lovers
★★4.2 mi
Drive Times
From Sonoma hotels.
Estimated drive time from each hotel to Russian River Vineyards, ordered by proximity.
| Hotel | Drive | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Farmhouse Inn | ~4 min | Book |
| Hotel Healdsburg | ~19 min | Book |
| Montage Healdsburg | ~24 min | Book |
| The Lodge at Bodega Bay | ~24 min | Book |
| Olea Hotel | ~38 min | Book |
| Cottage Inn & Spa | ~48 min | 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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