Sonoma County South

For those who can envision Sonoma County as a bunch of grapes, the southern part of the county is the anrrow tip of the bunch. To the south and west - out to the Pacific ocean - lies marin County, which separates Sonoma fron the San Francisco metropolitan area. To the east lies Napa County and a finger of Solano County along the Highway 37 corridor running toward Interstate 80 and Sacramento.

Visitors from San Francisco typically access southern Sonoma via Highway 101, which runs south-to-north through the area with the small city of Petaluma immediately to the west and the historic town of Sonoma several miles to the east. From the east bay, Sacramento and central Valley areas, travelers are most likely to arrive via Interstate 80 and state highway 12.

The major wine regions of aouthern Sonoma are Sonoma Valley and Carneros; both to the southeast toward the napa and Solano county borders. Sonoma Valley, also known as the Valley of the Moon, sits above Carneros and runs some 10 miles from the town of Sonoma northwest to Kenwood.

Carneros is immediately south of the town of Sonoma and spans the southern tips of both Sonoma and napa counties along the highway 12 corridor running between the towns of Sonoma and Napa.

Taste the Difference Biodynamic Farming Makes at Benziger Family Winery...

It's a simple strategy when you visit Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen: head straight for the kiosk to buy your tickets for the tram tour. You'll have time to wander around later, but first secure your spot on one of the must informative and interactive Wine Country tours.
At Benziger, the best way to experience this magical estate is on the tractor-pulled tram.

Benziger's first vintage was in 1981, and in 1993 the family sold its popular Glen Ellen brand to focus on the Benziger label exclusively. Over the years the benzigers have emerged as the leaders in Biodynamic farming, a multifaceted approach to agriculture that essentially allows nature to work its own wonders.

The tram tour guide will explain more about Biodynamics as you weave through the estate's 85 acres, of which 42 are planted to grapevines. The tour also makes stops at the estate's underground caves and in the cellar, where you'll sample a few of the winery's exclusive estate wines. After the tour, a taste of two more wines in the tasting room are included in the tour fee.

The Benziger's produce four tiers of wine, from the everyday Family Wines to Reserve, Single Vineyard and Estate wines. In the tasting room , choose from the $10 Vintner's Choice Tasting, a selection of wines from the first three tiers, or the $15reserve Tasting, featuring wines from the top three tiers.

You'll also get a sneak peek of a few wines from Benziger's sister winery, Imagery Estate. The tasting room has a fun selection of knick-knacks to browse as you enjoy your wine samples, and a separate room for Wine Club Members.

After you finish tasting, grab a bottle of your favorite Benziger wine, your picnic lunch and a table on the outdoor patio, and take pleasure in the sights and sounds of this gorgeus estate.

Benziger Family Winery is open daily from 10 am - 5 pm and located at 1883 London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen. www.benziger.com