With little effort, visitors can take advantage of dozens of tasting options right on the historic Sonoma Plaza.  Boasting eight acres of green space dotted with trees, picnic benches, a duck pond, and fountain the Plaza is a beloved open space right in the middle of town. Work your way around the eclectic mix of tasting rooms. A few of our favorites are listed below and we encourage you to try these and also seek out the other hidden – and not so hidden – gems.

Ledson Winery’s Zina Lounge

Located in Sonoma’s Ledson Hotel, the Zina Lounge is the epitome of classic elegance. This unique gem on the Plaza offers a rare opportunity to explore three exceptional wine labels all under one roof: Zina Hyde Cunningham, Ledson Winery and Vineyards, and the Mountain Terraces label. At Ledson, the belief is that great wines begin in the vineyard, where a dedication to unique and meticulous farming techniques sets the foundation for excellence. General Manager, Brandon Garcia says that his commitment extends into the winemaking process, resulting in wines that beautifully capture the essence of terroir and a true sense of place. “What truly sets Ledson apart is our passion for providing not just one standout varietal, but a collection of wines that each tell a story of their origins and craftsmanship.” The knowledgeable staff is available to provide a memorable tasting journey, offering insights into the distinctive qualities of each label. Part of the experience at Ledson Hotel and Zina Lounge is enjoying these phenomenal wines in the lobby of the beautiful and intimate six-room, family-owned hotel, which takes you back to another era.

Corner 103

Opened in April 2015, Corner 103 was recently ranked in the top 10 in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice awards for the second year in a row – the only Napa or Sonoma winery to be awarded this distinction. Sourcing grapes from 12 vineyards located throughout Sonoma County, Corner 103 is best known for its Sparkling Rosé, Chardonnay, and Corner Cuvée, a four varietal blend that varies each year with a majority (60%) of the grapes being Merlot based. The downtown Sonoma tasting room is centrally located and provides a comfortable ambiance where guests can enjoy the award-winning wines (multiple gold medals and consistently ranked in the top ten best tasting rooms) while learning from the friendly and knowledgeable team in a non-intimidating way. Each of the seated tasting experiences is one-on-one and reservations are limited to keep the space feeling intimate yet unpretentious. A food pairing is also on the menu and is a perfect addition to a relaxed and approachable wine tasting experience at this beautiful Plaza tasting room.

Kamen Estate Wines

After celebrating the sale of his first screenplay in 1979, Robert Mark Kamen came to Sonoma to celebrate with friends. His visit ended with the impulsive purchase of 300 acres of wild, untouched, mountainside property now the home of Kamen Estate Wines. Kamen is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which was the first variety planted on the property in 1980 using cuttings of the Martini clone from the nearby and historic Monte Rosso vineyard. Also notable, Kamen was one of the first vineyards in California to be certified organic and has maintained that commitment for over 40 years. One of the first downtown Sonoma tasting rooms to offer a luxury wine experience, Kamen hosts an approachable and unpretentious exploration of serious, world-class wine. The modern and inviting tasting room is open daily for guests to experience a changing selection of limited production wines. A tasting bar is open to walk-in visitors for a tasting flight, or seated reservations allow for guests to indulge in a more immersive experience. The incredibly warm and educated staff take guests through a unique journey of the man who wrote Karate Kid and then found accidental success as a vintner. The story is as remarkable and authentic as the wines.

Moon Hollow Estate Wines

New to the Sonoma Plaza, Moon Hollow Wines is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and its friendly, downtown tasting room. Selling wine by the glass or bottle, the inviting staff welcomes guests to the comfortable space. Sourcing its grapes from atop Gehricke Road in the Moon Mountain district AVA, the vineyard was replanted from scratch in 2011. Today, the vineyard carries on the legacy of Cab, which is well suited to the volcanic soil as well as the history of the vineyard. Elsewhere, Moon Hollow grows Sauvignon Blanc of which just 300 cases are made each year.  Similarly, another tiny vineyard produces about 400 cases of Grenache per year. Carrying on a tradition is as important to Moon Hollow as is being a part of the community.  A visit to the tasting room showcases simple yet eclectic décor where fake sheep greet visitors each day.

Capo Isetta

A long and distinguished wine making heritage defines the Isetta family, where Giacomo Isetta first excelled as a cooper. Generations after “Nonno” lovingly hand-crafted wine barrels, others in the family worked in various wine-making endeavors throughout the state. Today the wines, including a Red Blend, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, and a Rose, are all driven by outstanding vineyards located in the northern part of Sonoma Valley. The downtown tasting room is a reflection of the family legacy, their mark on the industry, and commitment to the local community. The family-friendly space is open until 9PM and brings outstanding hospitality, exceptional wines from local farmers, small bites and good cheer. Watch the game on the large screen TV while enjoying a glass of wine. A barrel room is also available for business off-sites or team-building events. Whatever your fancy, at Capo Isetta, you are family.

Caddis Wines

Explore the rich, complex flavors of expertly crafted wines from Caddis. Winemaker and owner Chris Sorensen is dedicated to producing small-batch, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique character and terroir of both the Sonoma Valley and Livermore Valley. His wines are known for their balance, complexity, and expression, and they are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts all over the world. Chris is also committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, and he works closely with local grape growers to source the finest grapes and implement eco-friendly practices at the winery. The Sonoma Plaza tasting room has become more than just a space to savor these exquisite wines; it’s a warm and inviting haven for wine enthusiasts.
Note: Chris's love of fly fishing has also inspired the name and branding of Caddis Wines, which is named after the caddisfly, a delicate insect found in the streams and rivers of Sonoma Valley.

Whether you’re spending a few days in Sonoma or just a couple of hours, the Plaza tasting rooms are not to be missed.