Top 5 Dry Creek rd. Wineries

They make some of the best single-vineyard Pinot Noirs -- all consistently rated as outstanding. And the tasting room staff are fun, engaging, and knowledgeable.

Lambert Bridge places emphasis on high-quality, small production wines that are food-friendly and meant to be enjoyed in good company. With a great garden area for picnicking, and friendly staff, you'll want to spent some time relaxing here. The snobbery levels are low and the enjoyment is high.

David Coffaro Estate Vineyard is dedicated to making premium wines at a fair price. They have a broad selection of wines, and a unique "futures" program that is very popular with their fans. They're low key, unpretentious, and laid back. Nothing fancy - just great wine made by great people.

Mostly known for their quality Zinfandel, Mauritson produces some great Sonoma-based wines. They take the best fruit from their 230 acres of estate vineyards and use it to produce great wines that are very fairly priced. Most are between $20-30. Their Cabernet is only $37 - a steal for the price and location!

Frick Winery is a one man winery creating Viognier, Syrah, Cinsaut, Merlot, Carignane, Grenache, Grenache Blanc and Counoise from hillside vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County using traditional, artisanal methods highlighting the intensity and character of the varietals produced. Prices are fair, and you'll find a number of unique varietals at this hidden gem of a winery, located at the end of a dead-end road. They produce only 1400 cases from the 7.7 acres of land, and the attention to detail shines through in the quality.

Founded in 2002 in Sonoma County, Arista Winery focuses on Pinot Noir with many small offerings, each an expression of an outstanding local vineyard. Above all, they are devoted to the potential of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley.