Matanzas Creek Winery, Sonoma County

Located in the Bennett Valley, Matanzas Creek Winery is truly breathtaking. The sprawling grounds, including a lavender field that they actually make soaps and home products from each harvest, are reason alone to make the trip. We loved tasting our wine outdoors, but their modern and sleek tasting room is just as picturesque with incredible views of the gardens and lush landscape surrounding the winery.

Matanzas Creek Winery made its name producing sauvignon blanc and merlot, which is fairly unique in Sonoma County. Most wineries in this region are known for their Burgundian varietals (chardonnay and pinot noir, like La Crema!). Go for the chance to try something outside of the norm, and truly spectacular at that. We recommend their “comparative tasting” experience to try out the same grape varietals grown in different areas.

Our favorite white was the Bennett Valley sauvignon blanc—light and layered with notes of tree fruit, citrus and basil. We’ve never tasted anything like it, and can’t help but wonder if the lavender plays a part in its beautiful fragrance and palate. The Jackson Park Vineyard merlot was another winner, with single-vineyard production from grapes grown on the Matanzas property. We loved the jammy blueberry palate balanced by notes of spicy Mexican hot chocolate and black pepper. A treat!

Be sure to take a stroll around the grounds after your tasting. You’ll find majestic old growth California oaks adjacent to the tasting room, bright poppies bursting with color and if the timing is right, the fragrant lavender field in full bloom.

Get in Touch

Learn more about Matanzas and schedule a tasting here.