4 Best Sights in Forestville, Napa and Sonoma

Pinot Noir lovers appreciate the subtle differences in the wines Hartford's team crafts from grapes grown in several Sonoma County AVAs, along with fruit from nearby Marin and Mendocino Counties and Oregon. The winery also produces highly rated Chardonnays and old-vine Zinfandels. If the weather's good, enjoy a flight on the patio outside the main winery building. At private library tastings, guests sip current and older vintages. All visits are by appointment; call ahead on the same day.

Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley and Humboldt County to the north are the strong suit of this winery sourcing from prestigious vineyards like Bucher and Hallberg Ranch. Owner-winemaker Adrian Manspeaker, a Humboldt native, spearheaded the foray into Pinot Noir grown in the coastal redwood country. His storefront tasting room in downtown Forestville (visits by appointment; walk-ins welcomed when possible) provides the opportunity to experience what's unique about the varietal's next Northern California frontier. Manspeaker also makes two Zinfandels; lighter wines include two Chardonnays, Pinot Gris, Vermentino, a sparkling Vermentino, and rosé of Pinot Noir. From spring to mid-fall, a private wine educator accompanies small parties on engaging vineyard tastings involving a tour or picnic lunch.

Live music on Fridays and weekends attracts an eclectic clientele to this winery specializing in single-vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs, but it's worth a stop anytime. In good weather, most guests enjoy tastings under pergolas, shade trees, and umbrellas as woodpeckers pilfer acorns from nearby oaks, caching their booty in the redwood roof of the property's hop-barn-style structure. The countrified setting has been known to induce "couch lock," causing patrons to while away hours sipping wine and nibbling on gourmet food boards, sandwiches, and salads (lunch is served daily). Some folks even settle in with a book, an option that wine service by the glass or bottle makes all the more tempting. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are usually welcome.

A former girlfriend bestowed the nickname "Wooden Head" on Nikolai Stez for his stubborn nature, but he's also got a sense of humor, resurrecting the name years later for his winery. The meticulous if idiosyncratic winemaker has an impeccable pedigree, having begun his education working harvests for Burt Williams of the acclaimed Williams Selyem Winery, eventually becoming assistant winemaker there. In 1999, he established Woodenhead. Pinot Noir and Zinfandel are the focus, but don't miss the French Colombard, Chardonnay, and other whites. Tastings are reasonably priced and relatively old school, with most patrons perched on a deck overlooking Pinot Noir vines, a Russian River Valley panorama unfolding beyond them. Reservations are recommended, but the cheerful hosts usually accommodate walk-ins.