Fort Ross Vineyard Tasting Room

VT A

2024-05

Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery is a small producer located in a remote area a few miles from the coast in the southernmost part of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. We happen to love Sonoma Coast wines, so we were really looking forward to going to the only tasting room in this area. The tasting room itself is relatively small, but stylish and comfortable - think Restoration Hardware. Even though it was mid-April, it was still pretty cold (50F) when we arrived for our 10 AM tasting, so it was thoughtful of them to have the fireplace going.Wine tastings are by appointment only, so be aware of that before you go. We opted for the food and wine pairing tasting for $75 pp instead of the wine only tasting for $50 pp. The extra $25 was absolutely worth it. When we arrived, we were offered some 2022 Chenin Blanc which was a welcoming touch. For the tasting itself, we were served four wines - the 2019 Bicentennial Chard, the 2019 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot, the 2018 Top of Land Pinot, and the 2018 Pinotage (the owners are South African and brought over some vines) - we were also served a tasting of the 2019 The Terraces Pinot as a bonus. Each of the four wines were paired with small bites to eat.Bicentennial Chard with “Fennel and Apple Salad, Herbed Mascarpone, Cardamom Crostini”Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot with “Maitake Yakitori, Cherry Teriyaki Sauce, Napa Cabbage Slaw, Macadamia Nuts”Top of Land Pinot with “Forbidden Rice Risotto, Oyster Mushroom, Roasted Cauliflower, Valley Ford Estero Gold Cheese”Pinotage with “Coffee and Ancho Seared Flank Steak, Broccoli Rabe, Cheesy Grits, Pinotage Glaze” (They have a vegetarian option for this one if you ask)The food was delicious on its own, but more importantly, each one paired very well with the matched wine. The entire tasting showcased the food-friendliness and versatility of Sonoma Coast wines. Really well done.Unfortunately, the day was overcast, so the view was limited, but the grounds are beautiful. Overall, it was a great, memorable experience.If you arrive in the area early, you can pass some time by walking the Vista Trail that is located near the intersection of Meyers Grade Road and Route 1. It has beautiful views of the coastline, it’s entirely paved, mostly flat, and takes maybe 15-20 minutes to do the entire loop.Lastly, there is no cell phone reception (at least for T-Mobile) in the area. None. Not even a hint of a bar. So take that into consideration by making sure you have downloaded maps onto your GPS so you can use it offline.

Pamela Anderson

2023-07

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Millie Kwan

2023-05

We were very excited about tasting Fort Ross wines based on the reviews that I read. The drive was fairly long and arduous but absolutely worth it as the setting is stunning. The tasting room is very nice with an excellent deck. We enjoyed the wines especially the pinotage, but overall the quality was not as high as I expected. Overall enjoyable and worth a trip to visit the Sonoma Coast, but not likely to visit again.

Alicia Brown

2023-05

If you’re asking yourself whether the drive is worth it, the answer is yes. We made a reservation for the food and wine pairing, which was an absolute steal at $55 a person. We had fried oysters, a mushroom flatbread, salmon, steak, and dessert, all paired with several vintages of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. John was a fantastic host, even going so far as to give us an extra pour for our photo shoot on the deck. Truly a hidden gem.

Adam Clevenger

2022-05

You won't just stumble upon Fort Ross Vineyard, it's remote, but totally worth it! The drive is spectacular with beautiful vistas around every turn! Reservations are required. The drive ends at the beautiful tasting room. This winery produces mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Equal to the quality of the wine was the tasting plate; the flavors stood on their own and complimented the wines so well. Wonderfully kind guide was very knowledgeable and helpful!

Dave Peck

2024-03

We visited the Fort Ross Tasting Room and Winery on a whim, seeing the sign driving down the coast. The staff was kind and welcoming, despite not having reservations. We were treated to a delightful tasting serviced with wonderful bites. We dined on a warm patio overlooking the forrest and Pacific Ocean. Such a treat, and many thanks to the staff.

Brad Carmony

2023-08

Really beautiful property and the wines were all delicious. While tasty and well matched, the food pairings were quite tiny for the $$ spend. Check it out if you're in the area. It's a nice change of pace from the inland vineyards.

David Kanter

2023-05

Had a lovely wine tasting here. The balcony is quite sunny with gorgeous views of the gardens and ocean. Excellent food and wine pairing. Would be happy to return again!

Renee Fischer

2023-12

A great experience with their tasting and bites for lunch. Jeff was a great host. The owners are South African, so be sure to try the Chenin Blanc and Pinotage…both are very nice. The Late Harvest Chardonnay was great. Buy a few bottles and they wave the tasting fee portion. We will definitely revisit on a future trip to the area.

Charlotte B

2022-05

Absolutely beautiful winery! The staff are lovely and we enjoyed chatting about wines and the area. Amazing wines and beautiful scenery to look out on as you enjoy in the sunshine

Sandra Hernandez

2023-10

Had an excellent experience! The pairings were perfect and the service was outstanding. A special thank you to John who was so incredibly thoughtful, you made this experience one to remember thank you!

Lynn Soto

2023-07

After visiting Fort Ross State Park, we drove up the hill to the winery. Winding roads took us through the sweet smell of Redwoods to the gorgeous entrance of Fort Ross Winery. Seated on the beautiful deck under umbrellas, we were greeted by Nelly. She provided excellent service and conversation throughout our visit. I had the opportunity to taste several whites and 4 reds. Oh, so yummy! The fragrance of the wines as I swirled my glass was so enticing. None of the wines disappointed! The food was very nicely matched with the wines that enhanced the flavors of both the food and wine. I'm very glad a took a chance on visiting Fort Ross Winery. (And I left with four bottles as well hehe).

Jeff Meacham

2023-05

Every visit to the Fort Ross tasting room has been wonderful. The staff are always inviting and full of knowledge of both their wines and the region. The food pairings are delicious as well!

Gilberto Lobaton

2019-05

Great wines!!Lovely place to visit, in the middle of the mountains facing the pacific.A short rode from Fort Ross or from Jenner.

Marcus Guild

2017-05

Hidden above the trees and coastal fog, Fort Ross tasting room was a welcome resting spot during a drive up PCH. Loved it and would totally recommend that you check it out. Bring snacks since there's no food, but picnic tables are available and space for dogs or kids (or both) to run around.

Jackson Walker

2023-05

It’s the best winery in Sonoma county, in the opinion of this local who was born in wine country.The rich and fast draining soil, elevation, cool temperatures with plenty of sun, evening fog to cool the grape, all add up to the perfect climate for Pino noir and Chardonnay. They do a lot of these and they are fantastic. Good structure and acidity for both varietals.Beautiful winery to visit. Best membership I have done. The pick up parties are a blast.

R. Eric Lieb

2018-05

A find. Beautiful tasting room, well-crafted, interesting Pinot & Chardonnay. Friendly people. Worth the drive.

Drew Chappell Mathias

2022-05

Amazing experience. Beautiful views, property and food tastes with wine. Outdoor patio is dog friendly too. A great day trip!

Rachel A

2023-11

Extremely over priced, basically 4 bites of food with a few sips of wine. A pleasant experience with a lovely view, but we got a full, delicious dinner (with wine) down the road at Rivers End for less than we paid for this tiny snack!

C Nelson

2024-04

This place is an experience. I cannot say enough great things about the experience and the tasting. My favorite was Stagecoach Road.

Elizabeth Ferreira

2022-05

Wine, experience, service, and food was all fantastic. It was a highlight of my wine tasting trip not only for the breathtaking location but by far the best wine I had. Definitely out of the way from everything else so be sure to save the directions in your phone before you leave your service area!It was so good that I ended up jointing their wine club

Darin Dowd

2019-05

This is so beautiful. The drive up is so pleasant and is filled with breath taking views of forest and little critters. This is a very easy location to find, lots of signs! Cell phone service with Verizon does work up there and they do have WiFi. The winery is so cozy! Inside is filled with comfortable seating with tables. The outback patio deck sits on top of a hill overlooking the grape vines with cute tables and shade. You can either bring your own snacks or buy some snacks that they have example: Cheese and meats platter, veggie trays, chips, etc. The pricing for a tasting is a little high however if you purchase a bottle they do wave the tasting, which if you are driving all the way up you might as well for remember the great adventure! The wine selection is mostly red, however the whites they do have are smooth, fruity, subtle and not crisp or carbonated. If you are new to wine tasting or a wine expert, you will enjoy everything they have to offer. My suggestion is buy a bottle to store away for a memory and one to enjoy overlooking the grape vines while snacking on some cheese, crackers, and some salamis. Great for picnics and they allow you to take pictures anywhere for the most part. Also, the staff is great, friendly, and very humorous.

Betsy Perez

2023-05

One of our favorite stops on our honeymoon. The scenic drive there is breathtaking. Our host was incredible and the wines were fantastic. We also enjoyed the small bites pairing.

Steve Waiculonis

2020-05

If you are looking to visit a winery that is unique and stands above the rest - this is it! From the drive up Meyers Grade Road to the tasting room /views to the wonderful hospitality provided by Jamie - this is your place!Jamie was a wonderful hostess who was warm and welcoming, exceptionally knowledgeable about the winery history, and provided great conversation. We were encouraged to sit outside and enjoy the views between flights, which are stellar since you are only 1mi from the ocean. Would definitely recommend if you are on Hwy 1 near Jenner! We will be back again!

Ed DF

2022-05

Stunning location, friendly staff and surprisingly good wines. Definitely underrated.

Jeff Kendall

2020-05

Visited for the first time. Jamie, our tasting room associate, was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. Wines were great. The property is beautiful with pretty good views. beautiful day so we sat on the deck which was well maintained and comfortable. On the way back down towards Hwy 1, the views are better but still....... Great place.

Diane Isaacson

2019-05

The winery itself is situated atop a beautiful setting. I purchased a $54 Pinot Noir from a less than enthusiastic server who acted like we interrupted his quiet afternoon of no other customers. I received very little info about the wine other than the area the grapes grew. I like collecting the glasses from vineyards having wines I enjoy but there was no talking this guy into selling me a $10 glass along with the wine purchase AND paying $30 for a tasting. The drive to this winery is stunning but don't expect anything more above that.

Cristina Barnard

2022-05

I wanted to write a review of Fort Ross Vineyard because I am a longtime member and just realized how few reviews there are on Google. This vineyard and winery is incredible - Fort Ross makes phenomenal Pinots and Pinotages. This place is the closest vineyard to the Pacific Ocean in California, with the conditions deemed unfarmable to many, yet the founders have made an incredible product in a beautiful location with a lovely tasting room. Highly recommend.

Scott Wilson

2023-05

Excellent winery. The small bite plates are exceptional and creative. Wines are great also. Beautiful surroundings. I highly recommend visiting this winery.

Andre McMahon

2023-05

Great wine tasting with amazing food to pair the wine with!