We arrived at the winery with our 15 month old baby and were not sure what to expect since it looked more "posh", "hip" from the website. We were relieved to see another family sitting on couches with babies. (plural) and around the bend was a nice looking husband and wife with their 2.5 year old daughter and 14 month old son. So it is family friendly and a great way to get out of the city, enjoy some awesome food and wine. Truth be told it became a bit of an adult romper room by the end of it. The 2.5 year old girl, Julia, took a liking to our daughter, Cali and they were crawling around squealing with glee. That is not to say that everyone was okay with this. Some of the staff was super loving and others glared with disgust. Patrons didn't seem to notice or mind. (well the odd one gave our sweet girl the stink eye but that comes with the territory) We had a great time, made some friends with that other family, took in some sun on the vineyard, wines and cheese.
The great thing about this winery is they offer wines by the glass, a tasting flight for $20 and they have food!!! Real food that is really really good. Small plates that can pair with the wines. The menu offers codes beside each dish which indicate which wine they are suggested with. More information on the food and executive chef, Jason Rose, HERE.
The other great thing is that is so beautiful and the decor is gorgeous. It is modern and brand new and there are fireplaces and heat lamps everywhere.
Along with beautiful views.
Here is a picture of the entrance way when you first walk into the winery.
And looking the other way towards the parking lot:
There are mainly three different areas to sit, along with a VIP members only area as well.
We sat here:
This was a covered, windowed terrace. The great thing about it, is the ceiling is open air slats. So you get that nice breeze and there are heat lamps in case you get chilly. They also offer blankets. Here is another shot of the hall we were sitting in:
The outdoor seating on the other side was filled up. There are less than a dozen chairs on that side so they go fast. Here is a picture:
And if you wanted to sit inside, they have a bar setting with a fireplace and some tables looking to the outside area (open to the outdoors so yo get the breeze also.) Here is a picture:
They also offer all kinds of different options, including picnics. Click HERE for more information.
I decided to do the $20 tasting flight and my husband ordered a glass of Pinot Noir. The tasting flight comes with the Sparkling Brut, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon (which at $68 dollars/bottle I noticed they pour a particularly small measure) and the Late Harvest Zinfandel dessert wine. We also ordered the warm olives, cheese plate and beet salad with goat cheese.
The food was amazing. 10/10. The wine was also excellent. My favorites were the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
My husband adored the Pinot Noir and I did as well. It a dark ruby red and was spicy and smooth. They describe it as having Black Pine notes.
The Chardonnay was crisp with caramel hints. Really delicious. We took a bottle home. :)
Their wines are fairly young since it is a new winery, with the exception of the Pinot Noir since they inherited those grapes from the Roche vineyards. Here is a LIST of all the wines they offer.
MY RATING:
I give this winery 4 stars. Great atmosphere, delicious food, excellent wine.
It would have been 5/5 if did without the few dirty looks. ;)
Here are their hours and more INFORMATION.
Happy Sipping!
xoxo
Caroline
I visited Ram's Gate twice - shortly after they opened, and just a few weeks ago. Both times I was impressed, though it seems like they're hitting their groove now. The wines are tasty, and the building itself is just amazing....sweeping views of Carneros, great food to pair with it (not just tiny nibbles either) and it's also the closest winery to San Francisco! Def. worth checking out if you're taking a trip into Sonoma.
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