Sonoma wineries-any free tasting wineries?

[hhc]

I'm looking for Sonoma wineries that Don't charge for tasting. I only know that Schug Carneros Estate Winery doesn't, who else?

Edit: I'll take both Sonoma valley or Sonoma County wineries.

Thanks in advance.

[lmnopm]

If you are up by Frick, you can figure that about 75%+ of the places you would just stop in for a look-see would have free tasting. That area has become my first choice of wine tasting/touring. Even the Geyser Peak tasting room (large for that area) is a calm respite (also complimentary) as compared to most anything on or near Highway 29 in that next county over.

[DavidT]

The SF Chronicle maintains an excellent database of winery info and reviews that you can access online. Go to -

http://sfgate.com/wine/

Look for the Wine Country Guide. You can sort be region/area, name, etc. There is much helpful info there!

[mchan02]

personally, i think paying for a wine tasting is silly when you can just drive through russian river and dry creek valleys, beautiful little winding roads, and taste for free at charming little family-owned tasting rooms that only fit a handful of people.

My favorites in RR and DCV:
Porter Creek
Frick
Dutcher Crossing (my #1)
Bella
Mauritson
Rosenblum (downtown Healdsburg)

i know that one or two of these have a small fee that is refundable upon purchase (i think dutcher crossing, maybe rosenblum), which kind of defeats the question i'm answering, but i always end up buying at least a bottle.

good luck!

[Bryan Gros]

Are you looking for Sonoma valley or Sonoma county?

Havn't been down Hwy 12 in some time, but there are a fair number of places that don't charge in Dry Creek. David Coffaro (might need an appt) doesn't charge, nor does Unti (again, just call first). Rosenblum doesn't charge, and I don't remember Ridge charging or Preston. Christopher Creek is another good stop.

[fine wino]

Unti doesn't but you need a res during the week. Preston charges $5.00 but they deduct that if you purchase a bottle. Pretty sure most of the places on Dry Creek Road and Westside offer free tasting.