Anaba Winery

I have always passed by this winery when I was in the area.  And, finally, the inner voice told me not to pass it and to go into Anaba.  It was Anaba, calling to me.  This winery does mostly Pinots and Rhones, which I love.  I was pleasantly surprised to have a wine with Granache Blanc, which is rarely used or grown in Sonoma County.  Their white Rhone blend (Alder) was delightful.  Their Pinots were ambrosia, especially the Gap Pinot.  (ask for it...).  Their Syrah and Petite Syrah was nice, rich, smooth all the way, without the glottal stop you get from some.  Our pourer was Douglas.  This moustached-Sommolier, walking encyclopedia of wine knowledge, was such a personality.  He made us feel welcome and educated us, and we had a great time.
Kind of an aside...this winery is wind powered.  As a fan of green technologies, I appreciate their attention to this.

http://www.anabawines.com/

Ledson Winery

Depending on what you are looking for, if you are looking for glamour and decent wine then this is the place.   The huge mansion, that some people refer to as the castle, is immaculate.  Its woodwork and craftsmanship is something to be in total awe of.  Walking inside the staff is very friendly and the tasting associates are sharply dressed with black slacks, classy black shirts and nice ties.  Though I am not a man of the past you get an old-time classy upscale bar vibe.
This winery sources grapes from all over Sonoma County and a few from Napa.  I was impressed with the Sauvignon Blanc from Napa County, their Viogner and their Cabernet Sauvignon from the Knights Valley AVA.  We, unfortunately, had to have two different people pouring for us.  We went from a gentleman we had developed a bit of a rapport with and were enjoying his service and experience to a young chap who, while he knew his wines, he really "pushed" the wines and "pushed" the club, like he is trained to do, but no one wants to experience the hard sell while enjoying an afternoon of tasting with family.
All in all, this is the kind of place I will experience once.  If you are out, go ahead and make a stop, enjoy the facility, gardens and take some pictures.  It really is a beautiful winery.

http://www.ledson.com/

Buena Vista Winery

As a Sonoma county local, a visitor or as a vinophile, if you want to understand and know the history of this region you must visit Buena Vista winery.

It is the oldest commercial winery in California.  Has gorgeous landscaping, wine caves, and a tasting room that is in an original building over 100 years old.  That says a lot right there.  You will see historical artifacts all throughout the tasting room and get a wonderful history lesson from the well trained staff.  

Now...to the wines!  

Leading the tasting menu was a French champagne imported by the new owners.  As a lover of all wines Sonoma County it was a treat to have a true French champagne.  The bubbles were finer than what i've experiences before and that made for a wonderful mouthfeel.

Following was a chardonnay that was aged in French oak that was exquisite and balanced with a scent of cloves and baking spice...creamy...like creme brûlée with a little touch of lemon curd.  Incidentally, it was the bes

t value on the menu at only $20.  It should have been $30+ in my opinion.

Next came two Pinot Noirs...Bela and Geza.  The Geza spoke out to me the most with her supple baked blackberry and toasted marshmallows.  Toasted marshmallow is a quality i look for in my top pinot picks and i've only appreciated in wines aged in french oak.  

The "Legendary Badge" was big jammy red blend with white pepper and baking spice and can stand up to any red meat for dinner. 

The wines here are good.  The experience here is good.  It is very educational.  When you are in Sonoma honor it by visiting Buena Vista.