Sonoma County is famous for its wine and, while one can spend a small fortune on bottles from the region, one doesn’t need to shell out more than $30 to enjoy the quality.  Here are a handful of wines from the region our tasting panel enjoyed:

Rodney Strong 2018 Rose of Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Russian River Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Lots of strawberry and peach aromas rise up from a glass, alongside a few floral and mineral hints. A nice acidity lifts up the palate, carrying flavors of strawberries, peaches, and passion fruits, accented by whispers of minerals and spring flowers. Fairly crisp and quite clean, enjoy on a picnic with turkey sandwiches plus a watermelon and arugula salad.

Rating: 90

Ferrari-Carano 2017 Pinot Grigio

Grape(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Sonoma County, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

A glass present aromas of peaches, melons, citrus blossoms, and minerals. Plenty of peach and honeydew flavors emerge on the palate, flowing into elements of orange peal and minerals. A good body and pleasant acidity make this a rather approachable wine. Pair with baked tilapia.

Rating: 89

Beringer 2016 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, & 2% Petite Verdot

Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

The nose weaves together aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and currants with nuances of herbs, anise, and clove. Cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry flavors take center stage on the palate, backed up by notes of mocha, clove, and olive. Classically structured and rich, match it up with roast beef.

Rating: 90

Roth 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 90% Cabernet Sauvignon & 13% Syrah

Region: Alexander valley, Sonoma County

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of blackberries, black cherries, and cassis play among nuances of dark chocolate and toasty oak on the nose. Lots of dark fruit, including black cherry, currant, and blackberry, comes forth on the palate, accented by elements of toasty oak, minerals, and olive. Match it up with beef kabobs.

Rating: 89