If you’re the type of person who loves the idea of sampling fine wines and fresh locally sourced food pairings in beautiful surroundings, then consider this a warm invitation to Ram’s Gate Winery.

1. Sonoma's newest winery
offers guests an exquisite
wine country experience

2. As you head up towards Sonoma Valley
from San Francisco, the very first winery
you'll encounter is the newly constructed
Ram's Gate. Located on route 121/Arnold
Dr., just across from Infineon Raceway,
this new winery sits on a perch
overlooking much of the Bay.

3. The spectacular new construction is
located atop a hill, and greets visitors at
the entrance into Sonoma. Ram’s Gate
Winery serves as Sonoma’s newest
winery, and brings together small lots of
fine varietals, excellent food pairing, and
a stress-free atmosphere with
spectacular views.

4. The building itself can be located in the
old Roche winery site, and was built by a
well-known architect Howard Backen. His
intent in creating the winery structure
was to imitate the style of the weathered
old farmhouses that dot the Carneros
countryside. If that doesn't impress you
enough, then consider the interior design
by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, the same guy
who did the San Francisco Opera.

5. Or that their winemakers, Jeff Gaffner
and Jesse Fox, create some of the most
structured and balanced small lot
production examples I have ever tasted.
And did I mention the large French oak
tanks that can be viewed in a fancy-
looking fermentation room that's just to
your right at the entrance? Although
these huge tanks are functional, most of
the winemaking takes place under the
building.

6. After you drive up the winding driveway
and park, you'll be greeted by a friendly
greeter and offered a place to do a
tasting or tour. Unlike most wineries that
I've been to, which have small, cramped
tasting room bars, Ram's Gate features
numerous places to enjoy yourself. Grab
a spot on either side of the Carrera
marble bar, grab a seat at one of the
many outdoor tables, or lounge in some
comfortable chairs by one of the
fireplaces.

7. The interior decor is modern and
comforting and also jaw-dropping.
Guests will enjoy high ceilings, and giant
walls that swing open to let the Carneros
breeze cool off the building on warm
days. Sweeping views greet them as they
step outside the building, and an array of
fireplaces allow them to cozy up with a
loved one as they enjoy the delicious
Chardonnay and Syrah. Make sure you
try their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir too -
it's quite delicious!

8. From their site:
"If you’re the type of person who loves
the idea of sampling fine wines and fresh
locally sourced food pairings in beautiful
surroundings, then consider this a warm
invitation to Ram’s Gate Winery. No
matter how much you happen to know
(or want to know) about wine, we have
designed Ram’s Gate with you in mind."

9. When it comes to the wine and food -
they're both incredible. A full kitchen is
situated behind the main tasting bar, and
guests have the option to pair their
tasting with small bites that complement
the wines.
 They produce some very balanced
wines, including their Sonoma County
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The
majority of their production is sold to
visitors at the winery, through their
website, and to their wine club members.

10. Reviews from around the web:
I visited Ram's Gate on a whim last
weekend and was blown away - stunning
setting, amazing wine (try the Pinot red
label) and a very comfortable
atmosphere. Highly recommended..

11. If you're planning a visit to wine country,
make sure to make a stop at Ram's Gate
winery. They are the closest winery to
San Francisco too - in about thirty
minutes you can be sitting atop 147
acres of Sonoma hillsides, enjoying some
of the finest wine in the country.

12. And if you're looking for a Sonoma
winery
or Sonoma pinot noir to enjoy some
time with, they can accommodate your
needs. On any sunny day in wine
country, this should be a stop on your
list.
http://www.ramsgatewinery.com