Dry Creek Valley vineyards with old vines

Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

Dry Creek Valley Wine Tours

Old vines, family legacies, and California's best Zinfandel

Book Your Dry Creek Tour

60+

Family Wineries

16 mi

Valley Length

Zinfandel Valley

100+yr

Old Vines

Zinfandel's True Home

Dry Creek Valley is Sonoma at its most authentic. No corporate tasting rooms, no velvet ropes—just family-owned estates that have been making wine the same way for generations. This is where Zinfandel became a California icon.

The valley runs 16 miles north from Healdsburg, with vineyards climbing hillsides on both sides. Italian immigrants planted these vines in the late 1800s, and their descendants are still making wine from the same gnarled, old-vine blocks. You can taste the history in every glass.

Sure, you'll find Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and even Rhône varietals here. But Zinfandel is king—bold, spicy, fruit-forward, and utterly Californian. If you've only had grocery store Zin, prepare to be converted.

Century-old Zinfandel vines in Dry Creek Valley

What to Expect

Warm days, cool nights, and vines that have seen it all

Old-Vine Zinfandel

Planted 80-120 years ago, these gnarly vines produce concentrated, complex wines. Blackberry, pepper, tobacco, and a hint of bramble. This is what Zin should taste like.

Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp, grassy, and refreshing. Dry Creek's warm days and cool nights give Sauvignon Blanc bright acidity and tropical fruit notes. Perfect summer wine.

Italian Varietals

Honoring the valley's Italian roots. Sangiovese, Barbera, and Primitivo (Zinfandel's Italian cousin) thrive here. It's like Tuscany with better weather.

Explore the Valley

Historic towns, farm stands, and scenic drives

Dry Creek Road

The valley's namesake road is one of Sonoma's most beautiful drives. Winding through vineyards, past farmhouses, and over the creek—it's pure California pastoral. Our tours take this route, stopping at hidden-gem wineries along the way.

Dry Creek General Store: Historic 1881 deli and sandwich shop
Farm Stands: Fresh produce, olive oil, and lavender
Lake Sonoma: Boating and hiking nearby

Healdsburg Access

Dry Creek begins just north of Healdsburg's charming town square. Start your day with coffee and pastries in town, then head up the valley for tastings. Return for dinner at one of Healdsburg's top restaurants.