Ambiance
Ram’s Gate sits on a hill overlooking the San Francisco Bay.
It’s your gateway to Sonoma and the Carneros AVA.
Superlatives are generally used to describe this wine tasting mecca:
Exceptional, phenomenal, stunning, spectacular, magnificent, breathtaking, peaceful
Top notch, wow spot, like a glamorous hotel, romantic, refined—–a destination point.
Soak in the aesthetics- massive marble bar, vaulted ceiling, comfy seating, mamouth fireplace, airy entryway, high-end kitchen, open air layout.
Decor/architecture is on trend: farmhouse goes modern goes rustic goes corporate.
Ample parking is adjacent to an exquisite line of mature olive trees.
White umbrellas shade you on the Terrace.
Retractable doors give you an indoor/outdoor feel.
A man made pond, stunning view, adirondack chairs, blowing in the breeze willow tree, butterflies playing among the lavender is your setting for a picnic.
While tasting you will most likely hear speeding car sounds coming from Sonoma Raceway.
I love the ambiance at this winery during the holidays.
Cost:
$40 tasting fee for a four wine flight.
Waived with a two bottle purchase.
Palate Play Wine and Food Pairing:
$95 per person by Appt, Thur-Mon 1-4 guests.
Buy a bottle and purchase food items and enjoy music and lawn games in the spring/summer. I highly recommend.
Vineyard Table: 5 wines and 5 food pairings $250 per person 4-10 guests
Summer by the pond: Fri, Sat, Sun no appointment needed for groups 1-10
Vineyard Designate Tasting and Tour: $65 per person by Appt, 5 wines & tour.
Appointment Needed?
Appointments recommended but not necessary.
Open Daily 11:00-6:00pm
Wine Pick
I love Sonoma Coast Pinot, so I had an easy choice to make.
2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot
Minimum bottle price $40, with an average price $62 a bottle, up to $80.
A chilled Sauv Blanc would be a great choice for the picnic by the pond.
Dog Approved
No longer dog friendly.
Service dogs are allowed.
Social Media Worthy
Photos in the vineyards, by the fire place, picnicking by the pond.
Lots of great photo ops.
Feel Good Vibes
Just pinch yourself to believe you are experiencing a perfect Ram’s Gate getaway.
Imagine this—After tasting three wines, you are escorted down to the pond.
A blanket is laid out, a picnic basket is set on the blanket,
A bottle of wine, chilled water, meat, cheese, bread, salad, assorted olives and pickles, and dessert await your dining pleasure.
Spend the day, never feel rushed, enjoy personal attention, a leisurely pace.
Or maybe share a red and white tasting with ample pours.
Order a delicious charcuterie platter and you’re happy.
Wine Nerd Facts
11,000 cases a year.
Certified Fish Friendly farming.
Certified Sustainable wine growing.
Grapes are sourced from several Sonoma County AVA’s:
Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Carneros AVA’s
Wine Club? Fun Events?
Wine Club members who live nearby liken Ram’s Gate membership to joining a country club.
Events tend to be a little out of my price range.
Sheila’s Tasting Notes
I’m drawn to the RAM that is the predominant Ram’s Gate symbol.
There are golden ram statues throughout the tasting room.
A ram is on Ram’s Gate Wine labels.
Ram’s Gate Winery is the southern end of the Carneros wine growing region.
Carneros means ram in Spanish.
The winery is at the gateway of wine country.
Thus the name Ram’s Gate.
Did you know that the ram is the astrological sign for April.
My birthday is April 6th!
I feel an astrological connection to this winery.
