Part of a Chardonnay blog series
Details:
Address: 141 E Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone: (707) 938-7212
Website: www.sojourncellars.com
Appointments are required.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Daily
Tours/Tastings Offered:
Sojourn Cellars offers a Comparative Tasting for $45.00 per person.
What's The Sojourn Cellars Story?
Plato started it all. The inspiration behind Sojourn Cellars is a Plato quote: "That life is but a sojourn." Founded by two tennis buddies, Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley, they discovered they were both as passionate about wine as tennis. The pair decided to collaborate and launched Sojourn Cellars in 2001, with Erick Bradley as winemaker and Craig Haserot in the capacity of sales, management, and promotion. Starting with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sojourn Cellar offerings quickly expanded to include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Acclaimed for their wine and winemaking approach, Sojourn Cellars now produces 21 unique wines and is distributed worldwide.
But we're talking about Chardonnay now. Sojourn Cellars sources grapes from some of the best vineyards for Chardonnay in Sonoma: Durrell Vineyard, Gap's Crown Vineyard, Reuling Vineyard, and Sangiacomo Vineyard. With exceptional fruit and their minimalist approach to winemaking, it's no wonder that Sojourn Cellars consistently earns top marks from wine publications such as Wine Spectator. For winemaker Erich Bradley, "We want the wines to taste fresh and alive in your mouth," he says. "It's the biggest thing we focus on—feeling good in the mouth. When we achieve that objective, invariably, the wine smells and tastes great, too."
Why The Winery Made The Grade:
Sojourn consistently has top scores by Wine Spectator (and by me!), so it's worth visiting. Bring along your red-wine-drinking friends as Sojourn makes memorable Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir as well. Bring your sparkling wine aficionados, too, as Sojourn Cellars has added a particularly nice sparkling Brut to their repertoire.
Plus, you have to love their trademark. Using the meaning of Sojourn as a rest or respite, a lawn chair appears on their wine labels.
Ambiance:
Sojourn Cellars Tasting Salon is housed in a charming dwelling just a block or so from Sonoma Square. Tastings are private and intimate with enthusiastic and hospitable wine concierges.
The proximity to Sonoma Square provides an excellent opportunity for guests new to Sonoma to explore the many terrific restaurants and shops. Show up earlier for your tasting and do a little exploring.
Which Winery Visitor Type Would Love It:
The winery would definitely appeal to the Oenophiles and Authenticity Seekers out there. Casual Wine Drinkers would enjoy the unstuffy, modern vibe. Luxury Seekers would be charmed by the Salon and the quality of the wine.
Read the next blog in the series: Three Sticks Wines or read all of the blogs in our new guide, Chardonnay Wineries of Sonoma and Napa.
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