Nicholson Ranch LLC

Address:	4200 Napa Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476, USA
Phone:	+1 707-938-8822
Site:	nicholsonranch.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Brent Riffel

I will avoid this winery in the future. I am Bay Area resident and go wine tasting a couple times a year for special occasions. Usually you pay a nominal fee $10 - 20 for a tasting of 5+ wines and there are a few bottles not on the list that are open and the winery would like to share. The staff or wine maker are excited to tell you about the character of the wine based on where it was grown, the weather that year, etc. Tasting fees are often waived with purchase of a bottle --- NOT at this place! This place felt like a tourist trap. The tasting was $30 for six wines. My wife and I shared one and decided wed get a bottle if we liked what we tried and see of they would waive the fee. The server was not knowledgable about the wines and smarmy. He seemed to bragging about his scholastic achievement (it was not that impressive). He actually looked at my wife and said "can I teach you something young lady" and told her that she shouldnt drink water between tastings. She had asked for a oyster cracker or something to clear her pallet and they had none - water was the next best thing. We were trying to decide between the two Pinot Noirs on the list. The server had mixed them up at one point and we were trying to decide which bottle to take. She was annoyed. We bought the bottle of the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir the fee was not waived. I was hoping for a nice romantic treat after visiting an old family friend in Sonoma, instead I left feeling insulted and hustled.

Michelle Myers

We were trying to stop for wine tasting on a whim as we were in the area visiting a friend. The winery was a little routy but it was later in the day and often tour busses take over on the weekends. The offending group was moving on, so we decided to stay for a tasting. We got situated and were carded. Handing my card back to me and the server said "thank you young lady." Im 33, young, but older than him and most of people in the room. I have seen waiters try to charm my grandmother by calling her young lady. I shook off this pale attempt at humor. It would not be notable but he persisted in calling be young lady until the end of the tasting saying it no fewer than 15 times. He then tried to school me about diluting my pallet with water. He said do it between glasses but not sips. I was actually switching wines as we were revisiting Pinots to decide which I would like to purchase. When he continued to go on about the water, like insisted, I explained this and he reacted "we are here to teach, young lady." The server was a tool, but the wine - the wine was good. The tastings were over priced, the atmosphere was similar to a frat house. Unless that is what you are going for, Id skip it. Or maybe make a reservation and avoid the self-important former wrestling scholarship holding, Econ major who graduated from Cal. We never exchanged names but he did share a bit about himself with this young lady.

Rachael Perry-Robbins

My most recent trip was for my honeymoon with my wife. I visited Nicholson Ranch two other times in my life but every time I went it was a simple and elegant experience. It wasnt pretentious but the wine was amazing. I agree that wine is each persons individual experience but I have never liked chardonnay until I tried Nicholson Ranch. We had a couple cases shipped home to Maine and we order to have it shipped when we run out. The vineyard is beautiful and the people were wonderful. I highly recommend visiting this sweet winery and experience the wonderful award winning wines. I will go bak again.

Jim Jarvis

My wife and I went to this place yesterday at the end of the day with Platypus Wine Tours. If you book with this tour company the tasting fees are only $15 instead of the normal $40. This place was the best winery out of the four that we visited. I happen to enjoy Pinot Noir and they have a couple of outstanding ones. My wife also said that the Chardonnay was the best she had all day. The place is beautiful to sit out and enjoy a glass of wine and the tour through the entire winery including the caves below was very informative. I am so happy we got a chance to experience this place. Top spot.

David Nolan

By far the best vineyard Ive been to. Ive been to a lot of vineyards and just keep coming back to Nicholson. Ive brought friends and family, and they too just keep coming back as we cant find anywhere better. The service is exceptional, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the buildings and surroundings are gorgeous and theres an amazing laid back vibe throughout. Deepak, the winemaker, is always around to talk with tasters and explain all about their wines. Their dry farmed Pinor Noirs are by far the best Ive ever tasted.

Emily Bihun

It is a shame that poor customer service and lack of follow-up took away from what had been a very positive visit to Nicholson Ranch with its great wine and friendly tour staff. In brief, a talented winery that relies heavily upon mail orders should take the time to follow up with customers, be more careful with customer accounts, and be fully transparent about shipment delays at time of sale. If I hadnt done their job in following up, I would have been charged over $100 for wine I never received.

A Private User

We were just married at Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma. It is an absolutely breathtaking winery with many many fabulous wines to choose from. Ramona Nicholson was there for us to help out wherever and whenever we needed her. We just had the absolute best time, and the most magical day we could have ever dreamed of! We recommend Nicholson Ranch for a wedding of a lifetime or just a wonderful place to stop by and taste!

Veronica P

Beautiful beautiful grounds. We did the Cave Tasting Tour and I highly recommend it. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the history of the place and the whole wine-making process. The wines were my favorite in Sonoma County. We tried a couple Chardonnays, a Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah and I loved them all. Ended up buying a bottle of each the Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir to take home and share with the fam!

Mike Meisner

One of my favorite wineries in Napa and Sonoma. If you like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, look no further. They have about 12 or so Pinots, and almost every one is delicious. From Carneros, to Russian River, the Sonoma Coast, and more...you can taste the nuances in each. Prices are right too, with no wine costing more than $50. Friendly staff, and nice convenient location. Stop by this place.

Andrea Lee

LOVE Nicholson Ranch. Gorgeous setting on a hill with a view of Sonoma, and a lake to sit next to as you sip your wines. Two dogs live at the ranch and love to join you for a pet and a game of fetch. The owner is extremely hospitable and the wines are divine - and come with beautiful bottles.

Kristie Richardson

My new favorite place in Napa/Sonoma. The setting is pastural and quiet. Lovely views of horses and a llama. Away from the tourism craziness (and we are tourists). The people doing the wine tasting are knowledgable and friendly (Chris was great). Wine was really good. Highly recommend.