About Dry Creek Vineyard
Dry Creek Vineyard was started in 1972 by David S. Stare, and it was one of the first wineries in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. The winery describes itself as having helped spark the valley's modern wave of grape growing and winemaking. It is still family-owned, and the second generation now runs it.
The lineup centers on three grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Zinfandel gets special attention here, including single-vineyard bottlings, and the winery released a 50th-anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon to mark its half century. The tasting room on Lambert Bridge Road pours these wines and sells bottles to take home.
The tasting room is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the winery recommends booking a tasting ahead. Claudine's Wine Garden is a featured spot on the grounds. Public events are posted on the winery's events page through the year, and the winery also hosts private events.
Purple Hills Lavender Farm in the Alexander Valley is about 4 miles away as the crow flies, roughly a 20-minute drive north and east through Healdsburg's back roads. Walk the lavender rows and browse the farm's shop first, then finish the afternoon with a booked tasting here.
What to do
- Taste Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon at the tasting room
- Compare single-vineyard Zinfandels
- Spend time in Claudine's Wine Garden
- Check the events page for public events during your visit
- Plan a private event with the winery's events team
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Tasting room open daily year-round
- Hours
- As of October 2026: tasting room open daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Book your tasting ahead, since the winery recommends reservations
- The last part of the day goes fast with a 4:30 p.m. close, so plan an earlier stop
- Plan a designated driver before heading out to Dry Creek Valley
Pair it with a lavender farm
Purple Hills Lavender Farm · about 20 minutes away
Purple Hills Lavender Farm is about a 20-minute drive away in the Alexander Valley, so the lavender fields and a tasting fit easily in one afternoon.
Getting there
Questions
Do I need a reservation to taste at Dry Creek Vineyard?
Reservations are recommended.
What are the tasting room hours?
Daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (as of October 2026).
When was Dry Creek Vineyard founded?
In 1972, by David S. Stare. The family's second generation now runs it.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Santa Rosa & Northern Sonoma County, California
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
