About Eric Ross Winery
Eric Ross Winery is a small Sonoma producer that makes its wines from fruit grown across several Northern California regions rather than from one estate. The lineup runs from Albariño grown at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi and Viognier to Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Grenache, Tempranillo, Old Vine Zinfandel, a Cabernet from the Mayacamas Mountains and a Port, with grapes coming from the Russian River, Dry Creek, Lodi and Carneros. The guiding idea is that each grape should taste like itself; a Russian River Pinot, the winery says, should never drift toward Syrah.
The rooster on the labels has its own story. During the 1999 harvest a rooster wandered across the road in front of a forklift carrying a half-ton bin of grapes, and the crew made it the winery's mascot.
Tastings run Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with seated appointment times at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 for groups of up to six, indoors or outside. The winery describes the visit as unhurried and personal, with no number machines or crowds. Reservations are encouraged but not required. When we checked in October 2026 the fee was $30 per person, waived with a three-bottle purchase and free for wine club members. The wines are also poured at the LOCALS Tasting Room on Geyserville Avenue in Geyserville, farther north in Sonoma County.
Bees N Blooms, the certified organic lavender farm with a walkable lavender labyrinth on the west side of Santa Rosa, is about a 30-minute drive from Glen Ellen, so a weekend day can start among the lavender rows and finish with an afternoon tasting appointment.
What to do
- Book a seated tasting at 11:30, 1:30 or 3:30, Friday through Sunday
- Compare Albariño, Viognier and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir side by side
- Try the Old Vine Zinfandel and the Mayacamas Mountains Cabernet
- Sit indoors or outside with a group of up to six
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Tasting room open Friday through Sunday; no seasonal closure posted (checked October 2026)
- Hours
- Posted on their website (October 2026): Friday–Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Admission
- Tasting $30 per person, waived with a three-bottle purchase; free for wine club members (posted October 2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Reserve one of the three seated times by phone or email to be sure of a table
- Groups are capped at six guests
- Buying three bottles covers the tasting fee
- Plan a designated driver before you head out
Pair it with a lavender farm
Bees N Blooms · about 30 minutes away
Walk the lavender labyrinth at Bees N Blooms in the morning, then drive back toward Glen Ellen for a 1:30 or 3:30 tasting.
Getting there
Questions
Do I need a reservation?
Not required but encouraged; seated times are 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30, Friday through Sunday.
How much is a tasting?
$30 per person as of October 2026, waived when you buy three bottles and free for wine club members.
Can a large group visit together?
The posted limit is six guests per group.
🗺️ 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 and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
