About Korbel Champagne Cellars
Korbel Champagne Cellars on River Road outside Guerneville has been making California sparkling wine by the traditional bottle-fermented method for more than 140 years. The Korbel brothers came to California in the 1850s, and the winery still pours a long list of styles, from Brut, Extra Dry and Natural to Blanc de Noirs, Brut Rosé, Sweet Rosé and the red Rouge. The company also makes brandy.
The best way to start is the free walking tour of the historic museum and cellar. It lasts about an hour, runs daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, and ends with a taste. Tastings at the bar run daily from 10 to 3:30: choose four wines for $15, no reservation needed. Groups of seven or more can book a private five-wine tasting for $25 a person, and seated tastings need a reservation.
The deli is open daily from 10 to 4:30, with outdoor tables overlooking the vineyards and take-out you can order by phone or online. Outside food, drinks and picnics are not allowed on the grounds. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor decks, and service animals are welcome throughout. The winery closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter, and it holds a Holiday Market on December 5, 2026.
Starr Creek Lavender in Windsor is the nearest lavender farm in our listings, about 25 minutes east toward Highway 101, so the two can share a Russian River day.
What to do
- Take the free one-hour museum and cellar tour, daily at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.
- Pick four sparkling wines for a $15 bar flight (2026)
- Eat lunch from the deli on the outdoor tables above the vineyards
- Bring a leashed dog to the outdoor decks
- Shop the Holiday Market on December 5, 2026
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open daily year-round; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter
- Hours
- 2026: winery, wine shop and deli daily 10–4:30; tastings 10–3:30
- Admission
- Tours free; bar tasting flight of four $15; private group tasting $25 per person (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Leashed on outdoor decks; service animals welcome
- Reservations
- Walk-in for tours and bar tastings; required for seated and group tastings
Tips for your visit
- Tours are first come, first served, so arrive a little early for the 10:30 or 2:30 start
- Leave the picnic basket in the car; outside food and drinks are not allowed
- Order deli take-out ahead by phone or online on busy days
- Choose a designated driver before heading out on River Road
Pair it with a lavender farm
Starr Creek Lavender · about 25 minutes away
Starr Creek Lavender in Windsor is about 25 minutes east, so you can pair a morning cellar tour with an afternoon in lavender country.
Getting there
Questions
Are the Korbel tours free?
Yes. The one-hour museum and cellar tour is free, runs daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and includes a taste.
Do I need a reservation to taste?
No for the $15 bar flight. Seated tastings and groups of seven or more need a reservation.
Can I bring my dog?
Friendly leashed dogs are allowed on the outdoor decks.
Can I bring a picnic?
No. Outside food, drinks and picnicking are not allowed, but the deli serves food daily.
🗺️ 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
