About Matanzas Creek Winery
Matanzas Creek Winery has been making wine in Santa Rosa's Bennett Valley since 1977, and it helped establish the Bennett Valley as its own wine region. It was also one of the first wineries to earn the Certified California Sustainable label. The lineup includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot and a sparkling Brut Rosé, with Merlot grown right in Bennett Valley.
What sets it apart is lavender. About three acres of sustainably farmed lavender gardens surround the winery, buzzing with bees and butterflies, and they are in full bloom from mid-May to the end of July. Lavender is cut by hand at peak bloom and hung to dry in the lavender barn. You can stroll the gardens before or after a tasting, and the Lavender Market in the tasting room sells body butters, oils, sachets, soaps, candles and culinary lavender, with no reservation needed to shop.
Tastings are by reservation only, seven days a week: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In 2026 the Estate Tasting of five wines is $35 and the Cellar Selection of older vintages is $55. For a relaxed afternoon, the Picnic and Bottle Service reserves a table for up to two hours for parties of 1 to 12 ($50, or $25 on weekdays); you pick a bottle from the list, bring your own food, and children and dogs are welcome. Outside alcohol is not allowed.
Bees N Blooms, an organic lavender farm with a lavender labyrinth, is also in Santa Rosa, roughly 15 minutes away, which makes this one of the best lavender days in Sonoma County in June and early July.
What to do
- Walk three acres of lavender gardens, in full bloom mid-May to late July
- Book the five-wine Estate Tasting ($35 in 2026)
- Try older vintages in the Cellar Selection Tasting ($55 in 2026)
- Reserve a picnic table with bottle service and bring your own lunch
- Shop lavender body care, candles and culinary lavender at the Lavender Market
- Play bocce near the picnic area
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Tastings by reservation year-round; lavender gardens in full bloom mid-May through July
- Hours
- As of October 2026: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (tastings by reservation); Lavender Market daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Admission
- 2026: Estate Tasting $35; Cellar Selection $55; Picnic & Bottle Service table fee $50 ($25 weekdays)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Allowed with the Picnic & Bottle Service
- Reservations
- Required for tastings and picnic tables
Tips for your visit
- Visit between mid-May and late July to see the lavender in full bloom
- Bring your own food for a picnic; the winery has no food, and outside alcohol isn't allowed
- Weekday picnic tables cost less than weekend ones
- Plan a designated driver before booking a tasting
Pair it with a lavender farm
Bees N Blooms · about 15 minutes away
Bees N Blooms is about 15 minutes away in Santa Rosa, so in June you can walk its lavender labyrinth and then picnic among the Matanzas Creek lavender gardens.
Getting there
Questions
When does the lavender bloom at Matanzas Creek?
The gardens are in full bloom from mid-May to the end of July.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes for wine tastings and picnic tables. You can shop the Lavender Market without one.
Can I bring kids and dogs?
Children and dogs are welcome with the Picnic & Bottle Service.
How much is a tasting?
In 2026 the Estate Tasting is $35 and the Cellar Selection Tasting is $55; wine club members pay less.
🗺️ 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
