Michel-Schlumberger

This beautiful mission-revival building surrounding a tranquil courtyard is tucked away up Wine Creek Canyon surrounded by 100 acres of undulating benchland vineyards that create a multitude of different growing conditions, from the cool heights of Bradford Mountain down to the hotter canyon floor.

Zinfandel is notably absent from the wine portfolio. Instead, the cooler hillsides favor cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir. The cabernets, particularly the reserve, are outstanding illustrations that Dry Creek Valley is good for more than just zinfandel.

Some cheaper wines are sourced from Schlumberger’s 90 acres of vineyards outside the valley, including a syrah and a basic red table wine. All told, the winery produces about 20,000 cases of wine a year. Tours of the winery and vineyards followed by wine tasting are offered twice a day by appointment at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (4155 Wine Creek Rd., off W. Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, 707/433-7427 or 800/447-3060, www.michelschlumberger.com).