The Mayo Family Winery (13101 Arnold Dr. at Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen, 707/938-9401, www.mayofamilywinery.com [1], daily 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.) breaks from the Chard-Cab-Merlot juggernaut of Sonoma [2], producing an array of interesting Italian varietals. Here you might taste your first smoky rich Carignane or Barbera, enjoy a fruity white Viognier, or savor the Chianti-based Sangiovese.
The Mayo Family boasts a big presence in the region, with an at-the-winery tasting room, a small storefront tasting room in downtown Sonoma (on Sonoma Plaza), and the prized reserve tasting room up north in Kenwood (9200 Sonoma Hwy., Thurs.–Mon. 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., reservations recommended, fee).
At the reserve tasting room, your experience includes seven tasting pours of Mayo’s very best wines, each paired with a small bite of gourmet California cuisine created by on-site chefs. Bon appetit!
Links:
[1] http://www.mayofamilywinery.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/wine-country/sonoma-and-carneros