Ramifications
From the City to a Sonoma Winery in 35 Minutes

You’ve driven to wine country enough to know that you’ll drive there again.

But you also wouldn’t mind if it was closer.

A 35-minute drive seems about right.

Introducing Ram’s Gate Winery, your newest, nearest winery source for chardonnay, pinot and sparkling, opening Monday across from the Infineon Raceway.

Located on the absolute edge of the Carneros wine region, this hilltop barn will be the first winery you hit—seconds after the “Welcome to Sonoma” sign. And since you can arrange for everything from small bites paired with wine flights to elaborate dinners in their caves to simple wine tastings, this could end up being your only stop.

On a good day, it’ll be about a half-hour’s drive north before you’re pulling up to the vineyard-lined driveway leading to the winery. Once there, you’ve got the run of the joint, but we suggest starting opposite the big oak fermentation tanks, at the marble bar in the main tasting room for a glass of Sangiacomo chardonnay.

If you’ve arranged for a sit-down meal—prepped by a Delfina/Wayfare Tavern vet—you’ll have options. Among the top is the intimate wine parlor with French doors opening to the vineyards or a fireside table in the more social, covered gallery. You can even take a picnic down to the pond.

In the event you want to focus solely on the wine, you can do tasting flights, buy by the glass or go ahead and get a bottle.

No need to beat around the bush.