Combining striking architecture, sleek interiors, magnificent scenery and exemplary food and wine, Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma has been the most exciting wine country opening in years. Only 35 minutes from San Francisco in the beautiful Carneros region, Ram’s Gate is an ideal stop for savvy wine enthusiasts seeking more than the typical tasting room experience.
With such pedigree as architect Howard Backen, whose portfolio includes Meadowood, Esperanza and Sundance resorts, and famed interiors guru Orlando Diaz-Azcuy who designed the spa and pool at the Peninsula Hong Kong as well as chic residences in San Francisco and New York, the space itself is a masterpiece. Inspired by old barns in the area, the 22,000 square-foot winery is divided into multiple indoor/outdoor lounge areas featuring reclaimed barn wood floors and contemporary yet rustic furnishings. Ram’s Gate rounds off the talent with veteran chef Jason Rose formerly of venerated restaurants Delfina and Locanda in San Francisco and winemaker Jeff Gaffner, who was part of the team that created the 1999 Wine of the Year (Wine Spectator), the 1996 Cinq Cepages by Chateau St. Jean.
The focus is on the entire wine experience, from enjoying a glass of pinot overlooking vineyard panoramas to a picnic by a pond or extensive wine and food pairing courses in the open kitchen. A private members club is in the works and sure to be a hit with wine country and Bay Area locals as well as frequent visitors to the region.
Ram’s Gate Winery. Open 10-6pm daily. 28700 Arnold Dr. Sonoma, CA 95476
