Planning a Northern California wine-tasting adventure should be (nearly) as relaxing and fulfilling as the experience itself. But with many of the best wineries in Napa and Sonoma open just four or five hours per day for public tastings, building an itinerary can feel like an impossible race against the clock.

We get it, which is why we keep Roche Winery’s two tasting rooms open longer than many of our neighbors. We’re not the only ones, either. If you’re eager to extend your tasting day another hour or two, you’ve come to the right place.

These Sonoma wineries aren’t open 24/7, but they have longer hours than many of their counterparts (meaning they close at 5pm at the earliest). We invite you to check out both of our Roche Winery tasting rooms and to visit a few of our other favorites while you’re in the area.

Roche Winery (Downtown Sonoma Tasting Room)

Our downtown Sonoma tasting room is open later than any of the alternatives on this list. So if it’s a “last glass of the night” vibe you’re after — or maybe “last glass before dinner” — we’re your go-to in Sonoma town.

We’d love to have you for longer, of course. We’ve earned many accolades for our Pinot Noirs in recent years, and we’re proud to offer some of Sonoma’s best Chardonnays as well. Find a spot at our outdoor bar or spacious garden patio. Or, if you’d prefer an even more intimate setting away from the hustle and bustle of Sonoma Plaza, visit our elegant indoor tasting room.

Where: 122 West Spain Street, Sonoma

Hours: Daily, 11am to 7:30pm

Roche Winery (Tipperary Vineyard)

Our recently renovated main production facility sits amid our glorious “Tipperary Vineyard” on the Sonoma Valley flats, just minutes from downtown Sonoma. Open until 5pm every day, it’s perfect for afternoon vineyard tours and picnics (call ahead to reserve your spot!) and guided tastings or wines by the glass on our beautiful, all-weather outdoor patio. 

If you’ll be joining us with a larger group, consider reserving a private tasting, where you’ll have an opportunity to sample our finest library, reserve, and “futures” wines. 

Where: 22097A Bonness Road, Sonoma

Hours: Daily, 10:30am to 5pm

Rancho Maria Wines (Downtown Sonoma)

Located across the street from Sonoma Plaza and open until 7pm daily, Rancho Maria Wines’ intimate tasting room is the perfect place to sample fine Sonoma wines while taking in the evening activity in our beautiful little town. The space itself is a must-see too, with unmistakable “Old Sonoma” decor and a rustic yet elegant ambiance that will put you right at home. All wines are small-batch and sourced from Rancho Maria’s estate in the Dry Creek Valley AVA.

Where: 481 1st St W, Sonoma

Hours: Daily, 12pm to 7pm

Bennett Valley Cellars (Downtown Sonoma)

Specializing in Napa- and Sonoma-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Bennett Valley Cellars is another intimate downtown Sonoma tasting room that’s ideal for small groups interested in learning more about Northern California terroir. It closes at 6pm daily, so might we recommend a follow-up glass at Roche’s nearby downtown Sonoma tasting room?

Where: 127 E Napa St, Sonoma

Hours: Daily, 12pm to 6pm

Lake Sonoma Winery

Lake Sonoma Winery is only open Thursday through Sunday, and its smallish tasting room fills up fast. But that’s no excuse not to sample its inimitable wine library, which features Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet Sauvignons sourced from various Sonoma AVAs. This is another “6pm closer,” leaving ample time to move onto establishments open a bit later into the evening.

Where: 134 Church St, Sonoma

Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 11am to 6pm

Robledo Family Winery

Robledo Family Winery is about as close to next-door neighbor status as you can get in the Sonoma Valley, and we couldn’t ask for a better one. This multigenerational family-owned establishment has been in business for decades and consistently produces some of the finest small-batch wines in the Carneros AVA. The Robledo family would be happy to host you before or after your visit to Roche’s main production facility.

Where: 21901 Bonness Rd, Sonoma

Hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm

Gloria Ferrer Wines

Gloria Ferrer Wines is another near-neighbor for us, and they’re open until 5pm most days, making them an easy stop before or after your Roche visit. They’re worth the time, thanks to an expansive inventory of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones that each offer their own take on the local terroir. The stunning elevated patio is a wonderful place to take in the lengthening afternoon shadows, too.

Where: 23555 Arnold Dr, Sonoma

Hours: 10am to 5pm most days (call to confirm)

Cline Family Cellars

Cline Family Cellars’ sprawling Arnold Drive property is known locally as the “Cline Ranch.” With several different buildings and a variety of outdoor spaces (including some with water features) to enjoy your tasting experience, the name is apt. For a truly memorable bottle-service experience, reserve a garden cabana with room for up to eight guests.

Where: 24737 Arnold Dr, Sonoma

Hours: Daily, 10:30am to 5pm

Still Out? What to Do in Sonoma After Winery Hours

Even the most dedicated tasting room hosts need to rest. Frankly, it’s not difficult to outlast a crowd for whom 6:30pm counts as “late.”

Fortunately, if you’re still out and about in Sonoma after the wineries close for the day, there’s plenty more to do. Here are some of our personal favorites.

Hike Sonoma Overlook

If there’s still ample light when you’ve concluded your tasting experiences for the day, head north out of town and pick up the Sonoma Overlook Trail where 1st St turns to Norrbom Road. The full trail is three miles through meadows and dry woodlands, but you don’t have to complete the full length to get a sense of Sonoma’s amazing natural bounty. Do remember to take a few pictures from the summit, which offers panoramic views of downtown Sonoma and the hills beyond.

Take in the Sights on Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma Plaza is the undisputed heart of Sonoma town and — if we may say so — a real all-American gem. Weather permitting, stroll through and take in the sights, or grab a seat and people-watch from a shaded, stationary position. It’s a perfect early-evening experience to cap off a day on the wine trail.

Enjoy a Glass (Or Two) of Bubbly at SIGH.

SIGH. is all about sparkling wine, all the time. If bubbly is your thing, pull up a stool at the small but comfortable bar and enjoy a glass, flight, or bottle with your companion(s). Don’t be surprised if you have to wait — but know that it’s worth every minute.

Where: 120 W Napa St, Sonoma

Hours: 12pm to 8pm most days; 12pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday

Fill up at HopMonk Tavern

HopMonk Tavern is a small, local restaurant chain serving elevated burgers, sandwiches, and bar-style sides. It has an eclectic beer menu as well, a nice change of pace if you’ve had your fill of wine for the day. Weekend evenings bring live music — check the website or social media for what’s ahead.

Where: 691 Broadway, Sonoma

Hours: 11am to 9pm most days; open until 10pm Friday and Saturday

Grab a Slice at The Red Grape

The Red Grape is a low-key, family-run pizzeria featuring innovative brick oven pies and creative salads brimming with locally sourced, in-season produce. Grab a spot on the patio if you find one — it’s one of Sonoma’s best.

Where: 529 1st St W, Sonoma

Hours: 11:30am to 8pm most days (closed Sunday)

Sample Sonoma’s Bounty at The Girl & The Fig

As luck would have it, one of our favorite restaurants in town is next-door neighbor to our downtown Sonoma tasting room. This pioneering farm-to-table spot is the perfect romantic endnote to a productive day of wine tasting — and of course, there’s more wine to be had here if you’re up for it.

Where: 110 W Spain St, Sonoma

Hours: 11:30am to 9pm most days (opens at 10am Saturday and Sunday)