If I was able to join a wine club easily (boo, Pennsylvania), I would join VML. This is the only place we visited that I LOVED everything I tasted. We were towards the end of our trip, so we only had room in our cases to bring home one bottle (the Earth Pinot made it into the box in our car), but had this been at the beginning of our trip, I think we would have brought home at least 4 bottles of VML. The grounds here are beautiful...I loved the little trek up the stairs, exploring the gardens as we climbed. Once we entered the tasting room, I was in love. It felt comfortable but not stuffy...some lovely chairs in the corner, but we enjoyed our corner of the bar. Our pourer was fantastic...the right speed, the right mix of knowledge. From the gewurtz to the rose to the lovely pinots, this was my kind of place. Keep it up, VML. Hopefully the liquor laws of PA will catch up to the new millennium so that I may join the wine club...until then, perhaps I will need to order a case or two and have it shipped to family elsewhere :) read more

This place is magical and will be missed. The tasting room is moving down the road at the end of the year. In fact they'll be sharing digs with the parent company (truett hurst) for about 8 months while the new spot is built out. Hoping they saved some of the pixie dust used here! The winemaker is talented and makes some of the best Pinot Noir in the valley. The sparking blanc de Noir and Sauvignon blanc are also quite special. It's all about the relationship between earth, moon, and stars... definitely worth the drive. read more

See all

I have to say that I am really happy to be writing this update. Ever since I wrote my last review, Elyse from VML contacted me right away. She has "amazing customer service skills" written all over. She apologized for the experience and let me know that they highly value customer service and that what happened should never have taken place. She offered several times to make it up to us and had sent us a couple of things along with a very nice note from the manager herself, apologizing for our experience. That was amazing. We actually didn't want to go at first, especially since we are about 2.5 hours away, but after that, we decided that they definitely deserved another chance. Last Sunday, Elyse had set up a cheese and wine tasting and tour for us. Larry was our wine connoisseur and he was a very cool person who knew a lot about the wines and the history of the winery. He is retired and you can tell that he loves what he does. Both Vira and I were a little surprised at first that he didn't know why we were there, so we mentioned our experience (without getting too detailed) towards the end. But I think that was the best part - he treated us amazingly without even knowing the real reason of why we were there. And this is exactly what I wanted to see. Of course we would have gotten special treatment to make up for a bad experience, but he gave us special treatment without having a clue! And that right there shows me that the first experience we had at VML was a very unlucky fluke. We got a tour of the winery, which isn't very big at all, but is very beautiful. I did note this in my first review. And I was bummed that back then, I was determined not to come back. They grow several herbs and have a few fruit trees. Larry even gave us a bag to cut some lemons and grapefruits to take home. This was another highlight for me - I LOVE lemons! My friend also took some of the rosemary from their bushes. We ended up buying several bottles of the wines we tried because this time around, I was really able to enjoy them. The first time, I lost my desire to keep trying them. THANK YOU ELYSE! I hope your manager sees this review and appreciates what you have done here. You have made two disgruntled non-customers into customers who can't wait to come back again! And while the other two ladies that were in my original group were not able to make it, they will hear about this. I am HUGE on customer service and I have already told several of my friends and coworkers about this. When I am treated well, I can become the biggest advocate and in this case, VML Winery has a new place in my list of favorite wineries. Thank you! But my last note is regarding wine tour groups, which is where this entire issue arose. I don't know why our group was originally not wanted here, but I, for one, go on wine tours in order to find new wineries to visit later. And I always buy wine as a souvenir of where I have been or I buy several when I like them. You probably have your reasons for not welcoming the outside tours, which is fine, but in that case, I suggest communicating this directly to tour groups ahead of time. It just makes me sad to think that the others that were in this group won't have the opportunity to see what a great place this really is. read more

I have to admit, my main reason for first coming here was the fact they have the remaining local stock of Bradford Mtn. Wines. Boy am I glad I came here. The wines, specifically Pinot Noirs, are top notch. The current releases, 3 of them, run the spectrum of one of the smoothest Pinot's I've ever tasted, to the punch you in the taste buds bold Pinot, and finally to one of the more balanced I've had. It could be because the first to are on either end of the spectrum and the last just falls nicely into the middle. I prefer to think the winemaker really knows her stuff and just nailed it. Wines aside, I have to say what really makes this place was the staff. What a great bunch. Very attentive and knowledgeable. And our server also remembered us from another wine event. Great memory. read more

I have been a member at VML's sister winery, Truett Hurst, for a couple years and have been very happy with everything the winemaker has produced. We finally got to try VML when my sister and I came to town for a wine club party in May. Everything exceeded our expectations! Just like my first visit at Truett Hurst, I loved everything I tried during our wine tasting. One great wine after another. It was painful to have to empty my glass into the dump bucket, but that's the consequence of being the DD. The winemaker produces some wonderful reds at TH, so I was surprised how much I loved the whites at VML. I rarely like chardonnay because it tastes skunky to me, but the Russian River Valley chard was sweet and soft. The gewurztraminer was another knockout with pineapple notes. The style seems similar to Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. I loved the Bewitched Pinot Noir, but I sold my bottle to a friend. Luckily, I found Bewitched at a Safeway in Sedona. My husband and I had it with dinner recently, and we agreed we will have to order more from the winery when the weather cools down. Love that I get my TH wine club discount at VML as well! Outside of the wines, the staff and ambiance are lovely. The artwork put into the bottles might be worth the visit alone. I would love to come back and enjoy a picnic lunch on their grounds or even spend a night in their guest cottage. read more

Road in today in a tour bus for the Wine Road Barrel Tasting event with a group of 8. The security guard at the front driveway told us that we couldn't come into the winery with our large group. However, three of our people needed to check in to get their wristband for the event (this is the ONLY place the could do this). He wouldn't let our three people off the bus while the rest remained inside. We had to park off the property, in the pouring rain, and have our three people walk up to the property to check in. He was EXTREMELY rude and by saying that our three people couldnt check in for the event, was very unprofessional and ludicrous. A terrible start to what's supposed to be an amazing day. No other winery treated our group this way. We went to De La Montanya right after to check three more people in and they were nothing but accomodating and generous. I would not want to go back to VML after this experience. read more

Fantastic winery. This was my 3rd trip to VML because I absolutely love it. The location can't be beat and their wines are fantastic. I brought a group of 7 up there and 6 walked out wine club members. The staff was fantastic. So nice and helpful. They discussed in detail the reasons for creating biodynamic wines to a couple my wine-nerd friends while keeping everyone's glasses full of tastings. After they suggested we take advantage of the weather and sit outside and enjoy so more wine on the patio. There was live music which as great and some snacks to purchase as well. Big fan of their Boudreaux pinot and their rose. Other wineries close by that I would suggest if headed this way: - Rochioli - Arista - J - Gary Farrell read more

Beautiful grounds, meticulously kept gardens, Cameron was super helpful & knowledgable when pouring our wine. The Gewürztraminer & Sauvignon Blanc were fabulous as well as the Pinot Noir & Zin. A must try in the Healdsburg area. read more

VML - Sippin Sauvignon Blanc down by the pond!!! So nice - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Healdsburg, California

See all

Awesome wine tasting experience. Absolutely beautiful grounds with lots of different options to sit. We sat on the grass in the main patio area which was wonderful. We had an umbrella for shade and there's a lovely guitarist playing acoustic melodies near us. They let you do your wine tasting outside if you'd like. You just have to go in each time you're ready for the next taste. You are also allowed to bring your own picnic stuff. They have some goodies inside as well. Major props to the staff! They are all very friendly and knowledgable. Also, if you are in the wine club, they are very accommodating to your needs (shipping vs. pickup/complimentary wine tastings). Awesome wine. Amazing winery. Great staff. read more

Such a lovely sot down tasting in a absolutely striking room. Loved being able to walk their gardens too. Their wine is great too.

Amazing wines, each one better than the last. This is a must if you are in Napa or Sonoma. It was well worth the drive from Napa. We can't wait to get our shipments! read more

Loved this place! Thanks Larry for the generous pours! We had a great time and great ambiance! Beautiful day at the vineyard and look forward to coming back real soon! Wine tasting $10 for 6 tastings. Would recommend read more

Alex is great! We have gone to VML multiple times. Their tasting room is decorated so cute! You definitely need a reservation! We highly recommend! read more

VJB is a diamond in the rough, a beacon off the beaten path for appreciators of vino around Sonoma and the world. How can one begin? How about the most obvious: the wine, the wine, the wine! Ahhhhh! It is top notch. I will take it all, please, thank you. My palette is never disappointed here. The tastings are inexpensive, and quality is high. The winery and surrounding area is simply stunning. Fruit trees, abundant herbs, and other goodies fill the property. The landscaping is dynamic and gorgeous. I wish I had my wedding here years ago! I adore their "celestial/alchemist/science/nature" aesthetic, and the venue itself is rustic yet modern, chic, yet relaxed. The owner also operates Truett-Hurst along Dry Creek in Sonoma County, our other favorite Wine Country stop! I recommend both, as we take all our visiting friends and family to both Truett-Hurst and VJB, and no one ever leaves dissapointed :) The wonderful people working there are amazing, kind, generous and helpful, and so are the people you meet strolling the paths or picnicking outside on the deck. For what more could one ask? Bon Vino! read more

the rudest employee that one could have- hm? i thought wineries are in a hospitality business. I will never set foot here again.

Although we stopped here to pick up some cases of wines we had ordered online, we decided to check out the adjoining tasting room, Truett-Hurst, and to have a lunch we had brought from Dry Creek Grocery. Our dog, a 49 lbs. boxer was with us, and we were directed to the Truett-Hurst patio to use a table (we were not directed to the outdoor seating areas, down by the creek). We enjoyed our tasting flight at Truett-Hurst, and the server, Austin, even suggested that we may want to come inside the tasting room to finish our tasting, since it was becoming hot on the patio-he stated that our dog was welcome in the tasting room since there were several other dogs inside-we had finished tasting their wines by then and walked through the TH tasting room to the VML tasting room next door (after being greeted by a maitre'd outside, who smiled at us and asked what breed of dog..)-as we stepped inside the VML tasting room and took a seat at a table, our dog went under the table, as she usually does, and we told the server that since we were familiar with their wines (we had purchased several cases in the past), and had been members of the wine club, that we wanted to taste 3 red wines specifically. The server brought over the first tasting, and said, "you can't have your dog in here." WE replied that it was quite warm outside, and that we would have our next taste, cool off, then head back to the TH patio. We continued to taste. At this point, Elizabeth, the marketing and event manager, came to our table and repeated, "you need to take your dog outside," which we planned to do, as soon as we finished the taste of wine in our glasses! She then continued to stand by our table, as if to be sure that we left immediately. We were not made aware that there were outside seating areas, outside picnic areas, nor any cool spots outside for our tasting. We simply asked why dogs were allowed in the TH tasting room next door, but, not in VML. She then proceeded with a laborious diatribe about ADA requirements, a friend from Canine Companions, misbehaving children-none of which seemed to be providing us with an alternative to being out in the heat--we just wanted her to stop talking and direct us to a place where we could enjoy the last 2 tastes without having a lecture on dog behavior (all the while, our dog lay quietly under the table.) We put our glasses down and headed to the outdoor seating area by the creek-it was a beautiful spot, and it would have been great to enjoy our wine (and our picnic) there-BUT, Elizabeth didn't tell us to take our glasses, didn't inform us that there were tables, didn't really give us any options except LEAVE THE TASTING ROOM. While we were enjoying the setting, the security guard began moving the chairs and tables around, apparently preparing for closing, and stood staring at us-as is waiting for us to leave. With a few minutes to closing, we stood (wineless) to pick up our cases and leave-Elizabeth (the marketing and event manager), met us on the sidewalk with a bottle of wine (no glasses), and began to explain ADA requirements to us, told us she like out dog, and "I hope this didn't spoil your visit," We were HOT, tired, would have enjoyed some wine! BUT, VML staff seems more concerned about keeping arbitrary rules, has little actual understanding of ADA (it's NOT designed to keep ALL animals out ot establishments-but, to welcome necessary animals INTO establishments), Elizabeth failed to understand that we had NOT requested any type of accommodation for our dog-but, had asked for accommodation for US (it was HOT!) My primary complaint is that the dog policy is unclear, inconsistent and unwarranted. We had travelled over 5 hours to the Dry Creek Valley-we had no where to leave our dog, certainly NOT in a car-but, when TH next door warmly welcomed our dog in their tasting room AND on their patio, and since we were not informed about any outside tasting areas--and, with Elizabeth's rambling explanations-all the while smiling (but continuing to talk!) This was one of the worst wine tasting experiences we have ever had. Since dogs are allowed in some spaces and not others--some signage would be helpful, and if the tasting room partnership is apparent, allowing dogs in one room but not the other seems arbitrary and capricious-or, Elizabeth was just discriminating against us and our dog. Our experience at the former VML location was always warm, welcoming and inviting to both our dog and to us-Elizabeth and THIS location need to get their hospitality act together-what a disappointment. (btw-she came to our car an gave us a bottle of one of the wines we were not able to taste-as a consolation prize, I suppose--nice gesture, too little too late.) read more

Great winery with TONS of picnic tables (they're spread all around, I thought they were all taken, but there are several on the lower levels). Nice interior with a friendly staff that remembers which wine you're on even if you're with a big party. I really enjoyed the live music. they have some food items for sale, but I recommend going to Wild Sage for amazing sandwiches to go (and picnic here with them) with a bottle of VML sauv blanc ($22). read more

Rude service - closed down 35 minutes early without notice after we had already been let in. Would not return based on what I saw.

This is so sad. We used to love visiting VML. Under new ownership, they are clearly only out to make a buck. I must say, the wine is still amazing, but get out your wallet. The $15 tasting fee is only waived if you buy two bottles and the prices have gone UP. You also have to make an appointment. This place used to be our go-to for tasting, picnic and fun. Our favorite place to take visitors. Not anymore. The tasting room is just as ugly as it can be - the worst interior design! As long as they keep the same winemaker I have no doubt the wine will be good. But the experience is greatly diminished. As a local, we have many choices. We will not be back. read more

This winery has a very very nice garden! After our tastings we had a picnic there for lunch. It was very relaxing. read more

VML - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Healdsburg, California

We stumbled in on a Tuesday morning and Pat poured our tastings. He was pleasant, informative, friendly and made great suggestions in regards to our purchases. He directed us to a secluded spot in the gardens where we enjoyed our picnic and cigar with a glass of our favorite from the tastings.... ( I'll remember the name when the shipment arrives). A young lady came by and visited with us about the gardens... they are spectacular! read more

Amazing selection of Pinot noir! Kyle did our tasting and did a great job! We had a great time with beautiful scenery and farm animals on property kids loved it! read more

The staff here is SO MUCH FUN. The vineyard/environment is beautiful! The wine is also fantastic! Definitely worth going for a tasting and a picnic. read more

This is a hard review to write. I used to love VML. It was one of my favorite wineries, and I would recommend it to everyone and anyone. Unfortunately, most of the wine club and tasting team have left. Now with a new staff and a new location, VML is no longer the same. The team is no longer as friendly, and interacting with them feels like an impersonal business transaction. They have also raised their prices significantly, but I do not feel like the quality of wine has improved. With so many great wineries in Healdsburg, I unfortunately feel like VML is no longer a great choice. read more

Wonderful gardens and a lot of personality in this place. Wines are meh, tastings were a little expensive but you can share. The design of the labels on all the bottles are so special. Ask for some labels as souvenirs, you won't be disappointed. It was actually really cool of them to allow us to roam the gardens, and we were encouraged to eat figs and pears right off the trees. Quite nice hospitality. Though the wines aren't quite going to lure me back here, I'm happy to have been. It's a little out of the way from the main road so probably never as crowded as the rest of the wineries on the main stretch. read more

Great wine. Great staff. Beautiful setting. I've already finished the bottle I purchased and am considering ordering more Bradford Mountain Red Blend. This winery is a must-do in Healdsburg. read more

I picked up some of there Bradford Mt Zin, but seriously, they were all top notch. Reasonably priced too. We were here on a Tuesday around noon. The place was practically empty and the staff was very attentive. This was our 2nd visit to the place and we loved it both times. We met the winemaker and her family and our son even played with her son. The whole place seems very down to earth. The grounds are stunning. Beautiful gardens and picnic area. The tasting room is great and the staff is always very knowledgable and friendly. This is one of my top 5 wineries in Sonoma County. read more

Went to VML today for great wine tasting and a picnic. Great way to spend the day. Thank you! read more

VML - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Healdsburg, California

We love VML! Great whites! We just stopped into Truitt Hurst and found VMLs new tasting room. Amazing place, great artwork and great wine of course. Today is their first tasting. Love it! #vmltastingroom read more

VML - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Healdsburg, California

My husband and I discovered VML last year on our 1st anniversary, and we loved it so much we joined their wine club! I've really enjoyed getting shipments of their wine throughout the year. Service: Wonderful! Each time we've been here, we were greeted by warm, friendly personnel. This is important to us because we're not wine snobs or anything, but they make us feel right at home. Wine: Incredible! We're told that this winery really works hard to keep the price point of the wines low. We always leave with at least a few bottles to take home. They have delicious pinot and they introduced us to their Gewurztraminer, which we really love. Location: They have the most BEAUTIFUL grounds, located atop a small slope overlooking gardens and fruit trees. They even let us pick apples and plums and enjoy them with our wines. My husband and I have made some wonderful memories here. Bring a picnic! read more

Great picnic area along the river - very relaxing. Friendly staff. Live music on the patio. We enjoyed the pinot noirs.

Excellent gardens and environment. Great on Saturdays since live music is on. Wines are good, great when paired with some food that you can actually bring and enjoy. read more

View - superb Grounds - beautiful (although we packed a picnic lunch to enjoy outside with the amazing view and we had a HORRIBLE bee issue. It definitely took away from the experience. Wine - average, not bad but we certainly had better wine elsewhere. read more

Buyer beware. Wine is like cough syrup. Staff is nice but some weird policies in place such as you can't purchase a bottle and enjoy it on their property. Makes your feel very unwelcome. read more

This place rocks!!! We were introduced to VML during the Sonoma Barrel Tasting 2011. We met the owners (Phil and Ginny) and manager (Rachel) along with many others during that initial weekend and were very pleased with the friendliness of everyone. Between the wine being very good and reasonably priced and the superb staff we immediately became members. We have visited several times over the past year and everytime we have been welcomed like family. Their wine pick-up events are a blast and they are all different. read more

Loved the location by the river, wine and amazing animals for the kids to look at!

VML is one of my favorite wineries on Westside Road. Their wines are excellently executed. My personal favorites are the 2013 Chardonnay and the 2013 Russian River Pinot. The grounds there are absolutely beautiful! It's a great place to have a picnic- they have many tables outside and around the property. They also have many fruit trees and berry bushes that are organic so the little ones can pick and eat the fruit (my favorite are the pink lemonade blueberries). The people who work there are also super friendly and very knowledgeable about the wines. Definitely a must stop for anyone visiting the area! read more

I came here with my Boyfriend. He and I enjoyed the views and their garden is amazing. The wine was paired perfectly with our mood. The staff is friendly and attentive and their guests non pretentious. What a wonderful way to spend time with someone you love while frolicking around their garden with a fantastic glass of wine! read more

I fell in love with their "Bewitched" wine at the SF Vintners Market, so when we had to take our friend from Canada to wine country it was a no brainer for us to visit VML. And we were so glad we did! The winery is beautiful and kept up very well. The seating was great for the beautiful weather in Sonoma on Saturday, and we had lots of fun playing with the giant Jenga set. More importantly, every pour on the tasting menu was delicious. The Floodgate Pinot and the Zinfandel were amazing. I ended up taking home a bottle of the Zinfandel. Lastly, despite being extremely busy, Larry made it a point to try to get us our pours outside. I really appreciated the care he took to made sure we were attended. Will definitely visit again and recommend the winery to other friends. read more

Beautiful, small winery. Lovely setting, bring a picnic and stay for lunch or snacks! The wines were tasty too, we each left with a bottle. It's charming, and wasn't too crowded which was great. They also have music outside during some weekend summer days! read more