Matanzas Creek is a peaceful Bennett Valley winery where the landscape plays an unusually large role in the visit. The estate is known for its gardens — particularly lavender when it is in season — and the setting feels quieter and more rural than many busy Sonoma tasting corridors. Visitors looking for a winery where they can sit outside, take in the property and avoid a crowded tasting-bar atmosphere will appreciate the pace.
The wines provide an interesting alternative to the region’s most common tourism staples. Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are especially important to the Matanzas Creek identity, with Chardonnay and other Sonoma wines rounding out the portfolio. The standard Estate Tasting is accessible, while the Cellar Selection moves into more limited or elevated bottlings. Because visits are reservation-only, the experience is generally controlled and seated rather than drop-in.
One of the property’s practical advantages is its picnic program. Visitors can reserve a table, bring their own food and purchase wine from the estate; outside alcohol is not allowed. There is not a full restaurant-style food service, so planning ahead matters. Matanzas Creek is particularly well suited to couples and small groups who want a scenic, slower stop and who are interested in Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot rather than another Cabernet-heavy tasting.
Matanzas Creek Winery photos
Matanzas Creek Winery details
- Address
- 6097 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
- Phone
- (707) 528-6464
- Reservations required
- Yes — current tasting experiences are reservation only.
- Tasting price
- $35–$55
- Typical visit time
- About 60–90 min; reserved picnic time can be longer
- Wine focus
- Bennett Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, plus Chardonnay and other Sonoma wines
- Discount available
- No tasting-pass discount listed
- Picnic
- Yes — reserved picnic tables are available and guests are encouraged to bring outside food; no outside alcohol.
- Food
- No regular onsite food service; visitors may bring their own food for a reserved picnic.
- Group tasting
- Yes — picnic reservations can accommodate groups up to about 12; larger/private groups should inquire.
- Distance from Santa Rosa
- 6.2 miles
- Distance from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- 65.5 miles
Common questions about visiting Matanzas Creek Winery
Do I need a reservation at Matanzas Creek Winery?
Matanzas Creek Winery is listed as reservation-required. Book this stop before you lock the rest of a Sonoma tasting day; this listing does not confirm last-minute walk-ins. Listing note: Yes — current tasting experiences are reservation only. Confirm before you go; policies change by day and experience.
How much does a tasting at Matanzas Creek Winery cost?
Tasting fees at Matanzas Creek Winery are listed at $35–$55. Published options include Estate Tasting: about $35. Cellar Selection Tasting: about $55. Reserved picnic table: typically about $25 on some weekdays and around $50 at standard times; visitors bring their own food and purchase winery wine separately. Reservations required. Fees and formats change; confirm with the winery before you book.
How long should I plan to spend at Matanzas Creek Winery?
Plan About 60–90 min; reserved picnic time can be longer at Matanzas Creek Winery, not counting drive time to the next stop. Leave a buffer before any later reservation so you are not cutting a longer tasting short.
What should I expect at Matanzas Creek Winery?
Matanzas Creek Winery is listed with a focus on Bennett Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, plus Chardonnay and other Sonoma wines. Food note: No regular onsite food service; visitors may bring their own food for a reserved picnic. Picnic note: Yes — reserved picnic tables are available and guests are encouraged to bring outside food; no outside alcohol. Groups: Yes — picnic reservations can accommodate groups up to about 12; larger/private groups should inquire. The overview at the top of this page covers tasting styles and who the stop is for.
What wineries should I visit before or after Matanzas Creek Winery?
Wineries often paired with Matanzas Creek Winery include St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Ledson Winery & Vineyards, Chateau St. Jean, and Kunde Family Winery. Stay geographically tight rather than crossing Sonoma mid-day.
Where does Matanzas Creek Winery fit into a Sonoma tasting day?
This is a good place to make lunch part of the winery visit: reserve a picnic table and bring food before arriving. Keep the rest of the itinerary in Bennett Valley/Kenwood/Sonoma Valley rather than trying to jump to northern Healdsburg afterward.
Tasting options and prices
- Estate Tasting: about $35. Cellar Selection Tasting: about $55. Reserved picnic table: typically about $25 on some weekdays and around $50 at standard times
- visitors bring their own food and purchase winery wine separately. Reservations required.
Tasting fees and formats change. Confirm current options with the winery before you book.
Discount available
No tasting-pass discount is listed for Matanzas Creek Winery right now. Recheck Sonoma tasting discounts or confirm current offers with the winery.
Other wineries near Matanzas Creek Winery
- St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
- Ledson Winery & Vineyards
- Chateau St. Jean
- Kunde Family Winery
Use the Sonoma winery map to compare drive miles and reservation windows.
Information last verified: September 2026. Visitor details (hours, tasting prices, reservations) are sourced from the official winery website. Confirm before you visit. How we maintain listings.