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Sojourn Cellars Review

Sojourn Cellars Review

Address: 141 East Napa Street Somoma,California 95476.
Phone Number: 707-938-7212
Tasting Hours: By appt. 10:00-5:00

Region: Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley AVA, California
Reviewer: Sherrie Perkovich
Review Date: 7/17/2013
Reviewer: Sherrie Perkovich
Rating: 5

The Review

Sojourn Cellars is based in the town of Sonoma and specializes in the production of artisan Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Their wines are highly acclaimed and are often rated and featured in The Pinot Report, California Grapevine and Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. Sojourn does not own any vineyards. Rather, they source their fruit from some of the most recognized and celebrated vineyards in Sonoma and Napa Counties.

The Winery: &nbspSojourn is conveniently located in the town of Sonoma just off the historic town square. This is an ideal way to walk, taste and explore the town. Double bonus, no one needs to drive. They are located near many of Sonoma’s top hotels, inns and restaurants. For instance, you can stay at the El Dorado Inn and simply walk over to their warm and cozy tasting room.

Sojourn began in 2001 merely as an idea between a couple of tennis buddies that shared a common passion for Pinot and good wine in general. Twelve years later, their winery has evolved into an artisan, boutique producer of amazing hand-crafted wines. Those buddies, Craig and Erich, are still at the helm today, leading Sojourn down the path of producing highly-rated wines for wine lovers and foodies alike. One of the best things about Sojourn is their prices. For this kind of high quality wine, you’d expect to pay over $100 a bottle. Yet their entry level Pinot is under $40. As a result, Sojourn often sells out of their wines. Since their wines are in such high demand, they sell their wines on an allocation basis. This means if you like it, buy it. And then you will be on the list to buy future wine from them.

The Tasting: &nbspFrom the outside, the Sojourn tasting salon appears to be a cute little Sonoma house about a half block off the town square. When you walk in, there is soothing music playing that instantly puts you in a relaxed mood (as if the idea of tasting wine isn’t enough). There are elegant tables set up displaying the wine glasses and other items for your tasting experience. It is a very relaxed and intimate setting in which to taste wine. You’ll wish all wineries conducted their tastings this way.

Sojourn Cellars offers a unique, comparative tasting experience where you will get the opportunity to taste through a flight of Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a wonderful way to taste the nuances in the terroir, and the Sojourn wines are very terroir-driven wines that showcase their style and the qualities of the Sonoma Coast. If you enjoy Burgundian wines, you will love these wines.

The Wines:   The standard fee for Sojourn’s wine tasting experience is $35 per person. You should allow for at least 60 minutes for the tasting, and all tastings must be booked in advance. Sojourn is primarily known for their Pinot Noir but also happens to craft some delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Don’t leave without tasting their Beckstoffer Georges III or Spring Mountain Cab (when they have it). Here is a list of their current wines. They will release additional wines in the fall and spring.

• 2011 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast: 93 points – Pinot Report. $39 per bottle, 1250 cases produced.

• 2011 Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Sonoma Coast: 96 points – Pinot Report. $48 per bottle, 600 cases produced.

• 2011 Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast: 95 points – Pinot Report. $54 per bottle, 800 cases produced.

• 2011 Pinot Noir, Rodgers Creek Vineyard, Sonoma Coast: 94 points – Pinot Report. $48 per bottle, 550 cases produced.

• 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III: 93 points – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. $95 per bottle, 225 cases produced.

• 2011 Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Sonoma Coast: 91 points – California Grapevine. $45 per bottle, 250 cases produced.

Insider Information: &nbspIf you would like to arrange for something a bit different the next time your visiting wineries in Sonoma, just reach out to Sojourn in advance and have a discussion about what you are looking for. With advance notice, experiences such as chocolate or cheese pairings can be arranged. Please contact them at least two weeks before your arrival to make arrangements. An additional fee will usually apply. Sojourn can take groups as large as 16, but 6 or less is perfect for this type of experience.