It’s been almost a decade since we opened the doors of our stunning MacRostie Estate House near Healdsburg in the heart of the Russian River Valley. When we did so, our goal was to establish a new benchmark for wine country hospitality in Sonoma County. In the years since we have never wavered from this aim. As a result, our Estate House has been hailed as one of “The Ten Most Beautiful Wineries in California” by Condé Nast Traveler, the “Best Tasting Room in Napa and Sonoma” by San Francisco Magazine, one of the “Best Winery Patios in Sonoma & Napa” by Sonoma Magazine, and most recently, one of The Press Democrat’s“go-to Sonoma County spots to take out-of-town guests.”

For those who have yet to discover our Estate House, we thought we would share a bit about what you can expect during a visit. The experience really begins as you come over the hill on Westside Road and view the dramatic entrance of the Estate House and its postcard-perfect vine rows of our surrounding Thale’s Vineyard. Our attentive team keeps watch on the entrance so that, as you arrive, we can greet you with a taste of our sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, or perhaps our seasonal rosé. From there, our host will check you in and guide you to your table. Seating options include cozy indoor couches or tables in the elegant indoor tasting room, or three different al fresco seating areas, each with its own idyllic view from our patio.

Once you’re escorted to your seats, your Wine Ambassador (who generally only serves one or two tables at a time) will chat with you about your tasting, asking thoughtful questions about what you’re most excited to try, and what styles of wine you enjoy. While we have set tasting menus each day, our team is always delighted to tailor tastings to your preference, with red- and white-only options, or a tasting focused on specific styles. Do you enjoy opulent wines? Graceful ones? Whatever you’re in the mood for, your ambassador will strive to create your perfect lineup.

Of course, you can always leave yourself in our capable hands. Our Signature Tasting features five wines with a focus on our acclaimed single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. If you’d like to nibble while you taste, you can add either a handmade vegetarian or charcuterie box from our friends at Diavola Restaurant in Geyserville for an additional fee. Or, if you’ve selected our Library Vintage Experience, you’ll get to explore three Chardonnays and three Pinot Noirs, all of which are at least three to seven years old, which are paired with a sampling of charcuterie from Healdsburg’s renowned Journeyman Meat Co. Adding to its allure, our Library Experience often features verticals of our single-vineyard wines, which allows guests to explore the fascinating impact of vintage variation at a specific site.

Beginning with our white wines and then moving on to reds, our knowledgeable ambassadors (several of whom are certified sommeliers), will guide you through the tasting, offering insights on the different vineyards, appellations, and styles of wines. Whichever option you choose, it will be a rich, pampering, and immersive experience set amidst the pastoral elegance of our Russian River Valley estate. As your tasting draws to a close, you’ll enjoy a truffle from Rainy Day Chocolates, and your ambassador will walk you out to your car with any wine purchases, or will gladly arrange shipping for any wines you wish to buy and have sent home. We are also happy to recommend our favorite local restaurants, shops, and even other wineries we love to visit.

We believe that a trip to wine country should be a magical experience. Whether you are a long-time member or a first-time guest, our goal is to surprise and delight you, and we strive to make everyone who walks through our doors feel loved and special. If that sounds like your idea of an unforgettable day in wine country, then we hope to see you soon!