13 of Sonoma's Rarest Wines

Discover small‑production wines that whisper to connoisseurs and collectors.

When people think of Sonoma wine, Pinot Noir comes first to mind, but the diversity of terroir makes the region suitable for both Burgundy and Bordeaux varietals to thrive. Sonoma’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean means cooler temperatures than in neighboring Napa Valley, and its 16 approved sub-appellations offer world-class wines across a range of styles. While its Burgundy varietals have taken center stage over the last few decades, the area first gained its foothold in winegrowing more than 100 years ago, through Zinfandel and field blends of mixed red grapes. Today, winemakers are preserving that heritage by turning to old-vine vineyards to create sumptuous new wines.

Wayfarer 2014 Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross‑Seaview ($80)
Wayfarer 2013 The Traveler Pinot Noir Fort Ross‑Seaview ($125)

The Pahlmeyer family has made a name for itself in fine wine from Napa and Sonoma since the 1980s. In 2014 founder Jayson and his daughter, Cleo Pahlmeyer, launched their new project, Wayfarer. The focus is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the high-elevation Wayfarer vineyard in the wind-exposed and rugged Fort Ross–Seaview appellation of Sonoma’s coastal mountains along the shores of the Pacific. Cleo leads the Wayfarer project, working with winemaker Bibiana González Rave to craft estate wines from specific blocks of the family property. Together the wines showcase the power and elegance of Sonoma’s coastal range. The Chardonnay brings focus to the freshness of the mountains with aromatics of birch blossom and lemon oil washing through an energizing, finessed, and textural palate. Just 800 cases were produced of this, the only Chardonnay from the site. Carrying the incredible concentration of the 2013 vintage, the Traveler Pinot Noir was built to age. The distinctive wine focuses entirely on one clone from their estate site, brought to Sonoma’s coast from the celebrated vineyards of Burgundy. With only 33 percent of the vintage aged in new oak and 15 months spent in barrel, the focus is on the fruits and nuances of the vineyard. Scents of pine and fir lift from a body of spiced red fruit with a long, savory finish. Offering firm, silken tannins and the acidity to match, the Traveler Pinot will continue to evolve and develop in the bottle for another decade.