Located off of the Gravenstein Highway just outside of Sebastopol, Horse and Plow Winery combines everything I hope to find (and love when I do) at a Sonoma County winery.
Here is a list of reasons why I love this place:
-The winery is also a farm (they have chickens and sell fresh eggs).
-It has an outdoor seating area under beautiful Sonoma County oak trees.
-They allow customers to bring in outside food for picnicking (alongside the wines or ciders you purchase from them)
-They host my kind of wine country events regularly- live music and wine, gourmet food trucks and growler pick-up nights, etc.
-They offer re-fillable (1 liter) growlers of delicious draft wine (and cider!) at reasonable prices.
-Experiences don’t feel ‘curated’ (though that can be a great thing and some wineries excel at it!), they feel more ‘Sonoma County’ casual. Like you’re hanging out at a friend’s Sonoma County farm and vineyard.
Hanging out at Horse and Plow Winery feels like what wine tasting in Sonoma County used to feel like, before Sideways and the Hollywoodization of wine country spearheaded a major boom in wine tourism (not all bad by any means, things just become more gentrified that much faster).
What You’ll Find at Horse and Plow
Horse and Plow sits on a beautiful sprawl of property with a farm, vineyards, tasting barn, outdoor seating area and fire pit. Their setting and ambiance are classic West County (the Western side of Sonoma County has it’s own vibe).
Typically, you’ll see some baskets of veggies and fresh eggs out for sale. And, you’ll quite often find one of the owners behind the bar, which is something that used to be common in Sonoma County but has now become more and more rare.
What to Drink at Horse and Plow
I like pretty much everything that Chris and Suzanne make, from their excellent craft ciders to their approachable, balanced, and (completely) natural wines. Normally, I have a specific wine or two I’d recommend at a particular winery. But with these guys I honestly think you’ll be happy with anything you try.
That said, some particular favorites of mine at Horse and Plow are the skin contact pinot gris, North Coast grenache, Gravenstein cider (on draft), and Heirloom cider. I never know what new cider or wine might become my new favorite, because these guys keep a rotating selection of unique (and small production) wines and ciders on tap throughout the year.
Planning a Trip to Horse and Plow
I suggest planning to stop at Horse and Plow with some snacks to nosh on, and grabbing an outdoor table. Taste a couple of things to see what you like best, and then order a few bottles and relax.
The tasting barn is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 1272 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol
Phone: 707-827-3486
Before or after your visit to Horse and Plow, stop at one of these nearby spots:
Bohemian Creamery (Local Cheese)
Bohemian Creamery is a local artisan creamery just down the road, that offers both tours as well as an on-site cheese shop and cafe. Stop to pick up some delicious goats milk cheeses, a panini, goat milk fro-yo, or an espresso!
Dutton Estate Winery
Dutton Estate Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that is known for their Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but who also make a fantastic Sauvignon Blanc and a couple of pretty delicious hard apple ciders (from their own farmed apples). The Dutton family have been farmers in West Sonoma County for generations, first farming apples and now both grapes and apples.
Golden State Cider Taproom
If you’re a fan of tasting local cider, don’t miss Golden State Cider’s new taproom, located in The Barlow (a walkable complex full of local craft beverage and food makers) in Sebastopol. The family who started this brand are also local apple (and produce) farmers and have a large farm in the Sebastopol countryside.