There is not one single reason why visitors to Sonoma County want to visit Ledson Winery & Vineyards—there are many. Founded by Sonoma County native and fifth-generation farmer and winemaker, Steve Ledson, the winery always puts its best foot forward, providing extraordinary hospitality, exquisite atmosphere, and impeccable wines. To get the full Ledson experience, visitors should plan to taste wine and picnic at the winery’s iconic Normandy Castle; tour its exclusive mountainside vineyard retreat; and stay at Ledson’s vintage-style boutique hotel on the historic Sonoma Plaza, where another new, exciting Ledson experience awaits.

This spring, the vibrant Zina Lounge at Ledson Hotel made its debut. This raved-about restaurant features a fabulous new wine and food pairing venue to demonstrate how beautifully the Ledson family of wines complement the locally grown and celebrated small-farmed bounty of Sonoma County. Zina Lounge (named for pioneering vintner Zina Hyde Cunningham, who in 1865 began producing his artisan wines in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties from some of the world’s most renowned viticultural appellations including Russian River, Dry Creek, and Anderson Valleys) is now the home of an exquisite new wine and food pairing experience.

The dynamic menu is the creation and passion of acclaimed Executive Chef Yoshiharu Sogi, an accomplished sommelier and culinary artist. Having studied and honed his skills in Japan and France, Chef Yoshi’s enticing menu presents intricately prepared food pairings from ingredients sourced daily from the region’s farms and ranches. The Asian-infused French cuisine on each small plate is its own masterpiece designed to elevate the nuances of each wine. The exclusive Zina Lounge Wine and Food Experience is offered twice daily; Thursday through Monday by appointment only. Guests eagerly anticipate this high-concept wine and food experience, which is bound to heighten their appreciation for the flavors of Sonoma County. These limited-production wines are available only through the wine club, online, and at Zina Lounge and the tasting room.



Ledson Winery & Vineyards is not only known worldwide for its impeccable wines, but also for its grand winery, the Castle, named as one of the 12 Most Impressive Wineries of the World by Vinepair. The Castle was designed and built entirely by Steve and his crew in the vineyards of Sonoma Valley. Here, guests can enjoy an intimate tasting experience or schedule a private tasting of Ledson’s most sought after wines led by Winemaker Steve Ledson or one of his assistants. This educational experience can be paired with a carefully selected cheese and charcuterie plate on an elegant veranda or in one of the castle’s 10 private tasting rooms. After their tasting, guests are encouraged to linger for lunch on the lawn. The Gourmet Marketplace & Wine Shop has everything guests might possibly need for a picnic in the 100-year-old majestic Oak Grove surrounded by vineyards.

For an elevated experience, wine lovers can arrange to visit Ledson’s Mountain Terraces retreat among 65 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon at 2,000 feet in the new Moon Mountain District AVA, nestled in the top of the Mayacamas Mountain range adjoining Mount Veeder AVA. Mountain Terraces Vineyards is a beautiful oasis complete with a small tasting room providing incredible views of the Sonoma Valley floor and entire San Francisco Bay area. For a true "earth-to-bottle" experience, visitors can tour these special vineyards with Steve or one of his assistants and taste the intense, elegant Cabernet Sauvignons that were born here. Mountain Terraces is available for private dinners and overnight stays in one of two cottages.

Back on Sonoma Plaza, Ledson Hotel was also designed and built by Steve and his crew. Named one of the Top Two Hotels in California by Conde Nast Traveler, each of the six individually decorated guest rooms provide the most modern amenities while paying homage to the past and Steve’s family legacy; while downstairs, Zina Lounge pays homage to the wines and cuisine of Sonoma County.