View from the lavender field at Matanzas Creek
6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, California 95404
Website: http://www.matanzascreek.com/
Matanzas Creek is a nice, quiet winery in the Bennett Valley region of Sonoma away from the hustle and bustle of Sonoma Highway. The one big distinguishing feature of this winery is its lavender field. The landscaping throughout the property is pretty and the views of the surrounding area are very picturesque. The best time to visit to see the lavender in full bloom is June. The winery holds a special food, wine, and lavender event each year during this time. However, the entire property is impressive even when the lavender isn’t in bloom. The field remains open throughout the year and visitors are welcome to stroll through it at their leisure.
Seating area at the entrance to the lavender field at Matanzas Creek
Matanzas Creek Winery and tasting room is perched atop a hill, nestled between the Sonoma, Bennett, and Taylor mountains that make up Bennett Valley. The exterior of the building is covered in vines and surrounded by greenery that helps it to blend in with the surroundings. Before heading to the tasting room, my husband, sister and I decided to take a stroll around the property and grab some pictures. Our first stop was the lavender field and gardens. At the top of the entrance to the lavender field were some wooden lounge chairs situated under umbrellas looking out over the lavender and vineyards. We followed the dirt pathway that leads through the lavender bushes. There were umbrellas and benches strewn throughout the area. After soaking in the beauty all around us, we headed back to the walkway leading to the tasting room.
Picnic area at Matanzas Creek
On our way to the tasting room we came upon a picnic area with several chairs and picnic tables shaded by large pergolas covered in vines. Then we climbed a set of stairs that led to another seating area just outside the entrance to the tasting room. Inside, the tasting room is arranged into two areas – one being the tasting bar and wine displays and the other has various lavender gift products for sale. Behind the tasting bar was a panoramic picture of the lavender in bloom.
Tasting room and gift shop at Matanzas Creek
We visited the winery soon after it opened in the morning so it was quiet and there was only one other couple in the tasting room when we arrived. Our server was very gracious. My husband and I shared the white wine and red wine tasting options. Throughout the tasting, our server did a side-by-side pairing of each varietal so that we could compare the different vineyards they came from. My personal favorites were the 2008 Journey Chardonnay, Sonoma County with its light orange blossom and pineapple aroma and taste, and the 2007 Syrah, Bennett Valley with its deep berry flavor.
The wines were enjoyable, but what I enjoyed most about this winery was the calm, soothing atmosphere. This would be a perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon either having a picnic or taking in the spectacular views.