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In 1974, Landmark Vineyards was founded in the Windsor area of Sonoma County by Damaris Deere Ford, the great, great granddaughter of John Deere (the farm equipment mogul). In 1989, she relocated the winery to Sonoma Valley, just off Highway 12 (which connects the City of Sonoma with Santa Rosa) near Kenwood. Shortly thereafter, she convinced her son, Michael Deere Colhoun and his wife, Mary, to leave New York City to join her as partners in the winery. She has long since retired and they have assumed full control; now aided by their own daughter, also named Damaris.

For years they have produced award-winning Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Syrahs (I just love, love, love their Chards, especially the “Lorenzo”).And, just recently, they have begun to experiment with some (as yet un-released) Rhone varietals.

Their winery, offices and tasting room are nestled at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountain Range on Adobe Canyon Road (Adobe Canyon Road intersects with Highway 12 close to the Kenwood Grill, an excellent choice for lunch; about eleven miles north of the City of Sonoma). Landmark’s tasting room and gift shop are combined in a large comfortable space so you can sip and shop at the same time.

A wide variety of tasting options are available and you can pick and choose between any of the outstanding, highly-rated, wines they produce; including many vineyard specific bottles and hard to find selections. They also, typically, have some offerings not in general distribution; which you can only sample and, then, purchase at the winery. Older vintages, library selections, and large format bottles, can also be found there. At Landmark, the “pours” are generous and nowhere will you find a friendlier, more enthusiastic or attentive staff. They are an absolute “hoot” and the perfect extension of the attitude, warmth, and style of the Colhoun family.

If you plan far enough in advance, you may also be able to stay “on property”. They have a lovely guest suite attached to the main building and a much larger, more private cottage located in the middle of the Vineyards. Both are available for rent with advance reservations. But, if you can’t stay there, at least stop and “play” there! The Landmark Vineyards tasting room will surely be one of the highlights of your trip to Sonoma.