J. Rickards Winery

J. Rickards Winery is one of northern Sonoma County's most genuinely rewarding discoveries. Expedia travel guides consistently list it among the notable nearby attractions for Cloverdale visitors alongside Fritz Underground and Geyser Peak — a cluster of genuinely good small producers in the area that most wine tourists skip entirely in favor of Healdsburg.

Founded in 1999 by Jeff and Cynthia Rickards, the estate sits on the Chianti Road in Cloverdale — the same road as Silver Oak's Alexander Valley estate — producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and other varietals from their northernmost Alexander Valley property. The wines are consistently honest, well-priced, and showing the warm, generous character of the appellation's most northern expression.

The weekend appointment-only format ensures personalized attention from the Rickards family themselves — making it one of the most genuinely personal small-estate experiences in Sonoma County.

At its Cloverdale, Sonoma County location, J. Rickards Winery presents a featured lineup that includes Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Together, these bottles provide a focused introduction to the varieties, vineyard sources, and style that define the winery's current portfolio.