What an experience at Porter Creek. We rolled up with no expectations beyond knowing we had a reservation – meaning wine was guaranteed. We’d just come from another vineyard with spectacular views, so-so wine, and a host whose jokes aged about as well as the wine.
We’d heard lore about Jonathan the host (I’m sure he’s great), but fate handed us Paul – and fate nailed it. It was our aunt’s 50th, and when I say he made the day, I mean we’re still talking about him. I’ve spent a good chunk of my life giving brewery tours, and they can be a pain depending on the group. Paul, though? He acted like he loved every second, and I almost believe he did. He has a gift: he could rattle off any wine buzzword in that accent and I’d nod along, then segue into some wild side story that had us forgetting we were there for wine at all. He’d wrap it with a casual “Anyways, hope you enjoy this!” and somehow it worked.
The wine itself? Fantastic. A man I assumed was Alex zipped past on an e-bike to check the vineyard, reminding me of brewers who just want to do their jobs without being interrupted. Clearly, his focus is on making great wine, not schmoozing, and the wine proved it.
The whole thing was intimate, unpretentious, and honestly the best wine we had all trip. I would’ve bought every bottle just to validate Paul’s brilliance. We were a ragtag crew, but he made us feel like we belonged, giving us a five-star tasting with a side of banter, belly laughs, and a very healthy buzz (don’t worry, we had a DD). Paul deserves a raise. And a talk show. We’re his biggest fans.
Porter Creek Winery was such a peaceful gem and one of the highlights of our wine country trip. The team (Crystal) went above and beyond to accommodate us, even staying a little late so we could enjoy the experience — and we’re so grateful they did!
The setting was absolutely stunning — quiet, serene, and surrounded by natural beauty. It was the kind of view that makes you want to take a deep breath and stay a while. The wines were just as memorable, especially the Zinfandels — rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
To top it all off, we were greeted by Poppy, the sweetest dog who made the whole experience even more charming. Between the warm hospitality, the incredible wines, and the peaceful ambiance, it was the perfect way to wind down our day.
Highly recommend Porter Creek for anyone looking for a relaxing, intimate tasting experience with a personal touch.
I find myself hesitating to review the “hidden gems” that I stumble across in the wild…Porter Creek is at the top of that list!
Our group was doing a casual wine tasting tour in Russian River Valley and chose to stop at Porter Creek on our way from Guerneville to Dry Creek. We enjoyed it so much we didn’t want to leave!
The people, the place and the product are all exceptional. You feel like family the moment you step in and are consistently blown away by these unknown world class wines.
Do yourself a favor and go out of your way to get here! We will be back.
Went to Porter Creek during the Wine Road Barrel Tastings weekend in Sonoma. We were greeted at the parking lot by their two friendly dogs Poppy and Paco.
We followed the little hosts (dogs) up the road to where they had set up the tent for the barrel tasting. It was rainy and cold but there were heaters to keep us warm.
The barrel tasting of pinot noirs were pretty good. After that we went into the tasting room and tried the current pinot noirs. So good! We bought a few bottles to go.
Such a beautiful experience. Porter Creek was a nice quaint little vineyard but it could be on a whole different level. The staff was one of a kind and the atmosphere was magnificent. All the wine we tasted was so delightful, I just wish I could have taken a bottle or two with me. I would love to go back whenever I am back in California. If you are in California and you have not been then I definitely recommend taking a trip.
Tanya Sapula
What an experience at Porter Creek. We rolled up with no expectations beyond knowing we had a reservation – meaning wine was guaranteed. We’d just come from another vineyard with spectacular views, so-so wine, and a host whose jokes aged about as well as the wine.
We’d heard lore about Jonathan the host (I’m sure he’s great), but fate handed us Paul – and fate nailed it. It was our aunt’s 50th, and when I say he made the day, I mean we’re still talking about him. I’ve spent a good chunk of my life giving brewery tours, and they can be a pain depending on the group. Paul, though? He acted like he loved every second, and I almost believe he did. He has a gift: he could rattle off any wine buzzword in that accent and I’d nod along, then segue into some wild side story that had us forgetting we were there for wine at all. He’d wrap it with a casual “Anyways, hope you enjoy this!” and somehow it worked.
The wine itself? Fantastic. A man I assumed was Alex zipped past on an e-bike to check the vineyard, reminding me of brewers who just want to do their jobs without being interrupted. Clearly, his focus is on making great wine, not schmoozing, and the wine proved it.
The whole thing was intimate, unpretentious, and honestly the best wine we had all trip. I would’ve bought every bottle just to validate Paul’s brilliance. We were a ragtag crew, but he made us feel like we belonged, giving us a five-star tasting with a side of banter, belly laughs, and a very healthy buzz (don’t worry, we had a DD). Paul deserves a raise. And a talk show. We’re his biggest fans.
Eva May
Porter Creek Winery was such a peaceful gem and one of the highlights of our wine country trip. The team (Crystal) went above and beyond to accommodate us, even staying a little late so we could enjoy the experience — and we’re so grateful they did!
The setting was absolutely stunning — quiet, serene, and surrounded by natural beauty. It was the kind of view that makes you want to take a deep breath and stay a while. The wines were just as memorable, especially the Zinfandels — rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
To top it all off, we were greeted by Poppy, the sweetest dog who made the whole experience even more charming. Between the warm hospitality, the incredible wines, and the peaceful ambiance, it was the perfect way to wind down our day.
Highly recommend Porter Creek for anyone looking for a relaxing, intimate tasting experience with a personal touch.
Jack Huber
This is a special place.
I find myself hesitating to review the “hidden gems” that I stumble across in the wild…Porter Creek is at the top of that list!
Our group was doing a casual wine tasting tour in Russian River Valley and chose to stop at Porter Creek on our way from Guerneville to Dry Creek. We enjoyed it so much we didn’t want to leave!
The people, the place and the product are all exceptional. You feel like family the moment you step in and are consistently blown away by these unknown world class wines.
Do yourself a favor and go out of your way to get here! We will be back.
Sharon B
Went to Porter Creek during the Wine Road Barrel Tastings weekend in Sonoma. We were greeted at the parking lot by their two friendly dogs Poppy and Paco.
We followed the little hosts (dogs) up the road to where they had set up the tent for the barrel tasting. It was rainy and cold but there were heaters to keep us warm.
The barrel tasting of pinot noirs were pretty good. After that we went into the tasting room and tried the current pinot noirs. So good! We bought a few bottles to go.
Jay Dashing
Such a beautiful experience. Porter Creek was a nice quaint little vineyard but it could be on a whole different level. The staff was one of a kind and the atmosphere was magnificent. All the wine we tasted was so delightful, I just wish I could have taken a bottle or two with me. I would love to go back whenever I am back in California. If you are in California and you have not been then I definitely recommend taking a trip.