During my July visit to Napa Valley for a friend’s wedding, we made sure to visit more than a few wineries. One day we ventured into Sonoma and found ourselves wandering over to Roche Winery & Vineyards. The day was warm, and nothing sounded better than a cold glass of white wine.

This more laidback winery drew us in with its alfresco seating area beneath shady trees, one of which was a table incorporated into the very tree trunk! It was also a pleasant surprise to learn this winery has some strong Irish roots. The Norman Irish surname was one giveaway, yes, but I found some fascinating details inside about other Irish winemaking families in the region, too.

The winery in downtown Sonoma offers both wines by the glass and tastings. They even produce a few of their own beers (including a lager and stout). I wanted to try them, but it almost felt like a crime getting something other than wine in Napa Valley.

Of course, I opted for their white, a Chardonnay from their select family wine list, while my friends opted for Pinot Noir, Tamarix (a sweet wine) and Rosé. Staff was stretched a bit thin, but they were very kind and accommodating.

The winery’s actual property lies a little outside of downtown Sonoma; and while we didn’t have the chance to go there, their wines by the glass were the perfect teaser for what can be expected there.

— Aoife O’Riordan, managing editor