Sonoma County is called Wine Country for a reason. But tucked between the area’s bountiful vineyards is a small but mighty group of up-and-coming craft distillers. You name it, Sonoma County distilleries are crafting it, including everything from vodka (made from wine grapes) to whiskey, gin, amaro and even the once illegal spirit absinthe. 

So, in the hopes of inspiring a cocktail-focused trip to Wine Country, we’re shining the spotlight on some of our favorite Sonoma distilleries, organized by town. Can’t decide which distillery to visit first? Pick up a Sonoma County Distillery Pass and give them all a try (there are also passes that include wineries, breweries and cideries). Available for one, two or 90 days, passes can be used for a tasting at all of the distilleries we mention here. Many of the distilleries also offer cocktail kits worth checking out, which include everything you’ll need to recreate your favorite sips at home. Cheers!

Set in an early 1900s brick warehouse in downtown Petaluma, Barber Lee Spirits could be described as a whiskey house. Although 90% of the distillery’s production is rye and bourbon, don’t let that distract your attention from other offerings like apple brandy (made with Sonoma County Gravenstein apples), white rum and absinthe blanche.

Barber Lee Spirits is open Thursday through Sunday for tastings, cocktails and tours. You can also order wine by the glass (Lorraine and Michael Barber also own Barber Cellars), and there are typically a few beer options on tap. Reservations are not required, but large parties should call in advance. 

The wife and husband team behind Griffo Distillery love what they do and it shows. Along with traditional offerings like gin, brandy, vodka and whiskey, you’ll find a unique lineup of creative releases like Barrel 89 Reserve Brandy made from tempranillo wine, a Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur featuring Equator Coffees’ Mocha Java Blend, and a Still Waldos’ Single Malt Whiskey made in collaboration with neighboring Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Besides a tasting flight of five spirits, Griffo Distillery features an ever-changing cocktail menu, as well as a chocolate and spirits tasting. The Petaluma distillery is open Thursday through Sunday; walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. Weekday tastings are available by appointment only.

Find it: Griffo Distillery, 1320 Scott St., Suite A, Petaluma, CA 94954; 707-879-8755

Tasting options include a flight of six spirits or a cocktail and two spirits; there’s also a cocktail class should you want to hone your own skills. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday. Tours of the distillery are offered on Sundays only; reservations are recommended but walk-ins are also welcomed.

Choose from a flight featuring the three core spirits or a cocktail made with one of them. The tasting room is open Fridays and Saturdays and weekdays by appointment.

Located less than a half-mile from Healdsburg Plaza, the distillery produces vodka, gin, whiskey, amaro and absinthe. Tasting possibilities include a flight of four spirits or a craft cocktail. (Monthly drink specials often make an appearance on the distillery’s Instagram account.) The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday, first come, first served. If your group is larger than eight people, you’ll need a reservation.

Like many of Sonoma craft distilleries, Alley 6 was founded by a wife and husband team. Krystle and Jason Jorgensen craft small batch whiskey, gin and one-of-a-kind spirits like apple brandy, nocino walnut liqueur and peach brandy made with fruit from nearby organic farm, Dry Creek Peach.

Tastings include flights of up to six spirits. Booze & Bon Bon tastings are available for special occasions and holidays. Open Thursday through Sunday; reservations are encouraged.

The distillery isn’t open to the public, but Prohibition Spirits operates a tasting room steps off of Sonoma Plaza. Wife and husband team Fred and Amy Groth got their start making limoncello; now the tasting menu offers nearly three-dozen options. 

Open daily; tastings include your choice of six spirits. 

A true family effort — mom, dad and four siblings all play a part — Hanson of Sonoma makes small batch organic vodka from wine grapes, as opposed to the more commonly used potatoes and corn. From cucumber and mandarin to lemon and habanero, there’s a rainbow of vodka flavors to choose from; the distillery also crafts a single malt whiskey.

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].