Arista Winery is a beautiful new addition to the wineries located along Westside Road in the Russian River Valley wine appellation in west Sonoma County. Arista began making wine in 2002 but the tasting room did not open until 2006. Its location above Westside Road provides some of the most beautiful views in the Russian River area.

The tasting room is small and tastefully decorated. Outside the tasting room is a wonderfully landscaped rock garden. There are picnic tables situated around the winery property, some of which afford spectacular views. This is one of the better picnic venues in this region.

Try the Arista Sauvignon Blanc with a cheese assortment. See our deli recommendations in nearby Healdsburg.

At the Arista Winery the focus is Pinot Noir. They produce small amounts of Pinot Noir wines from select vineyards in the Russian River Valley AVA. They also have estate vineyards. However, it will be a few years before they are mature enough to yield sufficient grapes. Arista also produces a Zinfandel, a Sauvignon Blanc and two dry Gewürztraminers, one from the Russian River Valley, the other from the Anderson Valley in Mendocino.

Unfortunately, because the wines are made in small amounts and are of high quality, the wines sell out quickly. The winery does not have a wine club but does have a mailing list which enables those on the list to purchase wines before they are put up for sale in the tasting room.

We found the wines to be very delicious. We tried two Pinot Noirs, and the Zinfandel. There is no fee for tasting. The winemaker is Leslie Sisneros, who has extensive experience particularly in making Pinot Noir.

The Arista Winery is located at 7015 Westside Road, just about one mile past the Davis Bynum winery. For additional information on wineries in this region, see our Westside Road Wine Trail. You can also find lodging and dining information in our Healdsburg Wine Region.

Tasting room is open Thursday thru Monday 11am to 5pm