No better way to kick off your Russian River Valley Wine tasting trek than at DRNK off Frei Road in Sebastopol. Ryan Kunde is one of my favorite, and most talented, winemakers in Sonoma County and is known to showcase the most diverse wine tasting flights. Ryan is in a league of his own as a fifth generation winegrower from the notable Sonoma 1880s pioneer wine family of Kunde.
DRNK is a moniker for the first initials of inlaws Dale and Nancy Dougherty and wife Katy. Founded in 2012, DRNK is one of only four wine caves in the RRV AVA and features one of the most diverse and fun wine tasting experiences. An avid drone pilot, Ryan uses the technology to scout new vineyards and to source fruit from premium vineyard sites throughout Sonoma County.
DRNK‘s vibrant 2020 Sauvignon Blanc and the five Bordeaux varietals found in the 2018 Red Blend are grown on the Kunde Estate’s Wildwood Vineyards in Sonoma Valley. Looking for something different? Try the 2020 Pinot Gris ‘Orange Wine’ from Bennet Valley. A perfect Summer wine, as is the very limited 2020 Rose of Pinot Noir from the Russian Valley. For the traditionalists, the stellar lineup of Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast’s 2017 Pinot Hill Vineyards or 2018 Russian River Green Valley vineyards is always guaranteed to please.
Because of the 2020 devastating fires, many, if not most, winemakers were unable to make wines due to smoke taint. A little ways off the beaten path, DRNK is open by appointment Wednesday through Saturday.