What are the top wineries in Sonoma valley?

It's impossible to definitively say which wineries are "the best" as it's subjective and depends on your personal preferences. However, I can offer a list of highly-rated and well-respected wineries in Sonoma Valley, categorized by style and experience:

Classic Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon:

* Beringer Vineyards: Historic winery known for its "Private Reserve" Cabernet.

* Benziger Family Winery: Offers tours and tastings, known for their sustainable practices.

* Castello di Amorosa: A stunning, castle-like winery with luxurious tastings.

* Chateau St. Jean: Known for their elegant and approachable wines.

* De Loach Vineyards: Focuses on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

* Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery: Offers stunning grounds and a wide variety of wines.

* Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards: Known for their sparkling wines.

* Hess Collection: Offers art exhibitions alongside their world-renowned wines.

* Kenwood Vineyards: Known for their accessible and flavorful wines.

* La Jota Vineyard & Winery: Known for their high-quality, small-production wines.

* Ledson Winery & Vineyards: Offers beautiful grounds and a luxurious tasting experience.

* Merus: Focused on single-vineyard, Bordeaux-style blends.

* O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery: Produces high-quality, limited-production wines.

* Rombauer Vineyards: Known for their Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

* Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery: Offers a rich history and a range of wines.

* Silver Oak Cellars: Renowned for their highly-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.

* St. Francis Winery & Vineyards: Known for their approachable wines and beautiful grounds.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay:

* Arrowood Vineyards: Known for their elegant Pinot Noir.

* Au Bon Climat: Focusing on cool-climate varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

* Dutton-Goldfield: Offers a range of Pinot Noir from different vineyards.

* Gary Farrell Vineyards: Known for their single-vineyard Pinot Noir.

* Kistler Vineyards: Producing highly-rated, elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

* MacRostie Winery: Known for their single-vineyard Pinot Noir.

* Marimar Estate: Known for their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

* Rochioli Vineyards: Produces highly-rated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

* Williams Selyem: Known for their highly-rated Pinot Noir.

Other Notable Wineries:

* Anaba Wines: Known for their small-production, high-quality wines.

* Balletto Vineyards: Offers a range of wines with a focus on Italian varietals.

* Castello di Amorosa: Stunning castle-like winery with luxurious tastings.

* Davis Estates Winery: Known for their Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

* Foppiano Vineyards: Offers a historic setting and a range of wines.

* Hartford Family Winery: Known for their Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

* J. Vineyards & Winery: Offers a range of wines with a focus on sparkling wines.

* Jordan Winery: Known for their Bordeaux-style blends and luxurious setting.

* Landmark Vineyards: Known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

* Longboard Vineyards: Offers a casual, surf-inspired atmosphere.

* Matanzas Creek Winery: Known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

* Rodney Strong Vineyards: Offers a range of wines and a historic setting.

* Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards: Known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

* Talley Vineyards: Offers a range of wines with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

* V. Sattui Winery: Offers a historic setting and a large selection of wines.

Consider:

* Your budget: Wineries have varying tasting fees and wine prices.

* Your interests: Some wineries offer tours, food pairings, or specific varietals.

* Your travel style: Some wineries are more relaxed, while others are more formal.

* Peak season: Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons.

Research: Use online reviews, websites, and wine blogs to learn more about specific wineries and find those that align with your preferences.