"Artisanal Wines for Adventurous Palates" is the motto for Westwood Winery's foodie-centric bottlings. Westwood (founded in 1984) makes signature bottles of Pinot Noir and Syrah that are aged longer than the norm – about two years in the barrel and two in the bottle. Owner John Kelly returned to his California roots (he was born in Berkeley proper, raised in Texas) by growing and bottling an old world style wine in the Sonoma Valley.
The tasting room is right off the Sonoma Plaza, though the entrance is hidden down an alley. The decor is set up like a homey living room, with a leather couch, an oriental rug, a communal farm table, and a soy sauce painting (ask Salon manager Eddie Townsend for details). The room can be reserved for groups of up to 15 or for private events by phone or email.