Petaluma Gap · Sonoma County
Visit Karah Estate with a Private Chauffeur
A 144-acre family estate in the rolling hills of Cotati, first planted in 1991, and a suggested six-hour day of tasting around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
The Karah family planted its first vines in 1991, at a time when Pinot Noir was only beginning to find its voice in Sonoma County, guided more by instinct than convention. They believed these cool, wind-carved hills of the Petaluma Gap held something special.
The estate covers 144 acres of rolling hills, with 36 acres of carefully farmed vines surrounded by open land. Winemaker and general manager Lisa Albert farms regeneratively, with biodiversity and minimal intervention, and treats each block on its own. The 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir and 2024 Estate Pinot Noir each won bronze at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Tastings are relaxed and unhurried, with the estate wines poured against vineyard views, and they cover the vineyard, the winemaking and the character of the Petaluma Gap. The estate also has a private vacation rental among the vines.
Tasting Fees
Karah Estate does not publish its tasting fee; it is paid at the tasting room.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
1010 West Railroad Avenue, Cotati
AVA
Petaluma Gap
Visiting
Open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins welcome; no reservation necessary.
Known For
Estate Pinot Noir and Rosé of Pinot Noir
Founded
1991 (first vines planted)
Good to Know
Tastings are walk-in and relaxed. The estate also offers a private vacation rental for weekends and family gatherings.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a Petaluma hotel such as Hotel Petaluma or the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma.
10:00 · Pickup at Hotel Petaluma or Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma
Hotel Petaluma, a restored 1923 hotel downtown, and the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, overlooking the Petaluma River marina, are each about 20 minutes from Karah Estate, which opens at 11 a.m. on weekends, so the day starts in the Pinot Noir country around Sebastopol and finishes at Karah on the way home. The day below fits a six-hour tour, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:30 · Merry Edwards
About 30 minutes away. Founded in 1997 by Merry Edwards, a pioneer of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, and owned by Maison Louis Roederer since 2019. The Appellation Tasting is $45 and the Reserve Tasting of its most sought-after Pinot Noirs $90; allow 60 to 90 minutes. By appointment; open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
11:55 · Freeman
About 25 minutes away. Ken and Akiko Freeman's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay winery, founded in 2001, with tastings in a wine cave dug into the hillside beside their Gloria Vineyard. The Estate Cave Tasting is $50 Friday to Sunday, and the Fall Escape cave tasting is $30 Monday to Thursday, each about 60 minutes for up to 6 guests. By appointment only.
1:15 · Lunch at Handline
About 20 minutes away. A casual Sebastopol spot, open since 2016, with seasonal food from local farmers and fishermen, served mostly outdoors. Open daily from 11 a.m. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:40 · Karah Estate Vineyard
About 25 minutes away. A walk-in tasting of estate wines, led by Pinot Noir and Rosé of Pinot Noir, with views over the vineyard.
3:40 · Back to your hotel
Back in Petaluma by 4:00 p.m., within six hours of pickup.
Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting. Karah Estate is open Friday to Sunday, when Freeman pours its Estate Cave Tasting, so this is a weekend day.
About $95 to $140 per person in tasting fees for Merry Edwards and Freeman, plus the Karah Estate tasting fee, each paid directly to the winery.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Do I need a reservation at Karah Estate?
No. Walk-ins are welcome Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and no reservation is necessary. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at Karah Estate?
Karah Estate does not publish its tasting fee; it is paid at the tasting room, as of September 2026.
When was Karah Estate planted?
The Karah family planted its first vines in 1991, and the estate now has 36 acres of vines on 144 acres.
Who makes the wine at Karah Estate?
Lisa Albert, the winemaker and general manager, who farms the estate regeneratively with minimal intervention.
Can you stay at Karah Estate?
Yes. The estate offers a private vacation rental among the vineyards, booked through its website.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 888-291-2328.
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