Dry Creek Valley · Sonoma County
Visit Smith Story with a Private Chauffeur
A small family winery where morning tastings are hosted by owners Ali and Eric Story in their studio and wine garden on Westside Road, and a suggested six-hour day of tasting around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Smith Story is a founder-led winery started by wine industry professionals Ali and Eric Story, who have spent more than 12 years building it through hands-on winemaking, vineyard sourcing and direct relationships with the people who drink their wines. Over those years it has quietly built a loyal national following.
The wines are small-lot Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc-driven blends and other site-specific wines from family-farmed, cool-climate vineyards in Sonoma County and the Anderson Valley, made to be balanced and to age, with restraint over trend.
The Studio and Wine Garden is at Bacchus Landing on Westside Road, a minute west of downtown Healdsburg. Mornings are for reservations, and they bring private time with Ali and Eric themselves; after 1 p.m. walk-ins are welcome. All tastings are hosted inside, and afterward you can share a bottle in the wine garden; the family dog, Sir Royal Soup, may greet you.
Tasting Fees
$25 for the Fabulous Five, a flight of five wines, about an hour. $50 for the Pinot Noir Chapters, single-vineyard Pinot Noirs including limited library wines, hosted by the Storys, about an hour. Each is for up to 6 guests; cheese pairings can be added by reservation.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
14210 Bacchus Landing Way, Suite 200, Healdsburg
AVA
Dry Creek Valley
Visiting
Mornings, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., by reservation only; walk-ins welcome from 1 p.m. Last tasting at 4 p.m. (3 p.m. on Sunday), one hour before closing. The winery notes that times can change.
Known For
Small-lot Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley and Sonoma County, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc
Founded
More than 12 years ago, by Ali and Eric Story
Good to Know
Dog friendly, on leash at Bacchus Landing. Kids are welcome but must stay within arm's length of their parents. Groups of more than 6 arrange by email. Outside food only for outside seating; wood-fired pizza is mostly available on weekends.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:25 a.m. from a Healdsburg hotel such as Hotel Healdsburg or Harmon Guest House.
10:25 · Pickup at Hotel Healdsburg or Harmon Guest House
Hotel Healdsburg, on the town plaza, and Harmon Guest House, a boutique hotel just off the plaza, are each about 5 minutes from Bacchus Landing. The day below fits a six-hour tour, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:30 · Smith Story Wine Cellars
The Pinot Noir Chapters with Ali and Eric Story, about an hour ($50).
11:55 · Martorana Family Winery
About 25 minutes away. The Martorana family bought its land on West Dry Creek Road in 1983, and today certified organic vineyards and olive trees surround a small winery where tastings can be poured in the wine cave; Gio Martorana makes Olio di Gio olive oil on a traditional press from Italy. Tasting fees are confirmed when we book. Open Friday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., final tasting at 4; reservations recommended.
1:10 · Lunch at Dry Creek General Store
About 15 minutes away. A country store since 1881 at the crossroads of Dry Creek Valley, with a deli for sandwiches, soups and salads, a front porch over the valley and a garden out back. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:30 · Raymond Burr Vineyards
About 15 minutes away. The estate Raymond Burr, television's Perry Mason, farmed with his partner Robert Benevides, where grapes have grown since 1986; the 2024 Vermentino won the Sweepstakes Award at the 2025 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. The Classic Tasting of five wines is $25, seated on the patio over the vines or indoors, about an hour. Open Friday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; reservations recommended.
3:30 · Back to your hotel
Back in Healdsburg by 3:55 p.m., within six hours of pickup.
Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting. Martorana and Raymond Burr are open Friday to Monday, so this day works Friday to Monday; the morning reservation at Smith Story is what gets you time with the owners.
About $75 per person at Smith Story and Raymond Burr, paid directly to each winery; the Martorana tasting fee is to be verified upon reservation.
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 Smith Story?
In the morning, yes: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is reservations only. From 1 p.m. walk-ins are welcome. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at Smith Story?
$25 per person for the Fabulous Five and $50 for the Pinot Noir Chapters, as of September 2026.
Can I bring my dog or kids to Smith Story?
Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash, and children are welcome if they stay within arm's length of their parents.
Who owns Smith Story Wine Cellars?
Founders Ali and Eric Story, who host the morning tastings themselves.
Where is Smith Story?
At Bacchus Landing, 14210 Bacchus Landing Way on Westside Road, about a mile from downtown Healdsburg.
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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