Tongue Dancer Wines

- 851 Magnolia Dr, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Nestled in the heart of Healdsburg, California, you’ll find an intimate and highly sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts: Tongue Dancer Wines. This isn't your typical large-scale tasting room; it's a personal project born from the passion of winemakers James and Kerry MacPhail. Their mission? To create exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that deliver an unforgettable experience—wines so good they "dance on your tongue." For those living in or visiting California, Tongue Dancer Wines represents the best of what Sonoma County has to offer: world-class wines crafted with a personal touch and an unwavering commitment to quality. The winery's unique approach, focusing on small-batch production and private tastings, provides an opportunity to connect directly with the creators, making each visit a truly special event.

The story of Tongue Dancer Wines is one of dedication and a deep love for the craft. James MacPhail, a celebrated winemaker with over two decades of experience, launched this venture in 2012 with his wife, Kerry. They specialize in two varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourcing grapes from some of the most prestigious vineyards across Sonoma County, including the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Sonoma Coast. This careful selection of fruit allows them to showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard site, from the mineral-rich soils to the cool, fog-laden climate. The result is a portfolio of wines that are not only critically acclaimed but also deeply expressive of their terroir.

Unlike the sprawling, bustling wineries you might find elsewhere in the region, Tongue Dancer Wines maintains a charmingly small and focused operation. This deliberate choice allows James and Kerry to pour their full attention into every bottle and every guest. The tasting experience is not a quick stop, but a personal journey through their philosophy and craft. From the moment you arrive, it's clear that this is a place where quality, not quantity, is the ultimate measure of success. They offer a private, educational, and intimate setting where you can truly appreciate the art of winemaking.

This emphasis on quality and connection has earned Tongue Dancer Wines a devoted following among critics and casual drinkers alike. As one enthusiastic visitor noted, "The wine was awesome as was the tasting experience. Off the beaten track but well worth the trip." Another customer highlighted the personal touch, stating, "Not only is the wine THAT good, but Kerry and James are THAT fun and nice to be around. Kerry goes that extra mile in preparing for a tasting—from seasoning the glasses, to charming wine notes, to salty snacks to eat between glasses." These personal anecdotes underscore what makes Tongue Dancer Wines such a standout destination in California’s competitive wine scene.

Location and Accessibility

Tongue Dancer Wines is conveniently located in Healdsburg, a charming town that serves as the gateway to some of Sonoma County's most renowned wine regions. The winery is situated at 851 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA. This central location makes it an easy trip for anyone exploring the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, or Alexander Valley.

The winery is a private residence and a working production facility, so tastings are available by appointment only. This ensures that every visitor receives the dedicated attention they deserve. For accessibility, the winery provides a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it a welcoming destination for all.

Services Offered

At Tongue Dancer Wines, the focus is on providing a comprehensive and intimate tasting experience. Services are tailored to ensure a personal and educational journey through their wines.

• Private Wine Tastings: The primary service offered is a private, sit-down tasting hosted by James and Kerry MacPhail themselves. This is not a rushed tour but a 90-minute, educational session where you can learn about their winemaking philosophy and the distinct characteristics of each wine.
• Educational Experience: Guests can expect to taste approximately six different wines, many of which are only available directly from the winery. The experience is designed to be highly informative, with detailed discussions about the grapes, vineyards, and production process.
• Direct-to-Consumer Sales: The wines are primarily sold directly from the winery, offering guests a unique opportunity to purchase exclusive, small-batch releases.
• Wine Club/Mailing List: The winery operates a mailing list which acts as their "club." This is the best way for enthusiasts to get an allocation of their highly sought-after wines.

Features and Highlights

What makes Tongue Dancer Wines truly stand out? It's a combination of the exceptional quality of their products and the unique, personal atmosphere they've cultivated.

• Renowned Winemaking: Winemaker James MacPhail has a storied career and is celebrated for his deep understanding of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His wines consistently receive high scores and praise from critics, showcasing a masterful balance of fruit, texture, and acidity.
• Exceptional Terroir: The winery sources grapes from premier vineyards, which allows them to produce wines with incredible depth and complexity that are true reflections of the Sonoma County landscape.
• Intimate and Personal Experience: The by-appointment-only model ensures that every guest receives a one-on-one tasting experience, creating a memorable connection with the winemakers and their story.
• Focus on Quality over Quantity: Tongue Dancer Wines is a small, family-owned business that intentionally remains intimate in scale. This commitment to small-batch production guarantees that every bottle meets their high standards of excellence.
• Friendly and Hospitable Atmosphere: As customer reviews highlight, the warmth and friendliness of James and Kerry are a major draw. They create a welcoming environment that makes every guest feel like a friend, not just a customer.

Contact Information

Ready to plan your visit or have a question? You can reach out to Tongue Dancer Wines using the information below. Remember, tastings are by appointment, so be sure to call ahead to secure your spot.

Address: 851 Magnolia Dr, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA
Phone: (707) 433-4780

What is Worth Choosing

For wine lovers in California, Tongue Dancer Wines is a must-visit destination for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the wine itself is exceptional. James MacPhail’s expertise shines through in every bottle, from their multi-layered Pinot Noir to their vibrant, beautifully balanced Chardonnay. These are not just good wines; they are truly special, capturing the essence of the Sonoma County terroir and the passion of their creators. The reviews speak for themselves, with multiple critics and customers noting that the wines are among the best they've tasted in the region.

Second, the experience is unlike any other. In a world of large, commercialized wineries, Tongue Dancer offers a return to the roots of winemaking: a personal connection to the people behind the bottle. The intimate, one-on-one tasting allows you to ask questions, learn about the process, and truly appreciate the love and hard work that goes into each vintage. This kind of authentic engagement is increasingly rare and deeply rewarding. It’s an opportunity to not only taste great wine but to share in a story.

Finally, choosing Tongue Dancer Wines means supporting a small, local business that is dedicated to its craft. James and Kerry MacPhail have built their reputation on a foundation of quality, integrity, and genuine hospitality. By visiting their winery, you are not only treating yourself to an incredible tasting but also contributing to the vibrant, family-run wine culture that makes California’s wine country so special. The journey to Healdsburg is well worth the trip, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of winemaking.

Tongue Dancer Wines

851 Magnolia Dr, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA