Purple Pachyderm wines at Claypool Cellars — Attraction in Forestville

I am REALLY impressed by this place. I went after a friend mentioned that Les Claypool (of Primus) had a winery in Sonoma County.

The wines are not inexpensive, but they are worth the price. I was not charged for tasting, as I bought a couple bottles, and the pours are generous. Surprisingly, they even had their champagne (from France, so it is OK to call it champagne) open for tasting. Their prices for tasting are pretty normal, starting around $20.

The tasting room is intimate; there is seating for 10 or so. There is a good selection of shirts, glasses, etc. for sale as well. The lady pouring casually mentioned that Les will not be in as he's on tour, but implied that he is often in the tasting room.

Thank you Claypool Cellars for a great experience, I will definitely visit again soon!

Update June 2019:

@jamsjoybungalow food truck present serving awesome south Asian cuisine. I had the pleasure of meeting Les Claypool, and was treated to a wonderful glass of 2018 Rosé and a generous pour of the 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Once again the service was AMAZING, and Les was totally awesome even though I was a bit akward. Thanks for a great time!...

As my boyfriend and I were driving to the coast taking the scenic route (since I just moved to CA from the east coast and have never been through wine country before), we passed Claypool Cellars and my boyfriend secretly looked it up for me and turned around (knowing I’m a huge fan of Les and Primus). I had no clue Les and his wife had ventured in the wine industry! We sat outside and drank a bottle of the Rosé. It was delicious. Our server was great. He is a very friendly guy and actually sat down and talked with us for a bit and even got my dog a water bowl. He was talking about the Sauerkraut Party and how they will be doing clam chowder this year (I would love to go if I am able to). I had a great time during my short stop here and could have stayed all day. Great atmosphere! This is definitely going to be one of my go to spots whenever I’m in Sonoma County again. Thank you for the wonderful time! I will see you over the...

Todd’s the man and you're the man and he's the man as well so you can point that…wait, sorry, wrong band….better wine here though.  Les and that other wine making tool aside, they make amazingly good wine here.  This is one of only two wine clubs that I won’t ever cancel.  The pinot is on point.  Get over the famous benefactor and dive into what they create and you will be pleasantly surprised!  I would happily put one of these bottles up against any pinot in the area and the will go toe to toe with the “best.”   I’ve drank the likes of Selyem and Kosta Browne plenty, drop a bottle of thorn down against them and come out grinning, every time.  Lemme just tell you about Don Quiballes…..never mind, just ask for it.  And Todd does make this place a little more special, Todd, you...