California's wine country located in the Northern Bay area is known worldwide as a premier-wine
making region. The area is renowned for its many wineries, Michelin star-rated restaurants,
boutique hotels, luxury resorts, historic architecture, and rich culture.
Wine lovers vacationing in California absolutely must-go see this region of the state to fully
appreciate the fruit of the vine that has been filling our cups and warming our hearts
for well over a century.
Most people think of Napa Valley when they think of Wine Country. As far as wine-making
goes, It was the first place that put the US on the map, but the region has since blown
up and nowadays some neighboring cities and towns produce some fantastic wines as well.
Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Calistoga, and Kenwood are just a few destinations that
have become hotbeds of innovation and production in the booming wine industry in recent years.
In fact, some of California's finest wineries aren't even in Napa Valley, but considering
the fact that there are well over 400 wineries to visit in just the Napa and Sonoma Country
area alone, it might be difficult to narrow down the ones most worth visiting.
If you're planning a California wine adventure, we recommend visiting between 3 to 5 wineries
per day. This will give you ample time to leisurely explore each one while still having
the opportunity to relax and take in all of the beauty.
But just remember to plan accordingly. Never drink and drive. If you are planning on sampling
the wares – and of course you should – it would be wise to bring along a designated
driver, take Ubers or book a day trip with a local California Wine Country tour service.
So without further delay, let's take a look at some of the best wineries in the region
that you should definitely consider visiting next time you hit the Golden Coast.
Melville Vineyards and Winery
Melville's tasting room can be found on the ground floor of a Mediterranean-inspired villa
just 12 miles away from the Pacific Ocean near the city of Santa Barbara. This region
is technically in the larger Santa Ynez Valley area which was famously the backdrop of the
film Sideways.
Opulent French doors greet you before you are led to an expansive patio. The villa includes
an area where you can enjoy a lovely afternoon picnic paired with a glass of small-batch,
estate-grown pinot noir that definitely won't disappoint.
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And don't go anywhere just yet, we've still got quite a few wineries and vineyards to
show you that every wine-lover definitely needs to experience.
Artesa Winery
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Napa Valley and Sonoma, the tasting room at this
world-class winery is actually built into a hill. After climbing the stairs to where
the wine tasting entrance is located, you'll be greeted by a gorgeous pond adorned with
stone art and fountains that overlook rows of elegantly manicured vineyards on the hillside.
The views are absolutely breathtaking especially if you've already enjoyed a glass or two of
their finest red.
Speaking of, Artesa's wines will blow your mind. Each wine has a dynamic depth of flavor.
Everything that they produce is rich and smooth. Not one of their offerings tastes the same.
Each wine is distinctly unique in its own way. Make sure that you include this exquisite
winery on your list of spots to visit. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.
Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards
A fountain located out back is where this winery hosts its outdoor tasting bar on the
weekends but it also contributes heavily to the causal, laid-back backyard vibe of this
biologically diverse winery. You can find the tasting room by driving down a long gravel
road. There you will find some of the most jaw-droppingly impressive views of the surrounding
vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills. Pinot noir is also one of Alma Rosa's most sought-after
wines.
Opus One
This Napa Valley winery is both lavish and architecturally inspiring. Here you will find
unparalleled views of the surrounding regions from high atop their rooftop deck. Their tasting
room overlooks the vineyards on the valley floor of Rutherford and Oakville. While you're
visiting, make sure you experience their delectable yet fairly pricey Petit Verdot, Cabernet France,
and Malbec. Each sip might be pretty expensive, but we can pretty much guarantee you that
you won't be dissatisfied.
Far Niete Winery
If you're a big fan of Chardonnay, then this acclaimed winery located in Napa Valley might
just be precisely what you're looking for. The Far Niete Winery's grounds look like they
were teleported directly from the European countryside. With old-world architecture and
lush greenery, this winery is a masterpiece for the eyes to behold.
The moment that you step inside, an attendant will pour you a glass of their Chardonnay
and take you on a tour of their facilities. On this tour, you'll get the chance to see
the underground Napa Valley Wine Caves where they store the majority of their barrels.
There is just something so special about aging wine underground. Above ground storage operations
can't hold a candle to what they have going on here. Not only do they produce some of
the finest Chardonnay on the planet, but their Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are also
some of our personal favorites.
If you have a sweet tooth, you might also enjoy their Dolce dessert wine – which we
might add is the perfect little dash of bright sweetness to finish up a heavy, savory meal.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards
Located on Dry Creek Road, along the upper portion of the Dry Creek Valley appellation,
is where you will find one of the most awe-inspiring views of Lake Sonoma. Make sure you stop by
and experience the wines that Ferrari-Carano has been producing for decades. They are best
known for their noted chardonnays, but they also make a handful of other varieties that
might strike your fancy.
Before making your way to the underground tasting bar, make sure you take a good hard
look at Lake Sonoma down below and mosey through the winery's 5 acres of flower gardens.
Kunde Family Winery
This winery has some of the most beautiful views of any of the wineries featured in this
video. Kunde is situated on an 1850 acre estate located in the heart of Sonoma County and
was in fact the location where the film Bottle Shocked was filmed.
After arriving, you'll walk through huge trees that are shading a fountain-filled pond. Then
you'll enter the tasting room. Most tours will also take you to see the wine caves and
finish with a mountain top wine tasting complete with views that will leave you breathless.
The wine itself is quite enjoyable and clearly well made. We personally preferred their Cabernet
Sauvignons and their Chardonnays. They also have a fairly reasonably priced wine club
that allows you to choose precisely which wines you would like to be sent to your home.
Flowers Vineyards
In the late 1980s, a former nursery owner from Pennsylvania wanting to shake things
up purchased this plot of prime real estate along the Sonoma Coast. Thirty-plus years
later and this winery is producing some of the highest quality and distinguished chardonnays
and pinot noirs in the world. But it's Flowers Vineyards' view that will really blow you
away. From the tasting room, you'll witness layers of coastal fog creeping across the
moss-covered trees.
St. Francis Winery
This Cazadero Winery, also located in Sonoma County, features rows and rows of beautiful
vines as well as a field of lavender that you can view while sipping on their wines
on their tasting patio. We recommend ordering a flight of wine coupled with a charcuterie
board to fully enjoy these mesmerizing views.
The atmosphere here is peaceful and serene and you can even explore the vineyard on foot
picking grapes as you wander around with your glass. The wines are full-flavored, finely-crafted,
easy to drink and most of them are also conveniently available for purchase at your local supermarket.
Stags Leap Wine Cellars
Stags Leap Winery was listed by Sonoma Magazine as one of the top 5 most romantic winery destinations.
And we think they live up to that reputation quite nicely. This place is truly magical.
Their wine experts guide you through each wine and walk you through the individual flavor
notes as you sip on wines crafted with love while enjoying beautiful views of the rocky
hillside with vineyards off in the distance. The aesthetics here rival the deliciousness
of their wines. The grounds are immaculate and clearly tended with expertise and passion.
Hall Wines
Located atop the Rutherford appellation on Auberge Road at the end of a windy, steep
uphill drive, is one of two Hall tasting rooms. The second and arguably most popular location
can be found along the main road – Route 29.
This smaller, quaint tasting room is reminiscent of a chic house with windows looking out on
the vineyards below. Modern art adorns the walls of the tasting room. Down below, Hall
boasts a glamorous underground cellar complete with over 14,000 square feet of caves and
a communal table for private events and tastings. All of these features combined make this one
of Napa Valley's most luxurious wineries.
Sterling Vineyards
Last but not least we have another Napa Vally winery located near Calistoga. Their tasting
room is so high up that you'll have to actually catch an aerial tram to reach it. The facility,
which evokes comparisons to the stark white marble architecture of the Greek isles, features
not only tasting rooms but also art galleries, glimpses into the production of the wine through
glass windows, and elevated walkways. But above all else, Sterling's views are without
a doubt some of the finest in the region.
We don't know about you, but after all this wine talk, we've worked up quite a thirst.
What about you? Are you ready to start planning your next California Wine Country vacation?
Hopefully, this video has given you a few pointers, but bear in mind that we just barely
scratched the surface of what this region has to offer. Like we said in the intro, there
are more than 400 wineries in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County area alone, so even if you
end up venturing out and visiting vineyards not covered in this video, you'll still have
one heck of an adventure.
Did we miss discussing one of your favorite wineries or do you disagree with any of the
vineyards that we included in this video? Let us know in the comments section below.
And one last thing before you go. If you enjoyed this video, make sure you show us a little
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