The Most Beautiful Wineries to Visit in California
- Brand Napa Valley First up on our list of the best wineries in California is Brand Napa Valley, a prestigious 110-acre estate overlooking Oakville from atop Pritchard Hill in the heart of Napa Valley. ...
- Tolenas Winery ...
- Oak Farm Vineyards ...
- Trombetta Family Wines ...
- St. Francis Winery ...
- Crocker & Starr ...
- Spottswoode ...
Full Answer
What is the most famous winery in California?
Here are the top 10 wineries to visit in CaliforniaRaymond Vineyard. Raymond Vineyards has over 300 acres of estate vineyards in the Napa Valley. ... Beringer Vineyard. ... Helwig Vineyard. ... Presqu'ile Winery. ... Robert Mondavi Vineyard. ... Silver Oak Cellars. ... Macrostie Winery and Vineyards. ... Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.More items...
What is the best wine region in California?
Here's a north-to-south guide to the best California wine regions and what else to see and do between tastings.Napa County. Napa Valley, California. ... Sonoma County. Sonoma Valley, California. ... Los Carneros. Los Carneros, California. ... Santa Cruz Mountains. ... Monterey. ... Paso Robles. ... Santa Barbara County. ... Los Angeles County.More items...
What is the most popular winery?
The Top 10 Wineries in the WorldChateau Montelena, California. ... Chard Farm Winery, New Zealand. ... Marques de Riscal, Spain. ... Mission Hill Winery, Canada. ... Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, France. ... Holden Manz Winery, South Africa. ... Domino del Plata, Argentina. ... Leeuwin Estate Winery, Australia.More items...
What is the biggest winery in California?
The biggest winery in the world owns 3,665 planted vineyard acres in Sonoma County, according to the company. TIAA/SIMCO has about 2,000 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company. Treasury Wine Estates owns about 1,375 acres of planted vineyards in Sonoma County, according to the company.
Which is better Sonoma or Napa?
If you buy pricier wines, then go to Napa. If you mainly drink Cabernet Sauvignon, buttery Chardonnay, and Merlot, then go to Napa. If you buy more reasonably priced wines, then go to Sonoma. If you mainly drink Zinfandels, Pinot Noirs, Sparkling Wines, Red Blends, and Unoaked zesty Chardonnays, then go to Sonoma.
What town in California has the most wineries?
Napa Valley Visiting the top-rated wineries in Napa is a bucket list experience in California. Napa Valley is the most densely concentrated winery region in the world, with 240 wineries in its 30-mile stretch between the towns of Napa and Calistoga.
What wine is California known for?
By far, the standout grape is Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for nearly 20,000 acres planted. A distant second is Chardonnay, which accounts for nearly 7,000 acres planted. Other grape varieties in the Top 5 include Merlot (5,000 acres), Pinot Noir (3,000) and Sauvignon Blanc (3,000).
How much does it cost to go to a winery in Napa?
For a simple tasting, it can cost around $10 to $50 per person. Some fees can even be waived when you purchase a bottle after the tasting. If you want to elevate the wine tasting experience with food pairing or a complete winery tour, the cost will eventually rise to around $75 to $150 or higher per person.
Which state has the best wineries?
It's no surprise that California wineries made the top of the list, with 16 wineries in the top 100 rankings, as California accounts for 90 percent of American wine production.
What is the most popular winery in Napa?
Sattui Winery StSattui Winery St. Helena, Napa. This is the most popular and most visited winery in all of Napa.
What is Napa Valley most famous for?
Cabernet SauvignonNapa Valley is one of the world's premier wine regions boasting more than 400 wineries and famous for its prized Cabernet Sauvignon. Stroll through the vineyards, talk with the winemaker, or sip award-winning Napa Valley wines with dramatic views of the valley floor.
Where do you fly into to go to Napa Valley?
The closest international airports to Napa Valley are Oakland International Airport, 50 miles south, and San Francisco International Airport, 55 miles south. Sacramento International Airport is 60 miles west of Napa Valley.
What city is wine country in California?
Napa Valley, California With more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley is known for world-class wine, as well as beautiful countryside and near perfect weather year-round. Napa Valley is home to more than 150 restaurants and several Michelin-star restaurants.
What is as good as Napa Valley?
The Best U.S. Wine Regions Beyond Napa ValleySonoma, California.Willamette Valley, Oregon.Texas Hill Country, Texas.Walla Walla Valley, Washington.Finger Lakes, New York.Paso Robles, California.
What cities are considered wine country in California?
Cities and towns associated with the Wine Country include Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Kenwood, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Windsor, Geyserville, and Cloverdale in Sonoma County; Napa, Yountville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Calistoga in Napa County; and Hopland and Ukiah in Mendocino County.
What is the best time of year to visit wine country in California?
But if you want a genuinely idyllic wine country experience, the best time to visit is in the late summer and early fall—roughly late August through mid-September—when vines are still weighed down by massive clusters of grapes and wineries are aflutter with harvest activity.
By Air
You have infinite possibilities to get close to wineries in California by plane. California can easily be reached from all the main destinations wo...
By Car
California has a dense road network and it's really easy to reach wineries in California by car. All the main roads connecting big cities, like the...
By Train
Amtrak serves more than 150 destinations around the state, so you can really get close to wineries in California. National parks, big cities, wine...
What are the best wineries to visit in California?
These are the best wineries to visit in California: Emeritus Vineyards Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estate Riverbench Vineyard And Winery Darcie Ken...
Which wineries in California have accommodation services, either apartments, a hotel or a B&B?
These wineries in California have accommodation: Hoopes Family Vineyards & Winery Clos Lachance Wines Enriquez Estate Wines Kivelstadt Cellars
How do you visit California wineries?
Most of the wineries in California are located in the wine regions in the countryside. The best way to prepare a visit to a winery in California is...
Which wineries in California have cellar door sales?
These wineries in California have cellar door sales: Arcadian Winery Darcie Kent Vineyards Hoopes Family Vineyards & Winery Optima
Which wineries in California are open to the public?
These wineries in California are open to the public with booking in advance: Riverbench Vineyard And Winery Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estate Emer...
Are there any small & boutique wineries to visit in California?
This is our selection of small & boutique wineries in California that you can visit: Westbrook Wine Farm Vineyard And Winery Graziano Family Of Win...
What are the best family wineries to visit in California?
These are the best family wineries in California that you can visit: Hoopes Family Vineyards & Winery Emeritus Vineyards Darcie Kent Vineyards
What is the best wine region in California?
One of the most well-known regions in the state is Napa Valley. Wines here are made in a big, bold, juicy style that are great for long-term cellaring.
What makes California wine so special?
Just what exactly makes California wines so special? The Mediterranean climate and interestingly diverse soils have a tremendous effect. After all, great wine starts from the ground up! While over 60 grape varieties are grown in California, the leading varieties are still Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
How many wines does Vincent Arroyo make?
Today, Vincent Arroyo’s winery produces 17 wines on an annual basis. They primarily produce reds, but do make a Chardonnay and a Port (dessert wine). You’ll need to make a reservation before visiting, but it’s absolutely worth it to take in some of their incredible wine. We highly recommend trying their Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
How many wineries are there in California?
Home to over 3,500 wineries, California is the leading state when it comes to wine production. With such a vast amount of choices, it can be overwhelming determine which ones to visit. The good news is we’ve done the hard work for you. Check out our list of the top wineries in California…
What is California known for?
Stretching along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, California is renowned for clear , sunny skies and breathtaking views. It’s no surprise that California is called the Sunshine State.
When did Vincent Arroyo start his winery?
Overview: Vincent Arroyo, this winery’s namesake founder, began his winemaking journey by purchasing the original 23 acre Calistoga, CA property in 1972. He immediately went to work on transforming the land’s prune and walnut orchards into what ultimately resulted in the winery’s first commercial vintage, released in 1984.
Who owns Napa Winery?
Owner and founder, Jean-Noel Fourmeaux, strongly believes that one must trust their own individual, personal taste. He focuses on creating wines that are not part of the main stream market, but rather unique wines with a definitive character.
Which wine is best for California?
Further inland, where the climate is much hotter, some of California’s most famous red wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon.
How long has California been a wine country?
However the state’s viticultural history dates back more than 200 years. European vines were first planted here in the 18th Century, as missionaries made their way through the west coast. Today, California hosts some of the world’s largest wine companies. California produces 90 percent of American-made wine. It also supplies more than 60 percent of all wine consumed in the country.
What winery won the 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon competition?
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is notably known for being the winery that won the Cabernet Sauvignon competition in the 1976 Judgment of Paris. The winery was founded in 1970, and is considered a Napa Valley first-growth estate.
Where is Duckhorn Vineyards located?
Located in beautiful St. Helena, CA the traditionally designed Estate House and Tasting Room is a stunning wine country setting. Visitors can taste the award-winning Napa Valley wines, stroll the beautiful gardens and enjoy the vineyard view from the wrap-around veranda.
When was MacRostie Winery founded?
MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, founded in 1987, was named ‘Best Winery in Sonoma’ and ‘Best Tasting Room in Napa and Sonoma’ at San Francisco Magazine’s ‘Best of Wine Country Awards.
What percentage of wine is made in California?
California produces 90 percent of American-made wine. It also supplies more than 60 percent of all wine consumed in the country. Also Read: Discover Southern California Wine Region. The principal varieties grown in California are Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
What is the largest wine region in the USA?
By WIA March 2, 2020 Updated: May 10, 2021 5 Mins Read. California is the largest and most important wine region in the USA. With mountains, valleys, plains and plateaux, California ’s topography is as complex as its climate, offering winegrowers a very diverse choice of terroir. Californian wines only rose to global renown in the past few decades, ...
How much does it cost to tour Callaway Vineyard?
Guests at Callaway can take a tour of the property, which is offered daily at 11am and 1pm, for $10 per person, or $25 for a tour combined with a full wine tasting. The tour includes an exclusive behind the scenes look at Callaway’s inner workings -- their vineyards, their barrels and fermentation tanks, and more -- as well as a taste of wine straight from the barrel. The tour ends up at the tasting room, where guests can opt to try more of their delicious wines, and a full wine tasting at Callaway Vineyard and Winery includes tastings of six different types of wine.
What grapes are grown at Newport Beach Vineyards?
They use primarily Bordeaux red grapes like Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and each Meritage has up to five varietals in it. Tours and tastings at the Vineyard are available by appointment only for groups of 8 or more, and each experience lasts approximately two hours.
What is the Ledson winery?
Ledson Winery offers several tasting experiences for guests, from the Classic option, where guests can choose from two specially curated tasting menus, to the Wine and Food Pairing, in which visitors can enjoy a full experience of Japanese food - served in four or six courses - paired of course with some of the delicious wines that Ledson offers. An experience at Ledson Winery is further embellished by their stunning venue, in a historic castle which began as a family home and grew into the business and winery it is today, with acre upon acre of merlot and other grapes that all contribute to Ledson’s fantastic wines.
How many acres are there in Berghold Vineyard?
Berghold Vineyard. Syrah, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Viognier are just some of the grapes that grow on Berghold Vineyard’s 85 acres of land, which are harvested, fermented, aged, and then seamlessly blended together to create the winery’s signature tastes and vintages.
Where is Calmére Estate Winery?
Calmére Estate Winery is a state-of-the-art winery in Napa's Carneros region , situated on 100 acres owned and operated by sisters Ariana and Lisa Peju since 2016. The winery, which is named for the French words for "calm" and "sea," overlooks the beautiful Bay Area landscape and cultivates plantings of classic Burgundian grape varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. High-quality reserve wines are produced each year, along with highly drinkable white and red blends. Guests can visit the winery's public tasting deck and room and sample all of its excellent wines in flights, presented elegantly along with history and background on the region's ecosystem and wine growing practices. Reservations are required for groups of six people or more, with cheese board pairings available upon requests for all guests.
How many acres are there in South Coast Winery?
With 63 acres of vineyards, South Coast sets the scene for an amazing stay with rolling hills, beautiful facilities, and a top notch staff. Guests can relax by the pool with a glass of wine, take a tour of the grounds and winemaking facilities, or enjoy happy hour specials in the Vineyard Rose, the restaurant and bar on the premises.
Where is Jordan Vineyard located?
Jordan Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned California winery located in Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Jordan produces only two wines: Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Jordan Vineyard & Winery was founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan. The Jordan Chateau, located in the heart of 1,400 acres of hills and vineyards was designed by the architecture firm Backen, Arrigoni & Ross and was completed in 1976, the same year the first vintage of Jordan was harvested. Three quarters of the land is protected as a natural habitat. In 2013, the Jordan Estate became open to the public through an Estate Tour & Tasting experience. There are five wine tours and tastings at their Alexander Valley estate in Healdsburg, which include food and wine pairing. Reservations are necessary.
How many winery tasting rooms are there in California?
California has thousands of winery tasting rooms, but the 75 here offer new and unforgettable experiences. They're pairing wines with smoked trout, tacos or local cheeses; putting guests in the vineyards on bikes, tractors and six-wheeled army trucks; and pouring tastes of wines you'll never find anywhere else. To make the most of any winery visit, always call a week or two ahead to find out tasting and touring hours and whether you'll need an appointment.
How much is a single vineyard tasting?
The single-vineyard tasting ($20, including cheese pairings) gives guests the opportunity to taste through six Santa Rita Hills Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The rotating lineup always includes a couple of older vintages, to give a sense of how both terroir and bottle age play a role in wine. brewerclifton.com
What is a Breggo tasting room?
Breggo's cottage-like tasting room is surrounded by vineyards—its wraparound porch is a truly over-the-top setting to try the winery's single-vineyard Pinot Noirs. breggo.com
Where is Bob Lindquist's tasting room?
He now shares a tasting room in Los Olivos with his son Ethan, creator of Ethan wines.
Where is Brian Loring's winery?
Loring Wine Company. This July, Brian Loring moved his tasting room from the Lompoc Wine Ghetto (an industrial park composed of 19 wineries and tasting rooms) to Buellton, next door to the famed Hitching Post II restaurant. Try a flight of the diverse single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from around the state.
Where is Peter Stolpman's tasting room?
Peter Stolpman has two great little tasting rooms: one in downtown Los Olivos, and a newer one in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto , where he makes his spectacular Syrahs. The tasting room is really just a table adjacent to the tanks on the winery floor. stolpmanvineyards.com
What is the Clif winery?
Today, Clif Family Winery is focused on making high-quality wines that sustain the natural resources of the local community and bring awareness of organic and sustainable farming to others. When visiting Clif Family Winery, the guests can stop at the winery’s Bruschetteria food truck. Inspired by northern-Italian cuisine, Executive Chef John McConnell serves up a delicious, seasonal menu of bruschetta, spiedini, porchetta, farm fresh salads and more from the truck daily.
What is Imagery Estate Winery?
Imagery Estate Winery is all about breaking away from the conventional and experimenting with new varieties, exploring little-known grape regions. The winery is best known for its one-of-a-kind artwork on its wine labels. Imagery Estate Winery throws a fabulous Fête en Blanc for wine club members and the public. Taking place on June 4, 2016, attendees are encouraged to don their brightest whites and head to the lawn at Imagery for a soiree, while winemaker Joe Benziger pours newly released wines and a live band plays.
When was Charles Krug Winery established?
One of the most historic wineries in Napa Valley, Charles Krug was established in 1861 and has been a leader in quality wine-making ever since. In addition to producing a fabulous portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style wines, Charles Krug Winery is committed to protecting the environment, and as such, ...
When was the Redwood Cellar Tasting Room built?
Built in 1872 , the Redwood Cellar Tasting Room is a warm, inviting space that blends heritage and contemporary design. This room is a National Historical Landmark and features redwood from the family’s original wine tanks, stone and open beam construction. Open In Google Maps.
Where is Swanson Vineyards?
The Swanson Salon experience is lead by a skilled salonniere, featuring caviar, artisan cheeses and bonbons paired with Swanson wines, and they lead an entertaining tasting at the small country winery in Rutherford. The whimsical Swanson Salon has touches from some of the world’s finest talents, including interior designer Thomas Britt, renowned California painter Ira Yeager and chocolatier Katrina Markoff of Vosge Haut Chocolate.
Where is Lula Cellars in Philo?
Open In Google Maps. 2800 Guntly Road, Philo, California, 95466, USA. +17078953737.
What is the Napa Valley wine?
Brand Napa Valley has a portfolio of four wines made exclusively from the estate’s vineyards; these range from its flagship Brand Cabernet Sauvignon to the hallmark Brand Proprietary Blend, as well as the Brand Napa Valley White Wine, which is a blend of four Italian varietals.
What is Oak Farm Vineyards?
Oak Farm Vineyards wines are award-winning varieties that offer oenophiles a taste of far-off regions, including an Italian style Barbera and Primitivo. As well as an expansive outdoor seating area and terrace for wine tastings, Oak Farm Vineyards has several spaces for hosting private events, such as the new Barrel Room (up to 150 guests) or the Club Room (up to 45 guests) for more intimate celebrations. If this weren’t enough, true wine lovers can stay near the estate at the AnnaDan Vineyard Suites – a fully furnished, two-bedroom property within walking distance of the winery.
What is Tolenas wine?
Tolenas Winery specializes in creating “clean” wines, preserving the integrity of the fruit and protecting the land as much as possible, including keeping the vines free from any additives or chemicals.
Where is Brand Napa Valley?
A prestigious 110-acre estate, Brand Napa Valley overlooks Oakville from atop Pritchard Hill in the heart of Napa Valley. The winery and caves were constructed in 2013 by architect Juancarlos Fernandez using practices that align with Brand’s sustainability focus, such as opting for environmentally sensitive materials for the build. This year, Brand Napa Valley also revealed the interiors of its redesigned tasting room, which has been created by Erin Martin Design.
Who is the President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance?
Both women are founding members of the Petaluma Gap AVA, and Stancliff has been the President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance for the past three years. Working closely with its growers, Trombetta Family Wines creates effortlessly balanced small lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties.
Who makes Crocker and Starr wine?
The estate currently creates five wines – a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec blend and Sauvignon Blanc – and production is carefully overseen by winemaker Evyn Cameron, who continues to maintain and add to the heritage and legacy of the estate.
Where to visit in Napa Valley?
Visiting the top-rated wineries in Napa is a bucket list experience in California. Napa Valley is the most densely concentrated winery region in the world, with 240 wineries in its 30-mile stretch between the towns of Napa and Calistoga. It’s as close as you’ll get to Italy’s picturesque Tuscany region without actually heading overseas, with endless rolling hills and vineyards. If you’re looking for an especially authentic experience, be sure to stop by Castello di Amorosa Winery, an authentically-styled, 13th-century Tuscan castle constructed using historically accurate medieval building techniques. It functions as a winery and comes complete with a drawbridge, moat and a dungeon with a functional Renaissance-era iron maiden. Its frescoes in the Great Hall and Knights’ Chamber are hand-painted, with roughly 8,000 tons of Napa Valley stone hand-chiseled. The Hapsburg-era bricks, hand-forged nails, chandeliers and 500-year-old fireplace were all imported from Europe. The castle is open for tours, which include tastings, daily.
How many wineries are there in Sierra Foothills?
The Sierra foothills host over 100 wineries producing a wide range of varietals, most notably Zinfandel, as well as an intriguing variety of other varietals.
Where to go for biodynamic wine?
If you want to check out biodynamic winemaking and farming, head to Benziger for a crash course with a tour through its organically farmed vineyards and gardens.
What is the best wine to taste in San Francisco?
Napa's soil, gentle climate, and growing conditions (terroir) make for ideal grapes, coveted by wine enthusiasts everywhere.
What is the castle winery?
The castle winery produces hand-crafted Italian-styled wines including Cabernet, Merlot, Primitivo, and Sangiovese. A number of guided tours and tastings are available. The castle hits all the marks: delicious wines that you can only get from here, unforgettably gorgeous grounds, delectable foods and cheeses, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. $25 gets you into the castle along with 5 tastings.
How many people visit Napa Valley every year?
No other wine region on the planet draws as much attention or visitors as Napa Valley. It's visited by some five million people every year, making it the second most visited tourist destination in California (Disneyland is # 1). Perfect for a day or weekend trip from San Francisco, Napa Valley awards one with beautiful scenery, exceptional wineries, and world-renowned wines.
Where is Spottswoode Winery?
Spottswoode Winery. St Helena, Napa (www.spottswoode.com): Spottswoode is a true family-owned historic winery on the west side of St Helena in the Napa Valley. Established in 1882 by George Schonewald, the estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home portrayed on their wine labels.
Where is Luna Vineyards in Napa?
Napa, CA (lunavineyards.com): Co-founders Michael Moone and George Vare launched Luna Vineyards in 1995. Wonderful, magically modern, and an absolutely amazing small estate vineyard close by to downtown Napa and a short distance from Silverado Resort. You can leave your car parked at your Napa B&B and easily get there via bike. Luna, located on Silverado Trail is the largest producer of Pinot Grigio in Napa. They offer a sunny patio area with ample comfy chairs to relax in while tasting their wines. Luna is more like a wine bar than a working winery, with music playing and a relaxed comfortable setting. You can also catch the beautiful scenic views of the historic Silverado Trail overlooking the vineyards from their rooftop tower. Reservations are recommended.
When was the vineyard in Napa built?
Another historic Napa winery that was featured at number three on our 2016 list dates back to 1875 when brothers Jacob and Frederick, German immigrants, established this winery. Once there, they planted the beautiful "Tunnel of Trees" (1885) that still adores Highway 29 in front of their winery. They built the elegant Rhine House where they once lived as well as the grand stone winery building, and hand-dug the wine caves. The lush landscaping surrounding the ornate Rhine House gives you a sense of what Napa used to be like in those days. Last year, Mark Beringer,
Where is Andretti Winery?
Oak Knoll, Napa (www.andrettiwinery.com) Andretti Winery is the perfect way to transport yourself to the "old world" without leaving the comfortable confines of Napa Valley. The winery was established in 1996 by one of the greatest race car drivers ever, Mario Andretti, and his good friend Joe Antonini, the ex-CEO of K Mart. They shared a passion for great wine and the joys of Italy's laid-back lifestyle. So they decided to make wine and entertain guests in Napa Valley.
