Hamel Family Wines offers a phenomenal tasting experience which “is privately led by an Estate Ambassador, includes a tour, and wine tasting, and can include food pairings.” The swanky bar and tasting area oozes modernity and sophistication.
The founders of Hanzell consider themselves stewards of the land and try to respect and cater to not just your palate, but your lungs as well. With a focus of holistic beliefs and intertwining the vines with the local ecology through the vineyards as well as their farming operation, the respect for nature is quite palpable, particularly when you’re sipping their Pinot Noir.
Undoubtedly, you’ve had a drop or two of Ravenswood in the past as it’s one of the most popular Red Zinfandel offerings on the market. As such a large and successful winery, one might think that it would feel too industrial without the common quaintness we love in wineries and their architecture, but rest assured there are some highlights here. For instance, you can book a tour to go through the rustic barrel room for a unique barrel tasting; it’s good, but the final product is best.
The logo for J Vineyards really symbolizes the simplicity and elegance of these wines. The J Bubble Room combines fine dining with fine winemaking on a five-course dining experience that will leave you utterly satisfied. If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, then you can’t miss J.
Kenwood balances a healthy collection of high-end wines that are moderately priced. Their Jack London Vineyard features robust Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, making it perfect for a steak. Visiting can be as informal a casual wine tasting, but we recommend you drop by for a special event such as Funky Fridays or Broadway Under the Stars.
Also known as Dry Creek Winery, visiting Ferrari-Carano will make you feel like Cinderella finally making it to the ball. This posh establishment features an extensive menu of wine tastings, including: one for Pinot lovers, white wine lovers, Cabernet terroir, and a number of other options. This is the perfect winery to visit and just chill, give yourself a couple hours while enjoying the Dry Creek Valley.
This winery feels like the symmetric Latin-influenced style of architecture that Scarface would appreciate. Their Cinq line can get pricey, but the nuanced flavors will be well worth it. Join the exclusive wine club for free tastings and access to the Wine Club Picnic Area, great for the regulars out there!
They brought méthode champenoise to the New World with an obsession for French champagne. In fact, Korbel made such a big splash back in 1882 that they were the first, and largely the only, winery outside of Champagne, France to be given the approval to use the word “Champagne” with their sparkling wine. The property is vast with private quarters to check out, and plenty of bubbles to enjoy.
Sonoma-Cutrer, much like its name suggests, really takes pride in the region, particularly in how it crafts the wines. The Chardonnay, for instance, is as full and buttery as one would expect from an oak-aged Northern California white. There are a number of tastings offered, but we recommend a round of croquet while you sip from your glass.
Come see the historic property at Alexander Valley Vineyards and hit up the complimentary Winery and Wine Cave Tours offered every day at 11AM and 2PM. Additionally, you can go on their one-of-a-kind Vineyard Hikes to spend some time as the growers do, out in the vineyard and with the grapes. Following that, you’ll be able to relax in the beautiful surroundings with a boxed lunch.
