When it comes to wine, no part of the world is richer and more accomplished than Sonoma County in Northern California.
Next to the vineyards of Italy, Sonoma stands tall in competition with its majestic foothills, the perfect rich soil for growing a range of exquisite wine grapes, and bold, creative wine variations.
There are about 60,000 acres of vineyards in the county and the wide majority of them are open to the public. It’s a paradise of jaw-dropping vistas and varied and nuanced wine.
Many Wine country vacations have been perfected by visiting many of the world’s top wineries and vineyards. Fortunately, we dug through them all and compiled the top five highest-rated in the region.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Interestingly, the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is an anomaly in Sonoma County. Though it stands in the heart of California’s wine country, Jacuzzi is intimately connected to true Italian hospitality. The Tuscan villa is straight out of the foothills of Italy.
Enjoy the rustic ambiance of the estate while experience fantastic and acclaimed reds and whites. The location also has a massive Olive Press and manufacturing area, where it ships oils across the world (and even to Italy!).
The vineyard was opened in 2007, but its authentic and traditional history dates back hundreds of years. The villa and olive press is open for tours. The grounds were built to replicate the family home in Casara, Italy. The Jacuzzi Vineyard is a culmination of decades of Italian winemaking, collected in California, of all places!
It is located at 24724 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Ravenswood Winery
Ravenswood is all about service. From the dazzling walk-in tastings to the private tours and estate walk-throughs the location has been known for, you are unlikely to find a more versatile wine and dine experience.
The location has a very intriguing “library tasting.” Guests are treated to various wines over the decades. Sip on classic California selections going back to the 60’s. You get a special look at wine history.
Guests can see the grounds and visit the barrel room for a riveting and innovative experience. With a little added creativity, you can blend your own wine. It is an unprecedented new option and something you can’t miss.
To add to the experience, Ravenswood is an organic winery. Enjoy private tours, special events, public tastings, and samples straight from the barrel. No organic winery is as versatile in its services and ways you can approach wine culture.
It can be found right at 18701 Gehricke Rd, Off Lovall Valley Road, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Cline Cellars
Cline Cellars began with a surprisingly modest dream. Fred Cline sought to build a winery with a focus on sustainability. Cline transferred his first vintages from one location he bought in 1982 to larger acreage in 1989. This new 350-acre horse farm became his crown jewel.
Fred Cline and his team are known for their impeccable quality. Their website boasts “no compromises,” and they mean it. Their renowned focus on crafting a perfect ecosystem plays out in the wine. Guests can seek out ambitious wine gift packs and sip on the classic (and highly-perfected) Sonoma Series.
Cline has released a new series every few years to cultivate a certain bold taste, such as the Cashmere Series, the Farmhouse Series, and the astonishing Appellation Series.
Cline Cellars is located at 24737 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Buena Vista Winery
Vineyards currently coat the landscape in Sonoma County. While you can find a wonderful winery at every turn, Buena Vista remains one of the original.
This is the oldest premium winery in California wine country. This gives it a uniqueness and brilliance that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. It has recently been labeled with California Historic Landmark status. Now, this acclaimed and historically-rich Sonoma winery offers the truest look at California wine dating back to the mid 1800’s.
Enjoy the tasting room, walk the grounds of the visitor’s center (all floors), and appreciate the extensive heritage of this enduring sight. You can find it at 18000 Old Winery Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
While Buena Vista Winery is designated as the oldest premium winery in the region, Gundlach Bundschu is the oldest family-owned operation in California. The family of the Gundlach Bundschu Winery is proud of its heritage. Dating back to 1858, the winery has a stunning courtyard space, a large shop, the signature “Donkey Bar” a small bar that pays homage to the resident pet donkeys Knickers and Daisy, and a heritage reserve area. The Donkey Bar is a special treat to visit with cheeses, snacks, and an old country décor.
You can review the full history of the winery by visiting the timeline posted on the official website. It can be found at 2000 Denmark St, Sonoma, CA 95476-9615
Contact us for a long list of possible things do in Sonoma. While you can build your entire adventure around visiting the many vineyards, there’s a vast range of many other approachable attractions and activities in the county. Have an amazing time exploring all that Sonoma has to offer.
