A Guide To The Best Wineries In California
There is something so sophisticated about drinking wine. Pictures of swanky parties and hanging with Jay Gatsby come to mind. A writer swirling a glass of classic red as he contemplates over his work also clings to the imagination. Now imagine being able to learn about the winemaking process first hand at one of California’s very own wineries. California, after all, is home to wine country and strolling through one of the many vineyards sipping on wine is downright romantic. Here is your guide to the best wineries in California for your next trip!
1. Opus One Winery
Located in the picturesque Napa Valley, California, strolling through the grounds of this winery will have you feeling like royalty. With architecture mixing both French and Californian motifs and rows of grape vineyards, you’ll be having Parent Trap flashbacks. Now if only Nick Parker would show up to give you a tour! The wines featured here include current vintage, malbec, petit verdot, and cabernet franc.This is definitely one of the best wineries in California!
2. Ferrari-Carano Vineyard & Winery
This winery is straight out of a movie, complete with an inn that is Instagram worthy! Is this enough to make it a contender as one of California’s best wineries? Let’s see! Located in Sonoma County, this lovely winery serves the classics including Chardonnay, Rose, and Pinot Noir. Did I mention they also have an English garden, a tasting room, a bar, and a terrace. These wineries feel more like castles where you are the monarch or patriarch! At least you can pretend to be. Make your way down the next time you are in town for an incredible experience.
3. Domaine Carneros
Welcome to your chateau! This French-style winery specializes in sparkling wine and offers table service from its terrace. Offering all the fancy dishes including smoked salmon, caviar, cheese plates and European pastries. You are sure to dine like royalty at this beautiful estate. Take in the beautiful views that the Napa Valley has to offer.
4. Yorkville Cellars
Located in Mendocino County, this winery is perfect to relax in between wine tastings. Surrounded by sheep ranches and fruit orchards, you will find yourself lost for hours exploring the grounds. The charming atmosphere around this winery makes it one of the best wineries in California for me. It specializes in Bordeaux style wines like Semillon and Malbec. Grab a bottle and go find a nice tree to sleep under until your next wine tasting!
5. V.Sattui Winery
This is arguably the best winery in Napa Valley. This Tuscan-inspired winery has an incredible atmosphere, offers 80 varieties of wine, has personal wine tasting tours, and provides Italian Deli foods including the best cheeses you’ll try in wine country. Bring the whole family and have a picnic on their gorgeous picnic grounds! This a great winery to experience at least once for your “best wineries in California” bucket list.
6. Wrath Winery
This winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Located in the Salinas Valley, this is the perfect dating destination. On top of its excellent wine selection, Wrath Winery is near Camel Beach so you and your date could sip away as you watch the sunset. What is more romantic than that?
7. Valley Project
Located in Santa Barbara, this is a great place to come and learn about Central Coast wines. Not only will you get to sample different wines from different wineries around the area, there is also a mural dedicated to the Santa Barbara AVAs. You’ll leave this place feeling like a real wine aficionado. Soon you will be a wine connoisseur!
