In the United States, wine country is known to be the West Coast. This short list of wineries is sure not to disappoint.
Seghesio Family Vineyards - Sonoma County, CA
Established in 1895 when Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in the Alexander Valley, Seghesio is now one of the oldest winemaking names in Sonoma—five generations of the Seghesio family have weathered earthquakes, Prohibition, the Great Depression, droughts and fires to establish themselves today as Sonoma’s preeminent Zinfandel specialists.
Five generations later, Seghesio Family Vineyards continues to pioneer the highest quality Zinfandel along with a treasured collection of Italian varietal wines. In the cellar, Winemaker Andy Robinson takes an old-world approach, crafting every wine from small lots that are meticulously harvested, sorted, and fermented individually to ensure that each wine is true expression of the vintage, vineyard, and varietal.
Chamisal Vineyards – San Luis Obispo, CA
Known for its Central Coast Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, Chamisal Vineyards lies in the premier region of Edna Valley, one of the coolest appellations in California known for its east-west orientation so close to the Pacific Coast. Its long, temperate growing season gives the grapes plenty of time to ripen on the vine — typically several weeks longer than warmer growing regions.
This extended hangtime allows cool-climate grapes like Chardonnay to develop deep, rich flavors and superior fruit intensity. Current happenings include the implementation of a Miyawaki Forest to aid in the winery’s mission of eventually becoming carbon negative, production of the winery’s first-ever sparkling wine officially launching this Fall and a soon to be official new AVA of “San Luis Obispo Coast” and the abbreviated “SLO Coast.”
Malene – San Luis Obispo, CA
A rosé only winery, Malene’s wines are made from a blend of traditionally Provençal grape varieties, including Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino). There’s no better way to share Malene on tap with rosé-loving friends than in Malene’s insta-worthy ‘69 Airstream. Reflective of the wine itself, the mobile tasting room – known as the “Malene Scene” – is parked adjacent to Chamisal Vineyards’ winery in San Luis Obispo. Malene is produced in a SIP-certified (Sustainability in Practice) winery and sourced from renowned vineyards including Zaca
Mesa & Camp 4 in Santa Ynez Valley. Pine Ridge Vineyards – Napa, CA
Located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge Vineyards is a stunning Napa Valley winery tucked beneath a ridge of pines and boasting a full view of rugged palisades. Guests can explore the sprawling grounds via guided hikes and intimate cave tours before a delicious tasting in the estate gardens or on the outdoor patio, featuring current-release wines that represent the winery’s five distinct appellations: Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford and Carneros.
Archery Summit Winery – Willamette Valley, OR
Perched on a hilltop, Archery Summit Winery is surrounded by natural beauty and picturesque vineyards in the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s leading wine region. Known for elegant, vineyard-driven Pinot Noirs, guests can enjoy a signature tasting of five wines during a casual, outdoor experience on the patio, overlooking the lush Dundee Hills.
Seven Hills Winery – Walla Walla Valley
Seven Hills Winery is a founding estate of the lush Walla Walla Valley, producing authentic varietal expressions. The winery’s downtown tasting room, housed in Walla Walla’s only historic, working winemaking facility, was built as a wood mill in 1904 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests can enjoy a private tasting with a selection of current release and limited production wines before heading out to explore the city of Walla Walla, featuring a quaint main street with old-fashioned storefronts, gourmet restaurants, art galleries, live music, theaters and summer festivals, all surrounded by an exquisite backdrop of the Blue Mountains.
Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens – Sonoma, CA
Travelers visiting wine country can enjoy unique culinary and wine experiences at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, home to America’s #1 selling Chardonnay for over 29 years and counting. Considered one of Sonoma County’s best kept secrets, Kendall-Jackson’s Farm-to-Table Dinner Series offers an al fresco feast hosted by their winemakers, chefs and Master Farmer Tucker Taylor. Guests are invited to explore the winery’s award-winning 4-acre culinary gardens and seven sensory gardens before heading back to their private round table to enjoy live music performances and appetizers presented by local Sonoma purveyors. The family style, six-course dinner is fueled by the day’s harvest from its expansive culinary gardens, all paired with free flowing Kendall-Jackson Estate wines throughout the night. Launching in 2022, the winery will also unveil outdoor picnic tasting experiences, featuring plush seating around a communal table and a backdrop of stunning vineyard views.
Guests can sit under the majestic walnut trees and sip on Kendall-Jackson Estate wines, while enjoying a hand-curated grazing board with local cheeses and foraged organic produce directly from the surrounding gardens.
