INSPIRATION TO BOOK A DREAM GETAWAY

Have the walls around you started to cave in? Join the club! If you are like most people these days, it has become more and more difficult to stay home. With the summer sun and fabulously long days of light, the great outdoors beckons. There probably isn't a better way to appreciate the beauty all around us than enjoying a visit at one of the many gorgeous wineries in Sonoma County. Most are spacious, swelling with bountiful gardens and an endless supply of delicious wine. The wineries are all practicing safety measures that will make you feel so comfortable that you will forget for a few moments, about the crazy world we find ourselves. Join us on a journey to discover some of the most beautiful wineries that Sonoma Wine Country has to offer.

Part of what makes an outdoor setting appealing is the way that it flows with the land. Donum Estate (Los Carneros) has procured an extraordinary collection of outdoor sculptures and art from all over the world. The way that Donum has placed their art on the land and in the vineyards, makes an impact on everyone who visits. Guests have commented on the beauty of this pastoral and highly energetically charged venue, since its inception.  It's possible to do an outdoor walking tour of the stunning art, while you sip on small batch boutique wines, made by the legend, Dan Fishman. Poised on a 147-acre parcel, the Donum Estate takes every faucet of the visitor’s experience there into careful consideration. You can expect to be catered to with the most elegant and warm hospitality. Of course, we love the wide selection of handcrafted Pinot Noirs (what they pride themselves on). However, the Carneros Chardonnay strikes the perfect balance between being lightly oaked and blissfully crisp and vibrant. If you can get your hands on some, the Chardonnay is a must try! Whenever we visit Donum Estate, we leave feeling inspired and renewed. 

Not far from Donum is an old-world winery that has been a mainstay for Sonoma since 1858. Gundlach Bundschu, historical in every way, is the oldest family run winery in California. Need I say more? This family and team know what they are doing and with each harvest, they keep getting better. The winery wears no airs and is relaxed, casual and refreshingly approachable. There is something to be said for history, but even more to be said about a place that is unpretentious and humble in its approach to all that they do. The gardens are touched by whatever gods govern Sonoma and invite you in with serenity and peace. You can grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the Vista Courtyard or the Arbor Bar. Both have great views and private tables. If you prefer a formal tasting, they have that too! We love the elevated experience called the Heritage Reserve Experience, where you can enjoy a brilliant food and wine pairing, trying small production, limited release wines, not found anywhere else. We almost always recommend the experiences that involve food with wine, as that was the way wine was meant to be had. Gundlach Bundschu definitely delivers!

Situated about Sonoma Valley is one of our favorite wineries, Hanzell. The sweeping views from every angle of the property will take your breath away and remind you of what makes the Sonoma area so profound. Family owned, Hanzell has been producing complex Pinots and Chardonnays , since 1953. You will understand as soon as you arrive that you have found something unique at Hanzell. The staff are friendly and custom curate each experience to suit the interest of their guest. A day at Hanzell is unlike anything that you will experience elsewhere. There exists in the air a consideration and respect for the land that is almost permeable. Since 1975, the de Byre Family has made a deliberate, progressive and holistic approach to sustainability.  The outdoor area is perched above the valley and some of the newer areas sit beneath old Oak trees. You will enjoy the converted, vintage barn and farm animals, all onsite at your disposal. Time stands still at Hanzell. We hope you make a point to visit them and share our love for this very special place.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery (Healdsburg) is rightfully on the list of most beautiful wineries in Healdsburg. The majestic estate was founded in 1972 and has had decades to develop into what it has become today. With dedicated leadership and staff, the 1200 acre estate is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Everyone who visits raves about the quality of service, the outstanding wine and the beautiful grounds.  Diligently providing several outdoor food and wine experiences, there is much to choose from and many reasons to return again and again. Try ‘Paris on the Patio’ or ‘Pizza Night on the Terrace' for great eats paired perfectly with estate wine. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance as while palatial, the popularity of Jordan, makes reservations hard to come by. Easy to access in Healdsburg, you can hop on Hwy 101 and be there from San Francisco in no time at all. We know that you will love everything about Jordan! We sure do!

The tagline at Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Geyserville) is Cinema, Food, Wine, Hideaways & Adventure. A visit to the property will quickly reveal all of this to be true. While the winery is currently taking very limited reservations for wine tastings, the site has much more to offer and is beyond beautiful. Two swimming pools, spanning almost 3600 square feet dominate the outdoor space. Surrounding the pools are private cabanas, lounge chairs and tables that are frequently used by families and small groups. The spacious area is both shady and sun-filled at the same time. With three onsite restaurants, food is abundant and of course, wine and beverages flow all day long. Academy Award-winning production designer Dean Tavoularis developed the space. He was inspired by the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, together with Francis Ford Coppola, they have designed a wonderland, which appeals to all who visit. Also on grounds is a professional size Bocce Ball court. Learn how to play or get your game on instantly, Bocce is super fun and a great way to pass the time. Plan for a day at Francis Ford Coppola Winery and you and your family will be entertained for hours and return home with smiles for miles.

Wineries in Sonoma abound. Of course, there are many more places to explore and we hope you will enjoy our picks, as well as discover some of your own. There is no denying that the magic of Sonoma Wine Country awaits you and welcomes you with warm hospitality and some of the best wine in California. We love the way that Sonoma is relaxed and approachable. It must have something to do with the perfect combination of open spaces, friendly people and varied topography. There is something for everyone Sonoma and we are sure that whatever you choose to do while you are there, you will have a blast! Get outside and enjoy the summer!