United States of Wine: California
This Summer, we'll be taking a closer look at the wine scene here on the West Coast, taking you through our favorite spots in California, Oregon, and Washington. Of course, we're starting with the beautiful state of sunny California, home to Wine Country Gift Baskets and thousands of incredible wineries.
Known For: Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Time to Visit: June through October
Ah, beautiful California. When we think of good wine, this is the first place our minds travel -- well, in the States at least. California is filled, North to South and East to West, with lush vineyards and scenic tasting rooms from which you can enjoy the seemingly infinite list of delicious wines. With thousands of wineries and too many varietals to count, one thing still rings true through it all: Cabernet Sauvignon is king. As California's most widely planted wine grape, this varietal has been a staple of the state for decades. So sit back and enjoy a "California Cab" at one of our favorite wineries below!
Northern California
Buena Vista Winery
Interested in sampling wines straight from the barrel? Look no further than Buena Vista Winery, the oldest winery in California, located in the heart of Sonoma. Their barrel tour leads you through their beautiful cave cellars, and it's sure to be an experience unlike any other wine tasting. You can also learn all about their exciting history straight from the "Count" of Buena Vista, Agoston Harasthzy.
Mutt Lynch Winery
If you love dogs as much as you love wine, this may be the winery for you. Mutt Lynch Winery supports and donates to local rescue shelters and adoption organizations, and they host a Yapp Hour the 2nd Friday of every month from 4-7pm, complete with appetizers and, of course, wine, all to raise money for a good cause. So bring your pup down to this lovely tasting room and enjoy some quality Northern California wines in this friendly and casual setting.
Opus One Winery
A must-see winery in Napa Valley, Opus One boasts architecture as magnificent as its wines. Their grounds are striking, and the views from their rooftop deck will keep you coming back for more. Opus One sees tasting guests by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. But trust us, it's worth it! While on the pricier side, their tours are intimate and informative, and just a sip of their fine wine makes the trip worth every penny.
Frog's Leap Winery
Sit in the beautiful vineyard and soak in the California sunshine while you enjoy a glass of Frog's Leap Winery's organic wines. Your tour guides will happily continue to refill your glass with your choice fo red or white as you walk through the vines, learning about their dry farming practices and their role in the late 20th-century revival of Napa Valley wine-making. Hopefully you'll get lucky and have an opportunity to sample one of their older or unlisted wines while you're visiting!
Robert Mondavi Winery
We couldn't take a tour and not mention Robert Mondavi, one of our long-time partners and a winery we happily feature in many of our baskets! It's no surprise that their wines are some of our favorites, so a wine tasting trip to Northern California simply would not be complete without a stop into their tasting room. Enjoy their educational tour or simply wander around the grounds with a glass of vino in hand. They even offer a sparkling grape soda for those under 21, made with the same grapes that they use to make their wines!
Southern California
Wilson Creek Winery
Wilson Creek Winery is a winner all around, boasting some of the region's best wines, food, and atmosphere. Known for their Almond Champagne, the winery also serves a lesser known list of truly incredible sparkling wines and dessert wines, in addition to a solid, timeless line-up of classic red and white varietals. We recommend you visit on a Sunday morning so that you can enjoy their extensive brunch buffet and bottomless mimosas!
Lorimar Winery
If you haven't tried Lorimar Winery's White Merlot yet, what are you waiting for? Just sweet enough, this award-winning wine is unique and well-loved in Southern California. So order up a glass and enjoy it paired with their gorgeous grounds and local fare from the Pairings food truck parked just outside of the tasting room.
Bernardo Winery
As Southern California's oldest operating winery, Bernardo Winery should be on an history-buff's wine tasting hit list. Founded in 1889, it wasn't until 1927 that Vincent Rizzo, originally from Sicily, bought the vineyard and it became a Rizzo family business. Fast forward to present-day, and his grandson, Ross Rizzo Jr., is now the owner and the winery is home to artisan galleries, a coffee roaster, a salon, a cafe, and over a dozen other shops. Whether you're strolling through their seasonal farmers market or enjoying their arts and crafts fair, their unique events and perfectly crafted wines are sure to blow you away.
Malibu Wines
Bring your own food to enjoy at this rustic and lively winery near the California coast. Malibu Wines is a stand-out gem in the Los Angeles area, featuring a large patio and a long list of unforgettable wines perfect for the warm weather. Malibu Wines frequently hosts special events as well, like their Movie Night Under the Stars, Friday night karaoke, and the occasional Sunday morning Yoga & Mimosas class in the Malibu Hills.
Join us next month as we tour the Oregon wine country!
