AMAZING VIEWS
Alpen Cellars
While the Shasta Cascade region is typically known for its mountains, wineries like Alpen Cellars produce a wide variety of reds and whites in the picturesque Trinity Lake region. Though the location seems unlikely, the combination of high elevation and favorable microclimate prove to be the ideal conditions for growing early maturing grapes like Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Pacific Star Winery
Known as the westernmost winery in the country, Pacific Star Winery’s coastal setting makes for quite the view while picnicking on the grounds of the Mendocino winery. Guests enjoy the crash of the Pacific’s waves while sipping on a full-bodied Viognier or a red blend. The unique location contributes to the wine waves crash into sea caves under the cellar, naturally filtering wine from its sediment, and salt from the sea air deposits on barrels, accelerating osmosis while creating viscous and dense wines.
Paradise Ridge Winery
Family owned Paradise Ridge Winery serves up incredible views of the sun setting over Sonoma County’s Russian River from the balcony of its new tasting room and estate overlooking the rolling vineyards of the area. The winery produces a wide variety of sustainable wines, from Chardonnay to Zinfandel. Don’t miss wandering through the four-acre sculpture garden on property.
Cordi Winery
Nestled at the base of the Sutter Buttes in Yuba Sutter, the family owned Cordi Winery handcrafts 12 different varietals into estate wines. Located near a designated wildlife area, the winery attracts owls, foxes and birds that delight guests alongside sips of Malbec, Roussanne, Primitivo and more.
Malibu Discovery Wine Tour
Did you know there is a wine region hidden behind the Santa Monica Mountains? With Malibu Discovery you’ll enjoy a VIP tasting, a scenic coastal drive and a gourmet sunset dinner while drinking in the sunset over the Pacific.
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Castello di Amorosa
For a taste of Tuscany in Napa Valley, head to Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga. The winery’s castle, complete with moat, turrets, towers and even a dungeon, took 15 years to build. Rather than keep invaders out, Castello di Amorosa welcomes visitors to experience one of the most modern and sophisticated wineries in the Napa Valley.
Casto Oaks
Art and wine are the perfect pairing at Casto Oaks tasting room and art gallery in historic downtown Mariposa near Yosemite National Park. The winery offers Zinfandel and classic Bordeaux-style reds.
Halter Ranch
Halter Ranch in Paso Robles boasts an expansive estate property, a gorgeous contemporary mountain lodge-style tasting room, and a fun way to experience both the property and the wine with its Defender Picnic and Pairing experience. Guests will explore the ranch and vineyards in a classic Land Rover Defender, stopping at various points along the way for a wine and cheese pairing and some of the best scenery Paso Robles has to offer.
V Lounge PS
Live out your Rat Pack fantasies by sipping world-class wine from a boutique California producer at the midcentury-designed V Lounge PS. Located in the historic Kaptur Plaza, the bar is filled with texture, color and whimsy that screams Palm Springs.
WINE 101
Cutruzzola Vineyards
Nestled in the coastal hills of Cambria in central California, Cutruzzola Vineyards brings the magic of the region’s wine to life for novice wine drinkers. Experienced hosts educate guests on the wines and lead them on a journey to understand their palate and preferences.
Doffo Winery
All aboard the Malbec Express at Doffo Winery in Temecula for a one-of-a-kind tour of the vineyard on the winery’s eco-tour bus. Guests can learn about the different farming methods used, see the winemaking facilities and taste the varietals produced at the winery. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to visit the MotoDuffo Vintage Motorcycle Collection.
The Original OC
Visitors are surprised to learn that California’s first wine region was Anaheim. Today known more for Mickey Mouse than Merlot, the city is still a perfect place to taste a variety of wines at cool local wine bars like Colony Wine Merchant, Pali Wine Co. and BXCR Wine Bar, housed in a converted vintage railroad boxcar in downtown.
WINE CONNOISSEURS
House of Sangiovese
Spend the day living la dolce vita at Vino Noceto, dubbed The House of Sangiovese in Amador County. The winery produces eight different Sangiovese wines and several other Italian varietals. What started in a tiny red barn has grown into a multi-building facility around an Italian-style courtyard. Today Vino Noceto produces over 10,000 cases and is the perfect California winery for oenophiles who love Italian varietals.
Downtown Napa Tasting Time
Downtown Napa is known as the Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World, with more than 55 acclaimed tasting rooms in the city. For visitors, it’s ideal, as most are within walking distance and close to many restaurants. With so many to choose from, the city has created a fun wine tasting room quiz to help wine lovers find their ideal tasting room experience.
Foxen Canyon Wine Trail
Explore over a dozen wineries on the 30-mile-long Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in Santa Barbara County. Voted Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Wine Region of the Year in 2021, the Central cCoast Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and other varietals delight wine lovers. Spend the day soaking up the scenery, sipping wine and enjoying a picnic in this bucolic region.
Hitching Post Wines
Live out your Sideways movie fantasy sipping some of the best Pinot Noir in the area at Hitching Post Wines in Buellton. Long before the movie, the winery was cranking out some of the best expressions of Pinot in the area. Don’t miss tasting the Hitching Post Highliner.