Sunset sips

Today, wine travelers are looking for more than a simple wine tasting. From elevated food pairings and picnics to vineyard tours and wine trains, California is uncorking many ways to enjoy its iconic wines during September’s California Wine Month.

Wine in the great outdoors

In California, we pour wine with a side of everything else: live music, art, ocean views and more. During California Wine Month, here’s where to find these special wine experiences in the Golden State.

Sipping in the sierra foothills

 

Pair the beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills with wines from Butte County’s best vintners. Soak up the vistas during a picnic on the expansive lawns at Gale Vineyards or Hickman Family Vineyards. Foodies won’t want to miss the small-plate paired tasting at Almendra Winery & Distillery. 

Mendocino moments

 

Celebrate California Wine Month at Mendocino’s annual Winesong, a beloved charitable event that takes place every September and features live music, food, and, of course, wine. Outside of the festival, wine lovers can craft the perfect picnic, procuring supplies at Hill House at Trailborn Mendocino and then heading to its lawns or The Lookout for a perfect sunset toast.

Hawk walk

 

In addition to daily estate tours and tastings, Plymouth’s Andis Wines hosts an annual unique Hawk Walk. Guests will walk the vineyards, glass in hand, and see magnificent rescued birds of prey. In partnership with Tri County Wildlife, visitors will learn about falcons, raptors, hawks, and more while seeing nature and winemaking in a new light.

Santa Rosa sips

 

Located in Santa Rosa, it’s no surprise that Francis Ford Coppola Winery knows how to set the wine scene with tastings, restaurants, a museum and even a pool party. Elsewhere the city, Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens creates delectable food and wine pairings using items from its culinary gardens; Paradise Ridge Winery pairs wine and art in its sculpture garden; and Balletto Vineyards provides picnic space surrounded by 190 acres of vines.

Buellton bottles

 

Sideways put Buellton on wine travelers’ maps. Today, oenophiles can craft their perfect food and wine adventure at Industrial Way, a collection of winery tasting rooms and restaurants, or picnic with Pinot at Brick Barn Wine Estate. At Vega Vineyards & Farm, visitors can pet and feed the animals and then relax with a crisp glass of Chardonnay. 

Glamping in a glass

 

After a day of rugged adventure and exploration in Joshua Tree National Park, return to the upscale AutoCamp Joshua Tree and relax with regularly scheduled outdoor wine tastings with local winemakers. 

Musical & wine notes

 

The notes of wine and the notes of music create perfect harmony at Lorimar Vineyards & Winery in Murrieta. The winery hosts live music nearly nightly on its patio. Whether you prefer rock, country, or jazz, the winery has a red or white to fit the mood.

Santa Monica scene

 

Ocean vibes and views blend with wine in the Malibu Coast AVA. At Regent Santa Monica Beach, the Farmers Market Chef Tasting Suite transforms local ingredients from Santa Monica’s four weekly farmers markets into a multi-course culinary and wine experience. The Viceroy Santa Monica features a Signature Malibu Wine Tour that takes guests into the vineyards at wineries like AJA Vineyards. Iconic Wally’s Santa Monica pairs wines of the world with elevated dining, while Divine Vintage is the place to shop and sip.

Coastal wine experiences 

 

In California, wine tastes even better with a water view. From lakeside pours to sunset yacht tastings, here's where to sip along the coast and beyond.

Wine time in Sonoma

 

Perched high above the Sonoma Coast in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, Timber Cove Resort pays homage to the region’s wine culture with weekly Wine Down gatherings, regular wine tastings and wine dinners with local vintners and in its Coast Kitchen restaurant, where seasonal fare is paired with Sonoma’s best wines.

Lakeside libations

 

In South Lake Tahoe, whether on the lake or shore, the experience is enhanced with a glass in hand. Join Tahoe Tastings on board a vintage Golden Rose 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi, and taste wines from eight different Northern California regions. Landlubbers should head to Idle Hour Wine & Bubbly Bar on the South Shore for a wide selection of wines to pair with the panoramic lake view.

Yacht time

 

In Santa Barbara’s harbor, Dreamcôte founder and winemaker, Brit Zotovich, hosts elevated private tastings aboard her Grand Banks Yacht, featuring still and sparkling wines paired with seasonal snacks and stunning views.

Orange County oenophiles 

 

Dana Point is all about the water, and the best way for wine lovers to immerse themselves in this local culture is with the Orange County Evening Wine Cruise. The luxury catamaran tour serves up a tasting of paired bites and wines for guests to enjoy as they cruise the coast and maybe even spot a whale or dolphin playing nearby.

Wine on the move 

 

Who says you have to sit still to sip? Hop on a train, take to the sky, or hit the pavement for these tastings on the move.

All aboard!

 

Punch your ticket for the adults-only River Fox Old Vine Express in Sacramento. You’ll ride the rails in a historic train car through the heart of Yolo County, pairing scenic views with wines from Michael David Winery and seasonal canapés. 

Wine in the sky

 

Soar over Carmel Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains during a scenic helicopter tour, followed by a vineyard tour, private lunch and wine tasting of estate wines at Bernardus Lodge & Spa. 

Walking wine tour

 

Explore California’s wine history and the hidden gem urban wineries in Carlsbad on The Carlsbad Wine Tasting Tour. The 21-and-over, three-hour walking tour is offered on Thursdays and provides participants a glimpse into the wine and food culture of Carlsbad.

Whether you're drawn to mountain views, ocean breezes, or a train car rolling through wine country, California has a pour waiting for you. Cheers to a Wine Month spent exploring it all.