California’s 6 Most Stunning Vineyards
With its 3,000 wineries spread all over the state, California is nothing short of a haven for the wine lovers. The state has everything from elegant estates, lined with vineyards, lying at the end of country roads to urban wine trails with tasting rooms.
The wine scene of California is as varied and exciting as the state itself. Be it the exquisite views of Los Angeles, the curated gardens near Santa Barbara, the redwoods lining the Sonoma Coast, or the expansive Napa Valley, the picture-perfect vineyards and wineries are spread far and wide across the state. And, today, you will take a look at the most stunning vineyards amongst them all.
Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards
Beautifully nestled among the rolling hills lined with vines on the Santa Rosa land grant, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards is an unforgettable location on the famous Buellton Wine Trail. It was founded in 2005 by Thekla and Richard Sanford. This renowned winery in California uses organic grapes and sustainable methods to offer a wide variety of wine choices to its happy guests. The popular picks at this vineyard include Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Guests can sample the wines, and the tasting fee stands at around $15. The ambiance is very soothing and warm here, made with rustic and modern elements and an olive tree standing as the center of attraction. The place remains open all through the week from 11 am to 5:30 pm.
Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards is located in the Calistoga region of the historic Napa Valley of California. The Treasury Wine Estate owns the vineyard that spreads over 1,200 acres of land in different parts of the valley.
The tasting room is so high that you will have to take a short ride in a cable car from the villa’s entrance to reach there. The facility is reminiscent of the stark white architectural designs embraced in the Greek islands.
The winery is not only for the grand wines like Stella rosa but also for the art galleries. You will get a glimpse of the wine production process through the glass windows while walking through the elevated pathways. The breathtaking views surrounding the place is like a bonus. It remains open from 10 am to 4:30 pm on all days, except Tuesday.
Briar Rose Winery
Another gem in the heart of California, Briar Rose Winery, is a family-owned and operated boutique winery situated in the Temecula Valley. The place specializes in handcrafted, artisan wines, but that’s not there is to it.
The Linkogle family opened it in 2007 and decided to go with a fairytale theme with Snow White cottages set in a lush landscape. The vineyard is on a piece of property that was initially made in the 1970s by Belden Fields. He was an employee under Walt Disney.
Briar Rose Winery is known for its award-winning Talking Frog wine lager and Cabernet Sauvignons. Most guests prefer outdoor seating as the garden is beautiful with a variety of sculptures. It remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, but you will need reservations to visit this beautiful place.
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
Located at a picturesque setting on the central coast of California, Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards is charming and quaint. This family-fun winery is in San Luis Obispo, and the Kelsey family established it back in 1999.
It speaks of rustic beauty, being tucked nicely inside an apple orchard alongside the See Canyon Creek. All of these factors add to its splendor and calmness, which makes the place the ideal relaxing spot for enjoying some excellent wines.
Along with the usual white and red varieties, you must also try the dessert wines and the apple-grape blends. Its beauty is further enhanced by the fact that over a hundred peacocks are roaming the grounds at all times. You can visit any day of the week at noon for tours and tastings.
Ledson Winery & Vineyards
Ledson Winery & Vineyards is located in the sprawling Sonoma Valley in Kenwood. It is a spectacular property that has an expansive 16,000 sq. feet castle called ‘The Castle.’ The Ledson family owns the area, and the castle was made to be their family home.
But, as time passed, it was decided that the castle would be turned into a winery instead of a residence. The winery is an architectural masterpiece with its coffered ceilings, marble fireplaces, imposing staircases, and mosaics.
The elegance of the place is a feast for your eyes, and an opportunity to sample some of the most excellent wines is an added advantage. The grounds outside the castle are equally exquisite with picnic areas and old oak trees all around.
Flowers Vineyards & Winery
Known as one of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay’s top producers in California, Flowers Vineyards & Winery is located in the Cazadero region. Joan and Walt Flowers were nursery owners in Pennsylvania when they decided to pursue a career change and take up viticulture.
With that in mind, they bought this prime piece of real estate along the Sonoma Coast in the 1980s. The award-winning wine is not the only thing you’ll remember about this place because the view is equally unforgettable. Sitting in the tasting room and tasting your favorite wine, you will get to witness layers of coastal fog dreamily creeping across the wispy pines and moss-covered trees. Make sure to book an appointment beforehand for a walking tour through the vineyard while taking a glass of wine or three!
Conclusion
For a wine connoisseur, visiting these charming vineyards of California is an absolute must. You will want to keep coming back for more to savor the beauty long after that glass is empty. Start planning for that tour today to get to know your favorite wines better in a place like no other.