When it comes to choosing the best destination for the weekend, the sheer number of Californian wineries flooding the coastal region of California can be a conundrum.

A segment of a vineyard upon the side of a hill displaying the beauty of Californian Wineries
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The stunning coastline, traversed with magnificent twisting country-roads, is home to some of most beautiful vineyards ever to exist. The Californian vintners have transformed this region into the country’s biggest wine production point.

Taking into account Santa Cruz, Sonoma, and the Napa regions, you will definitely not want to miss the sweet wine of Antica, Robert Biale, Bacigalupi, Gundlach Bundschu, Ridge Vineyards and Picchetti Winery, just to mention a few. A weekend at any one of these wineries is enough to give you a taste of paradise on earth.

Perfection. The intersection of rural charm and ultra-modern cuisine has left thousands of palates yearning for more.  Consider Paso Robles’ more than two hundred wineries. Vineyards dotting the countryside exceed twenty-six thousand acres, in a climate that almost begs for winemakers to create their art.

The intersection of rural charm and ultra-modern cuisine has left thousands of palates yearning for more.

There are many regions to choose from, and even more wineries for your perfect wine-weekend getaway. These are some of the most beautiful, Californian wineries you need to visit, or at the least sample their wines. Pull out your bucket-lists and start writing.

California has some of the best, innovative wineries in the world. Many doing their part to combat climate change!

Napa County: Californian Wineries

Heitz:

Open daily for complimentary tastings, Heitz is a must visit winery. With no appointment necessary, you and your loved ones can visit at any time during their operational hours. First, more than 3 generations producing incredible wines since 1961, the Heitz family may just have wine coursing through their vines.  Second, with family members involved in every facet of the business and winemaking process; this admirable winery is truly a family run business. Producing amazing wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and an Italian grape named Grignolino. The Heitz family even produces Port! Furthermore, with a plethora of different styled wines ranging from $25 dollars to $400 plus! They have an amazing product for every budget.

The Martha’s Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a steal at only $225. Notably, the rich and fruity 2015 Chardonnay is a wonderful option at $27. Rich soil steeped in history and rustic style buildings in the heart of the vineyard create a serene and tranquil wine touring and tasting experience.  How can you say no to a free wine tasting in this literal garden of eden.

Inglenook:

A beautiful Chateau, an amazing courtyard fountain in which guests can sailboat, as well as a chic European style bistro. For this reason, Inglenook is truly a beautiful vineyard to visit. With a vast and interesting history, including it’s first harvest in 1882, there is truly a story within every glass of the beautiful wines they produce. Open daily, tastings are available for a mere $45/person. Robust Cabernet Sauvignons, Bold Zinfandel, fruity Sauvignon Blanc, and full bodied Syrah; with this in mind, there is truly a bottle for every wine lover! There 2016 Sauvignon Blanc sells for $35 a bottle! Their flagship Rubicon Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a price tag of $210 per bottle. With over 1,500 Acres of Vineyard and breathtaking scenery; Inglenook is a must visit winery!

Larkmead:

Calistoga is a small city known for rejuvenating hot springs, soothing mud baths, and wineries. Larkmead Winery located nearby is a must visit and staying in beautiful Calistoga is the perfect weekend getaway. Reservations are required for a visit, however, it is well worth it. Beautiful Cabernet Sauvignons and limited edition wines due to the strictness to which they harvest their grapes.  Furthermore, century old vines and amazing technique produce beautiful wines. Inquire at their website for a better look at their wines. Descriptions and bottles available with full tasting notes.

Sonoma:

Gundlach Bundschu:

Established in 1858, this historic winery has been in the Bundschu family for over 3 generations and 150 years! A 320 acre property, there is no shortage of wonderful experiences to be had, scenery to behold, and wine to drink! With a literal cave full of wine in addition to wonderful tours available, Gundlach Bundschu is a must visit vineyard. Additionally, they even hold weddings! On the other hand, reservations are required for all tastings, you will want to book now. Offering Merlot, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, tempranillos, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel; this winery has an amazing variety of wines to offer your palate.

Gundlach Bundschu produce a vintage reserve and beautiful varieties of Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. Priding themselves on their sustainable one look at the winery and acreage shows their commitment to keeping the breath taking ecosystem and nature preserved. Recycling 70% of their water, all of their cardboard and processing materials; Gundlach Bundschu is a shining example of a truly environmentally friendly winery!

Lambert Bridge:

Operational for over 40 years, Lambert Bridge is a newer Winery in the area. Nevertheless, that does not mean it is not producing amazing wines! As a result, if possible on your itinerary, Lambert Bridge is a must visit winery, offering beautiful tastings, unique and insightful blending seminars, even wonderful cooking classes! Lambert bridge offers several beautiful wines, for example, a lesser known vintage of of Viognier which is to die for. Crisp Chardonnays, Light Zinfandels, chocolate and fig Petite Sirahs and fruity Merlots; Lambert Bridge Winery showcases that absolute perfection in a wine bottle can be produced in a short amount of time. A true standout among the plethora of amazing Californian wineries.

Santa Cruz

Beauregard Vineyard:

Originally planted in the 1880s, the Beauregard Vineyard have an amazing and rich history; much like the soil used to produce their wonderful grapes. On 65 beautiful acres within beautiful mountain views, Beauregard is a must-visit vineyard in Santa Cruz! Open daily for beautiful tastings of Cabernet Sauvignons, dark Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels, Chardonnay, and many unique wines. This truly family business will improve any weekend getaway. Producing unique wines such as salmon-colored Pinot Gris, beautiful and bubbly sparkling Rose, and even apple wine. Therefore, this is truly a unique tasting and vineyard experience.

In conclusion, California has become a beacon of wine making. Furthermore, setting shining examples of sustainable and uniquely Californian wineries that have become world renowned. As mentioned previously, the state alone produces more wine than most countries on the planet. To be brief, were California a country it would be ranked 4th in production behind Italy, France, and Spain. Subsequently, there is no shortage of Californian wineries to visit. Heitz offers amazing tours, as a result of it’s beautiful grounds.  Ultimately, these are certainly some of the more breathtaking vineyards to see in your lifetime.