I’ve visited countless wineries during my time living in California, but having great wine isn’t the only thing a winery needs. When you’re able to enjoy your wine with beautiful scenery, that can make an experience from great to spectacular. I often remember wineries with both delicious wines and beautiful architecture and vineyards. Read about The Most Impressive Architecturally Stunning Wineries on my blog here.

California’s Wine Country is so breathtaking, I had to make a list of a few of my favorite spots. Continue reading to see The Most Beautiful Vineyards in California I’ve Visited.

Chenoweth Wines

Chenoweth Wines is located in the lovely Sonoma County and is a new wine I’ve encountered. Each bottle has a unique flavor profile reflective of the vineyard and region of California it originated from. These are also well priced for high-quality value. Read more about Chenoweth Wines & Their Fabulous UTV Ride Vineyard Tour & Tasting Experience here.

Such a lovely vineyard to enjoy with delicious wine!

I was able to chat with Chenoweth Winemaker, where I fell in love with their wines. Read more about my Interview with Amy Chenoweth of Chenoweth Wines here.

The Donum Estate

This Carneros winery, The Donum Estate blew me away the moment I arrived and kept impressing me as I toured the vineyard and enjoyed the stunning art and tasted their elegant wines. Talk about a winery that has it all… The Donum Estate is incredible. Read more about My Visit to The Donum Estate on the blog here.

 The art collection shared in this winery really sets this apart from any other winery I have visited.

Me and former President & Winemaker Anne-Moller Racke, check out my Interview with Anne-Moller Racke here.

I have never been to a winery that has both amazing wines and an extensive collection of beautiful art to share with their guests.

Durell Vineyard

Located in the southwestern hills of Sonoma Valley, Durell Vineyard stretches across the Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Valley, and a small corner of Carneros. The unique location gives the wines a great taste and the perfect scenery. Read more about my visit to Durell Vineyards and Dunstan Wines on my blog here. For those who aren’t familiar one of my FAVORITE Sonoma Wineries Three Sticks Wines owns Durell Vineyard. Be sure to plan a visit to Three Sticks Wines next time you’re in downtown Sonoma (appts necessary) for one of the most luxurious delicious tastings with over-the-top hospitality.

Read my interview with Three Sticks Winemaker Ryan Prichard here.

The delicious Dunstan Chardonnay I enjoyed during my visit. Cheers to a fabulous visit experiencing wonderful wines.

Howell Mountain: Lakoya Wines, Cardinale & Charles Krug Winery

Howell Mountain is HANDS DOWN my favorite AVA in Napa Valley. Why because it makes such unique, earth, big, rich Cabernet Sauvignon Wines I love each and everyone I experience. I’ve been quite fortunate to visit Howell Mountain Vineyards twice over the years.

The first was with Peter Mondavi of Charles Krug Winery during a media stay at Charles Krug. We had a picnic lunch up here and it was spectacular.

Enjoying the Charles Krug 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon on Howell Mountain. Read more about Charles Krug Winery in my St. Helena Top 10 Wineries post here. 

Peter Mondavi of Charles Krug touring the Charles Krug Howell Mountain vineyards with me and the other media guests. What a treat getting to visit!

The second visit was with Jackson Family Wines who plant vineyards on Howell Mountain for Lakoya Winery, read more about Lakoya Winery here, La Jota Winery and also for Cardinale. Cardinale is a brand I’ve been fortunate to get very familiar with having attended a 5-decade vertical tasting led by Winemaker Chris Carpenter which You can read more about here

Views of Howell Mountain where Cardinale, Lakoya and LaJota grapes are planted. In case you can’t tell we are literally at the TOP of the mountain almost at the same eye distance looking over the valley at Mount Veeder.

All smiles enjoying the beautiful wine with grapes from Howell Mountain. A huge thanks to Jackson Family Wines for hsting me on this amazing vineyard experience. I was able to see where the grapes are sourced for some of my favorite Howell Mountain Wineries such as Lakoya.

Mount Veeder sourcing Jackson Family Wines NOT Mount Veeder Winery

Mount Veeder is a gorgeous winery in the state of California. With its unique climate and location, the products produced is intensely concentrated and proves to be outstanding. You’ll definitely want to check out their amazing flavors and beautiful vineyards. Check out the Mount Veeder Winery website here.

Breathtaking views at this California gem!

Occidental Wines

I was impressed with Occidental Wines  Steve Kistler’s stunning new Winery the moment I arrived.   There was a stunning entrance as we drove through acres of the beautiful vineyards with the coast in the backdrop. I’ve been a fan of Steve Kistler’s Wines for some time, he founded Kistler Wines and has since sold that brand and founded Occidental Wines. This is one of the most magical wineries with equally impressive vineyard views.

A beautiful sight with the coast and rolling vineyards, perfect to enjoy with Occidental’s delicious wines.

Enjoying a tasting with legendary Winemaker, Steve Kistler. This was such a special treat. I got to know Steve and hear firsthand about the brand’s history, evolution and plans for the future! Read more about my visit to Occidental Vineyards here and my Interview with Steve Kistler on the blog here.

Peay Vineyard

Peay Vineyard is another Sonoma Coast wine I’ve fallen in love with It’s run by two brothers Andy & Nick Peay and the Winemaker is Vanessa Wong.  Learn more about Peay Vineyards and their spectacular wines on their website here.

Speaking of Stunning Sonoma Coast Wineries, check out the Best California Sonoma Coast Wineries here to see more you’d enjoy!

Beautiful vineyard views to go with your tasting.

Me and Ernestine enjoying our visit to Peay. If you’re looking for more dog-friendly wineries in the Sonoma area, check out my blog on the Best Dog-Friendly Sonoma Wineries.

Pence Vineyards

Pence Vineyards feels almost make-believe; it’s that beautiful. They even have stables with stunning wild animals and horses throughout. Plus, after being blown away by the stunning vineyards and barns… getting to taste their lovely wines is just icing on the cake! Read more about my visit to the Stunning Pence Vineyards here and the lovely lunch I enjoyed with Owner Blair Pence and his wife. Talk about lovely hospitality!

Cowboy & Wine Proprietor Blair riding in his beautiful vineyards.

The wines here are elegant with each one having its own unique characteristics.

Views from the lunch I enjoyed with Blair and Dianne Pence, who is such a talented Chef and host. What a treat!

Platt Vineyard with Young Hagen Wines

Located in the beautiful Sonoma Coast, Platt Vineyard is like no other. The vineyard covers 31 acres ranging from 425-800 feet of elevation. The climate is mild, with cool marine weather passing through the region giving its wines a fabulous taste. I had the change to visit with Young Hagen Wines and fell in love (by the way their wines are super amazing I’m a huge fan).

 

I am totally loving the wine here with the gorgeous views.

Platt Vineyard is another great Dog-Friendly Winery I recommend visiting with your furry friends. Ernestine definitely loved our outing here.

Sea Smoke Vineyards

I had an amazing visit to Sea Smoke Vineyards. Their wines are amazing and their views are spectacular. I highly suggest visiting the Sea Smoke Vineyards during your winery trips around California. Shop Sea Smoke Vineyards wines here.

I tried their stunning Rosé which was delicious. This is extremely light, with beautiful floral flavors and a delicate expression that was amazing!  Read more about the Best Rosé Wines I’m Loving here.