Must Visit Vineyards Across California
The iconic drive up the California coast is a bucket list item for many people. The views are unparalleled, and California is famous for its gorgeous beaches and sunny skies. But there is a whole other fantastic part of California, for those who venture a little bit inland. Wineries are abundant throughout the state, and award-winning ones at that. In fact, California rivals Italy and France when it comes to red wine, white wine, and even bubbly. So as tempting as it is to want to stay on the coastline of this beautiful state, let the roads lead you to the east, and discover a little bit more of what California has to offer. The wine lover in you will not be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite areas and three of our favorite wineries at each stop.
HUMBOLDT
At the tip top of California lies Humboldt County. Most people think of things other than wine when they think of Humboldt, but don’t count them out for their part in the state’s wine scene. Humboldt is a more rural area than some of the other areas on our wine tour, so you will get to enjoy a more small-scale, family owned feel. It is a great start on a Northern California to Southern California winery road trip.
Briceland Wineries – 5959 Briceland Road, Redway, CA 95560
Coates Vineyards – 3255 Red Cap Road, Orleans, CA 95556
Fieldbrook Winery – 4241 Fieldbrook Road, McKinleyville, CA 95519
NAPA
Napa is the most obvious stop on the California winery road trip, and for good reason. It is by far the area most dense with wineries and vineyards. To really experience the region, it needs to be considered a destination as opposed to a stop along the way. There are endless restaurants and resorts to explore. It is a great weekend getaway for couples or friends and even if you visit often, there will always be something new to discover.
Domaine Carneros – 1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559
Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves – 1055 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, CA 94558
Chateau Montelena – 1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
SONOMA
This area is adjacent to Napa and is also very well known for amazing wineries. After the fires of 2017, it has been a struggle for many to rebuild and get back to normal, and tourism has been hurt in the meantime. Sonoma, along with Napa, lost some amazing structures and businesses but there is still so much to enjoy. Many people who are staying in Napa venture out to some of the Sonoma wineries during their stay because of the convenient proximity. The area is beautiful and the wine, pristine.
Viansa Sonoma – 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476
Gloria Ferrer Wines – 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476
Nicholson Ranch – 4200 Napa Road, Sonoma, CA 95476
SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz County embodies much of what locals and tourists love about the California landscape. One minute you are standing in soft sand, gazing out across the Pacific, the next you could be in the mountains or the desert. The Santa Cruz mountains is home to over 150 wineries and boasts views of the mighty Redwoods against the backdrop of the ocean. This is a spot often overlooked when it comes to wine country and is a definite must see.
Loma Prieta Winery – 26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gato, CA 95033
MJA Vineyards – 24900 Highland Way, Los Gatos, CA 95033
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard – 334 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
PASO ROBLES
East of Santa Barbara, Paso Robles is a favorite destination for Southern Californians. It is an easy drive from Los Angeles, and even San Diego. While it is a very scaled-down version of Napa and Sonoma, some of the state’s most revered wines come from the region. There is no better way to spend the weekend than wine tasting for a day in Paso Robles and then driving around the bend to finish the trip at an oceanfront Santa Barbara resort.
Calcareous Vineyard – 3430 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
DAOU Vineyard & Winery – 2777 Hidden Mountain Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Pear Valley Vineyards – 4900 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
TEMECULA
Temecula has grown from just a few wineries to an area well-known for its beautiful vineyards and resorts. The warm, vast, picturesque wineries are not only popular for the wine, but it has become a hotbed of wedding venues and many couples in Southern California are taking advantage. If you go on a wine tasting trip on a weekend in Temecula, you are bound to encounter a wedding party or 2. It is also a great day trip for a birthday or other celebration.
Vindemia Vineyard & Winery – 33133 Vista Del Monte Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Europa Village – 33475 La Serena Way, Temecula, CA 92591
Gershon Bachus Vintners – 37750 De Portola Road, Temecula CA 92592
SAN DIEGO
San Diego is best known for its breathtaking beaches, but inland San Diego has a wine region that is growing like wildfire. From Escondido to Rancho Bernardo and Ramona, locals don’t have to venture far from home to find wineries and vineyards with delectable wines and views to match. Many of the San Diego wineries have upscale food menus and live music on the weekends. Locals love to stop by their favorite winery for a tasting and stock up on bottles for home.
Orfila Vineyards & Winery – 13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, CA 92025
Bernardo Winery – 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128
Turtle Rock Ridge Vineyard Winery – 18351 Woods Hill Lane, Ramona, CA 92065
VALLE DE GUADALUPE
We would be remiss to discuss California wine country without mentioning our neighbors to the South in Baja. Valle de Guadalupe is just past Rosarito and Ensenada and has a wine and food region that is second to none. There are many day tours that leave from San Diego, stop at a few wineries and then have you home by nightfall. But if you are going to take the time to make the cross-border drive, Valle de Guadalupe is very much deserving of a weekend stay, or longer. Wine lovers fall in love with wine all over again in the rustic, romantic setting that is Mexico at its finest.
Vinos Dubacano – 85453CR7+2J, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Vineyard Solar Fortun – Calle 10, Francisco Zarco, Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
Vinos Lechuza – Carretera Tecate-Ensenada Km 82.5, Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
There is no better way to tour California than one beautiful, delectable winery at a time.
