Iconic wineries deserving a visit
Wine lovers need to splurge occasionally on extraordinary, spirit-lifting wine tastings in California’s wine country. Within the million acres of ocean-to-meadow-to-mountain landscapes in Sonoma County, visitors can find more than 400 wineries plus vibrant arts and cultural scene. We have selected a few iconic spots that deserve a visit.
Domaine Carneros
Take CA-12 towards Sonoma Valley. After a few miles of driving, an 18th-century château-style building will appear on the hillside to your left. Inspired by the historic Château de la Marquetterie and owned by famous French Champagne maker Taittinger, the castle sits at the top of a soft hill overlooking the vineyards. The iconic building houses not only the winery but several lovely indoor and outdoor tasting rooms for both visitors and club members.
Domaine Carneros, founded 30 years ago by the Taittinger family, is a small grower-producer of ultra-premium sparkling wines. Its limited production of Pinot Noir represents a benchmark for California sparkling wines.
The winery offers many wonderful tasting experiences, including “The Art of Sparkling Wine Pairing Asian Bites with Bubbles,” consisting of four different sparklings accompanied by delicious bites.
The first pairing is the 2014 Ultra Brut ($45) with scallops in Spicy Yuzu Sauce. This excellent perfectly balanced, brisk, and refreshing Brut with notes of lemon zest, passion fruit and wildflower enhances the sweetness of the scallops.
Next is the 2013 Estate Brut Cuvée ($36), aged a minimum of three years in the cellar and paired perfectly with fresh Spring Roll with Daikon, Mango and Mint. This fabulous Cuvee is the most significant production of Domaine Carneros. The six-year aged Brut Cuvée ($57) is also available for tasting and recommended.
The third is the most popular of all, the 2015 Brut Rosé ($42). It is paired with Ahi Tuna Poke in Wonton with Avocado Mousse. Rosé wines are often made only from Pinot Noir, but this one also includes Chardonnay. It has a great balance and fruity, floral aromas similar to Le Rêve, Domaine Carneros’ most exceptional sparkling wine. The 2012 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs ($115) was named America’s Best Sparkling and is crafted from 100% estate-grown Chardonnay.
The fourth and last of the tasting flight is the 2014 Verméil Demi-Sec ($39). The name Verméil denominates a fire-gilding process first developed in France in the 18th century. It has a pale gold appearance and lively bubbles. This amazing Verméil is paired with Soba Noodle and Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce and a delicious Green Tea Pudding with Black Sesame Tuile.
Buena Vista Winery
As we continue north on our trip through Sonoma Valley, our second stop is at the oldest winery in California, Buena Vista.
Originally founded in 1857 by Hungarian Agoston Haraszy, better known as “The Count of Buena Vista,” the winery was the first gravity-flow winery in California. The Count excavated the first wine caves and implemented the first European enological practices in California, resulting in the farming of more than 300 different grape varietals.
In May 2011, Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of Boisset Collection, a producer and importer of fine wines from France, purchased Buena Vista Winery. From 2011 to 2015, the winery underwent extensive restoration which included the re-opening of the Champagne cellars, which were unavailable to the public for more than 20 years. The winery is managed by Winemaker Brian Maloney and consultant David Ramey.
The Experience
The winery is open for tasting and tours year-round. You can find a gift shop featuring gourmet foods and elegant merchandise, including Jean-Charles’ personally designed jewelry collection and a Baccarat glass collection. The Press House, the first gravity-flow winery in California, is the main tasting room where visitors can enjoy delightful wine tastings.
We suggest trying some of the most emblematic wines such as: (1) The Sheriff ($45), named after founder Agoston Haraszthy, who was also named Sheriff of San Diego County in 1850. This bold red is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Syrah and Grenache. Due to its powerful presence, it perfectly pairs with any meat. (2) The Aristocrat (Sold Out), rated 93 points by Wine Advocate and 90 points by Wine Enthusiast, has a beautiful nose of crème de cassis, licorice and floral notes. This is a beauty and should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. (3) 2015 Chateaux Buena Vista Grand Reserve ($175). This dense and rich Cabernet Sauvignon has been aged 32-months in 100% French Oak. It provides flavors of blueberry, strawberry, mocha, caramel and a hint of incense. (4) The Revenge ($150) is named after the unfortunate death of the Count by a crocodile in Nicaragua. A red blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from distinguished Napa and Sonoma vineyards, its aromas are huckleberry, plum, and dark cherry with a hint of cardamom. (5) Tokaji Aszu 2008 ($100) The Aszu wines are produced through a 1631 wine-making technique. Aged skillfully for a minimum of 3 years, the Puttonyos number indicates the amount of Aszu berries used and the level of sweetness, with six being the highest rating for this premium wine. This rich, honeyed wine offers complex aromas and notes of dried apricots and orange blossoms. It pairs perfectly with apricot dishes, cheesecake, baklava, Gundel-style pancakes, blue cheese or the traditional Hungarian dessert called vargabéles.
In addition to the tasting menus and relaxing picnic areas, the winery offers a Historic Wine Tool Museum Tour and Tasting, a Barrel Tour and Tasting and a Private Reserve Tasting, all for between $20-$40 per person. Wine Club members have four complimentary tickets for the Press House Tasting Room.