Wine tourists the world over have at one point or other added top California Winery Tour Destinations to their list of must-see viticultural destinations. With a wealth of wholly unique wine regions up and down the state, this diverse landscape offers a greater range of wine experiences in singularly beautiful settings than anywhere else in the world. From super-famous appellations like Napa and Sonoma, to lesser known gems tucked into the mountains, valleys, and coastal cliffs of this iconic state, there truly is something for everyone on California’s wine list – if only you know where to look.
So let’s take a quick tour through some of our favorite wine destinations within the long state: a few names you’ll know, and some we know you’ll love.
Why California Is a Must-Visit for Wine Enthusiasts
California, once a viticultural obscurity, is now counted among the top wine destinations of the world. And there’s a great reason for this – the Golden State rests on the same global parallel as many of the most famous European wine regions, from the north of France to the shores of the Mediterranean sea. This long stretch of land with its varied climates and singular terroirs echoes the old-world greats, providing ideal wine-growing conditions to the more than 4,000 wineries which call California home.
The sheer variety of grape-friendly grounds means a diversity of wine styles to choose from – some time-tested and familiar, some a result of intrepid experimentation on the part of new growers and vintners working to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The foundations of California’s winemaking culture date back to the Spanish missions, when wine was primarily produced for use within the church. With some wineries still honing the traditions of the past, and others marching wildly forward, the state is rich with unique and storied experiences to suit every palate.
Iconic California Winery Tour Destinations
It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to choosing a wine destination in California. Take out a map, point, and chances are there’s a world-class winery within a California-commute of wherever you land. But don’t take our word for it: here are a few must-see regions that are guaranteed to satisfy.
Napa Valley
Possibly the most famous wine region outside of Bordeaux and Champagne, Napa is known for being a melting pot of culture, art, and luxury culinary experiences in addition to its iconic Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays.
With more than 400 wineries to choose from, guests can simply show up and sip their way across the valley and have a world-class experience wherever they go. Or, they can hop on board the wine train, take a hot air balloon tour, walk amongst famous works in a sculpture garden, or taste local bottles in one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants the valley has to offer.
Must visit wineries include: Opus One, Robert Mondavi, and Domaine Carneros.
Sonoma County
Sonoma is Napa’s relaxed sister, producing extraordinary Chards and luxurious Pinot Noirs in scenic mountain surroundings. Many vineyards in Sonoma are focused on sustainable farming practices, biodynamic wines, and farm-to-table experiences which highlight the region’s terroir both in your glass and on your plate.
Come to Sonoma not only to taste the fruit of its harvest, but also to connect with the land on a vineyard hike, or a picnic in a redwood grove.
Must-visit wineries include: Kendall-Jackson, Rodney Strong, Russian River Vineyards.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a rising-star region known for bold reds and Rhône varietals, owing to the similar climate between the two regions. The inland appellation also sticks to tradition in other ways, with boutique wineries and vinification caves, nestled in the land’s rolling hills, some of the top destinations in the area.
Must-visit wineries include: Justin Vineyards, Tablas Creek, and Eberle Winery.
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara is one of the oldest wine regions in California, with a history as deep as its namesake mission. The coastal location and ocean breezes mean the So-Cal appellation is best known for its cool climate varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in particular. It’s also famous for hosting a number of celebrity wine brands, including Ferguson Crest, owned by Fergie of Black Eyed Peas fame.
In addition to picturesque vineyard tours at mission-style wineries, enthusiasts can find urban tasting experiences at the Funk Zone, an arts hub in the downtown area, offering an intersection of wine and local culture.
Must-visit wineries include: Sanford, Fess Parker, and The Hilt.
Temecula Valley
Known as Southern California’s wine oasis, Temecula Valley gives the feeling of stepping into the vineyards of Italy, with classical architecture, rolling green hills, and scorched skies. Fans of Viognier and anything sparkly will easily find home here, and love sipping their favorites after a ride in a balloon or on horseback through the Mediterranean landscape.
Must-visit wineries include: Wilson Creek, Ponte Winery, and South Coast Winery.
Hidden Gems and Emerging Wine Regions
Lodi
Fans of Zinfandel are strongly encouraged to visit the “Zin Capital of the World,” offering a variety of robust yet approachable reds in addition to the last-but-not-least wine in the English alphabet. A hidden gem in California’s central valley, Lodi would be easy to miss on a road trip if you didn’t know what you were looking for, so listen up! Family vineyards and eco-centric biodynamic vineyards are a destination worth punching in to your Google Maps.
Must-visit wineries include: Michael David Winery, Oak Farm Vineyards, and Klinker Brick.
Anderson Valley
Nestled between the redwood forests and golden grassy hills of Mendocino County, the Anderson Valley wine region produces a variety of delicious cool-climate wines, including a few famous sparklers and some truly remarkable Pinot Noir.
None of the vineyards you will find here are very big, and so a visit to this region is wonderful for anyone looking for intimate tastings complete with local cuisine in beautiful places.
Must-visit wineries include: Roederer Estate, Navarro Vineyards, and Goldeneye.
Sierra Foothills
Spread across granite valleys, pine forests, and live oak woodlands, you can practically taste the history in this appellation’s rich terroir. Known as a Gold Rush region, the small-batch and rustic wineries give you a unique taste of California which you sip through your eyes on one of the many scenic drives as much as you do from your glass – ideally filled with one of our favorite bold red blends.
Must-visit wineries include: Sobon Estate, Terra d’Oro, and Renwood Winery.
Unique Winery Tour Experiences in California
If what you want is to roll up to the winery and sip your favorite bottle while you gaze at the scenery, follow your bliss. We’re right behind you. But if you decide you want to get a little more hands-on or adventuresome with your tour, California up and down has a number of weird, wild, and wonderful activities to choose from – complete with wine, of course!
Wine and Adventure
Go for a ride in a hot air balloon in Napa or Temecula, or hike-and-bike through the rolling golden hills in Sonoma.
Food and Wine Pairing Experiences
Find gourmet tastings with locally sourced cuisine just about anywhere. Can we recommend cheese and time in Sonoma, or barrel tastings in Paso Robles?
Blending Sessions
Create your own custom wine blend at select wineries like Raymond Vineyards or South Coast Winery.
Eco-Friendly Wineries
Get a little green and take a tour of an organic and biodynamic vineyard, such as Frog’s Leap in Napa or Bonterra in Mendocino.
Tips for Planning Your Top California Winery Tour Destinations
California’s a big state, and it would be difficult to see the whole thing in one go (we would applaud you for trying!) Here are a few tips to help you plan the right tour, in the right region, according to your tastes and needs.
- Fans of specific varieties should check out the regions that make the bottles they love most – Zin lovers should go to Lodi, while Pinot Noir girlies will want to tour Santa Barbara, etc.
- Book tastings and tours well in advance, especially during peak seasons. They sell out fast!
- Plan transportation—whether with a tour company, car service, or designated driver.
- In addition to the famous wineries, make sure you make time for the little guys off the beaten path – you never know which one will become your new favorite.
California’s Top California Winery Tour Destinations are Calling
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Of all the world’s wine regions, California is the most diverse, varied and vibrant, truly offering something unique to suit every palate that might tour the Golden State. If you’re unsure, start with some of the bigger names – but add a slot or two on your itinerary for some of the smaller vineyards or up-and-coming regions across the state. The wines you’ll find are as unique as the landscape itself, full of adventure, beauty, and new and delicious flavors to discover.
So what are you waiting for? Spring is just around the corner, and planning a trip to a California wine region is the perfect activity for a dark winter day. And Old Vine Wine Tours is delighted to help: click here for more wine tour ideas, or to book a unique Napa Valley experience today.