Weary of the typical swirl-sniff-sip-swallow (or spit) wine tasting routine? These Sonoma and Napa wineries offer unique experiences that go beyond the glass, pairing exceptional wines with adventure, history, art, and more.
A Taste of Germany at Schug Carneros Estate Winery
While many Napa and Sonoma wineries reflect French, Italian, or Spanish influences, Schug Carneros Estate Winery offers a refreshing nod to Germany. Founded by Walter Schug in 1983, the winery's architecture mirrors the timber-framed structures of the Rhine Valley. While Riesling is no longer part of its repertoire, Schug specializes in Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) and Chardonnay. The Cave Tour & Tasting Experience ($75) includes a guided walk through the estate, production area, and caves, followed by a seated tasting of current-release and Heritage Reserve wines.
Location: 602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma
Phone: 707-939-9363
Website: schugwinery.com
Art in the Vineyards at The Donum Estate
Donum Estate transforms the traditional tasting experience into an artistic journey. Its 200-acre Carneros property showcases 50 large-scale sculptures by artists such as Ai Weiwei and Keith Haring. Visitors can opt for the Carneros Experience ($95), featuring a guided art and wine tour, or the Explore Experience ($175), which includes an all-terrain vehicle excursion and wine tasting with seasonal bites.
Location: 24500 Ramal Road, Sonoma
Phone: 707-732-2200
Website: thedonumestate.com
Living History at Buena Vista Winery
Established in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is California’s second-oldest winery and exudes historical charm. Visitors can relive the legacy of its founder, Agoston Haraszthy, with the Barrel Tasting & Winery Tour ($50). The tour includes tastings in the Champagne Cellar and a journey into the wine caves.
Location: 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma
Phone: 800-926-1266
Website: buenavistawinery.com
Horseback Rides Through Jack London State Park
Triple Creek Horse Outfit in Glen Ellen offers guided horseback tours through Jack London State Historic Park, featuring scenic vineyard trails and redwood groves. After the ride, guests receive a complimentary wine tasting at VJB Cellars in Kenwood. Private rides (1-2 hours) range from $145-$225 per rider.
Location: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen
Phone: 707-888-0034
Website: triplecreekhorseoutfit.com
Lavender Fields and Sauvignon Blanc at Matanzas Creek Winery
Since 1991, Matanzas Creek Winery has enchanted visitors with its sprawling lavender fields and wines. Prime lavender season (late June to early July) brings fields of fragrant blossoms, harvested for culinary and wellness products sold on-site. Wine tastings start at $35, with picnic tables and bocce courts available for rent.
Location: 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa
Phone: 707-528-6464
Website: matanzascreek.com
Off-Road Adventure at Chenoweth Wines
For a rugged yet refined experience, Chenoweth Wines offers ATV tours ($125 per person) through its 800-acre estate of vineyards and redwood groves. The tour includes outdoor wine tastings and a picnic area within the redwoods.
Location: 5550 Harrison Grade Road, Sebastopol
Phone: 707-331-2734
Website: chenowethwines.com
Historic Tastings at Three Sticks Wines
Housed in the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe, Three Sticks Wines offers flights of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ($65) alongside a tour of this 1842 structure. Wine and food pairings, as well as an Oysters & Chardonnay pairing ($95), provide a deeper dive into wine terroir and merroir.
Location: 143 W. Spain St., Sonoma
Phone: 707-996-3328
Website: threestickswines.com
Ride a Cable Car with Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley
Modeled after an 1890s San Francisco cable car, the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley takes visitors on a six-hour tour through wine country. The $125 ride includes stops at three wineries, a guide, lunch, and scenic views. Winery tasting fees ($30-$40 per person) are separate.
Website: sonomavalleywinetrolley.com
Family Fun at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Coppola’s Geyserville estate is more than a winery—it’s a wine-themed playground. Visitors can explore film memorabilia, relax by two pools, or play bocce. Seated tastings are $40, and bocce court reservations start at $50 per person. Pool access requires a cabana reservation.
Location: 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville
Phone: 707-857-1400
Website: thefamilycoppola.com
Tulips and Brunch at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards
Ferrari-Carano’s gardens burst with 10,000 tulips each spring. The estate offers a Wine & Brunch experience ($85 per person) with a seasonal, Italian-inspired menu on Sundays.
Location: 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg
Phone: 707-433-6700
Website: ferrari-carano.com
A Medieval Escape at Castello di Amorosa
This 121,000-square-foot Napa Valley castle features a drawbridge, underground cellars, and a torture chamber. Tastings ($50-$85) grant access to select areas, while guided tours delve deeper into the castle’s secrets.
Location: 4045 St Helena Highway, Calistoga
Phone: 707-967-6272
Website: castellodiamorosa.com
Gondola Rides at Sterling Vineyards
An aerial tram transports visitors to the Mykonos-inspired Sterling Vineyards. At the summit, guests can explore the winery and listen to eight historic bells from London’s Church of St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East.
Location: 1111 W. Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga
Phone: 800-726-6136
Website: sterlingvineyards.com
Elevate Your Wine Country Adventure
From medieval castles to lavender-scented vineyards, Sonoma and Napa offer far more than wine tastings. Whether you’re riding horseback through historic landscapes or sipping Chardonnay with oysters, your next wine country adventure awaits. Cheers to new experiences—one sip at a time!
