My 7 Favorite Wineries In California To Sip Chardonnay

I take pleasure in a range of red wines, however chardonnay stays my preferred. Fortunately, I reside in California where a few of the very best chardonnays on the planet are made. Over the previous 2 years, I have actually had the possibility to go to numerous wineries that are understood both for their exceptional chardonnay and picturesque settings. I’ll share my favorites, beginning in Northern California and working my method south. The experiences differ from high end and special to rustic and relaxing. Some are rather costly while others are economical. In other words, there’s something for everybody.

1. Stonestreet Estate Vineyards

Healdsburg, California

Rolling vineyards, big oak trees, and vibrant gardens are the background for theStonestreet Estate Vineyards This high-elevation winery may be among the most picturesque tasting experiences inSonoma The estate incorporates 5,500 acres of land in the Mayacamas Mountain variety, producing seriously great red wines consisting of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc.

To nobody’s surprise, my preferred red wine here was the 2018 Estate Chardonnay, however taxi enthusiasts will be similarly as delighted. In truth, this winery gets all first-class evaluations on TripAdvisor.

There are 2 tasting experiences provided at Stonestreet in addition to a mountain expedition if you wish to check out the vineyards up close.

2. Bacchus Landing

Healdsburg, California

California is filled with little, household wineries that aren’t able to sustain their own tasting spaces, which in turn implies couple of individuals learn about their red wines. The Lopez household chose this was an issue in requirement of an option and opened Bacchus Landing, a centrally situated, common area to combine red wine enthusiasts and store wineries. An overall of 7 tasting spaces surround a big yard making it simple for visitors to sample as lots of or as couple of red wines as they select. In in between tasting they can unwind outdoors, get a treat from the marketplace, and even play bocce ball.

My spouse, Jason, and I had the possibility to hang out at Bacchus Landing for a number of hours one afternoon and taste red wines from 5 wineries. We delighted in hearing the stories of the wine makers, discovering how they began, and tasting a variety of vino. Always the chardonnay enthusiast, I particularly took pleasure in the tastings at Aldina Vineyards, AldenAlli, andMontagne Russe It was enjoyable to taste a lot of variations on one varietal.

Each of the wineries uses numerous tasting experiences and no bookings are required. Guests are likewise welcome to buy a bottle and enjoy it outside. And do not think twice to bring your pet; Bacchus is pet friendly.

3. Landmark Vineyards At Hop Kiln Estate

Healdsburg, California

When visitors get to Landmark Vineyards they initially see an extensive green yard dotted with big trees, all surrounding a pond. If you’re fortunate, you may see the head wine maker’s pet, a friendly old labrador relaxing on the lawn. Located in a historical stone structure that as soon as was a hop kiln, the tasting space is rather old-school. A long, dark wood bar offers the area for wine-tasting while old barrels work as screens for product. While lots of wine-tasting spaces throughout the state have actually ended up being a display for interior decoration, this location is everything about the unwinded setting and the exceptional red wine.

I had the possibility to taste Landmark’s pinot gris, 2 of their pinot noirs, and 2 of their chardonnays. All were tasty, however the winner for me was the 2019Lorenzo Chardonnay In truth, this red wine has actually appeared on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list 7 times.

Landmark uses 2 tasting experiences and bottle service. Charcuterie is readily available to buy to accompany your red wine.

Pro Tip: The initially 3 wineries I have actually noted are all in the Healdsburg location. If you have the time for a weekend trip, there are lots of excellent wineries, dining establishments, galleries, and store stores in Healdsburg.

4. Trombetta Family Wines

Forestville, California

Tastings at Trombetta Family Wines occur in their yard, making it the coziest and most individual experience we have actually ever had. This really little household winery happened through the combined efforts of Ricky and Roger Trombetta and their childErica Stancliff They started making red wine in their house and ultimately broadened into industrial production.

After parking in the gravel driveway, visitors walk your home to their big yard and garden. A little table is prepared on the patio area to invite visitors with little bites, each of which matches the red wine. Instead of the normal wine-tasting, this experience is more like socializing with pals. After the tasting, we strolled through their little vineyard planted in their front backyard.

Trombetta concentrates on pinot noir and chardonnay, and both are exceptional. I absolutely advise the 2019 chardonnay,Indindoli Vineyard Russian River If you take pleasure in these red wines, purchase them here; they can be challenging to discover in shops.

This experience can just be arranged beforehand. It’s advised to call the winery a couple of weeks prior to your see.

5. Oak Farm Vineyards

Lodi, California

I should confess I had no concept where Lodi was, regardless of having actually resided in California for over thirty years. So envision my surprise when I discovered there are over 80 wineries around this city. Located in the Central Valley of the state, Lodi has actually long been called a farming town. But the previous numerous years have actually seen a surge of wine making.

Our initially pick up red wine tasting in Lodi was at Oak Farm Vineyards, a family-owned and ran winery set on 70 acres. The big tasting space is a little raised offering great views of the surrounding vineyards and ancient oak trees. Guests can choose to taste inside your home or out. I absolutely advise getting an appointment to be seated on the East Patio that includes a little cheese plate. And if you have time, take the trip that consists of the history of the home and entryway to the barrel spaces.

Oak Farm uses 2 tasty chardonnays: traditional and estate. I like both however got back with a couple of bottles of the estate. And while I do not consume red wine really frequently, both Jason and I actually enjoyed their Vapor Trail Merlot.

Pro Tips: On the Oak Farm home is Annadan Vineyard Suites, a perfectly embellished two-bedroom holiday leasing. If you’re trying to find a peaceful trip among the vineyards, this location is best.

6. Bedford Winery

Los Alamos, California

Stephan Bedford may be the most simple wine maker I have actually satisfied. In truth, I’m thinking that the majority of people who stop at Bedford Winery in Los Alamos and sample their red wines do not understand they are being served by the owner and wine maker.

The little tasting space and outside patio area lie on Bell Street, which is the primary road of the small hamlet ofLos Alamos If you have the time, get a seat on the covered patio area and take your time tasting the 5 red wines– it’s both rustic and relaxing. At $15 per individual, this may be the very best handle California.

The 2017 chardonnay, “Dear Prudence,” from the Santa Maria Valley was my favorite. After all, who would not like a white wine called for the wine maker’s mom? There were just 70 cases made, so I can’t ensure it will still be readily available, however you will still wish to stop here even if it’s not.

Pro Tip: At initially glimpse, Los Alamos and Bell Street do not appear like a location to invest a couple of hours. But do not let impressions trick you. There are lots of concealed gems consisting of dining establishments, coffee shops, and tasting spaces.

7. Callaway Vineyard & & Winery

Temecula, California

Temecula has lots of wineries with wonderful views of the surrounding rolling hills. But many individuals concur that the very best location to take in the views is at Callaway Vineyard, the very first winery to open its doors inTemecula Valley Set atop a plateau, the big school keeps an eye out over miles of vineyards in all instructions. The finest time of day to see is around sundown. Not just can you take pleasure in the altering colors of the sky, however you may likewise see hot air balloons increasing. Large outdoor patios provide comfy seating for red wine tasting and relaxing.

I have actually had the possibility to go to the winery and attempt a number of their chardonnays. I liked them a lot I frequently purchase them back house. Fortunately, Callaway is commonly readily available in shops. If you choose red white wines, Callaway makes numerous consisting of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and sangiovese.

1-hour trips are readily available of the centers. If you’re starving, make sure to head to their extremely ranked dining establishment, Meritage.

Pro Tip: Callaway– and most Temecula wineries– are really hectic on the weekends. If you desire a quieter experience, attempt checking out on a weekday.

If you’re taking a trip to California by airplane and want to take red wine house, think about reserving your flight withAlaska Airlines This wine-friendly airline company will permit you to take house one case of red wine totally free. If you buy more than a case or are not flying Alaska, ask your winery to deliver red wine house for you. Then you can relive all these stunning tasting experiences you had in the Golden State.