Those who’ve visited Sonoma’s historic Buena Vista Winery may not realize that neighboring Bartholomew Estate winery was once part of the same property. Today, the expansive estate has an identity all its own, yet it remains steeped in Sonoma Valley history.
The story
Bartholomew Estate’s colorful past stretches back to 1823, when Mission Solano de Sonoma planted vines at the site for sacramental wines. In the century to follow, the property assumed an array of fascinating identities, from pioneering Buena Vista Winery founder Agoston Haraszthy’s vineyard estate to a private country compound with its own 40-room “castle” to a state-owned rehab farm for “delinquent women.”
In 1943, war correspondent Frank “Bart” Bartholomew bought the abandoned property for $17,500 as a gift for his wife Antonia. Discovering remnants of old vines and winery ruins, the couple revived Buena Vista’s legacy with the help of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff. The Bartholomews later sold Buena Vista but kept 375 acres as their private estate.
The ranch’s latest incarnation launched in 2019, when the Frank H. Bartholomew Foundation — created in 1980 to preserve the property and its history — teamed up with winemaker Kevin Holt to open Bartholomew Estate Winery. Today, the Sonoma Valley estate includes 22 combined acres of Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The vibe
Bartholomew Estate looks a lot like a park — because it is one. Driving through the woodsy property to reach the winery, you’re likely to pass locals walking their dogs along its meandering paths or cyclists getting in a morning ride. Though the estate is privately owned, its pup-friendly hiking trails and picnic areas are open to the public free of charge.
The former inmate hospital for the “delinquent” women’s farm, built in 1922, now houses the winery tasting room. It’s not nearly as creepy as that sounds. The space is warm and cheerful, with a gallery room that features a rotating display of work by local artists.
Bartholomew Estate’s setting is ideal for outdoor sipping, especially on the serene Oak Knoll tasting terrace, open April through September. Set among the trees and overlooking a lovely Sauvignon Blanc vineyard, it includes seating areas shaded by California live oaks. It’s hard to imagine you’re just a five-minute drive from the Sonoma Plaza.
On the palate
Bartholomew Estate makes many of its wines from grapes grown on the property, along with vineyards in the surrounding area. The 2022 Marsanne-Rousanne ($38) is a standout, with its floral aromas, peachy flavor and zingy lime notes. (The soon-to-be-released 2023 vintage won a Best of Class award at the 2025 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, and as a judge in this year’s competition, I can attest to its deliciousness.) The 2022 Press Release — another Best of Class winner — is a mixed berry pie of a wine made with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. The 2022 Wildcat Mountain Pinot Noir ($65) is all about cherries, accented with baking spices. Wines are sold only in the tasting room or online, and all earnings go toward maintaining the property and park.
Tastings range from $45-$55 for the Estate Wine Tasting to $75 for the Wine Tasting Flight + Mediterranean Mezze Delights, which includes a colorful platter of Middle Eastern snacks from Sonoma’s Spread Kitchen.
Beyond the bottle
Plan to explore Bartholomew Estate’s 3 miles of public hiking trails, set among mature oaks, madrones, redwoods and vineyards. Bring a picnic and a bottle of the winery’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc or rosé to sip with your portable feast. You can also book horseback tours through Sonoma Valley Trail Rides ($150-$170) or join a nature therapy guide for an immersive “forest bathing” session that ends with a seated wine tasting ($150).
1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma, 707-509-0540. Open daily. bartholomewestate.com
Tina Caputo is a wine, food and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.