As spring approaches, get some wine tasting and bocce ball on the calendar.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery: With four regulation-sized bocce courts, odds are in your favor for some good playing time and maybe even some fun competition. Set in a landscaped area, not far from the pool, these bocce courts offer a nice spot to spend a sunny, Sonoma County afternoon. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com. (Courtesy photo)
For more fun in the sun, Francis Ford Coppola Winery has a popular pool (pictured), game tables for backgammon, chess, checkers, and playing cards. All games are free of charge. 2021 pool cabine reservations will be available for Wine Family Members at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13th and for the general public at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15th. (Courtesy photo)
Landmark Vineyards: This bocce ball court is available year round on a first come, first served basis, but if you’re coming with a crowd of six or more, you can call ahead and reserve court time. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com (Courtesy photo)
Landmark has picnic tables scattered throughout the property. The winery sells a variety of local cheeses, charcuterie and accoutrements, and gourmet popcorn available. Visitors who want to enjoy a bottle of wine on property instead of a formal tasting are required to purchase a bottle service package that includes an ice bucket and 2 Govino glasses to take home and a 90-minute table reservation. Packages start at $45 plus the cost of the bottle selected and $5 for every extra guest up to 6 people. (Courtesy photo)
Dutcher Crossing: Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a game of pétanque at Dutcher Crossing. Often referred to as the French version of bocce, players describe it as more of a tossing game, similar to horseshoes. 8533 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville, 866-431-2711, dutchercrossingwinery.com (Courtesy photo)
Dutcher Crossing owner Debra Mathy is a member of “The Big Boules” of Dry Creek Valley, a social league for pétanque. Her top pétanque tip is to "always have a glass of wine in hand while playing. It helps with balance and numbs the pain if someone drops a boule on your foot." (Courtesy photo)
Seghesio Family Vineyards: Equipment is set alongside the pair of bocce courts so guests can get games going with ease. The courts are open to the public on a first come, first served basis. 700 Grove Street, Healdsburg, 707-433-3579, seghesio.com (Courtesy photo)
The bocce courts at Seghesio Family Vineyards close during winter months, and typically reopen in March. Guests can reserve a court with the purchase of a bottle of wine. Reservations must be made in advance. (Courtesy photo)
Imagery Estate Winery: All the necessary gear is always available on the Imagery Estate bocce court, ready to go. Players are encouraged to bring a picnic and take advantage of the winery's umbrella-shaded picnic tables. 14335 Highway 12, Glen Ellen, 877-550-4278, imagerywinery.com. (Courtesy photo)
The colorful chairs surrounding the court at Imagery Estate Winery allow you to take a break from the bocce action. (Courtesy photo)
Larson Family Winery: Chances are the bocce balls will already be out on the Larson Family Winery court. If not, just ask in the wine tasting room. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com
In addition to a bocce court, Larson Family Winery also has bean bags and corn hole to entertain guests. The selection of lawn games makes it a great stop for parents with kids in tow. (Courtesy photo)
Armida: That view! You might have a hard time concentrating on the game. Buy a glass or bottle of wine and enjoy the scenery while you play. The bocce court is available to all guests on a first come, first served basis. 2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-2222, armida.com
Kokomo Winery: Located at Timber Crest Farms, Kokomo features 120 acres of vineyards, award-winning pinot and rosé, a picnic area and bocce ball court overlooking Dry Creek Valley. 4791 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-0200, kokomowines.com. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Bocce ball anyone? Showing off your impeccable form seems to get easier by the day, as more Sonoma County wineries add bocce courts to the mix. Fun for any age, it’s a great way to take in the scenery while sipping and swirling. You’ll even get a little exercise while you’re at it. So gather some friends and get a date on the calendar. Click through the gallery above for some of our favorite Sonoma County winery spots to have a ball. Please note that reservations are required at most wineries.
