Venture outside the winery cellars and tasting rooms and sip away in the sun. Click through the gallery for details.
The Best Winery Patios in Sonoma and Napa
Venture outside the tasting room and sip away in the sun.
Kunde Family Winery, Kenwood: The Kunde family has been farming the land and making wine in Kenwood since 1904, when they imported grape cuttings from France's famous Chateau Margaux and Lafite Rothschild. Today, you can enjoy the fruit of their labor by sipping sustainably made wines, paired with local cheese and meats from the ranch. Their intimate Kinneybrook Room patio boasts vineyard and water fountain views. 9825 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 707-833-5501.
Duckhorn Vineyards, St. Helena: The Duckhorn patio overlooks the estate vineyards and is a laidback unpretentious space to taste the winery's bold Bordeaux wines, including an award-winning Merlot. After tasting, bring a glass of your favorite wine into the gardens and check out the collection of duck-inspired art. 1000 Lodi Ln, St Helena, 707-963-7108. (Photo: John Sutton)
Lynmar Estate, Sebastopol: Nestled among vineyards and seasonally-inspired gardens, Lynmar produces Russian River Valley pinot noir, chardonnay and rosé. Visitors can sip their wines on a terrace with spectacular West County views, and enjoy a three-course farm-to-table lunch made from estate-grown and locally-sourced ingredients. Reservations required. 3909 Frei Rd, Sebastopol, 707-829-3374.
Mumm Napa, Rutherford: The official sparkling of the San Francisco Giants, Mumm has been producing champagne-style wines since the 1970s. After checking out their collection of Ansel Adams prints, head outside to one of two patios, both overlooking the estate vineyards. On the Oak Terrace, relax in the shade of old oak trees, sipping limited-production sparklers while staying cool with water misters. Reservations recommended. 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707-967-7700.
MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, Healdsburg: MacRostie's hilltop Estate House will impress any fan of contemporary architecture. Taste their Russian River pinot noir and chardonnay on three patios, all overlooking vineyards - of course. Opt for their Elevated Experience, which features single-vineyard designate wines paired with a property tour and a locally sourced cheese and charcuterie platter. Reservations required. 4605 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, 707-473-9303.
Reeve Wines, Healdsburg: Launched by Noah Dorrance, co-founder and head winemaker at Banshee Wines, Reeve creates organic and biodynamic wines, including rosé, riesling and pinot. Their relaxed Dry Creek Valley tasting space offers appointment-only tastings of small-lot wines in the shade of trees and with vineyard views. Reservations required. 4551 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, 707-235-6345.
Round Pond Estate, Napa: A must-visit for home cooks who like a splash of cabernet in their glass while preparing dinner, Round Pond also produces sauvignon blanc, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, citrus syrup, and other foodie products. Try their wines paired with small bites on their terrace, or stop by on the first Friday of the month to take in the sunset with a bottle. Reservations required. 875 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, 707-302-2575.
Sonoma-Cutrer, Windsor: Sonoma-Cutrer's chardonnay dots dinner tables throughout the country, but they also make pinot noir and rosé. Their tasting room was recently renovated and includes an expansive patio with umbrella-covered tables, overlooking rolling hills and a manicured croquet court - you'll feel like you're in the English countryside. Try three wines, then grab a Govino glass to sip your favorite while playing croquet. 4401 Slusser Rd, Windsor, 707-237-3489.
WALT Wines, Sonoma: Located just off the historic Sonoma Plaza, WALT serves pinot noir and chardonnay from California and Oregon's Willamette Valley. Experience a tasting, or buy a glass, and relax under tall redwood trees on the intimate patio. They also offer food and wine pairings, featuring small bites from the famed girl & the fig restaurant across the street. 380 1st St W, Sonoma, 707-933-4440.
Sbragia Family Vineyards, Geyserville: The Sbragias have been involved in the north Sonoma County wine industry since immigrating from Italy in 1904. Father-and-son duo, Ed and Adam, make hearty red wines, including award-winning zinfandel, and serve them on a terrace overlooking Dry Creek Valley. Bring your own picnic or order a cheese and charcuterie plate at the winery. 9990 Dry Creek Rd, Geyserville, 707-473-2992.
Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena: The oldest continuously operated winery in Napa Valley, Beringer was founded in 1875 by German immigrant Jacob Beringer. Today, Beringer's great-great-grandson, Mark Beringer, serves as winemaker. Reserve tastings take place at the historic Rhine House, which was built in 1884. Enjoy a tasting on their elegant porch, which serves as a charming spot to sip small production wines paired with artisan cheese. 2000 Main St, St Helena, 707-257-5771.
Chateau St. Jean Winery, Kenwood: Housed in a 1920s mansion, Chateau St. Jean is listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Enjoy winemaker Margo Van Staaveren's work (don't miss Cinq Cépages) and a stroll through the property's Mediterranean-style gardens. The patio overlooks the Grand Lawn, a portion of the 250-acre estate. Reservations required. 8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 707-257-5784.