Top 10 Fun & Unique Winery Experiences in Sonoma: Beyond Just Wine Tasting
First founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is California’s 1st premium winery in operation. As of the current day and age this legendary property has been re-born under the vision of Jean-Charles Boisset, part of Boisset Family Estates, a renowned and charismatic family with a collection of historic wineries and roots in Burgundy, France.
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Only 5 minutes outside the town of Sonoma, the original winery building is also a California Historic Landmark.
A location that is on many tours and California travel maps. With a working winery, tasting room, landscaped patio and outdoor walking paths, they also boast a history filled visitor’s center and wine caves. Talk about ‘experiences’.
There is definitely a lot to see and do here. I choose the 19th and 20th century tool museum on this particular visit as I had already experienced many of the other offerings and was excited to see the museum presentation.
Some say the museum looks similar to a medieval looking torture chamber when they enter but these are simply the historical props of Sonoma County’s agricultural farming past. With a backdrop of ancient stone walls made up of the original winery building and being set to a fabulous narrative history lesson detailing more than a century of handcrafted wine harvesting and making tools, this presentation greatly details the amount of skill and effort that goes into each barrel of wine!!
From the vine to the wine.
Access to the Wine Tool Museum is available only through a guided tour and wine tasting, although museum-only tours are available. The self proclaimed Count of Buena Vista, Agoston Haraszthy de Mokesa was a vineyard pioneer with a strong love affair with grape-growing. He was the one who excavated Sonoma County’s 1st caves built for wine.
‘The Count’ is also the one who leads guests on this special experience.
Surrounded by his own tales of intrigue and political exile, What a perfect location for a wine tool museum!! Right?!?
Wine showmanship is the name of the game here with George Weber, aka, ‘The Count’, playing the role perfectly during the tour without leaving character one time. I was so impressed.
Watch the videos, George is one of a kind and a total history buff himself. He always know the answers to all of my questions about the region. This tour and his portrayal of the Count does not disappoint.
Jean Charles Boisset has created a true homage to the history of American winemaking here on the property. Visitors enjoy an extremely theatrical show including lights, sounds and many of the ‘tools of the trade’ on full display.
These extremely rare and authentic pieces of history are combined with special effects, hollywood like lighting and a booming voice narration that really gets one in the mood… to taste some of that fabulous juice in the bottle. As guest proceed along the tasting, tour and tool museum program, they also get to TASTE a special selection of Buena Vista wines of course.
Just 5 minutes from Sonoma’s famous plaza square, the Buena Vista Winery Historic Press House is open for tasting year-round. They offer a wide selection of new releases, they have a great gift shop of goodies and also offer a library of older wines for visitors enjoyment.
A designated Historic Landmark, you should make sure to walk and enjoy the shaded picnic grounds, maze and photo backdrop which are all a favorite Wine Country spot for locals.
In 2011, Buena Vista became part of Boisset Family Estates. The family, led in the US by Jean-Charles Boisset, possesses a true love and respect for the history and the winemaking. The slogan here: Buena Vista. Our future is in our history—our rich, colorful and eccentric past.
Carneros is an important appellation to the winery, as it has pioneered winegrowing in the region since the 1970’s. What a treat to sip and tour the winery with Carneros in my glass! Thank you to the Boisset family for creating such a unique and special wine country experience in Sonoma County! Yes, please.
Buena Vista Winery
WEB: https://buenavistawinery.com/
ADDRESS: 18000 Old Winery Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476
PHONE: (800) 926-1266
From the Website:
HISTORIC WINE MUSEUM TOUR AND TASTING:
Join us for a unique experience where you will be guided through a twenty minute light, sound and visual show, presenting the history of winemaking through its tools and the life of the vivacious and eccentric founder, the self-proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista.” While enjoying this historic tour, you will be invited to taste exclusive current release wines and explore the recently renovated property and Champagne Cellars.
COST:
$25 per person | $20 per Wine Club Member
AVAILABILITY:
Available daily at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Museum-only tour also available for $10 per person, children with paying adult are free. Reservations recommended but not required.
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