Top 10 Fun & Unique Winery Experiences in Sonoma: Beyond Just Wine Tasting
Joseph Jewell Wines is a personal story told through… wine. Of course. It is Sonoma County! Based in the quaint town of Forestville in the heart of the Russian River Valley, they are dedicated to capturing the unique terroir of the vineyard with each bottle having a distinct site location to better show sense of place. These are single vineyard wines of distinction.
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With a small tasting room along the row of eateries and retail shops in downtown Forestville, Joseph Jewell also offers various guest experiences to get people out of the tasting room and into the vineyard where the dedication to terroir shows through that much more.
They offer visitor experiences like a Gourmet Picnic Lunch Vineyard Tour and even Luxury Helicopter Vineyard Views for those more adventurous travelers. That’s right, I said helicopter… how cool is that?
With about 60 acres of planted vineyards, it is pretty cool. Just sayin’. Lots to see here and whether you hike or fly over, this is a stunning site with some pretty amazing views that you won’t get elsewhere in the region. While this is a more pricey option, if you can, it is a stunning view and with enough time, you can even explore the California coastline on your ride, which is right over the hills from the vineyard.
The Russian River Valley and Starscape Vineyard where the walking tours take place really shows off the AVA in it’s finest form with sweeping 360 degree views of vineyards from the top where the hike begins and with vines rolling up and down the hillsides and a backdrop of the Mountains beyond.
This is a cool climate, coastal weather influenced landscape planted mostly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Trust me, an afternoon spent out amongst the vines is a truly memorable experience. Especially when a Joseph Jewell Wines picnic is involved and great wines are being poured. It is truly an escape from everyday life and the hustle and bustle of Wine Country California here. The vineyard for is in the southern end of an area called the Middle Reach in the Russian River Valley.
To winemakers, it is arguably one of the most iconic areas for growing RRV Pinot Noir. They even have some aged vines on site first taking root in these prized soils back in 1971. Wowza.
The ‘Old Girls’ are an experience in themselves as one does not usually get to taste and also visit Pinot Noir vines of this age. They are definitely among the first Pinot vines planted in the Russian River Valley itself.
The uber sought after Martini clone too. What a treat! This tour combines great wine, great food with panoramic views of one of Russian River Valley’s most beautiful vineyards. Yes, please.
There are 21 distinct blocks here at Starscape, check out the detailed map in the photos for a better idea of the various sections. You can enjoy a picnic in the vineyards or like myself, return to the tasting room in town for a cheese, charcuterie and small bites platter with a flight of single vineyard wines.
This really helps to get an idea of the sense of place in each glass.
Enjoy a carefully curated flight of Joseph Jewell Wines perfectly paired with delectable portions crafted by Chef Francesco Torre of Canneti Roadhouse Italiana. Each plating is uniquely prepared for your experience and delivered that very morning.
The fried ravioli and truffle infused cheese was to die for! Perfect cap to all that hiking in the vineyard might I add.
Yes, please.
JOSEPH JEWELL WINES
WEB: https://www.josephjewell.com/
ADDRESS: 6542 Front St, Forestville, CA 95436
PHONE: (707) 820-1621
FROM THE WEBSITE:
GOURMET PICNIC LUNCH & VINEYARD TOUR:
Indulge in everything Sonoma Wine Country has to offer during your gourmet picnic lunch and Starscape Vineyard tour with one of our Joseph Jewell winemakers! Your gourmet picnic basket comes courtesy of Oakville grocery Catering. An adventurous walk through the Starscape Vineyard will close out your afternoon among the vines and make for an incredibly memorable experience.
DURATION:
90 Minutes
PRICE:
Pricing will vary, options start at $105 per couple
LUXURY HELICOPTER VINEYARDS TOUR:
Escape from everyday life with an unforgettable helicopter tour high above the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country. Accompanied by one of our winemakers, you will be whisked away on a stunning aerial tour of the various Russian River Valley vineyards from which we source our award winning wines. Enjoy a glass of Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir while flying over the precious landscape as your Joseph Jewell guide tells you the story of the different vintages and vineyards that create our wine. Choose the 60-minute tour option and meander along the Russian River to the coastal town of Jenner, where the expansive splendor of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Northern California coastline await you. From gentle lift-off to precious touchdown, Joseph Jewell Wines and HeliCo Sonoma guarantee a magical getaway you will always remember.
DURATION:
30-60 Minutes
PRICE:
$500 per couple per half-hour
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