A nice alternative to Napa Valley is nearby Sonoma Valley. Not as congested as Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley can offer a more relaxed wine tasting experience. Highway 121 and Highway 12 are the main roads that will enable you to visit the wineries in this region. Listed below are the places worth visiting to make the most out of your time in Sonoma Valley.
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Champagne caves at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
As you make the drive to wine country you’ll notice a change in scenery and see less buildings and more vineyards. Although the view has changed your mind may not be prepared for the day’s events. A busy mind won’t be able to enjoy a day of wine tasting to the fullest. The best way to alter your mindset is to have your first stop be at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. On Highway 121 this vineyard isn’t located next to other wineries, which gives it a sense of remoteness. Gloria Ferrer doesn’t offer traditional tastings (better known as flights). Instead, it offers visitors the choice of a variety of sparkling wines, white wines, and red wines purchased and sampled by the glass. You should order a glass of sparkling wine as most of the wineries in the region do not offer sparkling wine. Plus, Gloria Ferrer makes the best sparkling wine not called champagne. If you are ordering a glass of the sparkling wine try the Blanc de Blancs. The best part of Gloria Ferrer, besides their sparkling wine, is their outdoor terrace. The terrace offers views of sprawling vineyards and hillsides. As you sip your glass and enjoy the view you’ll notice none of the noises of the city. Before you know it you’re relaxed and ready for your day in wine country. If you are so inclined, Gloria Ferrer offers tours on how their wines are made and their champagne caves.
Cline Cellars
Cline Cellars Vineyard and Winery
Cline Cellars has their tasting room on the first floor of a two-story building. The building appears to have been someone’s home in an earlier life. As such you feel right at home when visiting Cline Cellars. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable on the wines being offered. Two favorites to be sure to sample are the Cashmere White and the Lodi Zinfandel. The tasting room has a gift shop where you can shop for Cline specific merchandise and wine related items to take home. After you’ve completed your time in the tasting room walk around the grounds. You can capture nice photos of the vineyard lanes and a large pond with a fountain.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press
Statue at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Across the street from Cline Cellars is their sister properties of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press. If the name Jacuzzi conjures up images of pools and spas you are correct. Members of the same Jacuzzi family established the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. A walk around the grounds gives you access to views of the vineyards and a fountain statue made in the Italian style. On the grounds is an event hall with wine casks lined up against the wall and more statues. Inside the tasting room you have two tasting options, wine or olive oil. Jacuzzi wines are top-notch. For white wine sample their Arneis and for red wines their Barbera, Montepulciano, and Aglianico. The tasting room includes a section reserved for The Olive Press. The Olive Press sells extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and other condiments such as mustards, tapenade, herbs, and spices. Olive oils and balsamic vinegars are sold individually or pre-mixed in various tasty combinations. Visitors may taste the olive oils and balsamic vinegars on pieces of bread or crackers. Be sure to try the Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the Fig Dark Balsamic Vinegar, and the combinations of Lime Olive Oil & Coconut Balsamic Vinegar. The Basil Parmesan Dipping oil is delicious. The Olive Press has a second location in Napa at the Oxbow Public Market.
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 |  Sonoma Valley Wine Trek Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma, CA, United States |
| Sonoma Valley Wine Trek Cline Cellars, Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, United States |
| Sonoma Valley Wine Trek Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, United States |
 | Sonoma Valley Wine Trek The Olive Press, Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA, United States |
| Sonoma Valley Wine Trek The Olive Press, 1st Street, Napa, CA, United States |
