Buena Vista Winery

Frommer's Review

Count Agoston Haraszthy, the Hungarian émigré regarded as the father of California's wine industry, founded Buena Vista in 1857. A close friend of General Mariano Vallejo, Haraszthy returned from Europe in 1861 with 100,000 of the finest vine cuttings, which he made available to all growers. Although Buena Vista's winemaking now takes place at an ultramodern facility in the Carneros District, the winery maintains a tasting room inside the restored 1862 Press House. The beautiful, stone-crafted room brims with wines, wine-related gifts, and accessories.

Tastings are $5 for four wines and $10 for a flight of three library wines. You can take the self-guided tour any time during operating hours; a Historical Tour and Tasting, daily at 11am and 2pm, details the life of Count Haraszthy and includes a viticultural tour and a wine and food pairing. For $50 and an appointment, you can do a wine-and-cheese tasting. After tasting, grab your favorite bottle, some cheeses from the Sonoma Cheese Factory, salami, bread, and spreads (all available in the tasting room), and plant yourself at one of the many picnic tables in this verdant setting.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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