Château St. Jean

Château St. Jean is notable for its exceptionally beautiful buildings, expansive landscaped grounds, gourmet market-like tasting room, and tasty wines. Among California wineries, it's a pioneer in vineyard designation -- the procedure of making wine from, and naming it for, a single vineyard. A private drive takes you to what was once a 250-acre country retreat built in 1920; a well-manicured lawn overlooking the meticulously maintained vineyards is now a picnic area, complete with a fountain and picnic tables.

In the huge tasting room -- with a charcuterie shop and housewares for sale -- you can sample Château St. Jean's bounty, from chardonnays and cabernet sauvignon to fumé blanc, merlot, Johannesburg Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Tastings are $10 per person, $20 per person for reserve wines.

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.