Bring your own basket
Picnicking Wine Country style
From tuna-on-rye get-togethers to romantic foie gras and caviar events, we know that where you go to spread out your provisions is as unique as what’s in your basket. Wine Travel gives you the lowdown on picnic-friendly wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties perfect for any occasions.
SONOMA COUNTY
Pond-side: Hop Kiln
Originally built to dry hops grown around Healdsburg, the historic barn was converted into a winery in 1975. Umbrella-covered tables and a few coveted pond benches are tops for alfresco picnicking. 6050 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707.433.6491
Secret Romance: Arista Winery
Outstanding views, shady picnic patch and secret Japanese garden have put it on the map as a favorite Dry Creek picnic spot. Outstanding pinots as well. 7015 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707.473.0606.
Proposal-worthy: Chateau St. Jean
Although there are usually plenty of folks sharing the picnic areas, the lush gardens and chateau backdrop make for a serious Prince Charming moment. Sandwiches and charcuterie on site make it ideal for impromptu romantics as well. 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707.833.4134
Aware: Benziger
Hop on the vineyard tour tram for the best views of this historic Glen Ellen ranch-turned-winery. Surrounded by acres of natural oaks and rolling hills, you’re guaranteed some inspiring moments. Terrace and porch are available for picnics year round. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707.935.4046.
Quiet: Field Stone
A small family winery built into the side of a hill, Field Stone is especially picturesque in the fall. Surrounded by 85 acres of vines, you can sit under the trees at casual outdoor picnic tables.10075 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707.433.7266.
Historic: Buena Vista Carneros
Founded by Count Agoston Haraszthy of Hungary in the 1850s (who later perished in a crocodile-infested river), Buena Vista is one of the oldest wineries in California – chock full of history and possibly a few wandering spirits. Take a self-guided tour or, if you dare, a twilight walk ($20 on most weekdays). Shaded picnic tables are available year round. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, 707.938.1266
Funky: Gundlach Bundschu
Just a short hike up the hill takes you to secluded tables overlooking the winery pond. Frequent outdoor events in the spring and summer – from concerts to poetry readings – keep things interesting. 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707.938.5277
Awe-inspiring: C. Donatiello
This Russian River pinot newcomer has extensive grounds, including a quiet redwood grove picnic area, bubbling fountains and sensory garden. 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 800-433-8296
NAPA COUNTY
Green: Frog’s Leap
WineTravel.com print magazine incorrectly printed that Frog's Leap offers a picnic area. We regret this oversight. 8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford, 800.959.4704.
Impressive: Beringer
With a grand entrance of bowing trees and the historic Victorian Rhine House, the word “picturesque” doesn't quite do Beringer justice. Public picnic areas are a great spot for sipping and snacking. Available by appointment are alfresco picnics in the Hudson House Redwood Grove (Seasonal, limited availability. Call for details.) 2000 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.8989, ext. 2222.
Groovy: Casa Nuestra
One of the most kicked-back spots in Napa, this tie-dye- and Birkenstock-friendly winery is a favorite stop for bike riders, dog-owners and sippers along the Silverado Trail. 3451 Silverado Trail N., St. Helena, 707.963.5783
Hip: PlumpJack
The hard-to-find location is only part of the quiet mystique of this Oakville insider spot. If you’ve been to their restaurants (FARM, Market, Balboa Café), bars (MatrixFillmore), or hotels (Carneros Inn, Squaw Valley) or ever heard of co-founder (and SF politico) Gavin Newsom, you’ll get the scene. 620 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville, 707.945.1220.
Kid-friendly: Dutch Henry:
Kids, dogs and tasters are welcome, one and all. This sleeper winery features a garden, shaded picnic tables and friendly winery pups to pick up any leftovers you might have. 4310 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, 707.942.5771
Snob-free: V. Sattui
Affectionately called the “picnic winery,” V. Sattui is one of the busiest spots in the valley. The bustling tasting room features plenty of nibbles, gift-shop gee-gaws and, ahem, picnic-friendly wine. While you won’t find many serious oenophiles lining up to swirl and spit here, V. Sattui is worth a stop, at least once in your life, just for the sheer fun of it. 1111 White Lane, St. Helena, 707.256.2900.
Insiders know...
Keep in mind that many wineries offer breathtakingly gorgeous private picnic and eating areas only to wine club members or those with reservations, especially in Napa. Among them: Chappellet, Chateau Montelena and Schramsburg, to name a few. If you have your heart set on a really exclusive experience, contact the winery. You may be able to sweet-talk them into letting you use the area (usually for a fee) if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
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Picnic Provisions
If you’re headed out to Sonoma Valley, check out Skyhawk Village Market (5755 Mountain Hawk Way, Santa Rosa, 707.537.1954). This neighborhood gourmet grocer is stocked with great produce, an impressive cheese counter and a massive deli section with everything from spring rolls and roasted artichokes to make-your-own sandwiches. Other Sonoma stock-up spots: Alexander Valley’s Jimtown Store (6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707.433.1212); Dry Creek General (3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707.433.4171) or Oakville Grocery (124 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707.433.3200). In Napa, fill up your basket at Sunshine Foods (1115 Main St., St. Helena, 707.963.7070) or Dean and DeLuca (607 St. Helena Highway S., Saint Helena, 707.967.9980).
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Winetravel Regions
