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0Why not enjoy the time off this new year by visiting some of the world’s most stunning wine destinations? The internationally renowned vineyards of California are ripe for tasting some of the most coveted wines in the world, while also offering truly memorable activities and dining experiences for everyone to enjoy. Discover these must-see wineries of the Golden State below.
Stroll the sensory gardens of Kendall Jackson
Awarded 2017 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, the picturesque Kendall-Jackson winery is known for its award-winning Chardonnay, the #1 selling Chardonnay in the U.S. by dollar for the past 25 years. Crafted by the same winemaking team over this time, Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay gets its consistent signature flavor profile from being barrel-fermented in French oak barrels sourced from Jackson Family Wines’ stave mill in France, in the shadows of some of the world’s most prized French Oak forests. In addition to being known for America’s favorite wine, Kendall-Jackson is regarded as the ultimate wine, food and farm-to-table destination in Sonoma County, California. Spread over four luscious acres, the Kendall-Jackson Estate has seven distinctive garden spaces that provide a veritable cornucopia of beauty and flavor. The garden flourishes with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that inspire incredible dishes by the Kendall-Jackson culinary team.
Sample the legendary wine library of Freemark Abbey
Originally constructed in 1886, Freemark Abbey is one of Napa Valley’s legacy wineries. The iconic estate is particularly well known for its participation in the Judgment of Paris wine tasting of 1976 — a pivotal moment that propelled the Napa Valley region onto the world wine stage. In fact, the winery has the distinction of being the only producer who had two wines selected for their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. As home to one of the most extensive wine libraries in the United States, Freemark Abbey boasts vintages that date back to the late 1960s. In the intimate Library Room, visitors can revel in an unparalleled sampling session featuring rare vintages alongside current single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. For dinner, venture to the Two Birds/One Stone restaurant on the Freemark Abbey estate and enjoy Japanese-inspired cuisine made with north California’s wonderfully fresh produce.
Go on a golf cart tour around La Crema Estate
In the heart of California’s Russian River Valley, a historic barn dating back to the 1900s has been beautifully transformed into the multi-level tasting room of La Crema. Nestled within the storied Saralee’s Vineyard, the La Crema Estate offers a wide variety of educational and culinary adventures for you to explore — pick from a classic tasting room trial to a golf cart vineyard tour or a leisurely picnic on the grounds. Guests will delight in sampling each of the La Crema wines on-site including handcrafted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Take in the lavender fields of Matanzas Creek
Breathtakingly colourful in full bloom during the summertime, the lavender fields of Matanzas Creek Winery are a serene oasis during the offseason. Planted at the property in the early 1990’s, the spectacular terraced lavender gardens make Matanzas Creek one of the most photographed locations in Sonoma County. In the Fall/Winter offseason, Matanzas Creek’s lavender market is open featuring bath, body and home products all produced from the estate’s hand-cut lavender plants. Beyond the lavender market, visitors can simply enjoy the beauty of wine country by sipping a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot while playing a casual game of bocce ball with friends. For an extraordinary tasting session, try the unique Black Glass Tasting, a focused wine discovery that explores how what we see impacts our perception of a wine. With so many unique and easily accessible properties, California is truly one of the world’s great wine regions to explore.
