LuxeGetaways Magazine – Fall/Winter 2017 | Get to know these local wineries throughout the United States, and learn what makes them so attractive to visitors each year.
OREGON
Stoller Family Estate
Dayton, OR
This family friendly winery offers activities for kids of all ages, including a Frisbee golf course and an old-fashioned tire swing – all looking out over the incredibly scenic Mt. Hood Valley. Stella is known for its earthy pinot noirs with bursts of dark red fruit.
Tyee Wine Cellars
Corvallis, OR
Visitors to this scenic region can enjoy wine walks and hikes along the Beaver Pond Loop Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that winds through the native valley wetland/woodland habitat, hazelnut orchards and farmland. Tyee Wine Cellars specializes in Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer.
CALIFORNIA
Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery
Sonoma Valley, CA
This winery’s 16 acres of gardens form the backdrop for authentic wine and food dinners. With more than 100 varieties of organically grown vegetables, and fields of edible flowers, guests can enjoy a truly locally sourced culinary feast. The farm also produces olives, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, and honey. Stone Edge adheres to classic European traditions producing two Bordeaux-style estate-grown wines.
Sterling Vineyards
Calistoga, Napa Valley, CA
The vineyard’s aerial tram is the best way to experience Napa Valley’s stunning vistas. The tram carries visitors up to the hilltop winery, providing incredible views of the surrounding hills and valley. These single vineyard estates produce Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Shiraz wines.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Geyserville, Sonoma County, CA
Here is a winery where bringing the kids is encouraged. The Francis Ford Coppola Winery features a park with two swimming pools for the kids and relaxing chaise lounges for the adults. Elegant poolside cabines round out the luxury tasting experience. Coppola calls it “a wine wonderland,” and it is the first winery in Northern California to feature a swimming pool and a bocce court. The winery produces more than 40 wines.
Lambert Bridge Winery
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA
The winery’s ‘Chef’s Table Series’ offers guests an intimate food and wine pairing experience during the spring and summer months. Local chefs join forces to produce an elegant seasonal menu of locally grown ingredients to pair with the winery’s offerings. This boutique winery produces small lot world-class wines with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other Bordeaux varietals.
Round Pond Winery
Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA
Olive oil aficionados will want to visit Round Pond for an intimate look at the winery’s olive mill to learn more about olive cultivation, harvest and production. Visitors are treated to a guided tasting of the oils and the estate’s red wine vinegar blends. Round Pond Estate wines reflect the personality of Napa Valley’s Rutherford region.
B Cellars
Oakville, Napa Valley, VA
Culinary travelers will enjoy the tour of the expansive garden, chicken coop and wine caves, followed by a farm-to-table, four-course wine and food pairing prepared in the open kitchen. B Cellars produces bold, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese wines from its rocky soil.
Jordan Winery
Healdsburg, Sonoma Valley, CA
Jordan offers a 3-mile hike around their 1,200-acre ranch, which offers amazing mountain views, a chance to spot wildlife, and discover secluded lakes. Vista Point, the highest point on the ranch, gives hikers a chance to breathe the fresh air and take in an unforgettable panoramic view. The hike also meanders through the chef’s garden, apiary and olive orchards. Jordan produces exquisite Cabernet and Chardonnay wines.
TEXAS
Flat Creek Estate
Marble Falls, TX
The Flat Creek Estate Disc golf course is a championship level course that attracts players of all levels. ‘Wine & Disc’ and ‘Dine & Disc’ events draw visitors to the winery’s 80 acres that overlooks scenic Lake Travis near Austin. The winery produces Italian varietals, Super Texans, and has won numerous awards, including the esteemed Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Wedding Oak Winery
Location: Fredericksburg, TX
The Wedding Oak tasting room is located at Wildseed Farms where guests can stroll along while enjoying this wine experience among the fields of bluebonnets, poppies, Mexican hats and other portrait-quality wildflowers. Named for the historic, 400-year-old matrimonial oak tree near the winery, the wines showcase the unique terroir of the region’s red clay and limestone. They produce a number of award-winning wines, including the Wildseed Farms Series.
Hilmy Cellars
Location: Fredericksburg, TX
Hilmy Cellars is both a vineyard and a petting zoo. The winery takes great pride in their sustainable, natural approach to vineyard management, which uses farm animals. Goats keep the weeds and grass at bay while guinea fowl take care of the pesky pests. Additionally, the owner’s two Great Pyrenees dogs take pride in keeping the deer out of the vineyards. Hilmy Estate varietals include Petite Verdot, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Tannat.
VIRGINIA
King Family Vineyards
Charlottesville, VA
Visitors to King Family Vineyards will feel as though they have been transported to an English country estate as they enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sport of polo. David King, one of the founders, is a fan and polo player; and he wanted to create a country experience for guests to enjoy the sport. This family-owned winery in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes Old World wines inspired by the unique terroir of Virginia. Polo matches take place on Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.
Keswick Vineyards
Charlottesville, VA
Join winemaker Stephen Barnard for a “walking tasting” through the estate’s 400-acre vineyard where guests can learn the history (and the secrets) of Virginia wine production. They are also a dog-friendly winery where guests can sit out on the deck and enjoy the beautiful views with their best friend at their feet. Keswick Vineyards produces naturally fermented, unfined wines. The winery’s 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve won the 2016 Virginia Wineries Association (VWA) Governor’s Cup.
Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville, VA
Guests can enjoy a glass of wine (and a bit of history) as they stroll through the landmark ruins of Thomas Jefferson’s mansion for Governor James Barbour. The winery’s older vintages are served in the tasting room, Library 1821, on weekends. The winemaker hails from Italy so the wines (in addition to the Tuscan-style tasting room) are a nod to his roots.