10 Sonoma County Wineries with Picnic- Pairing Experiences

Throughout Sonoma County, many wineries offer wine tasting experiences that include food pairings and fun picnic opportunities in picturesque settings. Here, the mild climate and scenic landscape make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy gourmet goodies and wine outside in the vineyards with the ones you love.

Here is your handy guide to the very best spots to picnic and taste in Sonoma Wine Country.

1. Chateau St. Jean, Kenwood

If you’re dreaming of a beautiful European-style winery, Chateau St. Jean delivers with manicured landscaping, castle-style architecture, and endless lawns framed by vineyards. The winery offers a variety of experiences to enjoy the beautiful grounds with a bottle of wine and charcuterie. You may find picnic spots to reserve, bocce courts, gourmet boxed lunches, and a variety of tasting experiences both indoors and in the shaded garden.

2. Dry Creek Vineyard, Healdsburg

The picturesque picnic grounds at this family-owned winery provide an enchanting backdrop for savoring their wines with a delicious snack. You can pick up provisions at the Dry Creek General Store, or consider the winery’s Picnic Lunch and Private Wine Flight from April through September. This experience features a gourmet picnic lunch with fresh seasonal menu options and a curated flight of limited-production wines.

3. Preston Farm and Winery, Healdsburg

Enjoy down-home hospitality at family-operated Preston Farm and Winery, where you can purchase picnic fare at the farm store, grab a glass of wine or seasonal cider (no outside alcohol), and settle under the shade of a walnut tree or reserve picnic tables. Taste estate wines, homegrown olive oil, or just-baked bread.

Stroll this biodynamic property to see the salmon-filled stream, greet the animals, and discover the diverse bounty thriving here, like apples, stone fruit, and nuts.

4. VJB Vineyards, Cellars & Marketplace, Kenwood

The Belmonte family’s winery includes a courtyard market featuring La Cucina’s deli and espresso bar, a Neapolitan-style pizza salon with an outdoor wood-fired oven, and other gourmet treats, all anchored by an extensive wine tasting room.

Guests sip and snack on the patio and rave about matriarch and executive chef Maria Belmonte’s specialty dishes, like stuffed prosciutto panino, garlic-lemon chicken drumsticks, and cheese or salumi boards.

5. Landmark Vineyards at Hop Kiln Estate, Healdsburg

Experience the rich history of Landmark Vineyards at the Hop Kiln Estate, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The iconic location has grown wine grapes since the late 1800s, and the tasting room is housed in a historical stone hop kiln from a time when hops and beer were also produced. Both indoor and outdoor tasting experiences are available with expansive vineyard views, and guests can add on a curated cheese pairing or charcuterie platter to enhance their tasting.

6. Ledson Winery, Kenwood

The fully stocked gourmet market is a fixture at this 16,000-square-foot French Normandy winery called “The Castle.” Start by tasting and selecting your favorite wines at the hosted bars, then tour the manicured grounds with picnic areas shadowed by majestic, 100-year-old oak trees. After you’ve found the perfect spot, enjoy a feast of salads, sandwiches, cheeses, and cookies from the winery deli.

7. Korbel Champagne Cellars, Guerneville

Best known for its Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, this legendary destination features tours of its historic champagne cellars and the elaborate rose garden, ending, of course, with a tasting. This Russian River winery boasts a popular delicatessen and market with patio seating amid the redwoods. Gourmet sandwiches celebrate Sonoma County flavors with artisan cheeses, local produce, and meats like prosciutto and juicy tri-tip.

8. Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville

Sit on the patio next to the sparkling swimming pool and enjoy tasty crepes, pizzas, salads, panini, gelato, cocktails, and wines by the glass from the Pool Café. Friendly staff will even deliver your order to your poolside lounge chair. (Pool passes are not required to dine at the Poolside Café.)

You can also enjoy pizzas, salads, or sandwiches on the Rustic restaurant terrace overlooking Alexander Valley – perhaps a muffuletta or a classic Caesar.

9. Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma

Enjoy the outdoor beauty and views of the stunning Sonoma Valley at Gundlach Bundshu, which, in the warm summer months, provides a relaxed seated wine tasting in its gorgeous Vista Courtyard under the olive trees overlooking the pond. Guests may choose from carefully selected flights and locally sourced food pairings to accompany the wines. Reservations are recommended.

10. Cline Family Cellars, Sonoma

Reserve picnic tables set amid the beautifully landscaped grounds, within a charming garden offering views of the vineyards, pond, and historic estate. Enjoy Cline wine with your picnic fare in this gorgeous setting, and after your meal, check out the museum room showcasing California’s original missions.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet