The Sonoma Valley is regaining its fame as California’s oldest winemaking region. Few places have more of the character of Old California than Sonoma County, which offers outstanding wineries, family-run farms and a rural charm. Grapes and wine have been companions through all these historic episodes, an essential part of Sonoma from the beginning. The town of Sonoma sprang up around the 21st and final Franciscan mission in the 1830s, whose priests planted the first California vineyards for ecclesiastical wines.

You may visit one of Sonoma’s renowned wineries such as Buena Vista, California’s oldest premium winery founded in 1857; Artesa, where award-winning still and sparkling wines are showcased amidst bold contemporary architecture and site-specific artwork; or one of the smaller boutique wineries of the valley. A tour of the winemaking facilities will precede a stop in the tasting room for a sensory evaluation of the fine varietals.

Next is a visit to a second winery for a comparative tour and tasting. This may include the Italian hospitality and charm of Viansa Winery. A Tuscan-style villa perched atop a hilltop in Sonoma, Viansa was founded by Sam and Vicki Sebastiani, third-generation members of the pioneering Sonoma Valley winemaking family.

Features of the Cradle of California Winemaking tour:

• Transportation via deluxe motorcoach
• Narration by professional, uniformed guide
• Private tour and tastings at two Sonoma Valley wineries

Please Note: The wineries mentioned here are only examples of some of the wineries which your guests may see. The actual wineries visited are dependent upon the particular considerations of their tour.

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