The Ultimate Winter Wine Tasting Itinerary: Hidden Gems for the Off-Season
Winter in wine country has a distinct allure. While summer and fall are bustling with crowds, winter invites a quieter, more intimate atmosphere for true wine enthusiasts to enjoy private tastings, delve into reserve wines, and experience the winemaker’s artistry in an up-close setting. Here, ALTA Luxury Transportation presents a curated itinerary featuring Napa and Sonoma’s hidden gems, each offering something unforgettable for the off-season explorer.
Kistler Vineyards
Hidden away in Sebastopol, Kistler Vineyards is legendary for its Burgundian-inspired Chardonnays and Pinots. Their chateau-like tasting room provides a warm winter retreat. During the tasting, you’ll be treated to their single-vineyard Chardonnays, poured in a way that highlights their distinct terroir.
Insider Tip: Enjoy a serene, winter vineyard walk followed by a seated tasting of exquisite single-vineyard Chardonnays and a Pinot Noir, complemented by seasonal bites crafted by local chefs. With limited daily tastings by appointment, ALTA can assist with securing a reservation for a cozy, intimate gathering in one of their stunning outdoor spaces or the renovated barn.
Littorai Wines
Located in Sebastopol, Littorai Wines offers a thoughtfully curated tasting experience with a focus on biodynamic principles. Located in the fog-kissed hills of Sonoma Coast, this family-owned winery is both stunning and sustainably operated. Littorai’s peaceful vineyard tours allow guests to connect with the land and gain a deeper understanding of how sustainability shapes their winemaking philosophy.
Insider Tip: Take a moment to explore the biodynamic farm on the property. Winter’s quiet season provides a glimpse into the organic cycles at work, making it ideal for those looking to understand the life force behind Littorai’s pure and balanced wines.
Colgin Cellars
Colgin Cellars is one of Napa’s hidden treasures, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons from the Pritchard Hill region. A visit here is truly an exclusive affair, with a private tour and tasting that’s available by appointment only. Guests are welcomed into the exquisitely designed winery and treated to a selection of wines that are rarely available to the public.
Insider Tip: Cozy up with a bottle of Colgin’s celebrated “Herb Lamb” wine this winter. For something fresh and ready to enjoy, don’t miss the inaugural “Jubilation,” a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that showcases the elegance of Colgin’s terroir. Both wines are ideal companions for winter gatherings or quiet nights by the fire, making them a must-try for seasonal sipping!
Williams Selyem
Known as a pioneer of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Williams Selyem offers a cozy, rustic retreat for winter tasters. Their winery, nestled among vineyards and redwoods, features an impressive tasting room with panoramic views. Their small-production wines are complex and sought-after, reflecting the unique terroirs of Sonoma’s vineyards.
Insider Tip: Embrace the warmth of the season with a private tour and tasting at their Healdsburg estate, exclusively for Active List Members. Enjoy select wines from their cellar in a cozy, intimate setting guided by their dedicated Estate Host.
Araujo Estate Wines
Araujo Estate Wines, now part of the Eisele Vineyard, is an invitation into Napa’s biodynamic future. Situated in Calistoga, this iconic estate embodies pure winemaking practices and an uncompromised commitment to terroir. Winter visitors can enjoy a private tasting experience in a beautiful, tranquil setting, savoring rare wines with a history dating back to the early 19th century.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the chance to try their Altagracia blend, which offers immediate enjoyment while still having the potential for aging.
Pax Mahle Wines
Pax Mahle is a unique gem in the Sonoma wine scene, specializing in cool-climate Syrahs that capture the wild spirit of Sonoma’s diverse terroir. This boutique tasting room in Sebastopol’s Barlow district offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely winter visit. Pax’s passion for Rhône varietals is evident in every pour, with each wine telling a story of Sonoma’s rugged beauty.
Insider Tip: Embrace the cozy vibes this winter with their Tasting & Cellar Tour experience, perfectly paired with local cheese, charcuterie, and conservas. It’s a delightful way to warm up while exploring their wines. Don’t miss their weekly live music on Fridays for great tunes and community spirit as you sip and savor!
With these hidden gems waiting to be explored, winter in Napa and Sonoma offers a memorable experience for the true wine connoisseur. ALTA Luxury Transportation is here to make your journey seamless, with luxury transportation that ensures you enjoy every stop in comfort and sophistication. From private tours to insider tastings, our chauffeurs provide you with a smooth, hassle-free ride, so you can fully savor the beauty and flavors of wine country in its tranquil off-season.
Winter in wine country has a distinct allure. While summer and fall are bustling with crowds, winter invites a quieter, more intimate atmosphere for true wine enthusiasts to enjoy private tastings, delve into reserve wines, and experience the winemaker’s artistry in an up-close setting. Here, ALTA Luxury Transportation presents a curated itinerary featuring Napa and Sonoma’s hidden gems, each offering something unforgettable for the off-season explorer.
Hidden away in Sebastopol, Kistler Vineyards is legendary for its Burgundian-inspired Chardonnays and Pinots. Their chateau-like tasting room provides a warm winter retreat. During the tasting, you’ll be treated to their single-vineyard Chardonnays, poured in a way that highlights their distinct terroir.
Insider Tip: Enjoy a serene, winter vineyard walk followed by a seated tasting of exquisite single-vineyard Chardonnays and a Pinot Noir, complemented by seasonal bites crafted by local chefs. With limited daily tastings by appointment, ALTA can assist with securing a reservation for a cozy, intimate gathering in one of their stunning outdoor spaces or the renovated barn.
Located in Sebastopol, Littorai Wines offers a thoughtfully curated tasting experience with a focus on biodynamic principles. Located in the fog-kissed hills of Sonoma Coast, this family-owned winery is both stunning and sustainably operated. Littorai’s peaceful vineyard tours allow guests to connect with the land and gain a deeper understanding of how sustainability shapes their winemaking philosophy.
Insider Tip: Take a moment to explore the biodynamic farm on the property. Winter’s quiet season provides a glimpse into the organic cycles at work, making it ideal for those looking to understand the life force behind Littorai’s pure and balanced wines.
Colgin Cellars is one of Napa’s hidden treasures, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons from the Pritchard Hill region. A visit here is truly an exclusive affair, with a private tour and tasting that’s available by appointment only. Guests are welcomed into the exquisitely designed winery and treated to a selection of wines that are rarely available to the public.
Insider Tip: Cozy up with a bottle of Colgin’s celebrated “Herb Lamb” wine this winter. For something fresh and ready to enjoy, don’t miss the inaugural “Jubilation,” a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that showcases the elegance of Colgin’s terroir. Both wines are ideal companions for winter gatherings or quiet nights by the fire, making them a must-try for seasonal sipping!
Known as a pioneer of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Williams Selyem offers a cozy, rustic retreat for winter tasters. Their winery, nestled among vineyards and redwoods, features an impressive tasting room with panoramic views. Their small-production wines are complex and sought-after, reflecting the unique terroirs of Sonoma’s vineyards.
Insider Tip: Embrace the warmth of the season with a private tour and tasting at their Healdsburg estate, exclusively for Active List Members. Enjoy select wines from their cellar in a cozy, intimate setting guided by their dedicated Estate Host.
Araujo Estate Wines, now part of the Eisele Vineyard, is an invitation into Napa’s biodynamic future. Situated in Calistoga, this iconic estate embodies pure winemaking practices and an uncompromised commitment to terroir. Winter visitors can enjoy a private tasting experience in a beautiful, tranquil setting, savoring rare wines with a history dating back to the early 19th century.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the chance to try their Altagracia blend, which offers immediate enjoyment while still having the potential for aging.
Pax Mahle is a unique gem in the Sonoma wine scene, specializing in cool-climate Syrahs that capture the wild spirit of Sonoma’s diverse terroir. This boutique tasting room in Sebastopol’s Barlow district offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely winter visit. Pax’s passion for Rhône varietals is evident in every pour, with each wine telling a story of Sonoma’s rugged beauty.
Insider Tip: Embrace the cozy vibes this winter with their Tasting & Cellar Tour experience, perfectly paired with local cheese, charcuterie, and conservas. It’s a delightful way to warm up while exploring their wines. Don’t miss their weekly live music on Fridays for great tunes and community spirit as you sip and savor!
With these hidden gems waiting to be explored, winter in Napa and Sonoma offers a memorable experience for the true wine connoisseur. ALTA Luxury Transportation is here to make your journey seamless, with luxury transportation that ensures you enjoy every stop in comfort and sophistication. From private tours to insider tastings, our chauffeurs provide you with a smooth, hassle-free ride, so you can fully savor the beauty and flavors of wine country in its tranquil off-season.