Platypus Wine Tours

HISTORIC WINERY DIRECTORY

HISTORIC WINERIES OF THE SONOMA VALLEY

The beautiful and historic Sonoma Valley is the birthplace of California’s wine industry. In this unique tour, an expert local historian will accompany your group as we taste delicious wine at two or three Historic Wineries. We will also tour the Historic Sonoma Plaza, the San Francisco Solano Mission and the Sonoma Barracks. Your local historian guide will provide a comprehensive overview of local history, and tell amazing stories of wine families and viticulture, along with tales of General Vallejo and the Mission era.

Lunch included; tasting/touring fees and gratuitites extra.

Buena Vista Winery

Founded by Count Agosthon Haraszthy in 1857, Buena Vista is the oldest premium winery in California. The original stone winery is now a California Historic Landmark, and home to the Tasting Room and Visitor’s Center. You will hear the amazing story of Count Haraszthy, the first Hungarian to emigrate to the United States. In 1861 the Count journeyed to Europe and returned to California with over 100,000 cuttings of fine European varietals. Buena Vista now uses exclusively Carneros district fruit, and is the largest vineyard owner in this chosen “cool-climate” region; perfect for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Extraordinary wine.

Gundlach-Bundschu Winery

2008 marks the Gundlach Bundschu Sesquicentennial – the 150th Anniversary of the oldest family-owned winery in California. The founder: Jacob Gundlach, was a well-known author and poet, whose letters about the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire are regarded as the finest original accounts of this disaster. You will hear his story, and taste delicious estate grown wine in a glorious winery setting, nestled up against the Mayacamas Mountains.

Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery

The history of Sebastiani Vineyards extends all the way back to 1825, when its Mission Vineyard was founded by Franciscan fathers of the nearby San Francisco Solano Mission. It is the oldest vineyard north of San Francisco. Still family owned and operated today, Sebastiani Winery was founded by Samuele Sebastiani in 1904. We will visit the original stone winery building, taste wonderful wine, and view the largest redwood barrel in the world!

Bartholemew Park Winery

Currently owned by Gundlach-Bundschu, Bartholemew Park was part of Count Haraszthy’s wine empire. We will tour the comprehensive history museum, taste delicious vineyard-specific wine, and enjoy the extensive gardens surrounding the tasting room.

Sonoma Plaza and San Francisco Solano Mission

No history tour would be complete without a stop at the beautiful and historic Sonoma Plaza, and a tour of the 21st Mission. Many original adobe buildings still line the Plaza, the largest in California. Renowned as the “Bear Flag City,” you will hear the true story of the Bear Flag Revolt. We will also tour Sonoma State Historic Park, which includes the San Francisco Solano Mission and Sonoma Barracks.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

More information about our custom tours can be found on our Private Wine Tours FAQ page.

Platypus Tours also offers Hispanic Winery Tours.

Winery Name
Winery Description

Since the 1930's three generations of the Madrigal family have farmed some of Napa Valley's finest vineyards through their own vineyard management company, and today they manage over 800 acres. Currently owned by the third-generation Madrigal, Chris creates wines that convey that deep appreciation for the land.

Winery Phone Number
707-942-8619
Winery Address
3718 St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Winery Name
Winery Description

With a history going back to 1874, current day Markham is comprised of 350 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards and both the vineyards and the winery have been GREEN certified.

Winery Phone Number
707-963-5292
Winery Address
2812 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address
Winery Name
Winery Description

With a history of being Sunny St. Helena Winery in 1933, later to be owned by the Christian Brothers, in 1991 Merryvale Vineyards was born. One of the few wineries permitted to allow weddings, the Cask Room is a spectacular setting for any number of private events, with two-story century old 2,000 gallon casks lining the stone walls.

Winery Phone Number
707-963-7777
Winery Address
1000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address
Winery Name
Winery Description

When a wine is made from the most carefully chosen fruit, in very small quantities, with unsparing attention to detail, a new level of excellence becomes possible.

Winery Phone Number
707-251-5551
Winery Address
424 Crystal Springs Rd., St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address
Winery Name
Winery Description

Mirror Napa Valley’s goal is to create the truest artisanal characteristics Napa Valley has to offer by “mirroring” the terroir to the wine in the bottle.

Winery Phone Number
707-812-2746
Winery Address
PO Box 46, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address
Winery Description

You know, wine is one of those things that to many people, can incite a tremendous amount of feelings and emotions. Wine is enchanting and mysterious, gives joy, confuses, and inspires. In many cases, these complexities lead to a love which leads to a strong passion for wine.

Winery Phone Number
707-344-9204
Winery Address
3125 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address
Winery Name
Winery Description

Proud to share remarkable limited production wines, whose subtle balance of elegance, structure, power and finesse are a striking embodiment of the noble lion, protector of Bacchus, who graces their label.

Winery Phone Number
707-265-6782
Winery Address
3111 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address