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

Truly a family dedication beginning with clearing the forest from their mountain estate to plant the vineyards, to making the wine and visiting guests to their home estate. The Schweigers define the word hospitality.

Winery Region
Winery Phone Number
707-963-4882
Winery Address
4015 Spring Mountain Rd, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Name
Winery Description

In 1979 Bill and Mary Seavey bought their estate vineyards where the steep rocky hillsides produce small, thick-skinned berries with outstanding tannins that they handle with the utmost care. The result is their small production of soulful wines that express the hillside vineyards and their unique sense of place.

Winery Region
Winery Phone Number
707-963-8339
Winery Address
1310 Conn Valley Rd, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address
Winery Name
Winery Description

Acknowledged as one of the first women to run a major Napa Valley wine growing estate, Mary Novak was instrumental in establishing Spottswood as one of the great family-owned wineries and first growth-caliber properties. Her daughters and grandaughters continue her legacy of elegance and strength.

Winery Region
Winery Phone Number
707-963-0134
Winery Address
1902 Madrona Ave, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address
Winery Name
Winery Description

Originally brought together as three properties, now 845 acres the property produces consistent, powerful and distinguish red wines..

Winery Region
Winery Phone Number
707-967-4188
Winery Address
2805 Spring Mountain Rd, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Name
Winery Description

Great wines for great causes" is the motto for the business and personal goals of the Staglin family. They have been deeply involved in the National Institute for Mental Health and have donated millions for research and treatment. They donate 100% of the proceeds from their second label, Salus, to research.

Winery Region
Winery Phone Number
707-963-3994
Winery Address
1570 Bella Oaks Ln, Rutherford, CA 94573
Winery Website Address
Winery Name
Winery Description

The first vines were planted in 1948 with the white Burgundies that Fred and Eleanor McCrea enjoyed. Now under the tutelage of the third generation, the family is committed to making wines of impeccable quality and longevity.

Winery Region
Winery Phone Number
707-963-2636
Winery Address
3331 St. Helena Hwy, St. Helena, CA 94574
Winery Website Address