Historic Wineries
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.
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.
Hamel Family Wines
Hamel Family Wines was founded in 2006 when George and Pamela Hamel bought this property in Kenwood that happened to come with an acre of vines. Eventually they bought another six acres which included more vines with the intent to get into the winemaking business. Located at the intersection of Madrone Road and Hwy 12 in Kenwood just outside Boyes Hot Springs near Sonoma, this winery is set back behind private gates with a long driveway leading to the main building of the winery where incredible views, massive windows and a modern terrace beckon you to explore the land. On a cool day they provide blankets to wrap around your legs as you watch the sunset and look down at their beautiful vineyards on the hillside. Serene and quiet you will relish in their cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux varietal blends, zinfandel, Grenache, sauvignon blanc, and late harvest sauvignon blanc wines. The 12,000 foot cave features a private dining and tasting room. Very classy and private – this is an experience not to be missed!
Handwritten Wines
Handwritten Wines’ winemaking philosophy shows a commitment to the unique terroir of California and to the potential that lies in growing Old World varieties in a decidedly New World setting. Their Winemaker has created techniques that allow the fruit to be handled more gently than ever before, slowly coaxing out the truest flavors nature has to offer.
Hans Fahden
Hans and Marie Fahden purchased this property back in 1912 and 60 years later their grandsons decided to continue the tradition of growing grapes and restoring the land. Located in the heart of the Mayacamas Mountain range above Sonoma and Napa Valleys and near the town of Calistoga, it is the ideal place to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. Soaring 1000 feet above the Napa Valley, it is primarily known for its romantic and ideal settings, destination weddings and wine cave dinners. As you enjoy the extensive gardens and ponds, spectacular wine caves and the true beauty of this special place, you will also be enchanted by their delicious wines.
Hanzell Vineyards
Hanzell Vineyards was founded by James David Zellerbach in 1943 when he acquired 200 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma. Zellerbach had a vision to produce the finest wines in the world. Today the wine can be matched with the finest in the world. The Brye family purchased the winery in 1975 and still own it today. This property is a winery but also a working and active farm with sheep, pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys, vegetable gardens, and fruit orchards. Hanzell specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot’s. You can take a ride around the rolling property or go to the cellar for a tasting – either choice is a good one!
Harvest Moon Winery
Harvest Moon was founded on growing, producing and bottling world-class Russian River wines across the varietal board that exhibit fresh, juicy vineyard-focused flavors which burst on the palate and possess long, lingering finishes.
Heitz
Founded in 1961 and known for producing Napa Valley’s first vineyard-designated wine, the iconic Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The cozy tasting room is one of very few to offer a complimentary wine tasting, the Social Tasting, offered Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 – 3:30pm.
Hendry
Celebrate eight decades of family farming, George Hendry and his family have been growing grapes on the same farm in Napa Valley since 1939. Hendry Ranch is composed of 203 acres situated in the low, rolling hills just northwest of Napa, at the foot of Mt. Veeder, and includes 114 acres under vine. With thirteen different types of wine grapes, all Hendry wines are made only from estate grapes, and are crafted to highlight the terroir of this very special vineyard.
Hesperian Wines
Precise, transporting wines from the Napa Valley, shaped by a lifelong fascination with plants and nature. Welcome to Hesperian.
Hess
The historic winery has earned international recognition for its wine, culinary and visitor programs and provides free public access to Donald Hess extensive private Contemporary Art Museum. A leader in sustainable practices, The Hess Collection adheres to founder Donald Hess philosophy; Nurture the land; return what you take. The winery and its vineyards are certified as part of the Napa Green program.
Hestan Vineyards
Hestan Vineyards is a picturesque estate located on Napa Valley’s remote eastern slopes. The vineyard is named for owners Helen and Stanley Cheng, whose passion for fine wines and love for Napa Valley’s beauty and charm led them to purchase the property – a former cattle ranch – in 1996. They immediately prepared to plant grapes, adding small blocks over the years to take advantage of the site’s myriad of exposure and well-drained soils. In keeping with the Chengs’ commitment to land stewardship, both the vineyard and gardens are sustainably farmed and 100% solar powered.
Hill Family Estate
Discover a Hidden Gem Among Napa Wineries. The goal at Hill Family Estate is to create balanced vines while utilizing sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices.
6155 Solano Ave., Napa, CA 945586512 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599
Homewood Winery
Homewood Winery is as close to a one man winery as David Homewood can keep it. Step by step through the vinification process he does as much of the work as he can. It is, therefore, a small operation limited to about 3,000 cases annual production. In a typical year we bottle up to ten separate batches and most of them are 300 cases or less.The mission of Homewood Winery is to remain small enough to maintain the hand-crafted approach to winemaking, and keep it fun. ENJOY!!
