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.
Maroon Wines
Family Farm crafting Small Production Estate Wines from the Prestigious Coombsville AVA in Napa Valley.
Materra Cunat Family Vineyards
In 2007, Brian Cunat decided to combine his love of wine and his dream of farming by purchasing a 50-acre property in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Working with an expert team of vineyard managers and winemakers, the property was transformed with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. Brian and the entire Cunat family look forward to sharing their dreams with you over a glass of Materra.
Matthiasson Wines
Winemaking, for them, is a natural extension of farming. Steve and Jill have both worked for many years in the sustainable agriculture and local food movement, and in 2003 they started Matthiasson Wines based on those values. Their wines are classical expressions of different grape varieties, some well-known like Chardonnay and Cabernet sauvignon, and some rare like Ribolla gialla and Refosco. The wines are refreshing, complement food, and are moderate in alcohol.
Mayacamas Vineyards
MAYACAMAS VINEYARDS has been a source of legendary California wine since 1889. As the newest owners in a lineage of pioneering caretakers spanning more than 125 years, we faithfully steward Mayacamas Vineyards toward a bright future, ever mindful of the great traditions of the past.
Mayo Family Winery
Mayo Family Winery has a strong focus on crafting small-batch Single Vineyard wines, aiming to capture the essence of each grape variety from local vineyards. They typically produce fewer than 5000 cases annually, spanning various varietals. With a welcoming atmosphere, award-winning wines, and unique tasting experiences, they’re delighted to share their passion with friends, family, and wine club members worldwide. Visitors are invited to join them for an unforgettable experience where they’re treated like family.
McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery
Tucked away in the enchanting rolling hills of Carneros AVA, you’ll find McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery. Established in 1989 by husband and wife team Robert Mueller & Karen McKenzie, McKenzie-Mueller has continued to passionately produce small lots for over 25 years. Currently, production is around 2,000 cases annually with 9 different single varietal labels. This is a family owned and operated winery in which every drop of wine and every single vine is tended to by those hopelessly in love with the craft.
Merryvale
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.
Merus Wines
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.
Mi Sueno Winery
The inspirational tale of Mi Sueño is both a love story and the story of the American dream realized, one that came to fruition for Mexican immigrant Rolando Herrera as a result of hard work, raw talent, and the support of a strong community of mentors who led him along a path to success. Along with his wife, Lorena, whose family has deep roots in Napa and Sonoma counties as grape growers, the two founded Mi Sueño Winery in 1997, the year of their marriage.
Mill Creek Vienayrds & Winery
Mill Creek Vineyards, deeply embedded in Dry Creek Valley, was established by the Kreck family in 1965, making it one of the earliest wineries in this celebrated Sonoma County area. Still family-owned and operated, they oversee everything from vineyards to winemaking, crafting award-winning wines at their Healdsburg, CA estate. The Kreck family will mark their 50th commercial wine vintage milestone in 2024.
Miner
Dave Minor has persued his two passions – seeking out rare accoustic guitars and wines worthy of collecting. Dave commissioned a Master Luthier to craft a guitar for him that was stained a beautiful hue using Miner Cabernet Sauvignon, the first commission in a series made especially for Dave.
Mirror Napa Valley
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.
