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.
Staglin Family
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.
Sterling
The aerial tram leading up to the winery is the only one of its kind in Napa, offering stunning views of the Valley. Tours and tastings range from a self-guided tour of the winery to food and wine pairings.
Stonestreet Winery
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards is the story of a family’s vision to defy the limits of California winegrowing. Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke established the estate in 1995, and their son Christopher Jackson and his wife Ariel continue the legacy — and the middle name “Stonestreet” has now been passed from father to son for three generations. Stonestreet is one of the most expansive and multi-faceted mountain vineyards in the world and produces a distinctive collection of single vineyard wines — powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, soulful Chardonnay and electric Sauvignon Blanc.
Stony Hill
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.
Storybook Mtn.
Originally founded by brothers Adam and Jacob Grimm in 1883, and revived in 1976, the winery features award-winning Zinfandels and Bordeau varietals. The 130 year old caves provide a unique venue for tasting these famed wines.
Stuhmuller Vineyards
Stuhmuller Vineyards are a small, family-owned winery located in Alexander Valley, near Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California. Their focus is on crafting terroir-driven, sustainably made wines that reflect the essence of their location and the moment. With nearly 40 years of grape-growing experience in Alexander Valley, their winemaking legacy at West Soda Rock Lane spans 25 years.
Sullivan
Established in 1972 by Jim Sullivan, the 26 acre estate provides most of the grapes for their small handcrafted lots of wine. Guests enjoy their offerings in a relaxed, serene setting.
Summers
Featuring their signature wine, Charbono, as well as Zinfandel and Merlots, Summers is a boutique winery featuring very small lots of hand crafted wines.
Sundance Ranch Tamber Bey
Tamber Bey Winery is located at Sundance Ranch, a world-class equestrian center that marries the passions of owners Barry and Jennifer Waitte – great wines and endurance performance horses, set in a stunning ranch setting.
Swanson
This delightfully whimsical property offers two options for visitors: the Salon for a curated tasting and the Sip Shoppe for a more casual experience.
Tedeschi
On the family’s estate, purchased in the 1950s, Eugene Tedeschi planted grapevines between the existing fruit and walnut trees. Eugene’s son Emil moved to Hawaii in 1974 and co-founded Tedeschi Vineyards in Maui. He returned to the Napa Valley in 1991 to found the current Tedeschi Family Winery. Today, Emil’s sons Emilio and Mario and daughter Elaine continue the family’s commitment to handcrafted, award winning old world style wines.
Terra Valentine
The new home estate is located high atop Spring Mountain with sweeping views from Marin to the Sonoma Coast. The wines show the intensity of mountain grown fruit and balanced elegance.
