Those lucky tourists whose vacations include California’s Sonoma Valley would do well to plan their trip carefully because there’s no time to waste in visiting some of the best wineries the Golden state has to offer. Sonoma Valley comprises over one hundred wineries in and around the towns of Sonoma, Knellwood and Glenn Allen. More spontaneous travelers may think that tooling around the valley in a rented convertible, stopping hither and yon at a variety of wineries is the way to go. But for those who want a sure thing, there are three wineries on the “must visit” list and a little bit of planning and research will save precious time and money.

First up is the Benzinger Family Winery. Located at 1883 London Ranch Road in Glen Ellen, the Benzinger Family Winery has been making quality, organic wines for over twenty years. The Benzinger family prides itself on crafting “wine that authentically expresses the individual vineyards from which they are made, with integrity and enduring respect for the land.” High atop a rugged hilltop just five miles from the ice-cold Pacific Ocean, the Benzinger Family Winery creates some of the regions’ most popular and bold Pinot Noir. Wine tasters will learn about Benzinger’s patented biodynamic methods of winemaking which is the quintessential organic experience.

Sonoma’s oldest winery is one with a funny name, but legendary wine. Gundlach BundSchu Winery came into being in 1858 when Jacob Gundlach homesteaded 400 acres of prime winemaking farmland and named it Rhinefarm. Together with his new bride, Jacob travelled Bavaria collecting the rootstock from which he would create a fabled wine that continues to delight tasters today. Gundlach Bundschu is located at 2000 Denmark Street in Sonoma. Ask any local, and they will be sure to direct you to the oldest and most recognizable winery in Sonoma.

Finally, the name Jacuzzi evokes hot tubs and bubbles but for fine Italian wine nothing beats the Jacuzzi Winery located at 24724 Arnold Drive in Sonoma. In addition to complimentary wine tastings, visitors will bask in the presence of glorious objects de art, Venetian glass chandeliers and handmade Italian furnishings. Old Italy meets chic California at the Jacuzzi winery and visitors to the 18,000 square foot winery will be treated to a variety of wines including Barbera, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Primitivo and Sangiovese.

For premium wines, raise a glass to world-class Sonoma wines. Cheers!

Photograph Source: Wikimedia Commons