The California Wine Country is a world-renown location for wine connoisseurs from every corner of the globe. If you read our blog about the vulnerability of California wineries, then you might remember that California makes 81% of the wine in the U.S and is the 4th largest wine producer in the world.
USA Wine Ratings states that there are 3,674 wineries in the state of California, which is about half of all the wineries in the U.S. They also state that the number of U.S. wineries continues to increase year over year with wine production growing even faster.
We are proud to provide security to some of the most popular wineries in California. Take a look below to see our take on 4 wineries you can’t miss out on in California Wine Country.
4 California Wineries You Can’t Pass Up
With there being 3,674 wineries in the state, it will take a lot of research for anyone, including locals, to plan their perfect California Wine Country vacation. We’ve done some research and have picked out 4 must-visit wineries.
Benziger Family Winery
Located in Sonoma County, the Benzigers have been making wine since they purchased the historic Wegener Ranch on Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen, CA in 1980. If history doesn’t mean much to you, it’s important to note that they were voted as the “Best tasting room & best tour” in Sonoma People’s Choice Awards in 2018. Possibly the most unique aspect of their winery is that they are a biodynamic wine producer meaning that they practice sustainable farming methods in every aspect of winemaking.
Learn more about them here.
Imagery Estate Winery
We recommend adding this to your list of Sonoma County wineries to see. You could even go the same day you visit Benzinger Winery as Imagery Estate Winery is also located in Glen Ellen, CA. Winemaking is a very traditional practice and can sometimes temper the producer’s creativity. Imagery Winery’s foundation is on a creative and unconventional approach to winemaking that renders entirely unique wines as well as a wine drinking experience unlike any other.
Learn more about them here.
Quady Winery
Quady Winery has a similar story to Benziger Winery when the founders, Andrew and Laurel, bought land and began growing grapes in 1980. Quady Winery has the unique edge of “crafting intense muscat wines” which come from the rare Orange Muscat grape varietal. They also consistently create recipes using their wines that make your mouth water just reading them.
Learn more about them here.
Livermore Wine Region
Livermore, CA, part of Alameda County, is home to over 50 wineries. While not as well-known as Nappa Valley or Sonoma County, Livermore has a long line of winemakers dating back to the 1840s. Wente Vineyards and Concannon Winery established their vineyards in the 1880s and are still currently operating. If we had a pick just one winery to visit, it would be Wente Vineyards because of their tasting room options with small plates that pair perfectly with the wine samples.
If you own a small California winery, make sure to read our blog about protecting your small business from property crime.