Sonoma County offers something for everyone. Sonoma is 52 miles wide, 47 miles long and spans from the rolling hills of Los Carneros to dramatic cliffs over the Pacific Ocean, amazing redwood forests and peaceful countryside. Amongst the natural beauty are tiny and historic settlements that are as full of rustic charm as the surrounding landscape is. Glen Ellen is a very small town with a population under 800, but still is home to a handful of wineries that are often requested as part of our wine tours. Nestled by the miniscule village, fertile valleys and diverse micro climates, these three wineries produce classic Sonoma wines that this side of wine country is known for. Let us introduce you to them in an intimate wine tasting and tour you won’t soon forget.
Benziger
1883 London Ranch Rd
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(888) 490-2739
https://www.benziger.com/
Three things make up the simple philosophy at Benzinger – family, great wine and healthy vineyards! For nearly 30 years, the Benzinger family has been growing grapes in Sonoma, and their portfolio of fantastic wines was produced using Biodynamic and sustainable practices since the beginning. During a wine tasting here, you will find the wines have character as well as a conscience. By following stringent farming practices, resulting wines are authentic and distinctive meaning the healthy and holistic farming approach is great for the wines as well as all those who enjoy them.
Wine Enthusiast just voted them Best Winery Tour of 2017 thanks in part to the Biodynamic Wine Tour they offer at Benzinger. This tour is given in a tractor pulled tram and focuses on the Biodynamic techniques and practices that make their wines so special. After a drive around the vineyards and a stop in the wine cave, a special wine tasting awaits to offer an opportunity to excite the senses.
Imagery Estate Winery
14335 Sonoma Hwy
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 935-4515
https://imagerywinery.com/
Owner Joe Benzinger branched away from his family’s winery in order to create an exciting new label named Imagery Estate with wines that celebrate rare grape varieties and off the path wine regions. With the talent of local artist Bob Nugent, they have created a winery that is as expressive and original as the wine inside. The truly unique wine tasting features bold label design commissioned by some of California’s most well-known contemporary artist as well as uncommon wine grapes like Lagrein and Tempranillo in a tasting room that full of local art. They will tell you that the most important pairing is between the wine and art. And the art isn’t confined to the wine labels. The Imagery Winery tasting room is a functional art gallery as well. The entire collection consists of over 500 works by over 300 artists! We frequent this winery often, especially on Sunday afternoon for wood fired, handmade pizzas out on the back patio.
B.R. Cohn
15000 Sonoma Highway
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(800) 330-4063
https://www.brcohn.com/
The B.R. Cohn winery has a very interesting story to tell. Founded by music manager Bruce Cohn, who earned worldwide fame as manager of the Doobie Brothers, the winery is now known for its wine as well as the olive oil made from the property. To preserve the quality of life for himself and his family, Bruce purchased an old dairy in Glen Ellen in 1974 and immediately became involved in all aspects of growing wine grapes. His was mentored by the great Charlie Wagner of Caymus Vineyards, and in 1984 founded his own namesake winery. In 1990, Bruce took the love of his land another step further and founded the B.R. Cohn Olive Oil Company. Today, they produce a range of estate olive oils and wine vinegars that are available to take home. And on Sunday afternoons they do live music that will transform your wine tasting experience into a concert setting like no other!
Sonoma offers enthusiastic visitors a taste of rustic elegance in a fun and unpretentious setting. A day of wine tasting through historical wineries and majestic natural beauty is what Sonoma is known for. We can show you why Jack London called Sonoma ‘the most beautiful, primitive land to be found in California.’ At Beau Wine Tours, we have the local experience and knowledge to make sure your wine tasting is memorable and delicious!
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