Daily 40-minute tours present a history of the winery and an overview of the traditional méthode champenoise process for making sparkling wine. Guests can taste Gloria Ferrer wines by the glass or in a tasting flight, with seating options available in a contemporary indoor tasting room or on the scenic Vista Terrace. Private “Elevated Experiences” include a picnic in the vineyards, tapas pairing menus, and workshops on how to select the best glassware for different wine varietals.
The winery is a popular stop on Napa and Sonoma wine tours, including private and group options that take the stress out of choosing wineries and allow guests to safely taste without driving.
Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards is located in the Carneros region of Sonoma Valley, about an hour north of San Francisco. Free parking is available on site. Guided wine tours include transportation, with a chauffeur who waits while you taste.
The winery is open daily. Check the website for seasonal events, including an annual lobster boil with wine pairings in March and a harvest celebration each September.
With more than 400 wineries to choose from, it can be tough to plan a day of wine tasting in Sonoma. The oldest winery in California, Buena Vista is a solid choice for first timers. Matanzas Creek—surrounded by lavender fields—is known for its fragrant, picturesque grounds. Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a big draw for both film buffs and wine lovers, while Benzinger attracts eco-conscious tasters with its biodynamic farming practices.
