A Wine Tasting Itinerary in the Carneros region of Sonoma, California
Based in southeast Sonoma County, the Carneros AVA has a cooler climate than wine regions farther north in Sonoma Valley, making it attractive for the growth of cool climate varietals like Pinot noir and Chardonnay. This itinerary takes you to a section of Carneros south of downtown Sonoma on Highway 121. Anaba Wines and Jacuzzi Vineyards are based on gorgeous vineyard estates, while Meadowcroft and Highwayman are in the charming Cornerstone Sonoma marketplace.
-
Anaba Wines
-
Highwayman Wine Bar & Tasting Parlor
-
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
-
Meadowcroft Wines
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
With an Italian heritage, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards offers true Italian hospitality at their stunning Tuscan villa inspired tasting room in Carneros. Started in 2007, the winery produces a very wide assortment of varietals including some rare Italian varietals seldom seen in the United States. Visitors to the tasting room enjoy a flight of their choice of wines from the portfolio, with something on the menu for everyone. Jacuzzi's sister company is The Olive Press, a producer of high-quality olive oils. The olive oil is also available for sampling in the tasting room.
Wines Produced: Prosecco, Sparkling Brut Rosé, White Blends, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Teroldego, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosato di primitivo, Arneis, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Sagrantino, Barbera, Aglianico, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Dessert Wines.
Breathtakingly beautiful vineyards. Very organized and professionally run. Good wines, olive oils and balsamic vinaigrette. The scenery is like straight out of a romantic movie. Love love love. -JC, Google Review
Meadowcroft Wines
Meadowcroft Wines are vineyard specific and limited in production, expressing both European wine heritage and California creativity. Winemaker Tom Meadowcroft's goal is to produce wines of complexity and character, which means sourcing from the winery's exceptional estate vineyard on Napa's Mount Veeder. Meadowcroft produces a deep bench of varietals, including sparkling wines and French Colombard, and were named a top 100 winery in the 2019 Wine & Spirits Magazine. The tasting room is located in Carneros' Cornerstone market, within walking distance to shops, restaurants and expansive gardens.
Wines Produced: Sparkling, French Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Riesling, Sangiovese, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, GSM, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blends
We had the best time at Meadowcroft, the wines were phenomenal and Andrew and the other employees made it a delightful experience. The small location provides the perfect atmosphere for an intimate experience. Definitely make sure to stop here while touring wine country, Meadowcroft wines were our favorite wines of the entire trip! -EC, Google Review
Anaba Wines
From father to son, Anaba Wines is a family winery with a shared dream. Nearly forty-five years apart, both John Sweazey and his son, John Michael Sweazey had the epiphany after time spent travelling (and tasting) in France that they wanted to be in the wine business. John’s dream became a reality in 2006 with the purchase of an estate in Sonoma’s Carneros wine region where Anaba Wines was born. In 2018, John Michael joined the family winery as Anaba was expanding with the construction of a state-of-the-art winery and new Vintners House hospitality center. Anaba Wines specializes in Rhône and Burgundian varieties, inspired favorites shared with warmth and hospitality as their hallmark. The views, wine and hospitality are top-notch at Anaba!
Note that an appointment must be made during your visit to Anaba. To make an appointment, see the winery website here.
Wines Produced: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône blends
Anaba is a little hidden gem!!! I love their Chardonnay Estate with the buttery finish... A true discovery for me. The terrace is also really nice and they have some really good Pinot Noir, a must if you are in Sonoma. -SL, Google Review
Highwayman Wine Bar & Tasting Parlor
Forged with an outlaw’s spirit, Highwayman works with Sonoma’s best growers to create wines as bold as they are beautiful. Highwayman represents wine without compromise; made exclusively in small quantities and created from carefully curated vineyard blocks. Friends and winemakers Michael Sebastiani and Paul Giusto come from three generations of winemaking tradition and enjoy long term partnerships with premium growers.... relationships that result in the high quality, value wines that can be enjoyed at the Highwayman wine bar.
The tasting room has an incredible modern saloon vibe. Between the wines and the atmosphere, you'll likely want to stay at Highwayman all day!
Wines Produced: Fumé Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Nor, Cab Franc, Red Blend, Cabernet
Even if the wine here wasn't amazing across the board, I'd come here for the atmosphere and the awesome tasting room staff. It's dog-friendly, has awesome old-school games and a saloon noir decor theme that was executed perfectly. I've never wanted to buy art so badly in my life. But at least I can afford the wine! -SL, Google Review
Join the WineryHunt Sonoma Club
Members enjoy VIP benefits at a select group of Sonoma Wineries
View Club Details