“The best wines are the ones we drink with friends.” – unknown
As the month of December passes, the holiday season is in full swing! Cookie exchanges, wrapping of presents, embellishing of homes with seasonal lights and decorations, and gatherings of family and friends. Walk into any Sonoma and Napa winery and you’ll be greeted with Holiday Cheer and beautifully decorated tasting rooms. Although most wineries will be closed on Christmas Day, Pure Luxury has some great recommendations for you to visit with family or friends on Christmas Eve day.
NAPA VALLEY
Chateau Montelena Winery
Chateau Montelena Winery
If you’ll be visiting wineries in Napa Valley, make this your first stop – this historic, family-owned winery closes at 12 p.m. Established in 1882, and revitalized by Jim Barrett in the early 1970’s, Chateau Montelena produces balanced, refined wines. This Napa Green Certified Winery uses multiple sustainable practices including sustainable farming, and solar power.
Perfect Gift – Wines from Rutherford Hill Winery
Looking for a perfect Merlot? If so, Rutherford Hill Winery is a must-see. With 75 percent of production dedicated to Merlot, you’re sure to find a new favorite, award-winning Merlot. Visit Christmas Eve day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A Stunning Collection of Chimney Rock Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Also open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chimney Rock uses sustainable farming and grape growing methods to create exceptional wines. Chimney Rock produces a variety of wines, and their Cabernet Sauvignon is a reflection of the excellence of their team.
The Rhine House at Beringer Vineyards
Established in 1876, this historical Napa Valley winery will welcome visitors until 3 p.m. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and as a California Historical Landmark, this beautiful property is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Beringer offers a wide selection of highly acclaimed wines.
Del Dotto Vineyards
The Del Dotto St. Helena location will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve day. For 2015, Del Dotto has received awards from Cellarpass for “Most Romantic,” and for “Best Food & Wine.” Another must-see for visitors to Napa Valley.
SONOMA COUNTY & SONOMA VALLEY
Rodney Strong Vineyards
Rodney Strong’s Alexander’s Crown Vineyard
Taste award-winning wines from some of Rodney Strong’s 14 estate vineyards until 2 p.m. This family-owned winery is committed to sustainable practices, giving back to the community, and producing outstanding wines.
Inside Arrowood’s Tasting Room
Cabernet Sauvignon is the signature wine at Arrowood, but you’ll also find excellent red, white, and dessert wines produced from their sustainably and organically farmed vineyards. Enjoy the view of surrounding vineyards, and Sonoma Mountain, while sipping their amazing wines. Arrowood is open until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve day.
Hartford Family’s Far Coast Vineyard
If your favorite wines include single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and old vine Zinfandel, then you must visit Hartford Family. Located in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, this family-owned winery is open until 3 p.m.
Kunde Family Winery
Family-owned and operated since 1904, Kunde will be open regular hours. Taste their beautifully balanced estate wines while enjoying their welcoming hospitality. Kunde has not only has earned awards for their wines, but also for their sustainable practices throughout each department.
Sebastiani Winery Tasting Room
Taste exquisite wines created by a team lead by the same incredible winemaker since 1979. This historic winery located in the heart of Sonoma Valley will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve day. Sebastiani works with California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance to make sure all aspects of their business are sustainable and gentle on the environment.
Remember to contact Pure Luxury for your private, chauffeured transportation during the Holidays.
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