Buena Vista Winery: The oldest Premium Winery in California

Long before Napa and Sonoma Counties were known as wine country, just outside the town of Sonoma, the first premium winery in California was founded in 1857. Now a California State Historic Landmark, Buena Vista Winery still sits in Sonoma county. Buena Vista Winery, acquired by the Boisset Family in 2011 has overcome a long, troubling past, but under its new ownership and extensive renovation, promises to be a delight to California wine tourists and locals alike.

Despite its colorful past, visiting the winery is a fascinating history lesson in California viticulture. Between its founding by Agoston Haraszthy in 1857 and its modern day renovation, the winery has survived a troubled past. Everything from Phylloxera,(a grape killing disease which wiped out Buena Vista's vines), near financial ruin, the great depression and prohibition to being jilted by two California Earthquakes, have threatened the rich history of this winery. From the ideals of an eccentric, self-proclaimed Count to the ambitious dreams or an eleven-year-old powerhouse Burgandian, wine-family heir, The Buena Vista Winery's legacy has endured.
To read more about the colorful past of this delightful place click here.

Better yet, visit this beautiful historic winery and take the historical wine museum tour and tasting. For only $25, you can tour this historic facility and learn about its rich history. While enjoying your tour, you can taste exclusive current release wines and explore the wineries recent renovations.


Additionally, the facility offers a "Be the Count" Blending experience, private tastings, barrel tastings and gorgeous picnic grounds.

On a recent visit to this breath-taking facility, I had the opportunity to taste several of their wines and learn much about the winery's rich history.

I tasted several wines (of course) and not only came home with a few bottles of my own, I joined their club, so I can enjoy their delicious vino regularly and spend some more time exploring the amazing grounds.

My favorite tasting:

The Sherrif of Buena Vista - A bold 2012 Red Blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cab Sauv and Grenache. This wine had some bold berry and chocolate flavors, a just a hint of spice. It was smooth and had an almost boundless finish and a wonderfully aromatic nose.

Now, I must admit that I am a big fan of blends, so this blend did not disappoint, it was bold and lingering and will go nicely with a great steak!

It was a beautiful day, beautiful weather and the perfect place to close the weekend. If you love history and wine, Buena Vista winery is the perfect place to get both

Do you have a favorite wine at Buena Vista? I would love to hear about it!

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Open Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
18000 Old Winery Road
Sonoma, CA 95476
1-800-926-1266
www.buenavistawinery.com