California
"Hess Persson Estates in Napa combines world-class art with premium wines,” says Mike Fleice. “Donald Hess has built a collection that challenges you to stop and think—a welcome addition to the usual winery touring.”
“Boeger Winery in Placerville has both excellent wines and stunning grounds,” says Mitchell Mark. “Taste, buy a bottle, and picnic under a tree near a creek or pond. It doesn’t get better.”
“Saratoga's Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards is a perfect place, and not only for tasting,” says Elena Baryshnikova. “Take a hike in the mountains and enjoy stunning views of Silicon Valley, or bring lunch, buy some wine, and sip it under shady eucalyptus trees.”
Sheep in the Preston Farm and Winery vineyard.
“We love Preston Farm & Winery, a family-owned organic winery in Healdsburg,” says Krista Glaser. “We take a picnic basket, buy some zinfandel, and play with the cats while sitting at one of the picnic tables.”
“Be sure to stroll Landmark Vineyard's landscaped grounds in Kenwood and take in the beautiful views of nearby Sugarloaf Ridge,” says Lori Barron. “You can buy wine in the tasting room, then take it out back and play bocce ball.”
Nevada
“An oasis,” says Linda Scholl. “Just an hour from Vegas in Pahrump, Pahrump Valley Winery has guided tours, a tasting room, and a restaurant.”
Huston Vineyards' tasting room on Chicken Dinner Road in Caldwell, Idaho
Idaho
“Gregg and Mary Alger's Huston Vineyards makes a fine blend of cabernet, merlot, and syrah, poured along with other wines in the comfortable Caldwell tasting room,” says Rob Lundgren. “The couple is excellent at pairing food with wine and sometimes hold delicious Basque dinners inspired by strong southwest Idaho Basque traditions.”
Oregon
“We love this Ankeny Vineyard in Salem,” says Lara Kierlin, “not only for its pinot noir but for the gorgeous property with its small animal farm, picnic area, and pioneer family cemetery.”
“It’s a pleasant drive to LaVelle Vineyards in Elmira through farms and woods,” says Albin Brandstetter. “Enjoy a view of Fern Ridge Reservoir from the top of the vineyard, then stop at Bush’s Fern View Farms to buy fresh produce.”
“Amazing!” says Elizabeth Downs. “The view at Eugene's Sweet Cheeks Winery is beautiful, the wines rank among the best, and the staff makes you feel at home. We purchased bottles, sat outside around a fire, and laughed all afternoon.”
Utah
“The wines here remind you of eating fresh fruit,” says Karl Schatten. “Hive, in Layton, makes wines and meads from peaches, strawberries, raspberries, currants, and citrus fruits.”