Southern Sonoma Vacation: First Stop Viansa Wines

Viansa Sonoma
25200 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476
(800) 995-4740
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 234 reviews

The Viansa Winery encompasses 130 acres at the summit of the Sonoma Valley, with most of that land devoted not to wine, but to wilderness. The property includes 97 acres of wetlands, all in the midst of an historic restoration effort spearheaded by Viansa in partnership with conservation group Ducks Unlimited.

Guests can see the wetlands spanning towards the horizon from just outside Viansa’s tasting room, where a stunning 270-degree overlook provides views of San Pablo Bay and the Mayacamas Mountains, not to mention their remaining 33 acres of vineyards. Learn more about their Signature Summit Tour & Tasting Experience which includes a farm-to-table picnic from the renewoned girl & the fig restaurant.

Most of them were replanted as recently as 2015, introducing new varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which better complement the vineyard’s distinct soil made up of Goulding clay loam and Reyes silty clay, to join the existing Sangiovese grapes. These locally harvested grapes will eventually become Viansa’s award-winning all-Californian wines, including bold oaky reds like their zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon as well as lightly-acidic whites like their summery chardonnay.

These and many more Viansa wines are available online and in stores, but there’s really nowhere better to sample their variety than the winery itself, conveniently located just 35 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The climate and the meticulously landscaped, ivy-strewn grounds recall the winery’s Tuscan origins, dating back to the founder’s grandfather Samuele Sebastiani, who purchased the family’s first vineyard property in 1904 using money he earned making cobblestones for San Francisco streets.

Beyond the wines and the welcoming courtyard (a popular location for scenic wine country weddings), visitors will find an indoor marketplace filled with Sonoma-specific souvenirs, as well as stylish and vintage wine merchandise ideal for a home bar.

Inside a cozy tasting room, staff members offer visitors further insights about both Viansa’s wines and wetlands conservation program. A tasting of four wines costs $15 or $20 depending on the selection, but it’s hard to go wrong either way. Guests can also purchase any of their four levels of wine club membership to receive four complimentary tastings per visit, as well as advance access to new or limited selection varietals and discounts on other Viansa wines and merchandise.

Picnic supplies are available from the marketplace, and a lunch menu is available to help assure you don’t drink too much wine on too empty a stomach. Charcuterie plates with Italian deli meats and sharp artisanal cheeses—enough to pair with every one of Viansa’s varietals—are available on a daily basis. On weekends and holidays, the winery fires up its open-air brick oven and serves personal-sized pizzas with delicious blackened crusts. Tables are scattered inside and outside around the property, allowing guests to enjoy their charcuterie boards, wine tastings and subsequent bottle purchases with or without the stunning view of the Sonoma Valley.

You’ll definitely want to be seated outside, however, if you’re visiting on any of the clear days that dominate the region’s climate, for this is where you’ll witness the unique virtues of Viansa’s land stewardship. More than 500 species of birds call their coastal wetlands home, and most of them migrate along the Pacific Flyway that passes right by the winery.

So look up while you’re sipping, and with patience, you just might see a great blue heron or an egret enjoying the Sonoma sunshine the same as you.

Insider tip: If you’re willing to pay extra to go beyond Viansa’s standard tasting room experience, book one of their Sonoma Experiences ahead of time and enjoy guided food and wine pairings in unique settings.

Interested Southern Sonoma County Wine Tasting?

Check out both the larger, estate wineries such as Chateau St Jean and Ram’s Gate as well as the smaller family owned wineries such as Sojourn Cellars and Imagery Estate Wines.

Looking for the best way to navigate southern Sonoma County? Napa Valley Tour and Transportation offering the most exclusive Wine Country experiences in the Valley. Create your own itinerary, or utilize their team of insider guides for the ideal day!

Explore our southern Sonoma County lodging options for the best options for your wine country getaway.

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Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.