We are often asked: Of the wineries you have visited, which is your favorite? It’s a question that is almost impossible to answer, but one that we love to get because it gives us the opportunity to visit memory lane. There are many dimensions to this question. For example, are people asking about our favorite tasting, the prettiest setting, the coolest design or do they want us to break it down by country. In an attempt to try and answer this complex and tricky question, we have decided to put together Wine Destinations TOP 5 Family Wineries to Visit.
WINE DESTINATIONS TOP 5 FAMILY WINERIES TO VISIT
Bodegas López de Heredia - Rioja, Spain
Known by many as a “Catedral del Vino” (Cathedral of Wine), Bodegas López de Heredia is one of the first three wine houses built in Rioja and the oldest in Haro. This majestic and rich in tradition winery, with it’s century old caves and cellars, is the perfect playground for wine lovers.
For all of you Tempranillo fans visiting Rioja, López de Heredia is without a doubt a must visit.
Hanzell Vineyards - Sonoma, USA
Located at the toe of the Mayacamas Mountains, this holistic and ecological focused winery is home to the oldest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines in the Western Hemisphere. In fact, their 2014 Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir was Wine Destinations 2018 Wine of the Year.
Visiting Hanzell Vineyards, with it’s spectacular vistas and roaming farm animals, is like escaping to another world. If you are a Pinot Noir lover and believe in sustainable farming, a visit to Hanzell will make you feel like you are in heaven.
La Cava de Karim Mussi (Ave Maria Purisima) - Mendoza, Argentina
A winery that had once been abandoned has now become one of the most respected Bodegas of Mendoza. Here Karim Mussi and his staff have created a whimsical setting in which tradition and innovation live in harmony.
If you are looking for wines holding on to tradition, alongside avant garde ones proving that Argentina is more than just Malbec, this is your place.
Arista Winery - Healdsburg, USA
Located in California’s Russian River Valley, one of best places to grow cool climate grapes, Arista Winery has become one of the top wine producers in the world. Focused on making small lots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Arista is a must visit if you are in Sonoma County.
When you visit give yourself extra time to enjoy a glass of wine while exploring their gardens and grounds. Oh, and make sure to try their Banfield Vineyard Zin, one of the best Zinfandels we’ve had.
Mari Vineyards - Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula, USA
This stunning Italian inspired winery sits on top of a hill overlooking the crystal clear blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay. One of the leading wineries of the Michigan wine revolution, Mari is a must stop for any Riesling and Cab Franc lovers.
In need of an excuse for a Fall trip? Head over to the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail and enjoy some great wines paired with stunning fall colors.
