Founded in 1857 by Hungarian count Agoston Haraszthy, Buena Vista Winery is a true pioneer of the California wine industry. Located in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, Buena Vista’s vineyards are spread across the region, producing a range of classic and lesser-known grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Carignan, and Petite Sirah.
As one of the oldest wineries in California, Buena Vista has a rich history that is evident in every bottle of wine produced. The winery’s stone cellars, which were built in the late 1800s, have been designated as a California Historical Landmark, and the main building, a Victorian mansion known as the Buena Vista Carriage House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Despite its long history, Buena Vista is a winery that is constantly evolving and looking towards the future. The winemakers at Buena Vista are dedicated to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique character of the Sonoma Valley terroir. To achieve this, they use traditional techniques such as open-top fermentation and aging the wines in oak barrels.
In addition to its impressive wine selection, Buena Vista is a popular destination for wine lovers and tourists alike. The winery’s tasting room, located in the historic Carriage House, offers a range of tastings and tours, allowing visitors to learn about the winery’s history and sample some of its delicious wines. The winery’s beautiful grounds, complete with sprawling gardens and sweeping views of the valley, provide the perfect setting for special events and celebrations.
Buena Vista Winery is more than just a producer of fine wines. It is a living, breathing piece of California’s rich winemaking history, offering a glimpse into the past while constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of wine. So, if you’re a wine enthusiast looking to discover the rich history and diverse terroir of California, a visit to Buena Vista Winery is a must.
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Anthony M
2 months agoThis is five stars for the venue and service itself. It's a historic piece of property with so much to look at. The service here is stellar, very attentive and friendly. The wines are solid, they aren't my favorite but there are a few that were enjoyable. There's a lot to choose from so you'll likely find something that you can enjoy. We visited as part of a trolley tour through multiple places and this was the best of the ones we visited.
Timothy Bidmead
a week agoWonderful winery from the environment, to the setting, to the wines themselves. Highly recommend. Also this is a great spot to bring your dog and a picnic lunch with lots of spaces setup to enjoy. Highly recommend. Special shoutout to Dan who hosted our tasting.
Jo K
2 months agoThe two hour barrel tasting tour is a waste of time and money. It is a “themed” tour. Meaning our tour guide was playing the part of the original owner, telling stories of how he came to America and moved across the land to California. What should have been a 10 minute explanation was a one hour, boring experience. I know he was trying hard but it just did not work. We learned nothing about the wine itself, only how the winery came about. We only tasted one wine out of the barrel and it was terrible. You do get to taste 5-6 different wines, but they were not that good. If you really want to go, I recommend doing a tasting at the bar and move on. But, more than anything I recommend to the operators to ditch the theme and top hats.
Jim Bartell
5 months agoWhat a tour! Take the winery tour, not a sit down tasting. This is the oldest winery on the West Coast. The buildings are stone and the caves are fascinating. Your guide will share information with you and can ask questions, but you get to try their wines all along the hour plus tour. They are pricey, but well made and delicious, as they source their grapes from the best areas of Napa and Sonoma.
Tammy Rinaldi
4 months agoThis was our favorite wine of all of the tastings we had in Sonoma! The grounds were beautiful and very historic to Sonoma Valley. The tasting was amazing as we sampled everything, mostly reds. Although, their Chardonnay was pretty amazing, as well! The Sheriff was our absolute favorite! Such a smooth bold red blend made of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Mission and Cabernet Franc. We became wine club members as to be able to continue to purchase the Sheriff. We have Buena Vista available in our state but not the Sheriff. We will be able to enjoy our favorite souvenir of our Sonoma trip well into winter!