Summer has set, but there’s still time for one final picnic in Sonoma County wine country before the holiday season arrives. Four of our favorite places to enjoy a leisurely lunch are Viansa Winery and Marketplace in Sonoma, Geyser Peak Winery in Geyserville, DeLoach Vineyards in Santa Rosa, and Dry Creek Vineyards in Healdsburg.
We checked the wineries’ websites to get the latest information on their picnic facilities and offerings, and to help you plan one more wine country picnic—before it’s too late for this year.
- If you have a special love of all that is Italian, Viansa is for you. Situated at the gateway to Sonoma Valley, the winery is only 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Viansa sits majestically on a hilltop, providing breathtaking views of Sonoma Valley, nearby vineyards, olive groves and wetlands. And don’t be surprised if you feel as if you’re in Italy, as all of the estate’s buildings and surroundings are Tuscan inspired.
Just like in Italy, Viansa is all about the synergy among great food, great wine and great people. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy award-winning Sonoma wines, Italian delicacies and the warmth and joy of a friendly staff.
Guests can pick up fresh-made sandwiches, salads, antipasti, soups and fruit salads. And through October, wood-fired pizza and wine pairing is available on the patio. Then to work off a few calories, a game of bocce ball awaits.
In addition to great food and phenomenal views, visitors can catch glimpses of some of the more than 500 species of birds that have been sighted on Viansa’s wetlands. It’s a relaxing way to wind down—which, after all, is the purpose of a picnic.
- Expansive views also can be enjoyed at Geyser Peak Winery, where the Alexander Valley spreads out from perfectly sited picnic decks. A number of shaded tables are available for the convenience and comfort of guests.
Visitors may bring their own snacks, or purchase salami, cheese, crackers, olives, sweets and more from the winery’s tasting room. Wines by the glass and bottle also are available, as are non-alcoholic beverages.
Geyser Peak also offers a “Picnic & Tasting Package” that includes a “Premier” tasting of four wines in the main tasting room, followed by a selection of charcuterie, cheese, nuts, crackers and chocolates—all served picnic-style along with two 5-oz. glasses of wine. A table on the picnic terrace—with tablecloth, napkins and stemware — may also be reserved, and a 24-hour advance reservation is required.
- DeLoach Vineyards offers picnics year-round, weather permitting, and with a day’s notice, guests will have a picnic basket waiting for them upon their arrival at the winery.
There’s a beautifully landscaped picnic area, and each basket includes salami, cheese, crackers, olives, chocolates, dried fruit and nuts. A vegetarian option also is available. The winery will provide linens, stemware, a cutting board and a knife to make the picnic experience easy and complete.
- A picnic at Dry Creek Vineyard comes with something most other wineries can’t provide: a taste of history. Founded in 1972 by David Stare, it was the first new winery built in Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition, and has a long track record of producing some of California’s finest Fumé Blanc and Zinfandel.
The estate’s picnic grounds provide a lovely setting for enjoying a snack, paired with Dry Creek wines purchased from the tasting room. And for those who absolutely must remain “connected,” even while on a picnic, free WiFi is available.
