Los Carneros has a rich and full history starting with in the early 1800s when ranchers and farmers discovered the diverse bounty of the area.  This was a time when sheep and cattle could be found amongst the tree fruit and wine grapes.  As was common in so many regions of California, the European immigrants brought with them their love of wine and soon wineries were popping up around the Carneros region to support

the population.  The first commercial winery was built in the 1870s called Winter Winery. 

The wine region all but died during Prohibition with little of its rich history from the early years to showing until 1935 when John Garetto opened what is now Bouchaine Vineyards.  This was followed by Beaulieu Vineyards and Louis M. Martini, but it wasn't until the late 1960s and 1970s that the region began to come into its own once again. 

The region now is home to nearly 50 wineries, at least 37 of which have tasting rooms open on a regular basis or by appointment.  If you love great sparkling wines or Burgundian style Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, Carneros has some of the best California has to offer.  This is an area perfect for the wine adventurer whether you want to get physical with a bike ride or hike, want to go on an incredible photo shoot, or just want to taste great wine with people who know what hospitality is all about. 

Take a look at our winery pages and decide which wineries are of interest to you.  If a winery says appointment only, we encourage you to call first; some of them are seriously only open by appointment and we don’t want you to be disappointed.  So, pack up the car, bring a nice picnic lunch and take a leisurely trip through one of California’s premier cooler weather wine regions.  You will be glad you did!

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