Best Vineyards in Sonoma

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville, CA
Among the best vineyards in Sonoma that you do want to add to your wine country trip planner are the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in the Alexander Valley region of Sonoma County and the B.R. Cohn Winery & Olive Oil Company on the Sonoma Highway in Glen Ellen California.

Two additional Western Trips Sonoma County articles and photos you'll find interesting are the historic Buena Vista Winery, the oldest winery in Sonoma County and the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens located in Santa Rosa California.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery / Geyserville California

The Francis Ford Coppola Winery is located at 300 Via Archimedes in Geyserville, CA, just west of US Hwy 101. This is absolutely one of the most unique wineries in Sonoma County. First of all, this is the only winery in Northern California that offers a swimming pool. This is no ordinary pool. It's 3,600 square feet in size. When you arrive at the winery and stroll through the front gate, you'll see a swimming pool that will remind you of some of the finest resorts you've ever visited. There's an outside bar adjacent to the pool and changing rooms for those who have checked in near the front entrance. 

Coppola Winery Swimming Pool

Daily pool passes are available. In addition to the pool which is available to visitors, you'll be able to enjoy a fine dining experience either inside or on the large patio overlooking the vineyards. Sandwiches, personal pizza and a great list of appetizers are offered. Beverages available include Coppola Wines, cocktails and beer. During our visits to the winery we have always been able to enjoy the outside patio for dining and I would definitely recommend it, weather permitting which it usually does. The scenery viewed from the patio makes it a great experience.

Francis Ford Coppola purchased the former Chateau Souverain winery in 2006. The idea was to create something very different in Sonoma County. The idea for the Coppola Winery had it's roots in the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. The winery and it's surroundings is really something for the entire family to enjoy.The Coppola Visitor Center is a two story building reached by a grand staircase from the parking area. Inside is the restaurant with it's patio, a wine tasting room and bar along with a gift shop.

Grand staircase at Coppola Winery entrance

Another special attraction at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a vintage car exhibit indoors. Exhibited is a very rare Tucker automobile from the 1940's. The Tucker is noted for it's sleek design, especially during the mid 1940's, and for it's three headlights. One reason the Tucker car is so rare is that there were only some fifty-seven ever built. The Tucker car exhibit at Coppola Winery is a rare treat in itself and classic car enthusiasts will enjoy visiting this truly unique Sonoma County winery. 

A visit to the Coppola Winery is an all around good time.

You will find an interesting article and photos about the Tucker car on our AutoMuseumOnline.com website.

The B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Oil Company

This Sonoma County winery was established in 1984 by Bruce Cohn. The B.R. Cohn Winery features a full line of ultra-premium wines, extra virgin olive oils, handcrafted vinegars and a great selection gourmet food products.

The B.R. Cohn Winery

Like many wineries in Sonoma County, the B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Oil Company schedules several events during the year which are a real treat for visitors. These include the B.R. Cohn Charity Fall Music Festival, a celebrity golf tournament and classic car shows. Like many California wineries, the B.R. Cohn Winery hosts weddings and other events. 

Bruce Cohn is known to also be a classic car collector who sponsors the B.R. Cohn Charity Car Classic held annually. This very successful  event helps raise money for Redwood Empire Food Bank of Santa Rosa. You'll be assured to view some extremely well restored vintage automobile and trucks at this charity car show. The winery also hosts Classic Car Cruise-Ins.  These are generally held on Sundays May to October. Classic car owners are encouraged to attend and bring their cars. Admission is free.

B.R. Cohn Winery grounds

Bruce Cohn is the long time manager of "The Doobie Brothers" California rock band. The Doobie Brothers have also performed during the wineries annual concert series. The B.R. Cohn Winery is known as a great venue where excellent wine blends with excellent music. Good wine and good music always go together in California. 

Bruce Cohn grew up on a dairy farm in the Russian River area of Sonoma County. The original 46 acre site purchased in 1974 has doubled in size. The property also consisted of 145 year old Picholine Olive trees. It was named the Olive Hill Estate Vineyard and produced world class olive oil. The olive trees are used today to make the ultra-premium olive oil sold at the winery today. After spending time selling grapes to local wineries and getting some expert advice, the property was turned into a winery itself in 1984. The olive trees are used today to make the ultra-premium olive oil sold at the winery today. Along with the award winning olive oils you'll find excellent hand made vinegars. 

(Article and photos copyright Western Trips)


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