Top Sonoma Winery Picnic Experiences
During wine country life before COVID-19, we’d seek out wineries with picnic grounds to bring our own lunch basket spread to a winery, order a bottle of wine (or two) and enjoy a fabulous afternoon. Oh, how the times have changed. With reopening orders for restaurants and wineries changing every few weeks, it’s hard to keep track of who’s open and who’s not–and where to find a Sonoma winery picnic spot. Outdoor seating and dining is still allowed, so that means winery picnics are on the menu. That’s why we’ve put together our list of fabulous Sonoma winery picnic lunch experiences available this summer. Many of these wineries didn’t host picnics before the pandemic, but they’ve pivoted away from their indoor wine tastings and created wonderfully delicious ways to enjoy a casual food and wine pairing meal in the open air. This list does not include wineries with picnic areas for bringing your own lunches. These Sonoma wineries handle all of the details of your wine country picnic for you–removing any bit of stress grocery shopping may cause during these unusual times. Advance reservations are required, and all Sonoma wineries require masks until you are seated for your lunch.
Top Sonoma Winery Picnic Experiences
Jordan Winery
Relax in true wine country fashion with Jordan Winery’s alfresco picnic lunch experience offered on various days this summer on the French-inspired chateau lawns. Select your personal picnic basket, filled with a demi-carafe of 2016 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon and an array of gourmet picnic recipes, such as rillettes, citrus-marinated olives, and assorted estate veggie and grain salads, as well as Journeyman Meat Co. salumi and artisanal cheeses. Choose a relaxing spot on the lawns for your alfresco lunch—whether it be in the shade of the chateau, under an oak tree or in the summer sun. Once you’re settled, a chilled bottle of 2018 Jordan Chardonnay will be delivered to your blanket. Reserve your picnic basket online.
Stonestreet Wines
Enjoy a seated tasting experience followed by a picnic boxed lunch from Healdsburg’s local Oakville Grocery. Sip on views of the Mayacamas Mountain range while you enjoy an assortment of single-vineyard wines and delicious picnic snacks. Book your outdoor picnic experience on their website or call directly.
Lambert Bridge
Nestled among redwoods and rolling vineyards, Lambert Bridge in Dry Creek Valley has pivoted their daily tasting offerings for a new outdoor Picnic Experience offered in their winery gardens. Enjoy a beautifully curated picnic basket with local cheese, charcuterie and other provisions to enjoy. A bottle of Lambert Bridge wine can be purchased separately to enjoy while in the gardens. Offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. by reservation only.
Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves
Now open Friday through Sunday, Bella Vineyards + Wine Caves is offering an array of outdoor winery picnic experiences off of West Dry Creek Road with sweeping vineyard and mountain views. Now offered on Saturdays and Sundays, the Bella Backyard Picnic Pairing includes a lovely selection of farm-to-basket goodies with a glass of wine that you can take home with you. Don’t miss their live acoustic bluegrass music too. Reserve your outdoor picnic experience on Tock.
Bricoleur Vineyards
This new Russian River Valley estate, founded by Mark Hanson this year is a winery not to miss. Executive Chef Shane McAnelly, formerly of Brass Rabbit and Chalkboard in Healdsburg, leads the winery’s culinary program. Enjoy a pre-packed picnic filled with housemade piadini, estate grown vegetables, housemade potato chips, dessert and a bottle of 2019 rosé of grenache while taking in beautiful views of Bricoleur Vineyards. Book your private picnic lunch on their website. Reservations required.
Chateau St. Jean
Enjoy a build-your-own sandwich picnic at your own private table at Chateau St. Jean, located in Kenwood off Sonoma Highway. This reusable picnic basket contains family-style bread, grilled sliced chicken breast, egg salad, sandwich fixings, chips, cookie, fresh fruit, a garden salad, water, reusable drinkware, and corkscrew. Everything provided, including the basket, is yours to keep. Purchase a bottle of Chateau St. Jean wine separately. Offered Thursday through Monday at various time slots by reservation only.
