At the gateway to Sonoma wine country in the Carneros AVA, Cline Cellars, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, and The Olive Press provide visitors with a warm and wonderful welcome to wine country.
Owner Fred Cline’s love for winemaking began as a child when he would visit his grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi, at his Oakley, California farm and help turn the fruit into wine. In 1981, Fred founded Cline Cellars in Oakley. When he married his wife Nancy in 1986, they relocated the winery to a historic 350-acre property in Sonoma, the original site of the 21st and final California Mission. Fred’s innovation and experimentation produced distinctive Rhône-style wines and rich Zinfandels for which he has since garnered much acclaim. In 2004, Cline Cellars was named one of Wine Spectator’s 50 Great Producers Every Wine Lover Should Know.
Every wine lover should also know about the tasting experience at Cline Cellars, which includes free tasting and gracious grounds with carp ponds, gardens, and picnic areas. Not to be missed is the California Missions Museum, a collection of scale-model replicas of each California Mission. Guests are pleased to learn that the luxurious Cline Villa next to the winery is available to rent. The elegant five-bedroom getaway includes a pool, spa, and full-featured gourmet kitchen.
Right next door, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is a beautiful replica of a rustic Italian stone farmhouse, inspired by the Jacuzzi family home in the northern Italian Friuli region. The farmhouse features traditional architectural details and natural materials that lend an old-world feeling to the building. While the outside of the winery is stunning, inside, the collection of Italian art is truly breathtaking. There are Venetian-style glass chandeliers, handmade furnishings, a stone cast fountain imported from Italy and, to honor Valeriano’s heritage, an 80-year-old fig tree imported from his ranch. The grounds are perfect for special occasions, such as weddings and corporate events. The Jacuzzi Barrel Room features vaulted ceilings and stunning stained glass windows, while the courtyard is a scenic setting for memorable gatherings of any kind.
Located in the same old-world-style villa that houses Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, The Olive Press was the first olive oil mill in Sonoma County, and it holds the distinction of being the most highly awarded olive oil producer in California. The Olive Press was founded in 1995 by Ed Stolman, a grower and producer, who took his art and craft from olive presses in Southern France and Italy. Ed’s mission was to create a unique facility designed to produce the best extra virgin olive oil, as well as meeting the needs of commercial producers, small harvesters, and hobbyists. His vision lives on today, with the installation of the state-of-the-art olive press in the glass-enclosed showcase, where visitors will soon be able to watch how this remarkable oil is made.
Visitors to The Olive Press find an astounding variety of oils to taste, from mild, to moderate, to robust. In addition, there are several citrus-crushed oils to sample. Tasters can combine any of the olive oils with balsamic vinegars for an incomparable taste treat. The store features many unique and distinctive gifts and culinary tools related to olives and olive oil. A visit to Cline Cellars, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, and The Olive Press gives guests an abundant taste of the good life.
What to Buy Wines
’12 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel – $14.99
Strawberry, coffee, chocolate, vanilla
’12 Cline Cashmere – $14.99
Big cherry, raspberry, chocolate, black pepper, plum
’11 Jacuzzi Primitivo – $17.60
Strawberry, roasted coffee
’11 Jacuzzi Barbera – $20
Raspberry, cherry, tobacco
Special Notes
Free tastings, weddings and receptions, sustainable farming practices, club events, owners and winemaker on site.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
