Wine Tour: Viansa Winery & Marketplace

Idyllically situated on a hilltop at the entrance to California’s legendary Sonoma Valley, Viansa Winery & Marketplace has become a destination for wine and food lovers from around the world.

With its distinctive Italian atmosphere and charming old world architecture, Viansa is a tribute to the early Italian immigrants who brought their winemaking traditions to Sonoma Valley. Surrounded by vineyards, flower gardens, and olive groves, and modeled after the charming, centuries-old villas that dot the Tuscan landscape, the main winery building appears to have been magically transported from the Italian countryside. Painstakingly crafted from authentic materials and boasting signature details like hand-painted interior frescoes depicting peasant life in Tuscany, Viansa’s villa has the power to whisk visitors away to romantic Italy—if only for an hour or two. Meticulously landscaped grounds planted with Italian cypresses and stone pines, lovely terraces overlooking Sonoma Valley, and classic imported Italian statuary beautifully complete the picture.

Viansa Winery & Marketplace helped to pioneer the concept of Cal-Ital wines—California-made wines crafted from Italian varietals grown in Sonoma. Using traditional Italian grapes such as Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Arneis, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Vernaccia, Tocai Friulano, and others, Viansa is able to recreate the flavors of the Old World. Realizing, however, that visitors also enjoy popular California varietals, Viansa produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc as well.

As a natural extension of its passion for Cal-Ital wines, the winery also specializes in Cal-Ital foods, infusing traditional Italian recipes with local ingredients and California flair. With an extensive line of pantry foods like tapenades, dipping oils, pasta, pizza sauces, grilling glazes, dessert sauces, and other delicacies, Viansa honors its Italian heritage and its access to the freshest local ingredients. Food lovers often remark that one of the most delightful things about a visit to the marketplace is having the opportunity to sample many of Viansa’s pantry foods with its wines before purchasing them.

Viansa’s Marketplace also offers a variety of fresh foods—salads, sandwiches, cheese plates, and more—allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the vineyards, olive groves, and Sonoma Valley in the distance. In warmer weather, the winery also operates a wood-burning pizza oven and hosts regular barbecues and other special events.

With its stunning architecture and lovely grounds, Viansa Winery & Marketplace has been the site of hundreds of fairytale weddings over the years. In addition, the winery hosts many other special events—from corporate meetings to family reunions, birthday celebrations, and anniversary parties. There is an array of scenic venues—from the romantic wine cellar to spacious lawn areas, a festive white tent, and all sorts of spots in between. The winery can accommodate large and small groups with activities ranging from a custom wine tasting to a multi course dinner. The friendly staff also offers private cooking demonstrations, wine blending seminars, wine and cheese pairings, bocce ball, grape stomps, and other engaging activities.

Whether they’re just stopping in to taste great food and wine or spending an entire afternoon and evening, guests appreciate their time in Tuscany, courtesy of Viansa Winery & Marketplace.

WHAT TO BUY
‘10 Scintillate Sparkling Wine – $30
Crisp, yellow apple, pear, white peach