These Stunning Wineries Are a Must-Visit for Design Lovers

A glass of bold merlot or buttery chardonnay. An amazing vista of miles of vineyards. Can it get any better than a picturesque trip to wine country? Well, if you ask interior designers, a glass of vino can taste even sweeter when it’s enjoyed in a well-appointed area. Make no mistakes, a property’s terroir and the grapes that grow there are the stars of any winery; however, several outposts are upping their design chops by hiring top-tier firms to tackle their tasting rooms. (The result: a marvelous space that can appeal to all of the senses.)

To help, we turned to a few Bay Area-based designers to share their top picks for wineries that are stylish and gobsmackingly good. Sure, these experts might be trained in interior design but—since they’re based so close to top-notch destinations like Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg—it’s safe to say that these experts are budding oenophiles, too. Join us as we raise a glass to these delicious, well-designed wineries. Cheers!

Flowers Vineyard & Winery

Flowers Vineyard & Winery

Tucked into Healdsburg’s rolling terrain, Flowers Vineyard & Winery relishes in bucolic beauty… with a twist. This winery might be earthy and organic, but—thanks to San Francisco firm Walker Warner Architects—this space is by no means crunchy. Between the healthy mix of bald cypress, concrete, and oak and carefully curated artwork from local talent like Evan Shively and Zoe Dering, it feels less like a tasting room and more like the home of the coolest person you know. 

“The interesting thing about this choice is the black wood exterior is not only a dramatic design but the plants surrounding it really pop against the black wood and it’s such a beautiful harmony of architecture and nature,” says Susie Novak. The interiors offer that sweet spot between high-design and hospitality, and the outdoor area, which features lush landscapes by Nelson Byrd Woltz, is equally impressive.

“I really appreciate the way the outdoor cabanas feel both private but also not closed off from the stunning views,” says designer Heather Cleveland. “Each cabana area is situated to allow for the best possible view.”

Promontory

Promontory

For a “very special tasting moment,” Jay Jeffers is partial to Promontory in Oakville, a region in Napa Valley. “It’s an architectural marvel and such a special spot,” he says. When founder William (Bill) Harlan founded the winery in 2008, he wanted to transform a mere glass of wine from a tasty beverage into drinkable art. While Harlan certainly delivered with his Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant vintages, the interiors are also worth celebrating. From expansive, wood-paneled rooms to a pergola that looks out to the lush property, Promontory masterfully blurs the line between man-made and nature-made. 

Scribe Winery

Mike Battey

Frequent wine country visitors will tell you that a reservation at Scribe Winery is the hottest ticket in Sonoma: Tastings are only available for wine club members and even then, they can be pretty hard to nab. However, when it comes to good design and good wine, the hype is certainly worth it. “I love seeing all the layers of plaster and paint that tell a story of its previous inhabitants melded together with its current incarnation,” says Leah Harmatz of Field Theory Design. “They have created a warm, welcoming space to relax over good wine and food.” Drive up the palm tree-lined driveway and you’ll be immediately confronted by an idyllic, almost other-worldy, Spanish-style hacienda.

“Design is holistically intertwined with all the senses, and being at Scribe really transports you to another place,” she says. “The design of Scribe is intentionally inviting; you feel as if you’re at someone’s home, which I think makes for a much more enjoyable wine tasting experience.”  

Of course, the interiors are equally picturesque: Stained glass windows, bulbous light fixtures, and an abundance of houseplants are both chic and incredibly cozy.

Ram’s Gate Winery

Ram’s Gate Winery

Designed by architect Howard Backen, Ram’s Gate Winery offers a modern reinterpretation of the weathered farmsteads of old Carneros. Backen’s signature farmhouse aesthetic and keen ability to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces connect Ram’s Gate’s 21,000-square-foot property to its breathtaking surroundings.

“The interior decor is thoughtfully curated to complement the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape,” says designer Tineke Triggs. “Soft earth tones and muted colors evoke a sense of tranquility, allowing guests to connect with the serene beauty of the vineyard outside. Ultimately, the beautiful interior elevates the wine-tasting experience to new heights, creating a sense of wonder and delight that lingers long after the last sip has been savored.” 

Ram’s Gate Winery might perfect indoor-outdoor living, but let’s not overlook the great indoors. With pitched, wood-paneled ceilings and oversized light fixtures, the interiors encourage you to look up in amazement.

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

As a family-run winery that has spanned six generations—and over 160 years—it’s no surprise that Gundlach Bundschu’s Sonoma digs come with a story. Not only was the original stone winery built in the 19th century (It’s currently the tasting room) but also the property’s historic Mary’s House was built in 1919 by Albert Farr, who also was responsible for the famous Jack London Wolf House in Glen Ellen, California. Gundlach Bundschu Winery might be a storied stop on your wine tour, but it’s by no means snoozy. Elizabeth Bundschu, wife of winery president Jeff Bundschu, collaborated on the current interiors to give this rustic respite a fun, creative twist. It’s no wonder Alexis Tompkins of Chroma in San Francisco says she’s such a fan.

Donum Estate

Donum Estate

Calling all museum lovers: Donum Estate is the perfect place to view and sip on incredible art. Founded in 2011, the Sonoma winery reportedly has one of the world’s largest accessible private sculpture collections—with over 50 statement-making structures sprinkled throughout the 200-acre grounds. Most notable is Sanna, a super-sized child’s head by Jaume Plensa that greets guests. 

“Unlike traditional wine tastings set indoors, guests walk the grounds of the estate while tasting the latest vintages and viewing over 50 art installations nestled amongst the vineyards,” says Barbara Bright. “There is something magical about being outdoors in this art setting, drinking wine.”

If you needed any more convincing that Donum Estate is an art aficionado’s oasis, the winery’s modernist facade looks like a multi-sensory museum.