The Wine Country Next Door

Ah wine country, just the mere thought and we’re dreaming of lush green vineyards, rolling hills, stunning estates and of course the incredible wines.  A trip to wine country may be at the top of your list, but perhaps plans have otherwise derailed your weekend. Not to worry, wine country could be as close to you as just around the corner. That’s right, with the revival of the Urban Winery in full swing there are new wineries turning up in some of the most unexpected of locations all over the U.S.

Even in the heart of wine country there are many tasting rooms and wineries emerging on downtown streets and warehouse districts in the surrounding areas.  Many of these new urban tasting rooms are popping up in small clusters, excuse the pun, giving visitors an opportunity to stroll and taste various wines from multiple producers in a single location. What’s even more intriguing about these cool new venues, is that so many are embracing their unique locations and creating more of a lounge like atmosphere with comfortable chic spaces to relax and linger and often offer wines by the glass and in some cases light bites too. Some even stay open later than their vineyard based sisters, making them great options for a pre dinner or after work glass of vino with friends.

We love these urban wineries and tasting rooms with their unexpected twist to the traditional vineyard winery tasting experience.  City residents and tourists alike can take an easy getaway to the wine country next door.

Here are some CellarPass picks for local urban winery tasting rooms….

Napa Valley

Bourassa Vineyards  - Napa, CA

Tucked away in the warehouse district located in South Napa, Bourassa Vineyards maintains one of Napa's most distinguished and intimate wine tasting rooms. For an unforgettable start to any Napa Valley wine tour, escape to our luxurious private lounge where friendly, expert staff will guide you through the range and depth of our award winning vintages.  

http://www.cellarpass.com/Bourassa-Vineyards.aspx

Page Cellars / Revolver Wine Co. -  Yountville, CA

Centrally located in Yountville, Page Wine Cellars’ tasting room or “Saloon” as they prefer is an easy walk from hotels, fabulous shopping and world renowned restaurants.  Additionally with at least 24 hours notice, you may book a special appointment for a tasting at their “Garage” winery located in downtown Napa. This is “where all of the craziness happens” and you’ll get to experience the most intimate side of Page Wine Cellars & the Revolver Wine Co. Relax and enjoy current releases and barrel samples of tasty treats in our cellar.

http://www.cellarpass.com/Page-Wine-Revolver.aspx

Clif Family Winery & Farm at Velo Vino

Velo Vino is a unique place where the passions of cycling and wine are celebrated and blended. A road less traveled where you can taste Clif Family wines, sample the latest Clif Bar flavors, enjoy an espresso drink and embark on a world-class cycling excursion, all right in the heart of the Napa Valley. Visit the newly opened patio where you can relax with your Clif Family wine or espresso in the tranquil garden setting. Velo Vino is a great place to start or end your wine tasting adventure.

http://www.cellarpass.com/Clif-Family-Winery-Farm.aspx

Flora Springs The Room -  St. Helena, CA

One of our favorite spots to enjoy a glass of wine is Flora Springs’ The Room.  The hip roof top lounge is a great place to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine and take in the views of Napa Valley’s west hills. The Room's modern design evokes the natural springs and hillside caves of our Estate, located just down the road. Private Cave Rooms are also available for group tastings or barrel samples with our friendly and educational hospitality staff. No appointment necessary; drop in for wines by the glass, a wine tasting flight or food pairing with our top-rated Napa Valley wines.

http://www.florasprings.com/visit/the_room.php

Sonoma County

These next three are all located in the urban winery village of Santa Rosa’s Vintner’s Square…

D’Argenzio Winery – Santa Rosa, CA

Although you are just minutes from downtown and mall shopping in either direction, once you step through the doors at D’Argenzio you are swept away to what feels like an Italian Trattoria and will be treated to tasting their sumptuous Russian River Valley and Dry Creek wines.

http://www.cellarpass.com/DArgenzio-Winery.aspx

D'Argenzio Burbank Enoteca -  Burbank, CA
The sister property to D'Argenzio Winery in Santa Rosa, the Burbank Enoteca provides the same old world style wines rich with family tradition, but in the hip So Cal location.  D'Argenzio Burbank Enoteca is a family friendly venue and is open late too.

http://www.cellarpass.com/DArgenzio-Enoteca.aspx 

Sheldon Wines - Santa Rosa, CA

The “Sippy Room “of Sheldon Wines embraces a slightly more gritty industrial vibe is definitely a cool way to sip traditional wines.  A Micro-Winery crafting single vineyard designate wines of excellence. Sheldon  wines are sustainably farmed, hand harvested and basket pressed. Many small lots are hand bottled and hand labeled by Dylan and myself. We make limited productions of award winning Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Graciano, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. A few special vineyards only yield enough for a single barrel (just 25 cases).

http://www.cellarpass.com/Sheldon-Wines.aspx

Krutz Family Cellars – Santa Rosa, CA

Get the best that Krutz Family Cellars has to offer from past, present, and future. You will have the opportunity to experience a personal tasting from a member of the Krutz Family starting with our current releases, then move to the some past library wines, and then take a peek into the future through the bung-holes of the barrels! A must for those who want to experience all Krutz Family Cellars has to offer!

http://www.cellarpass.com/krutz-family-cellars.aspx