Ever think about quitting your job to become a winemaker? Thankfully, California’s Wine Country lets you play out this fantasy while keeping your 401(k) intact. From the Rockpile AVA to the Sonoma Valley, a number of wineries provide accommodations right on the property. Enjoy life as a vintner for a night, a weekend, or longer. At the end of each day, you’ll retire to a farmhouse and let your evening glass of Cab Franc lull you to sleep, before waking up to sunrise over the vineyard.
Chateau de Vie, Calistoga
Part winery, part bed-and-breakfast, and full-time French countryside-style getaway, Napa Valley’s Chateau de Vie offers five separate private rooms and suites. Guests enjoy luxe treatment with oversize terrycloth robes, Egyptian cotton sheets, a heated lap pool in the vineyard, and complimentary cheese plates served on the back patio each night.
Cliff Lede Winery, Napa
They had us at indoor-outdoor shower… each of the five rooms at Cliff Lede’s The Poetry Inn also has a private deck and fireplace. Nestled against the Silverado Trail, Poetry serves guests a full breakfast, featuring pastries from Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery. If you’re looking for a full-on escape, book the property’s separate three-bedroom farmhouse, available for rental on a monthly basis.
deLorimier Winery, Geyserville
Staying on 17 acres of Sonoma County vineyards is a cure for mind, body, palate, and soul. Part of the Wilson Artisan Wineries, deLorimier specializes in both Cabernet Sauvignon and serious hospitality. Choose from the one-bedroom king suites or the three-bedroom, three-bath guesthouse with an outdoor deck and barbecue.
Jeriko Estate, Hopland
In the laidback Mendocino County town of Hopland, this winery offers a number of options for a heart-of-the-vineyard stay. Singles, couples, and small families can choose from a suite or stand-alone casita, but the real attraction is the Jeriko House—a six-bedroom mansion that has a billiards room, swimming pool, cocktail lounge, and wood-burning pizza oven.
Lynmar Estate, Sebastopol
Situated on the iconic Quail Hill Valley vineyard, the Lynmar Estate boasts the Bliss House. This delightful three-bed, three-and-a half-bath home in the heart of Sonoma County is perfect for family or friends’ retreats. Encircled by rose gardens and crawling with grapevines, you’d be hard-pressed (hard-stomped?) to feel closer to wine country living.
Michel-Schlumberger, Healdsburg
With two separate vineyards planted on distinctly distinct kinds of soils, Sonoma County’s Michel-Schlumberger has developed an impressive range of varietals for a modest winery. Try everything from Chardonnay to Cabernet Franc when you stay over in the luxury guest suite at this mission-style estate. Take one of the motorized tours of the grounds and learn about their farming practices firsthand.
Salvestrin Winery, St. Helena
Known for pouring crisp Sauvignon Blancs and bright reds, this boutique Napa Valley winery invites guests to stay in its 1879 farmhouse-turned-inn, which has lovely Victorian flourishes inside and out. Cross-stitch designs made by the original owner in 1909 dot the walls while the double-decker porch provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy vineyard vistas.
Terra Sávia, Hopland
Rosé all day (and all night) in this stunning Sanel Valley retreat on the North Coast. The vineyard’s two-bed, two-bath home includes a private pool, spa, and reading enclave. Lovely all year round, winter is especially cozy thanks to the living room’s wood-burning stove.
Testa Ranch, Calpella
This Mendocino County ranch and winery has been in the Testa family for more than 100 years, and is now owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations. Experience the land’s rich history with a weekend in the three-bedroom, craftsman-style farmhouse built by the ranch’s first settlers. Enjoy the flowers from the garden delivered daily to your room, partake in the cellar’s barrel sampling, and crush grapes during harvest season.
