Sonoma County is known for its more than 400 wineries and beautiful rolling hills — but don’t sleep on its countryside castles. That’s right, Sonoma County is home to some exquisite castle wineries that don’t just serve up delicious wines, but also provide some amazing interior and exterior inspiration for prospective homebuyers and builders. Whether you are in the market for a new home, dreaming of designing a custom luxury home or just love to visit wine country, you won’t regret taking a closer look at some of these immaculate properties in this charming region.
So why castle-like construction? Well, only each winery owner could explain their reasoning, but we like to think that as Sonoma County’s vineyards grew in notability, so did the desire to elevate the visitor’s experience to match that of the more historic wineries of the European countryside. We’ve mapped out five lovely wineries to check out on your next trip to Sonoma County below!
1. Ledson Winery & Vineyards
In Kenwood, CA, you will find what is often considered to be the most dramatic of winery castles found in Sonoma County — truly an “architectural showpiece”, the property boasts Gothic spires and sweeping archways that echo French Normandy-style castles. While the property was originally designed and built to be a home, it has since been converted to a lovely castle winery (that is, after so many wine country visitors came knocking for a tour that the owner finally converted it to his own winery-tasting room). The stunning former home is set to the backdrop of some of Sonoma Valley’s most scenic mountains and natural surroundings.
Taking a step inside the property, you will find magnificent dark wood paneling, private tasting rooms for the ultimate experience, inviting fireplaces, and plenty of stunning design work to be admired.
2. Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Located in Geyserville, CA, this french chateau (formerly Chateau Souverain) can be found surrounded by oak woodland hills, with its beautiful mansard roof and towers creating a striking scene. Coppola modified the original design by adding glass pyramid peaks and of course, added nods to his cinematic history by including movie memorabilia. Drink in views of the stunning Alexander Valley while sipping on the renowned winery’s offerings and enjoy an escape to another realm at this breathtaking property.
3. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery
This Italian-style castle can be found in Healdsburg, CA. Who wouldn’t love to escape to this soft pink villa known as “Villa Fiore” for a day or two (or more)? There are plenty of areas to soak up the beauty, from the pond gardens to the Villa Terrace and enchanting views of the entire estate vineyards all around. Take a walk or simply stroll to a comfortable seat for sipping some of their delicious wine and admiring the architectural and landscaping beauty of this property.
4. Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Found in the heart of the county, Sonoma, CA, this winery is known for its prime location with beautiful rolling hills and Catalonian family history. Gloria Ferrar offers some of the region’s most beloved sparkling wines, which can be enjoyed at one of the many breathtaking spots on the estate. You’ll instantly feel transported to another time and place while enjoying a wine pairing with cheese and charcuteries at the Spanish Villa-style property, with the design nodding strongly to the family’s history in Spain and roots in centuries-old winemaking traditions.
5. Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Another architectural jewel found in Healdsburg, CA, the Jordan Vineyard and Winery offers a nod to the past dominance of french winemaking with this “Bordeaux chateau” while keeping an eye on the future. The property is fully solar-powered and maintains sustainable gardens, which is much more in sync with its California location than the green ivy-colored walls and old-world architecture might suggest.