USA TODAY 10Best
Best Winery Tour? Head to New York
Best Winery Tour (2022)
Whether you know very little about wine or are a connoisseur, there's nothing like getting a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process (while tasting along the way) to hone your appreciation and your palate.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Winery Tour are as follows:
- Silver Oak - Oakville, California
- Far Niente - Oakville, California
- Boxwood Winery - Middleburg, Virginia
- Chimney Rock - Healdsburg, California
- Gundlach Bundschu - Sonoma, California
- Cline Cellars - Sonoma, California
- Benziger Family Winery - Glen Ellen, California
- ACORN Winery - Healdsburg, California
- Signor Vineyards - Fredricksburg, Texas
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery - Hammondsport, New York
Photo courtesy of Silver Oak
No. 10:
With more than four hundred acres of vines in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley, Silver Oak has been creating outstanding wines since 1972. With two LEED Platinum certifications, their buildings reflect their commitment to excellence. Ninety-minute guided tours of the vineyards, production facility, tasting room, and library are offered while sampling three of their Cabernet Sauvignons.
Photo courtesy of Far Niente Winery
No. 9:
This Napa Valley winery offers guided tours of the immaculately landscaped grounds by appointment only. With roots dating back to 1885, the stone winery at Far Niente (Italian for “without a care”) is surrounded by 13 acres of gardens. The star attraction, though, is the wine caves that extend 40,000 square feet underground and are lined with the winery’s vintages quietly aging in 100% French oak barrels. 10Best Wine Expert Marla Cimini adds, “Lovely hilltop views, gardens, and wine caves while sipping wines outdoors on their patio.”
Photo courtesy of Boxwood Estate Winery
No. 8:
Rich with American history, this ambitious young vineyard produces red and white wines in the Bordeaux tradition, reflecting Northern Virginia’s terroir. Casual self-guided tours of the modern 26-acre Boxwood Winery include their circular cave with wines aging in French oak barrels.
Photo courtesy of MelanieMaya // Getty Images
No. 7:
Chimney Rock Winery, located in the beautiful Napa Valley of California, offers three 90-minute daily explorations of their estate in specially designed touring carts. Guests will hear the story of Chimney Rock's history and winemaking and sample Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard where the grapes are grown.
Photo courtesy of Gundlach Bundschu
No. 6:
Just five minutes from historic Sonoma Plaza, historic Gundlach Bundschu at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains invites guests to tour the 320-acre aboard a Pinzgauer — an Austrian military vehicle capable of going off road. Visitors can also tour the vineyards and barrel caves on foot.
Photo courtesy of Cline Cellars
No. 5:
Visitors to Cline Cellars can choose between a private tour and tasting through the historic estate or the Syrah Hill Experience, which includes a trip to the top of Syrah Hill for views over the surrounding scenery.
Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Benziger Family Winery
No. 4:
Visitors to Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma have five tour and tasting options to choose from. The exclusive Tribute Estate Tour takes visitors behind the scenes for a close-up look at the biodynamic vineyards and winemaking facilities, with a barrel tasting along the way. Visitors can also take a tram tour of the vineyards to learn more about biodynamic farming.
Photo courtesy of MJ Wickman Photography
No. 3:
ACORN Winery in the Russian River Valley specializes in field-blending techniques, which you can learn about during a tasting and vineyard walk with owners Bill and Betsy Nachbaur.
Photo courtesy of Erica Falbaum
No. 2:
10Best Wine Expert Marla Cimini tells us that the Signor Vineyards tour is an “excellent tour with stunning views of the vineyards.” The vineyard’s 200-acre property offers two different and equally enjoyable experiences for its guests: the first, wine tastings and charcuterie with table service in a beautiful, peaceful setting. Or, guests can enjoy a visit to the picturesque Wine Barn, where a more casual, family-oriented experience is available on the lawn with large picnic tables and comfortable Adirondack chairs.
Photo courtesy of luza studios // Getty Images
No. 1:
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, located in the Finger Lakes wine region of New York, offers an 1886 Food and Wine Experience in which guests partake in a guided viticultural or cellar tour followed by a seated wine tasting. This experience is available from May through October and is reservation only. For a less in-depth endeavor, seated wine tastings are offered year-round.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning tours!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has... Read More
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Jill Barth
Jill Barth is a wine, food and travel... Read More
Jill Barth is a wine, food and travel journalist—a regular contributor to Forbes and USA Today 10Best, where she is a wine country travel expert panelist for the Reader's Choice Awards. Jill is a Provence Wine Master and travels all over France as well as the U.S., Europe and South America to cover both well-known and still-secret wine regions for publications such as Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, Forbes, Courrier International and more. Jill was awarded a fellowship by the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers and her blog, L'Occasion, was named Best Overall and Best Writing at the Wine Media Awards.
Jill Barth
Jill Barth is a wine, food and travel journalist—a regular contributor to Forbes and USA Today 10Best, where she is a wine country travel expert panelist for the Reader's Choice Awards. Jill is a Provence Wine Master and travels all over France as well as the U.S., Europe and South America to cover both well-known and still-secret wine regions for publications such as Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, Forbes, Courrier International and more. Jill was awarded a fellowship by the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers and her blog, L'Occasion, was named Best Overall and Best Writing at the Wine Media Awards.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Tahiirah Habibi
In 2012 Tahiirah opened St.Regis, Bal Harbour. She... Read More
In 2012 Tahiirah opened St.Regis, Bal Harbour. She later moved on to leadership positions at Micheal’s Genuine. Frustrated with the lack of diversity in the industry she believed her skills could bridge the intersection of wine and culture, thus she started creating space for the Black community in the wine industry. In 2017, she launched Hue Society as a safe space for the community to learn, commune and find resources in one place. Tahiirah has been featured in Ocean Drive as one of the top 5 female sommeliers, VinePair, Wine Enthusiast, Upscale Magazine and Imbibe Magazine to name a few. Her work is rooted in enhancing and empowering the community for both consumers and business owners. Tahiirah is passionate about making an indelible impact in the wine industry.
Tahiirah Habibi
In 2012 Tahiirah opened St.Regis, Bal Harbour. She later moved on to leadership positions at Micheal’s Genuine. Frustrated with the lack of diversity in the industry she believed her skills could bridge the intersection of wine and culture, thus she started creating space for the Black community in the wine industry. In 2017, she launched Hue Society as a safe space for the community to learn, commune and find resources in one place. Tahiirah has been featured in Ocean Drive as one of the top 5 female sommeliers, VinePair, Wine Enthusiast, Upscale Magazine and Imbibe Magazine to name a few. Her work is rooted in enhancing and empowering the community for both consumers and business owners. Tahiirah is passionate about making an indelible impact in the wine industry.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy... Read More
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
